The Mount’s leadership, Emergency Response Team, and COVID-19 Taskforce Groups have thoughtfully evaluated various scenarios to resume in-person operations, consistent with the University’s COVID-19 Safety Guidelines and mindful of State of Ohio and CDC recommendations on preventing the spread of COVID-19. We will be adapting our instructional and on-campus activities, as needed, to protect our campus community while continuing to offer the distinct on-campus college experience for which the Mount is known.
June 5, 2020
Our Plans to Return to Campus This Fall
Current and Prospective Students:
It is difficult to believe that fewer than three months ago we completely transitioned the way we teach, learn, and work. The Mount’s faculty and staff have spent these months focused on creating an enhanced educational experience that addresses the new challenges and stressors you face as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. We have optimized our technological capabilities, sharpened our skills for virtual instruction, and boosted the personal care we provide you. These efforts have led to exceptional results during this historic and trying time. We have shifted yet again and are actively planning for the fall semester in an entirely new environment. Today, I am pleased to announce that we intend to safely return to campus and resume classes, athletics, and student life programs for the fall semester.
The Mount’s leadership, Emergency Response Team, and COVID-19 Taskforce Groups have thoughtfully evaluated various scenarios to resume in-person operations, consistent with the University’s COVID-19 Safety Guidelines and mindful of State of Ohio and CDC recommendations on preventing the spread of COVID-19. We will be adapting our instructional and on-campus activities, as needed, to protect our campus community while continuing to offer the distinct on-campus college experience for which the Mount is known.
MSJ faculty are preparing to deliver outstanding educational instruction to you this fall, regardless of the status of the pandemic. At this time, we expect to provide you with a mixture of face-to-face classes and virtual instruction in the fall semester. To ensure the highest quality experience for you, in addition to our high-quality online courses, virtual instruction will be delivered using the newly developed “In*Sync Course Format.” This approach will engage you virtually, using own-time (asynchronous) learning, where you can access course content at any time based on your personal schedule, and real-time (synchronous) learning, where you can use technology to interact directly with faculty and classmates. In*Sync courses will compliment online courses and face-to-face instruction offered this fall to provide you with the Mount’s world-class teaching instruction and dynamic learning environment.
As a proud member of NCAA Division III and the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference, the Mount’s athletic program is excited to return to campus in the fall, with the intention of practicing and competing in all sports. Our athletic trainers will be on site and conducting in-person COVID-19 health screens for all student-athletes, coaches, and officials prior to each practice and competition, and enhanced infection control practices will be added to all aspects of the athletic programs. These steps will ensure the continued tradition of athletic excellence at the Mount while maintaining student-athlete safety.
Student interactions and shared experiences are at the heart of the Mount educational experience. Plans are underway to offer you a variety of in-person student activities on campus beginning in August. All student activities will adhere to the Mount’s COVID-19 Safety Guidelines and, mirroring our plans for athletics, will include health screenings for all participants. As we return to our campus, safe opportunities for you to engage with other students is a priority and will help to strengthen the bonds you have with each other.
These plans, of course, are highly dependent on the COVID-19 situation. While we cannot eliminate all risks, we intend to mitigate threats in every reasonable way we can. This week, we launched our phased return to campus and welcomed back students participating in summer laboratory courses. It is wonderful to have students back on the Mount’s campus! Leading into the fall semester, we will work diligently to refine our preparations to create a safe, productive educational environment for all of you. We will keep you informed as our planning progresses and of any changes in our intentions for the fall semester.
One thing is for sure—the Mount’s campus will be ready for your return! Tremendous progress has been made on the construction of the new Centennial Field House that is set to open later this year. The building progress has been significant and, even while still in process, is extremely impressive. Once completed, the Centennial Field House will provide state-of-the-art practice space for a wide range of sports and a fitness center for the entire student population. Even with you away from campus, the Mount is working to improve its unparalleled college experience that will enrich your mind, body, and spirit.
I remain confident in the Mount's future as we respond to COVID-19 and strengthen our distinct place in higher education. I look forward to seeing you—in person—on campus this fall. You are in my continued prayers for health, grace, and support as we navigate this new world together.
Sincerely,
H. James Williams, Ph.D.
President