Operating Posture for Fall 2021
Arcadia University plans to be operational for as much in-person living and learning as possible starting this fall for the 2021-22 academic year.
The community’s commitments to physical distancing practices, wearing masks, and limiting group gatherings have supported a thriving experience. Based on that success and the increasing availability of vaccinations and testing, if current trajectories continue, we believe we will be able to offer full occupancy of campus residences and vastly expand in-person learning and co-curricular opportunities in the fall.
The University COVID team of faculty, staff, public health experts, and peers continues to build a strong foundation of knowledge that has shaped our incremental reopening strategy. That work expanded this spring, with more students returning to residence halls, a significant increase in the number of students commuting to campus, and small groups of students engaging in highly controlled, in-person learning opportunities.
In the coming weeks, the community will receive detailed information regarding plans for students and employees. In the meantime, here are some important considerations to keep in mind:
- As we have from the first days of the pandemic, we will base decisions on the best thinking and practices to protect the health and safety of everyone in our community, especially the most vulnerable among us, while fulfilling our institutional mission.
- We will continue to offer appropriate remote All-Modes Ready options for those whose health and safety situations may prevent them from engaging in our in-person activities.
- Arcadia is positioned as one of the first universities to offer Study Abroad opportunities in the summer 2021, fall 2021, and spring 2022 semesters. Interested students should connect with the Office of Study Away as the ability to travel, live, and study overseas reopens.
- We will pay close attention to the University’s Operational Tier status for fall as we approach the summer sessions. Mitigation measures might still be necessary for the fall. There may be adjustments to testing schedules, in-person room capacities, co-curricular offerings, and academic schedules.
While there are some concerning trends about the persistence and variations of the virus, we are optimistic that vaccinations and the efficacy of public health measures are taking us in the right direction. We will continue to monitor county and state regulations closely.
You will hear from particular offices and departments as plans progress and information sessions for students and families are scheduled. We encourage any Arcadia community member with questions or concerns before our next update to contact the appropriate department or office.
Please stay tuned, and stay safe.
Sincerely,
Jeff Rutenbeck
Provost
