This is an unprecedented time in our University’s history as we prepare for welcoming students and community members this fall. I want to thank all of the faculty and staff who have organized and worked throughout the spring and summer to ensure the Arcadia experience is All-Modes Ready. As we finalize our plans, we will centralize information online at arcadia.edu/ArcadiaReady. 

Today, Montgomery County enters the green phase of Governor Wolf’s plan to reopen the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Our area has shown progress mitigating the spread of Coronavirus, and Arcadia will closely monitor health and safety guidelines and news for increased risk as we plan for fall. Employees will continue telework, as strongly encouraged by the Commonwealth, where possible. Employees will continue their unit plans of working remotely through the end of July, unless otherwise communicated by their supervisor. 

Returning for the Fall Semester
Our faculty and staff are hard at work preparing to deliver the Arcadia experience All-Modes Ready, which will facilitate an in-person, online, and blended fall semester. Although the University reserves the right to do so, there are no current plans to alter the academic calendar. Fall classes will begin as scheduled on August 31. 

Our All-Modes Ready approach allows students and faculty the flexibility to mix and combine in-person, remote, and online learning in ways that conform to public health recommendations, respect the choices of those who want to minimize social contact, and deliver outstanding learning experiences. While more information about which courses will be offered in which modalities (in-person, remote, or online) is coming soon, any student who prefers to participate in classes 100 percent online and/or remotely will be able to do so, at any time during the semester. 

Campus Health and Safety Guidelines
The University has prepared health and safety guidelines for reopening campus for the fall. Arcadia will adhere to our social distancing guidelines on campus and in classrooms by, for example, spacing out furniture, repurposing large indoor spaces, and creating more outdoor covered spaces. The University is setting a clear expectation that the following protocols will be adhered to as an expression of care for all community members, especially our most vulnerable.

Residential Move-In Plan
Move-in days have been expanded this year to ensure social distancing and safety measures. New resident move-in will occur between Aug. 14 and Aug. 26, by appointment only; returning resident student move-in will also occur between Aug. 14 and Aug. 30, also by appointment only. Orientation will be offered in an All-Modes capacity to facilitate participation by students both remotely and in-person. 

Join Arcadia for an information session, Returning to Campus This Fall: Keeping Healthy and Safe, on Thursday, July 9 from 6 to 7 p.m. The webinar will cover what All-Modes Ready means for you, our campus health and safety plan, and important information on housing and student services.

Register for Webinar

I hope that you and your loved ones remain safe and healthy throughout the summer. I look forward to seeing you again soon.

Sincerely,

Ajay Nair, Ph.D.
President