After a staggered move-in process throughout the week to maximize social distancing, Marymount University’s fall semester will begin on Monday with the first day of classes. Since May, the institution has been proactive in preparations for the return of on-campus operations, face-to-face classes and student residential living.
“As we have strived to create a safe and inviting campus for all, the focus on the collective health, wellness and safety of everyone in the Marymount community has been our top priority,” said Dr. Irma Becerra, President of Marymount University. “Now, we must all work together to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 – our collective health and safety is a shared responsibility.”
Marymount’s plan for fall reopening, “Saints Reunite,” was officially approved by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) in July, and follows guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Forward Virginia Reopening Blueprint, Arlington County Public Health Division (ACPHD), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and other governing bodies and professional organizations.
Below are brief summaries of key policies and protocols designed to protect the Marymount community:
Hybrid Class Model
Marymount is offering four distinct modes of instruction – face-to-face delivery with more space between students and an increased number of class sections; hybrid delivery that combines in-person and online instruction; remote delivery that allows students to participate from a distance simultaneously; and online delivery that allows participation from a distance at their convenience.
Physical Distancing
Plans to maximize social distancing across the University include a new visitor tracking process; partitions added to open service areas; occupancy limits in areas such as study rooms, lounges and residential laundry spaces; and changes to dining services that include extended hours with reduced seating density and suspension of buffet-style functions.
Face Covering Requirement
All students, staff, faculty and visitors on Marymount’s campuses must wear face coverings at all times, except when alone in an office/dormitory room (if positioned six feet or more away from the door) or if an exception is granted.
Contact Tracing
Marymount conducts manual conduct tracing for students, staff and faculty. Steps to mitigate spread are taken – for students, a Student Health Services (SHS) case manager is in daily contact to monitor symptoms, while employees are able to seek care from either SHS or their primary care physician.
All University members must complete the #CampusClear symptom tracker every day. Smartphone users can download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play, or it can be accessed online through this link. Everyone is also encouraged to download and use the COVIDWISE app, which helps Virginia track cases and exposure.
Testing
Marymount offers on-site testing through SHS, currently with results sent to local labs. Beginning in late September, rapid (15 minute) testing will be offered by SHS for community members who either have COVID-19 symptoms or have had a known or suspected recent exposure to a positive case.
#SafeSaint Initiative
The University has actively communicated to stakeholders throughout the summer about the importance of everyone following these measures:
Social Distance of Six Feet
Are You a Mask Ambassador? *
Integrate Hand Hygiene
Notice Symptoms
Take Temperature
* (wearing a mask, asking others to wear one and knowing where on campus to get one)
To encourage safe practices both on and off campus, students are also required to sign a Community Standards pledge. Community members are to avoid any gatherings where social distancing is not possible.
Hygiene and Cleaning
The University has implemented enhanced and frequent cleaning measures for highly-touched surfaces across campus, and has expanded available PPE, hand sanitizer dispensers, wipes, cleaning products, hand soap and more.
Residential Life Changes
All traditional-style residential rooms have been converted to single spaces with assigned shower stalls, sinks and toilets, with bathrooms cleaned hourly during peak usage times. Face coverings are required in common areas and when answering the door. Occupancy limits are used for common areas, and no guests are allowed in private spaces. In apartments and junior suites, bathrooms are cleaned weekly at a minimum, with cleaning supplies and instructions provided to residents for day-to-day upkeep.
Marymount is reserving five percent of its residential rooms with private bathrooms for quarantine/isolation use by students. Contingency plans are also in place with local hotels.
Protection of High-Risk Individuals
The Office of Student Accessibility and the Office of Human Resources will respond to requests for accommodation by students and employees, respectively. Options for these employees include remote work, alternating schedules and staggered reporting/departing. Caregivers are identified as a high-risk population per the University’s protocol.
For the full “Saints Reunite” plan, please click here. For additional details related to Marymount and its response to COVID-19, please visit the University’s COVID-19 Information and Resources page.
