Manchester plans to open in fall 2020
From: President <President@manchester.edu>
Sent: Thursday, May 21, 2020 12:15 PM
To: All Colleagues <AllColleagues@manchester.edu>
Subject: Manchester plans to open in fall 2020
Dear Colleagues,
After careful consideration and weighing a number of options, Manchester University plans to open its campuses in fall 2020.
The health, safety and well-being of you and our students remain top priorities, and we are developing strategies to deal with physical distancing, cleaning, use of masks, additional technical equipment, etc. We are using local, state and federal health guidelines, as well as the expertise of our own health-care experts, to set up the best practices possible.
We are going to use a three-phase reopening plan leading up to the first day of classes. Colleagues will be returning to campus over the course of the summer. You can see the details of the plan here: https://www.manchester.edu/homepage/spartans-united
We have developed a customized online training for COVID-19 best practices using a platform called Safe Colleges. You must complete this training prior to returning to campus. You will receive an email with a link to the training when you are scheduled to return to campus. If you believe it is necessary to come to campus beforehand, please email health@manchester.edu so the request can be reviewed and, if approved, arrangements can be made for you to complete the training.
The reopening will include on-campus housing and dining services at the North Manchester campus, and we anticipate bringing students back to campus on our standard August timeframe.
We will maximize in-person instruction at the beginning of the semester and end with remote learning after the Thanksgiving break. Classes will be in session during the previously scheduled fall break (Oct. 19-20). In lieu of fall break, the Thanksgiving break will be extended for students. This will allow additional time for students to travel home.
While this schedule might need to change based on what transpires with COVID-19, and state and federal guidelines for higher education, we will move forward giving all parties additional time to plan for fall 2020.
New Fall 2020 Schedule
Sept. 2 – In-person classes begin
Nov. 23 – Thanksgiving break begins
Nov. 30 – Remote learning begins
Dec. 11 – Classes end
Dec. 18 – Semester ends
My thanks to the reopen work group led by Vice President Abby Van Vlerah for its hard work and well-considered recommendations.
Spring 2020 and COVID-19 posed a number of challenges in a short period. You deserve applause for stepping up with a spirit of innovation and willing hearts.
I want to thank you once again for your resilience, flexibility and grace during trying times, and I look forward to welcoming each and every one of you back to campus.
There will be more communications as our plans evolve. Please send questions, if you have them, to health@manchester.edu.
Dave
Dave McFadden
President
Manchester University
260-982-5050