As reported on KCCI.COM Tuesday March 10, 2020
GRINNELL, Iowa —
Grinnell College officials are informing students of steps they will have to take due to coronavirus concerns.
The college sent an email to students Tuesday outlining procedures that will be put in place on campus.
Starting with spring break activities, all students are expected to leave campus by Monday, March 23, then complete the spring semester off campus.
“All students are expected to leave campus by Monday, March 23. Details on meal plans will be forthcoming. If you need emergency financial assistance, please contact Student Affairs. We will be asking all students to share information about their plans to leave campus. Please be on the look-out for an e-mail from Student Affairs with an individual link to a form for you to register your plans. All students MUST fill out this form,” school officials said. “Students, faculty, or staff members who have special concerns because of COVID-19 risk factors, such as underlying health conditions or age, should contact Students Affairs, the Dean’s Office, or Human Resources, respectively so that they can assist you in making a plan that will lower your chance of infection.”
The college will also shift to distance learning and minimize students in residence.
“Many of us have read about the shortage of protective gear, hand sanitizer, hospital capacity, and the limited availability of test kits. As we consider these realities, and the possibility of high transmission rates once the virus has entered campus, and we consider the possibility of students, faculty, and staff returning to campus with the virus, we are making the unusual precautionary measure to direct all students to make plans to go home for Spring Break and finish the semester there,” school officials said. “We encourage students to take as many of their belongings as possible, particularly the items and materials they need to continue their studies remotely after the break. A subsequent notice to students will provide more information about packing and moving support.”
Officials said classes will continue to meet as scheduled through Friday. Starting after spring break, March 30, the college will shift to online learning.
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