NEWS
COVID-19 Protocols on Campus This Spring While this spring semester has still been far from “normal,” our students are back on campus, learning, engaging and growing. And, after the past two semesters, this one does hold a pronounced sense of optimism and progress. The approach to COVID-19 mitigation for spring semester has been threefold:
3. Keeping students on campus (and safer) through more activities and engagement
1. Testing more often and more effectively
This semester we are offering more opportunities for student clubs, programs and organizations to meet in person (while still being compliant with COVID-19 prevention measures). This has included loosening last semester’s visitation restrictions and expanding Link bus service later into the evening.
Given that testing is more available today than it was in the fall, this is the most powerful step we’re able to take. We required all students living on campus or participating in on-campus classes and activities to submit a negative COVID-19 test before classes resumed in January. After the first week, students were tested again. Those two tests gave us a baseline from which to construct this semester’s program of frequent, targeted testing. 2. Focusing on containing cases to avoid surges Part of that targeted program is testing specific groups (e.g., residence halls) to identify potential surges and thwart them before they get started. Student behavior is key to our success this semester. Whereas in the fall we communicated changes by tightening restrictions, this semester we have put more emphasis on communication and working closely with students. 4 | College of Saint Benedict Magazine
Both Saint Ben’s and Saint John’s are stressing outdoor activities, which are safer. Outdoor skating rinks were built on the Mall and Tundra, respectively. Cross-country skiing, sledding and snowshoeing in the Arboretum have been popular. And a new lighted patio near the Benedicta Arts Center and gas fire pit outside Mary Commons have become popular gathering spots. In addition, the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) resumed sporting activities in February – check out page 8 to learn more.
