CAMPUS
REOPENING August 18, 2020
In my first weeks as Bryant’s ninth president, I’ve listened closely and learned a lot about the student-centered spirit of the Bryant University community. Bulldogs are highly motivated and have a competitive drive to succeed. They are very loyal to each other and to our University. Small acts, like holding the door open for the next person, have a ripple effect and build a deep sense of pride, place and purpose. As the dynamic pandemic continues, at Bryant we will draw on our strong community and be agile and persevere. We will work together towards completing a healthy and safe fall semester. As new challenges emerge we will collaborate to draw on science and best practice to develop innovative solutions to meet the needs of our students, faculty and staff. We will keep our community well informed and engaged. Each and every one of us shares responsibility for our campus and community.
Since President Ross Gittell's arrival in June, he and Provost Glenn Sulmasy have been working together closely on plans to resume classes on campus as of Tuesday, August 25, 2020.
Go Books! Go Bulldogs! Keep Bryant Strong! President Ross Gittell
To protect the health and safety of the Bryant community we will:
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Draw on science and implement best practices for safety protocols and aggressive testing
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Focus employees and financial resources on solutions to pandemic challenges
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Adopt a modified academic calendar and deliver HyFlex studentcentered instruction
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Align Bulldog Athletics with our peers and keep student-athletes ready to compete
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Utilize our stunning 438-acre campus to extend the residential learning experience
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Engage stakeholders with timely and informative communications
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BE BRYANT STRONG
Keep Bryant safe.
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To Be Bryant is to take care of each other. Stay healthy. Be Bryant Strong. Bryant University’s reopening plan, developed with the health and safety of the Bryant community as our highest priority, is based on best practices and
Be considerate of others.
guidance from public health experts at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Rhode Island
Use the
Department of Health (RIDOH). Our plan was
BRYANT HEALTH CHECKER APP
approved by the state with commendations for its clarity and comprehensiveness. A significant part of Bryant’s reopening strategy is an aggressive
daily and get tested weekly
testing plan. Bryant has invested nearly $3 million in weekly testing conducted on-site for the entire campus community. As recommended by the CDC, Bryant’s aggressive testing protocols are part of the University’s layered approach to mitigating transmission of COVID-19 on campus. This comprehensive strategy includes preparedness, prevention, education, screening, rapid-turn laboratory testing, case identification and contact tracing. Beginning in August, all students, faculty and staff returning to campus are receiving an RT-PCR test for SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes
WE CAN DO THIS.
We can persevere with agility and innovative thinking. Scientists do it every day to find cures for diseases. Problem solvers do it every day to create new breakthroughs. We will do it to keep Bryant’s campus open.
WEAR A MASK
except when you are in your residence hall room or seated and dining
STAY VIGILANT
in washing your hands and cleaning your personal space
COVID-19). A PCR, or polymerase chain reaction test, detects the presence of viral RNA (ribonucleic acid). According to the CDC, this type of test is the recommended method for diagnosing infection. The initial test for students and employees returning to campus, and ongoing weekly surveillance testing for everyone on campus, will take place in the Multipurpose Athletic Center (MAC). The test is a self-administered nasal swab
MAINTAIN 6’ SOCIAL DISTANCE and avoid congregating indoors or in large groups
overseen by a health professional. Samples will be processed at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard.
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OUT OF A TOTAL OF MORE THAN 700 FALL COURSES:
To Be Bryant means to keep teaching and learning in an ever-changing world. Inspire academic excellence. Be Bryant Strong. Faculty-student interaction is a hallmark of a Bryant education, and it’s one of the reasons Bryant’s learning outcomes are stronger than our peers. We’re all in this together, and the greatest things we can accomplish this fall are first,
93-98%
of first-year-predominant courses will meet in person on a regular basis
55%
staying healthy, and second, doing our best to try
to complete the full semester on campus together. Concern for the health and safety of Bryant’s community of scholars resulted in the decision to adopt a compressed academic calendar with the start of classes on Tuesday, August 25. Starting two weeks early will enable us to complete the full semester before the Thanksgiving break. All students and faculty will leave campus by Thanksgiving and return at the end of January 2021. Bryant’s dedicated deans and academic department chairs have worked with faculty to ensure all hours are fulfilled within the new calendar. With an investment of over $500,000 in advanced classroom technology, the majority of our fall classes overall and any individual class will be held synchronously - in person, HyFlex, or online, depending on the class. Very few classes are online only. Expanded winter offerings include Winter Session I, December 3-22, and Winter Session II, January 3-22. In September we will have information on our Innovation and Design Experience for All (IDEA) program for the Class of 2024.
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of courses will be taught in a HyFlex hybrid onsite/online format
26 184 %
or courses are first-year-predominant and have priority for location in a large space that accommodates all students in person
40%
of courses will be taught totally in-person and on site
20-25%
of classes for returning students will be located in a room large enough to meet entirely in seat
<5%
of courses will be fully remote
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To Be Bryant is to have the drive to innovate and make a difference.
COMMIT TO SHARED RESPONSIBILITY AND AVOID UNNECESSARY TRIPS OFF CAMPUS
Forge new ideas. Be Bryant Strong. The collective power of our community is one of Bryant’s most treasured assets, and to help keep our campus open this fall, it’s important for us all to and work together and use our culture of innovation to keep everyone safe. When you are here, be considerate and follow best practices for diligent cleaning and frequent hand washing, cloth face coverings, social distancing, and close attention to group size. Bryant is fortunate to have a pristine 438-acre campus with a single point of entry and exit, and we plan to use every inch of our buildings and grounds to expand the learning environment and create new spaces for respite and recreation. Departing from campus for non-essential trips increases the risk of exposure, so to reduce reasons to leave campus we are adding more student programming and encouraging online shopping with expanded provision for package deliveries including new Amazon lockers.
dining options at multiple venues. Student Affairs is charged with enforcement of our campus policies for health and safety. Among the extra measures for safety and security, a new app enables any member of the community to text our Department of Public Safety 24/7 if they see or hear something that is concerning and out of compliance.
3400 undergraduate students
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Bryant
438 park-like acres
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Bulldog mascot
400 graduate students
All Bryant students and employees are asked to accept shared responsibility for the health of our campus community and the broader community. Students will sign a formal pledge and expanded code of conduct, and there is a pledge to Be Bryant Strong for faculty and staff as well. Bryant’s Students Affairs team has worked hard to de-densify residential life and partnered with Dining Services for an expanded array of safe
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To Be Bryant means we can do hard things because we care.
WE CAN DO THIS BECAUSE WE CARE ABOUT OUR COMMUNITY.
Protect our safe campus. Be Bryant Strong. Administrative Staff
Along with completing the Guest Pass app, visitors
The Bryant University campus has reopened to
must also complete the Bryant Health Checker
welcome students back for residential life and
attestation app.
classes starting August 25. All administrative offices are open to support student success and
Bryant is fortunate to have a controlled campus
advance the University mission, but to reduce
with a single point of entry. Every visitor will
density on campus some personnel will continue
be required to stop at the Entry Control Station
to work remotely and return to offices on a gradual
and display both the approved Guest Pass and
basis. Please visit the info.bryant.edu directory for
attestation app to the Department of Public
specific office hours and details.
Safety officer stationed there. Any person
Our plans are for health and safety, and they’re also innovations in how we achieve success. We can do this because we know what great leaders do in challenging times: they dig deep to do the next right thing so everyone comes through stronger together on the other side.
displaying an X on the Health Checker app Many programs for fall will be held virtually; check events.bryant.edu for events and activities.
Campus Visitors For the health and safety of our residential community this fall, only currently enrolled Bryant students will be allowed to stay overnight on campus and no one other than current Bryant students and authorized Bryant employees will be allowed inside any Bryant residence hall or townhouse. Bryant will allow campus visitors interested in admission to Bryant and select guests including alumni to visit between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., seven days a week under the following conditions: Every visitor must register or be registered by
will not be allowed entry. Every visitor must have and wear a face covering that adequately covers both the nose and mouth at all times while visiting campus. If a visitor does not possess a face covering, one will be provided. To help prospective students and families learn more about what sets Bryant apart as an exceptional place to live and learn, we’ve created a self-guided virtual tour. You may register for the self-guided tour here. After you register, you will receive information on how to access the self-guided tour, along with the information you’ll need to know about being on campus.
his or her host via the Bryant Guest Pass system in Banner https://bryant.edu/visitorpass.
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To Be Bryant means we prepare so we are ready for the future. Build Bulldog spirit. Be Bryant Strong.
Varsity Sports Team Season Bryant is a member of the Northeast Conference (NEC). On July 29, the NEC Council of Presidents voted to postpone all fall sports athletics competitions and championships. This postponement applies to NEC-sponsored sports and impacts men’s and women's cross country, field hockey, football, men's and women’s soccer and women's volleyball, as well as all other NEC sports
BE A TEAM PLAYER AND GO FOR THE WIN
scheduled to engage in competition this fall. The council will reconvene by October 1 to evaluate
500+
the public health crisis and competitive options moving forward.
Varsity student athletes
Facilities Bryant’s award-winning athletic facilities are
Campus athletics and recreation programs are an integral part of the Bryant experience, helping members of the campus community maintain health and well-being while building Bulldog school spirit. To preserve these opportunities and ensure the safety of all members of our community, Bryant has developed a range of required health and safety guidelines and protocols to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 transmission in athletic settings. Postponed athletic activities will resume with a phased approach in accordance with guidance from the Rhode Island Department of Health, the National Athletic Trainers Association, and the American College Health Association.
reserved this fall for use by the Bryant community – teams, students, faculty, and staff – and are unavailable to outside visitors and members of the Smithfield community. All facilities will operate with social distancing and occupancy guidelines as outlined by the RIDOH, CDC, and
22 NCAA Division I teams
Bryant University.
with skills and strength
The full campus guidelines outline protocols for each athletic facility including the Chace Wellness and Athletic Center, the Bulldog Strength and Conditioning Center, Conaty Indoor Athletic Center, Beirne Stadium Complex, and outside facilities which include the track and turf complex, tennis
SET AN EXAMPLE and inspire others
courts, Conaty Baseball and Softball complex, practice fields and recreation areas.
DREAM BIG PHASE 1
PHASE 2
PHASE 3
PHASE 4
Safe Return to Campus
Strength & Conditioning and Virtual Team Meetings
Small Group Activities/Individual Skill Instruction
Mid-Size Group Activities/ Team Type Practice
For next year and use fall to prepare
DIG DEEP It won’t be easy but Bulldogs can do it!
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DEVELOP YOUR CAPACITY
BLEED BLACK & GOLD
LOOK OUTDOORS for exercise and recreation
30%
of Bryant students participate in athletics
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CORONAVIRUS COVID-19 RETURN TO NORMALCY COMMITTEES OPERATIONAL COMMITTEES: Academic and Technology: faculty, teaching and technology Student Life and International: residential life, clubs and organizations, international students Financial/Buildings/Staff: budgets, facilities, and staff Communications: students, faculty, staff, alumni, visitors, and community Athletic: varsity athletics, facilities, club sports and intramurals RESOURCE FOR OPERATIONAL COMMITTEES: Health and Safety: a resource for all committees exploring available tests, processes, protocols, and social distancing standards established by state and federal authorities. ACADEMIC AND TECHNOLOGY: Jay Amrien, Program Director, PA Program Roger Anderson, Executive Assistant to the President - ex-officio Daniel Ames, Professor of Accounting Madan Annavarjula, Dean, College of Business Asli Ascioglu, Professor of Finance, Department Chair John Dietrich, Professor of History and Social Sciences, Department Chair Laurie Hazard, Assistant Dean for Student Success Crystal Jiang, Professor of Management Ed Kairiss, Director of Faculty Development and Innovation Dr. Peter King, Medical Director, PA Program Chuck LoCurto, Vice President for Information Services - Co-Chair Phil Lombardi, Director, Academic Computing Janet Prichard, Professor of Information Systems and Analytics Wendy Samter, Interim Dean, College of Arts and Sciences Bob Sloss, Associate Dean of Students Glenn Sulmasy, Provost - Co-Chair Joseph Trunzo, Professor of Psychology, Department Chair Julie Volkman, Assistant Professor of Communication STUDENT LIFE AND INTERNATIONAL: Inge-Lise Ameer, Vice President for Student Affairs - Co-Chair Roger Anderson, Executive Assistant to the President - ex-officio Steve Bannon, Director of Public Safety Andy DeMelia, Associate Vice President, Facilities Operations John Denio, Associate Vice President for Student Affairs Christine Dodd, Clinical Nurse Practitioner Jen Edwards, Director of Planning and Assessment John Forrest, Assistant Director, Business Services Dave Gannon, Director, Campus Technology Services Cassie Gaffney, Clinical Nurse Practitioner Noelle Harris, Assistant Dean and Director of Counseling, Religious, and Spiritual Life Dr. Peter King, Medical Director, PA Program Mailee Kue, Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs Kongli Liu, Assistant Vice President, International Affairs Brad Martin, Professor of History and Social Sciences Kevin Martins, Assistant Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Kaoru Paganelli, Assistant Director, Office of International Students and Scholars Bob Sloss, Associate Dean of Students Bill Thomas, Risk Manager Meaghan Trayner, Associate Director, Human Resources and Business Partner Jana Valentine, Director of Residential Life Hong Yang, Vice President for International Affairs Co-Chair & Title IX Coordinator BRYANT.EDU/REOPENING
BRYANT UNIVERSITY
1150 Douglas Pike Smithfield, RI 02917-1284
FINANCIAL/BUILDINGS/STAFF: Roger Anderson, Executive Assistant to the President - ex-officio Farokh Bhada, Associate Vice President, Business Affairs Andy Binkiwicz, Director of Infrastructure Services and Security Cathy Currie, Sr. Associate Director, Human Resources Andy DeMelia, Associate Vice President, Facilities Operations Jen Edwards, Director of Planning and Assessment Becca Eriksen, Director, Campus Visit Experience Laura Hayward, Associate Registrar Wayne Jewett, Director of Budgets and Finance Shawn Monaghan, Sodexo Dining Barry Morrison, Vice President for Business Affairs - Co-Chair Tim Paige, Vice President for Human Resources - Co-Chair Bill Thomas, Risk Manager Jana Valentine, Director of Residence Life COMMUNICATIONS: Roger Anderson, Executive Assistant to the President - ex-officio Michelle Cloutier, Vice President for Enrollment Management – Co-Chair Cathy Currie, Senior Associate Director, Human Resources Jen Edwards, Director of Planning and Assessment Cassandra Gaffney, Clinical Nurse Practitioner Elizabeth O’Neil, Associate Vice President for University Relations Jason Sullivan, Associate Athletics Director External Relations Bill Thomas, Risk Manager Julie Volkman, Assistant Professor of Communication Robin Warde, Executive Director of Alumni and Parent Engagement David Wegrzyn, Vice President for University Advancement - Co-Chair ATHLETICS: Jay Amrien, PA Program Director Roger Anderson, Executive Assistant to the President - ex-officio Craig Buckley, Head Strength Coach, Bulldog Strength & Conditioning Center Scott Gauthier, Manager, Custodian Operations, Facilities Mel Gran, Associate Head Athletic Trainer Andrew Jacques, Associate Director, Student Leadership and Involvement Dr. Jeffrey Feden, Team Physician Dr. Jonathan Gastel, Team Orthopedic Surgeon David Ketcham, Associate Professor of Finance, Faculty Athletic Representative Dr. Peter King, Medical Director, PA Program Mark Levesque, Head Trainer for Club Sports Kevin Martins, Assistant Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Judith McDonnell, Professor of History and Social Sciences David McKenna, Equipment Room Manager Lily Otu, Assistant Athletic Director for Inclusive Excellence Erika Paquette, Associate Director, Human Resources John Ruppert, Deputy Director of Athletics Bill Smith, Director of Athletics - Chair Patrick O’Sullivan, Head Athletic Trainer Nick Schleicher, Director of Club Sports, Intramurals, Fitness Center Jason Sullivan, Associate Athletics Director External Relations Beth Wandyes, Senior Associate Athletics Director
HEALTH AND SAFETY: Inge-Lise Ameer, Vice President for Student Affairs Jay Amrien, PA Program Director Roger Anderson, Executive Assistant to the President - ex-officio Steve Bannon, Director of Public Safety Andy DeMelia, Associate Vice President, Facilities Operations John Denio, Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs Christine Dodd, Clinical Nurse Practitioner Cassie Gaffney, Clinical Nurse Practitioner Noelle Harris, Director of Counseling Services Kirsten Hokeness, Professor of Science, Department Chair Dr. Peter King, Medical Director, PA Program – Chair Bill Thomas, Risk Manager