Gusties, whether you are here on the hill or away from campus, I want to thank you for making the first two weeks of our academic year a success. Everyone has shown creativity, compassion, and commitment to excellence in online teaching and learning. The faculty and staff have leaned in and continued to refine our operational plans for the fall. On-campus students and employees have diligently followed our mask guidance and other safety measures.
Today, I write to confirm that beginning on Friday, September 25, we will welcome back to campus those students who began the semester at home. This decision was informed by thoughtful dialogue with the COVID-19 Response Leadership Team and Faculty Emergency Planning Committee, guided by input from the Minnesota Department of Health, and made by the President’s Cabinet with the full support of the executive committee of the Gustavus Board of Trustees. I am grateful for your continued patience and understanding as we discern and navigate the best path forward for our community as a whole.
We know that a majority of our students want to live and learn on campus, and I share your desire for our community to be together again. At the same time, each of us is aware that the uncertainties surrounding COVID-19 have continued to shape and reshape our plans, our thoughts and feelings, and our communities. Students who have concerns about their individual on-campus learning experience are encouraged to contact the Office of the Provost (provostoffice@gustavus.edu) for a one-on-one conversation to discuss the concerns and options for the remainder of the semester. General questions about the College’s COVID-19 response should be directed to g-covidresponse@gustavus.edu.
Today’s announcement is not the end, but the beginning. As we look ahead and prepare to gather as a community, each of us must commit–now more than ever–to the Gusties ROAR pledge. We must wear facial coverings, maintain six feet of distance, limit close contacts, and practice good hand hygiene. We must diligently commit to these behaviors inside and outside the classroom, in residence halls and dining facilities, and on and off campus. We owe a duty of care to each other, and especially to the most vulnerable among us, to follow these guidelines–and to help our friends and colleagues remember to do the same.
Please see the information below for high-level overviews of several important areas. Keep an eye on your email for any additional updates. In the meantime, returning students are asked to limit contact with people outside of your immediate household. On-campus students should continue to be diligent in following the safety guidelines. The more we can limit the spread of COVID-19 now, the more successful our fall semester will be.
I look forward to seeing those of you returning to campus in the coming days. For those who will be teaching and learning away from campus, you are with us in spirit. Please know that wherever you are, campus resources and support are available to you, and I will remain in regular contact throughout the semester. We can do this. Gusties ROAR!
Yours in community,
President Bergman
Virtual Forum for Students and Families
The College will host a virtual forum for students and families on Tuesday, September 22 at 7:30 p.m. CDT. President Bergman and other Gustavus leaders will discuss the return to campus, COVID-19 policies, and more. Questions can be submitted via Zoom chat or emailed in advance to ga_news@gustavus.edu. The Zoom email link has been emailed to students and parents.
Returning Student Move-In
Returning students should reference the email with residential life information they received on September 8.
To ensure social distancing, returning students are required to sign up for a time to move back to campus on September 25, 26, or 27. Please coordinate with your roommate(s) to book arrival at different time slots in order to maintain social distancing with helpers (limit two per student) you might be bringing to help you move in. Sign up for a move in time as soon as possible by clicking here or visiting: https://movein-gacreslife.youcanbook.me/
Your housing assignment and roommate information should be posted to your housing portal: housing.gac.edu
When you arrive on campus on the date/time of your move in, you will:
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Pick up your room key at our check in table in the lower level of the Jackson Campus Center.
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Move your belongings into your room.
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If you have storage you need to retrieve, a duty number will be posted for on-call access from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Your storage will be at your *Spring 2020* residence hall (Arbor View belongings will be at College View). If you ordered a loft they will be available for pick up on Saturday, September 26 from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. If you would like to order a loft, you can do so at Bedloft.com.
Course Delivery (September 28-December 14)
Courses will take place through in-person, hybrid, and online delivery from September 28 through November 24. Faculty members will be in contact with their students about course delivery plans in the next week. As announced to the community on July 1, the College still plans to transition to online course delivery at Thanksgiving Break (November 25) for the last seven days of classes and the final exam period. Final exams will conclude on December 15. Students are welcome to continue living on campus following Thanksgiving Break and through the final exam period.
Community Conduct
Because the wellbeing of the community is at risk, any student or employee who chooses to not abide by the COVID-19 safety expectations will be in violation of College policy. Sanctions may be up to and including suspension or expulsion (students) or termination of employment (employees) for repeated or egregious violations. Alleged violations should be reported to the Dean of Students Office (students), Human Resources (staff), or the Provost Office (faculty).
Daily COVID-19 Self-Screening
Every day, all Gustavus students and employees are expected to complete a COVID-19 self-screening. This is a self-screening and does not need to be tracked or reported UNLESS “yes” is answered to any questions. If you answer yes to any of the questions, you must complete the College’s COVID-19 self-reporting form and you will be contacted promptly by a case manager. Students must not leave their room or attend classes or activities until contacted and cleared by a case manager. Employees should not come to work on campus until contacted and cleared by a case manager.
COVID-19 Case Management
Members of the Gustavus community who are symptomatic or have been contact traced will be assigned a case manager to work with them throughout the quarantine/isolation, testing, and clearance process. More information about the process and steps for case management is available online.
Dining Service
Seating is limited to two people per table in the Evelyn Young Dining Room, and masks are required any time you are not actively eating. Students are encouraged to eat in the Jackson Campus Center Banquet Rooms, which have been set up for dining to allow greater social distancing. Dining facilities and hours include:
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The Market Place | Monday – Saturday, 7 a.m. – 11 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. – 11 p.m.
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The Courtyard Cafe | Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. (evening hours TBD)
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The STEAMery | Monday – Friday 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
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The Fire Pit Grill (new for fall semester, weather/daylight dependent, located near visitor parking across from Uhler Hall) | Monday – Friday, 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 4-6 p.m. (Breakfast 9:30-10:30 a.m., Lunch 10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., Dinner 4-6 p.m.)
Student Employment
Students should contact their student employment supervisor upon their return to campus to schedule work hours. Questions about student employment should be directed to finaid@gustavus.edu.