COVID-19 Community Updates
At Elizabethtown College, the overall safety and wellbeing of our campus community is our priority. We are closely monitoring the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines and the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) updates regarding the Novel COVID-19 or coronavirus and have taken preventative measures both on and off our campus in a proactive effort to protect our community from the coronavirus. Any students or parents with questions can reach out to campusnews@etown.edu.
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Important Spring 2021 Semester Update - Oct. 29, 2020
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Important COVID-19 Campus Updates -October 27, 2020
Suspension of In-person Activities
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October 24, 2020
We want to make you aware that in the past 24 hours we have experienced an uptick in COVID-19 cases. As a community, we need to remain vigilant against the spread of the virus. You may view our
COVID-19 campus status
dashboard below which indicates two new positive COVID-19 student cases. There are also seven students quarantining at the present time, two on-campus and five off-campus.
It is critical that we continue to follow the campus health and safety protocols that we have in place. We must wear face masks indoors and outdoors when social distancing can not occur. We also ask that you make careful decisions when planning to be around others, and continue practicing proper hygiene. Stay updated and review the campus
health and safety guidelines
.
August 27, 2020
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Fall 2020 Events Update Sincerely, Cecilia M. McCormick, J.D. President Elizabethtown College |
August 25, 2020
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We are busy preparing our campus for our students' return to Elizabethtown College this fall under the guidance of medical and public health professionals as well as recommendations from higher education partners and following orders from the state of Pennsylvania.
We will welcome students this fall in a variety of class formats—including in-person, hybrid, or remote instruction based on students’ preferences and learning needs. That is why it is so important to read our guide so all students know how we will operate our campus in a safe and healthy environment.
Our new health and safety measures are clearly defined and outlined in our return-to-campus guide for students.
We strongly encourage students to read the guide to become knowledgeable and aware of how we will operate our campus this fall and learn the information you need to prepare in advance.
Read the student return-to-campus guide
.
FAQs
Have a question about the upcoming Fall 2020 semester? Please visit the College's FAQ section at etown.edu for new information that is being updated regularly. If you are not finding an answer to your question, please email us and we will work to get you an answer.
Thank you for your commitment to Etown. We're looking forward to a successful fall semester!
As the COVID-19 pandemic evolves every day, we are constantly reevaluating and measuring our College’s plans, recognizing the need to be flexible and adaptable. For months, our administration and staff have been working to ensure our campus is safe and healthy for our students' return. All summer, our faculty have developed their courses to deliver in-person, remote, and hybrid formats so our students are provided with the exceptional education they have come to expect at Etown.
Fall 2020 Semester Update
After strong consideration and in consultation with medical and public health professionals, we have decided in the interest of our campus community's health and well-being, we will bring back students in a sequenced approach. The Fall 2020 semester schedule will be updated as follows:
- Momentum/Kinesis/RAs/Peer Mentor students will move-in on August 17 and will begin in-person instruction on August 24.
- First-year Honors students will move-in on August 18 and will begin in-person instruction on August 24.
- Remaining first-year and transfer students will move-in on August 19 and 20 and will begin in-person instruction on August 24.
- All other Elizabethtown College students will begin courses remotely on August 24 until their scheduled move-in date.
- All seniors and graduate (fourth and fifth-year) students will move-in on September 5 and 6 and will begin in-person instruction on September 7.
- All sophomores and juniors will move-in on September 17, 18, and 19 and begin in-person instruction on September 21.
- If students elect to learn remotely, you will be able to do so.
- All students will receive a confirmation email of their elected selections from the Office of Academic Affairs on August 10. Students will need to confirm any updates to their selections by Wednesday, August 12.
- Most sophomores, juniors, and seniors will receive a reduction in room and board costs based on their newly scheduled return-to-campus date. If for some reason, we would be required to go remote, we will prorate room and board charges as we did last semester.
- The Office of Student Life will email specific move-in dates and procedures directly to students prior to their scheduled move-in date.
- For students who are working remotely, there will not be a reduction in tuition. The College has made significant investments in ensuring that both our remote and in-person instructional experiences reflect the high educational standards at Etown.
Our Reasoning for the Sequenced Schedule
We have shared previously that the schedule is always subject to change based on the virus and its latest developments. We feel strongly that we need to bring our first-year and transfer students to campus first as they begin their college journey, participate in orientation, and acclimate to the higher education workload and environment. It was important for us to have our seniors return next as they begin their final year at Etown. Finally, we are bringing back our sophomores and juniors in our sequenced approach so we can make sure an increased density of students will not create a potential uptick in cases of the virus.
We also found in the results of our recent Fall 2020 Semester Student Survey that nearly 80% of you elected to have your education delivered in-person while 20% chose to learn remotely. Students will receive a follow-up confirmation email on Monday, August 10 to confirm both their academic and housing selections for the Fall 2020 semester.
COVID-19 Testing Procedures
Many of you have asked specifically about testing. As previously shared, all students, faculty, and staff returning to campus will complete a COVID-19 test. As students arrive on campus, students will be directed to a specific COVID-19 testing tent on campus where medical professionals will collect an oral swab sample for testing so that we have a baseline affirmation that our community is protected as we begin the semester. Within 24 to 48 hours, the student and College will be notified of the results. While waiting for those results, students will be quarantined in their residence halls. There will be an initial testing fee to students of no more than $89 placed on their student accounts. Students who experience hardship from this fee are encouraged to contact the College’s Financial Aid Office. Any further testing throughout the semester to identify and address the potential emergence of the infection early and avoid further spread through symptomatic and random testing will be funded by the College.
FAQs
Please continue to check our College COVID-19 web section as well as our FAQs that we are updating regularly. We also invite all students to join our student virtual Town Hall sessions tomorrow, Thursday, August 6 at 3 p.m. for all first-year, transfer, and sophomore students and at 4:30 p.m. for all juniors, seniors, and graduate students. Zoom links have been emailed to students.
Moving Etown Forward
As we move Etown forward, I want you all to know that these decisions are never made lightly. I ask that we continue to stay positive and work together as a community to create engaging and memorable experiences for our students as we face this public health crisis in our nation’s history.
Sincerely,
Cecilia M. McCormick, J.D.
President
Elizabethtown College
As we prepare for Elizabethtown College student's arrival to campus this August, we recognize this year will feel different and we will all have to be adaptable as we navigate our new routines. Our goal is to continue to provide our exceptional education and student life experience with the health and well-being of our campus community at the forefront of all our decisions.
As we have shared with you, we have had a dedicated group of administration and faculty members diligently working to impose new campus safety measures and health guidelines so our community can live, learn, and interact in a secure environment. We will also stay in compliance with Pennsylvania Governor Wolf's executive orders and will continue to follow the guidance provided by the
PA Department of Health
, the
Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
, and the
PA Department of Education
. This is why it's imperative that we ask our campus community to remain patient with us as schedules and events may change based on the current climate.
The health and well-being of our community is our priority and the standards we are putting in place should be read carefully and followed by all on campus. The following outlines important updates for students return-to-campus in August. Information will be added and updated throughout the summer as the pandemic continues to evolve and new guidance is received.
Face masks/Cloth Face Coverings:
Face masks or face coverings are expected to be worn by all community members inside all College buildings. If students are alone, or with a roommate(s) inside their residence hall room, it may be removed. Employees alone in their office may also remove their face covering. An exception will be made while eating. Community members must wear facial coverings outdoors when six-feet of distance from others cannot be maintained. According to the CDC, appropriate use of face masks or coverings is critical in minimizing risks to others near you. You could potentially spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick. The mask or cloth face covering is not meant as a substitute for social distancing.
One face mask will be provided to all students
. It is recommended that students also bring several other face coverings with them to campus.
Move-In: First-year and incoming transfer students will move in on August 19 and 20. All returning students will move in during a staggered schedule that will be communicated to students prior to arrival. There will be a limit of two people permitted to assist with student move-in as well as the screening of all individuals upon entrance to campus.
Housing: Students will remain in housing set-ups as they are accustomed to however no guests will be permitted (either overnight or visitors from other residence halls). Social distance measures will be marked within the buildings including students reserving shower times both in the morning and evenings. There will be other housing guidelines that will be shared with students prior to their arrival on campus.
First Day of Classes: The first day of classes is Monday, August 24. Students are highly encouraged to stay on campus through November 20. Following Thanksgiving, there will be several instruction days and finals conducted remotely. The Fall 2020 semester schedule has been released and may be viewed at
etown.edu
.
Classroom Instruction: For the safety and well-being of our faculty and students, we will reconfigure classrooms and other spaces on campus to provide appropriate social distances within these spaces. Although most instruction will continue to be in-person, some courses will intentionally be constructed to provide a vibrant remote learning experience to maintain social distancing regulations and reduce larger groups of students in our instructional spaces.
Testing/Monitoring: All students returning to campus in the Fall will be tested for the Novel COVID-19 coronavirus prior to their arrival. Further details will be provided in the coming weeks. Additional testing will also be available after students arrive for those who are symptomatic at the Student Health Center.
Regarding COVID-19 monitoring, all students, faculty, and staff will be directed to monitor their health regularly and will complete a daily digital health report, with students directed to take their temperature and answer questions regarding any symptoms they may be experiencing. Students should bring a thermometer to campus with them in the Fall.
Tracking: Any student testing positive for COVID-19 will not be publicly identified and the College will follow its FERPA and HIPPA requirements which guarantees privacy. With that said, notification of a positive test must be shared with local and state officials. Additionally, the campus community will be notified by email of any reported positive case on campus confirming the presumed location and any contact tracing information. The College will only report positive cases that are self-identified. Identification suspected and reported by another individual is prohibited and will be met with swift and significant actions through our student conduct system or Human Resources office.
Tracing: Tracing provides an additional layer of awareness and protection to our campus community. The College will require that all members of the community comply with tracing efforts. Tracing provides retrospective information to ensure that members of the community are made aware of potential interaction when someone is confirmed positive with the virus.
Education and Training: All students and employees will participate in safety and health training to educate and familiarize them with new campus standards.
Fall Athletes: The College will report any changes to the Fall 2020 athletic season when decided by the Landmark Conference. Safety precautions and enhanced health measures will be communicated to and expected to be followed by all athletes. Fall athletes are scheduled to move in on August 17.
Student Activities/Events:
The College is fully committed to offering a robust schedule of events for students during the Fall 2020 semester to ensure a great experience for our Etown students. Event organizers will adapt events to align with health and safety guidelines. In addition to the normal slate of student activities held in the Fall semester, the College is planning activities over the weekends to highly encourage students to stay on campus. An updated Events list will be shared once finalized with student input.
Travel:
Students are highly encouraged to stay on campus through November 20. Minimizing non-essential travel supports student safety by reducing potential exposure to the virus. Any college-sponsored travel must be pre-approved.
Dining:
The Etown Dining Services team is committed to offering high-quality operations and students will have four location choices available to them. The Marketplace will operate with social distancing, with the KAV being a new option to have a custom grab-n-go meal prepared for you on demand. In addition, the Jayʻs Nest will feature pre-packaged grab-n-go options and the Jay Truck will offer comfort food both during meals and again on weekend late-nights. There will be modifications made in order to properly maintain safety and social distance guidelines. Instructions will be clearly communicated and labeled for all community members.
Campus Safety Measures:
New campus signage and safety markers will be installed to remind community members to social distance while on campus and to practice good personal hygiene habits such as frequent hand washing, coughing or sneezing into elbows instead of hands, longer periods in between classes, and hand-sanitizing stations. We also have instituted deep cleaning protocols across campus to support a safe environment.
We have a dedicated
FAQ section
to address the upcoming semester. Please visit our website frequently to learn more and you may
email us
your questions to be added to the FAQ page (as deemed appropriate). As always, our knowledge and understanding of the COVID-19 virus will continue to evolve, and our policies and plans will be updated as more information becomes available. Return-to-campus guides for students, faculty, and staff will also be distributed prior to everyone's arrival to campus.
It will take the patience, flexibility, and commitment of our entire community to ensure our population’s health and well-being. While this is a unique time in our institution’s history, it is showing us how we can all work together effectively and deliberately so our students receive the exceptional academic instruction and student living environment they deserve and desire.
We will continue to keep our campus community updated on any changes to the schedule as the evolving guidance requires. I truly appreciate everyone’s understanding and support during this time, and look forward to August and seeing you all on campus once again.
Sincerely,
Cecilia M. McCormick, J.D.
President
Elizabethtown College
Fall 2020 Semester Update - June 17, 2020
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Fall Schedule Announcement - June 5, 2020
As we prepare to reopen our campus, we are so excited to welcome our students and families to our beautiful Elizabethtown College campus beginning in August. We cannot deny that the pandemic has certainly altered our normal routines. As many college and university leaders are currently in the thick of scenario planning for their student's return, Elizabethtown College is doing the same. We do not have all our details to share yet, as our state mandates and restrictions will determine much of our process moving forward, however, I am fully confident that all of our students will live and learn in a safe, healthy, and engaging environment as we all navigate our new way of living.
First, it’s important to share that we have shifted our academic schedule in order to safeguard our campus community as much as we possibly can. The following outlines the fall 2020 semester schedule: (*Subject to change based on Pennsylvania mandates. The College will communicate as soon as any changes may alter the following schedule.)
- Elizabethtown College Fall 2020 Schedule
- Momentum/Kinesis/RAs/Peer Mentors Students Move-In Date: August 31
- Honors Students Move-In Date: September 1
- First-Year Students Move-In Dates: September 2, 3
- Orientation Dates: September 4, 5, 6
- Returning Students Move-In Dates: September 4, 5, 6
- First Day of Classes: Monday, September 7 (Labor Day)
- No Fall Break: October 1-2/Class instruction
- Students Depart Campus for Fall Semester: Saturday, November 21 – Sunday, November 22
- Remote Learning Week: November 23, 24, 25
- Thanksgiving Break: November 26, 27
- Remote Learning Weeks: Monday, November 30 through Friday, December 11
- Remote Finals Week: Monday, December 14 to Friday, December 18
- *Fall student-athletes will be notified about a return-to-campus date based on NCAA and Landmark Conference updates
We will deliver our semester face-to-face, on campus, in modified formats until Thanksgiving break. The weeks following the break and leading up to finals will be conducted remotely. As president and a parent myself, I felt these updates to our schedule present us with the least amount of risk and greatest benefit for our students to receive the educational experience they so desire. As of June 5, Lancaster County has moved into the Yellow phase. This gives our College an adequate amount of time to prepare for the arrival of our students.
As we have been sharing, at the forefront of all our decision-making is the overall health and wellbeing of our students, faculty, and staff members. We have a dedicated group of key members across our campus community who have been diligently working on various scenarios we may face. It’s important we have all procedures and guidelines in place prior to our student's return and we will continue to communicate with you those modifications that may impact you. This planning group has an established framework to help guide them as they create the standards we will all be introduced to over the next couple of months. The four areas we are deeply focused on planning are the following:
- Health, Safety and Wellbeing: Our priority remains on our campus community. We are following guidance provided by our state Department of Health (DOH) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for implementing health and safety measures in our buildings and facilities, dormitories, and dining areas. These health and safety measures will also influence how we will hold events, athletics, and activities on our campus.
- Academic Continuity: We will lean on the creativity and innovation of our faculty who are currently working on ways we will conduct our in-person learning formats in a socially distance friendly environment. Utilizing more campus spaces and our labs, classrooms, studios, learning centers, as well as continuing to expand our digital education tools, approaches, and resources will all be shaped in our plan. This group will establish the best practices to resume our clinicals, fieldwork, and internships, and provide options for engaging hybrid or online learning, even while on campus.
- Future Planning: While our immediate focus is on our fall 2020 semester, our administration has already started to evaluate and plan beyond the near future to ensure we have comprehensive plans in place for the remaining academic year.
- Sustainability: The campus operations and fiscal responsibilities are of utmost importance as we plan for the long-term viability of our institution. The pandemic has forced us to look at every area of our college. Our strategies put into action now will help navigate us through the challenging times so we come out stronger than ever.
As our county moves toward reopening, we will carefully bring back our employees to work on campus during the summer weeks. Employees will be directly notified by their supervisors and will be given three business days to prepare for their return.
Everyone’s patience and flexibility will be critical to ensuring we can all enjoy our treasured campus once again. I am truly humbled by the support and dedication of our campus community. I hope you all have an enjoyable and safe summer. We look forward to welcoming you back to our campus soon.
Sincerely,
Cecilia M. McCormick, J.D.
President
Elizabethtown College
Fall Semester Planning Update - May 1, 2020
As an Elizabethtown College community, we were able to transform our campus environment online in just a few days to finish the spring semester as we faced insurmountable circumstances with the COVID-19 pandemic. I’ve shared it many times in the last few weeks, but it must be said again, our resilient community inspires me, even more, to lead our institution through these trying times.
We know there are many questions, and we currently have a leadership team in the process of examining multiple scenarios and creating a framework to provide more clarity to our students, parents, faculty, staff, and the broader community.
We are planning that Elizabethtown College will have all students return to campus in August. We also anticipate bringing back our faculty and staff to campus in phases over the next several months. The safety and health of our campus community remain at the core of our decision-making and we will continue to follow the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations as well as the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) guidelines, and communicate our preventative safety measures to you as we prepare our return to campus.
Fall 2020 Planning
We will deliver our on-campus class instruction by optimizing our facilities to offer our academic programs while maintaining social distancing measures. We will lean on the creativity and innovation of our faculty to conduct our in-person learning formats—in labs, classrooms, studios, learning centers, as well as continue to expand our digital education tools, approaches, and resources. Our proposed plans for the fall 2020 semester include:
- Utilizing larger spaces and creating smaller classes, labs, studios, and learning centers/offices to incorporate appropriate social distancing practices
- Resuming clinicals/fieldwork/internships in accordance with best safety practices
- Providing options for engaging hybrid or online learning, even while on campus
- Expanding academic and personal support services for our students
We also realize the value of the residential student experience with 85 percent of our students living on campus. While we will have to be flexible, we intend to offer the student life experience our students desire. Our plan includes:
-
Opening residence halls*
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Opening Dining Services*
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Opening athletic and wellness facilities*
In addition, the innovative and compelling teaching our professors have delivered has been nothing short of first-class. I am enthused by their newly adopted resolution to “providing all our students with a nurturing, safe, and connected educational experience in the fall.” I also commend our staff who take intentional care and support through their daily work to ensure our institution continues to operate efficiently.
We cannot wait to welcome our students back to campus. We will continue to keep you informed throughout the summer as we have more updates to share. I’m looking forward to celebrating the Class of 2020 during our upcoming
virtual celebration
on May 16.
Best wishes for health and happiness,
Cecilia M. McCormick, J.D.
President
Elizabethtown College
Student Refund Update - April 23, 2020
Elizabethtown College is committed to providing each student with high-quality instruction during these unprecedented times which have required us to transition to an online distance learning model. We are pleased to share that beginning Friday, April 24, Elizabethtown College will begin issuing partial housing and meal refunds to students. We have worked diligently to develop a fair refund policy for our students that recognizes the fixed costs of operating our housing and dining operations. Please carefully read the guidelines below to learn about our methodology and how you will receive your refund.
Grading Policy Update - April 8, 2020
In light of the changes to our learning environment due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Elizabethtown College faculty adopted the following changes to the College’s grading policies for the spring 2020 semester. The following policies apply for students in the traditional College and SCPS undergraduates in the S3 2020 session.
- Students will have the option to convert a final course grade from a letter grade to S (A, B, C, D) or NS (F) . Students will be permitted to make this change after final grades have been reported. Letter grades are calculated in the GPA as usual; S/NS grades are not. Students will want to consult with their academic advisors to ensure that they have considered carefully the implications of these decisions (e.g., for entrance to graduate schools and professional programs). By the final week of April, Department Chairs will communicate with students whether or not particular prerequisites or graduation/accreditation requirements cannot be met with a grade of S/NS. Please be patient as academic departments consider the implications of the new policy and convey any necessary considerations to students.
- Incomplete Grade Options: Students may also request that a faculty member submit a COVID-19 specific incomplete grade of IC, COVID-19 Incomplete or RC, COVID-19 Repeat. Each option is at the faculty member’s discretion, and are described in greater detail here.
- Signature Learning Experiences: Any student in the traditional program who is enrolled currently in a Signature Learning Experience (SLE) and earns a passing grade will receive credit toward fulfillment of the SLE graduation requirement. If the SLE also fulfills a departmental program requirement, the academic department chair will identify a suitable plan for a student to fulfill the graduation requirement.
- Academic Honors: Academic Honors policies that stipulate letter-graded coursework will be upheld as published.
Questions?
Please consult your instructor, academic advisor, and/or department chair concerning specific advising questions related to spring 2020 semester grading options.
General inquiries may be directed to
Brian Newsome
, Dean for Curriculum and Honors.
April 1, 2020
Dear Elizabethtown College Students:
I hope you and your family are doing well and staying safe. I am continuously inspired by the degree of commitment and impressive work you are producing in your courses as we have transitioned online. Your professors are sharing positive messages of your optimism and dedication to completing your spring semester successfully.
The administration and College’s Emergency Management Group (EMG) continue to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic, and as you are likely aware, we have all learned this week that the nation has been advised to continue to social distance through April 30. Lancaster County is also currently under a stay-at-home mandate. As a result, we have no choice but to delay our return-to-campus schedule that was slated to begin on April 6, and we will provide updates regarding a new timeline for students to return to campus and retrieve their belongings when it is safe to do so.
I know this may cause some disappointment, however, all of our decisions have been based on the safety and well-being of our campus community and beyond as well as the guidelines provided by our government and health agencies.
We appreciate your understanding as we all navigate this unprecedented time. I’m so proud of all you are accomplishing and encourage you to work hard toward achieving your goals as you complete your spring semester.
Sincerely,
Cecilia M. McCormick, J.D.
President
Elizabethtown College
April 1, 2020
Dear Elizabethtown College Faculty and Staff:
I hope you and your family are all doing well and staying safe as we face these unparalleled times during the COVID-19 pandemic. I am so impressed by our dedicated faculty and committed staff who continue to provide our students with an exceptional online learning experience.
As you are most likely aware, we learned this week that the nation has been advised to continue to social distance through April 30. The state of Pennsylvania also is under a stay-at-home order. This means all faculty members, as we have previously communicated, will remain teaching their courses online, and all employees, unless otherwise authorized as essential personnel, will continue working remotely.
While we had previously anticipated bringing our campus community back by April 6, the evolving coronavirus situation presents too much uncertainty. The Senior Leadership Team (SLT) continues to monitor the coronavirus situation very closely along with the College's Emergency Management (EMG) team. We will provide updates regarding a timeline for employees to return to work on campus as we determine it is safe to do so.
As a community, we remain diligently focused to meet the needs of our students so they can successfully finish their semester.
With thanks,
Cecilia M. McCormick, J.D.
President
Elizabethtown College
Elizabethtown, PA 17022-2298© 2020 Elizabethtown College