Returning Students: Important Fall Semester Enrollment and Housing Information

This message was sent to individual returning students on July 2, 2020, from Jennifer L. Walters, Dean of the Undergraduate College.

Dear [student],

In the midst of this unusual and challenging summer, I hope that you are finding spaces for learning, growth, ways to be of service – and even some fun and rest! The lantern, an important and enduring symbol for Mawrters, has become an important metaphor for me as we plan in the midst of changing conditions and evolving information. A lantern can’t show you the whole path forward but can provide enough light for the next step. As we plan for the Fall semester, the College is moving thoughtfully — step by step — to make decisions and changes that make health and safety a priority as we continue our educational mission.

I am writing to share some information with you about what you can expect in the coming academic year. President Cassidy and President Raymond announced on June 8 that Bryn Mawr and Haverford are planning for a 15-week Fall semester that includes some in-person instruction and re-opens the residence halls to students. We are still in the midst of planning, so we may not be able to answer all of your questions about what Bryn Mawr will be like in the Fall quite yet, but will keep you informed of plans as they develop.

Because we will be living with COVID-19 for the foreseeable future, the coming year will not be like other years you’ve experienced at the College. There will be some important differences in how we operate in order to minimize the risk of spreading COVID-19 and prioritize the health and safety of everyone. Some courses will be taught mostly in person, some will be taught entirely remotely, and most will have some in-person components and some virtual ones; every person in the Bryn Mawr College community will be required to abide by health and safety rules including COVID-19 testing, daily symptom checks and the wearing of masks around other people; classes will be held only in spaces that have adequate ventilation and enough space for social distancing; and fewer students will be able to live in residence halls in order to make sure each student has their own room to sleep in. This is a moment that invites us re-commit to creating a community in which every person is valued and where we can depend on each other to consider not only our own well-being but the health of everyone else on campus in our decisions and personal interactions.

Housing and Enrollment Form Due July 9

Please review this letter carefully. Note that you must inform the college of your plans for the Fall no later than July 9.  There are three options:  1) enroll this fall and return in person, 2) enroll this Fall but take classes remotely, or 3) take a personal leave of absence for the Fall semester.  A link to the required Housing and Enrollment Form is found at the end of this letter (email version). I know that this is fast turnaround, however, we need accurate information so Room Draw can take place and we know how many students plan to take courses in the Fall.

Health and Safety

The College’s planning for a full re-opening has included an analysis of facilities to assure that offices, classrooms, laboratories, and other spaces meet health standards for air filtering, ventilation, cleaning, and social distancing. Detailed information about our plans and expectations for students prior to arrival on campus will be shared with the community in the next several weeks when our plan is finalized.

COVID-19 testing and quarantine measures will be an important component of maintaining health and safety of our community. Our plan for testing is still evolving in conversation with our public health and medical advisers. This summer we will keep you fully informed of policies and plans as they develop, so please continue to look for messages and check our updated FAQ pages, the Daily Digest, and weekly newsletter.

All students, faculty, staff, and visitors to the Bryn Mawr campus will sign a Community Agreement to abide by the following Covid-19 health and safety behaviors:

1. Check for possible COVID-19 symptoms daily
2. Stay home from school or work if you become aware of any symptoms or feel sick
3. Wear a mask anytime you are around other people, including:
   • in a classroom or office
   • in the library
   • when traveling around campus
   • throughout dorm common spaces
   • in communal restrooms, except when showering or brushing teeth
4. Keep a distance of at least six feet from other people
5. Wash your hands frequently and use hand sanitizer
6. Practice safe sneeze and cough etiquette (even with a mask)
7. Keep a contact journal so that the College can reach out to anyone who needs to be quarantined and tested in the event that you become ill with COVID-19
8. Limit personal travel off campus to essential travel only

In addition, I have asked the Honor Board chair to work with me and other students to consider how the Honor Code can help us to define norms and set expectations for student life.

Our Health and Wellness Center staff will respond to and care for our students. Spaces on campus have been set aside for students who become sick or test positive for COVID-19 so they can be monitored in an isolated setting. The College is examining every aspect of our operations to assure that our educational and business practices minimize the risks of transmission. A successful and healthy semester will be achieved only if every individual takes responsibility for their health and the health of others by observing the Community Agreement. Individuals who do not adhere to these requirements may lose their on-campus housing or be required to leave campus.

We know that some students will still be uncomfortable returning in person due to health concerns. Because of these extraordinary circumstances, this Fall the College will offer students the option to register for a course schedule that is entirely “remote” — that is, you may continue your studies from home this semester.

Academic Planning

Revised academic calendar:

• Classes will begin on September 8. There will not be an October break. Classes will continue straight through until November 20 with a one-week recess for Thanksgiving
• There is NO shopping week. You must register for classes you intend to take. In other words, you must take the classes you register for and get into during the July registration and lottery periods. Changes may be possible if approved by your dean and the faculty. The Registrar's Office will announce specific dates and procedures soon.
• Classes will resume on November 30 remotely and final exams will take place (also remotely) December 13-18.
• Students will depart campus during the Thanksgiving recess and return when the Spring semester begins in 2021. Students will be able to request to live on campus after November 20. However, students who leave at the break will not be permitted to return until the beginning of the Spring semester in order to preserve the health and safety of the campus community. Dining services will be provided for students who are approved to stay on campus past November 20.

Registration and new weekly course schedule for 2020-21

In order to promote social distancing in classrooms and buildings, the Bi-Co course schedule has been redesigned by the Registrars in consultation with the faculty. Some classes are offered in the evening as well as on Saturdays. There will be an open registration period in mid-July when you can review and confirm your course registration. You may register for no more than four courses this semester.

Please review your course schedule. Because we will not have a usual shopping week in order to preserve safety and social distancing in classrooms, your registration “counts.” Make sure that the revised time blocks fit your schedule and that these are the classes you want to take this semester. Please consult with your dean or major adviser and check the FAQ page if you have questions.

Though we are doing everything we can to make sure that a return to on-campus instruction is smooth and as safe as possible for all, we know that some students may not want to return to campus yet or participate in remote instruction. Returning students (rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors) who wish to take a personal leave should indicate this on the Housing and Enrollment Form.

International Students need to be mindful of specific regulations regarding their student visas. Though regulations may change by September, there are federal restrictions regarding remote and distance learning that pertain to all students with F-1 visa whether inside or outside the U.S. There are also travel restrictions in place from various countries to the U.S. While the current conditions and restrictions are subject to change, you should be guided by current rules in choosing your courses. Please, therefore, keep these regulations in mind as you choose your courses. All international students are urged to review and consider pertinent information.

Tuition, Room and Board, Fees, and Financial Aid

We recognize that the current global economic conditions as a result of COVID-19 are challenging to many students and families. The College has decided not to increase tuition, fee, room and board rates for 2020-21 as previously announced. Instead, rates will remain as they were for 2019-20.  We will make sure that the reduction from the previously-published rates will be applied in such a way to benefit all students, including those on need based financial aid. Please note also that need based financial aid will be adjusted for students who decide to live at home, in accordance with Federal regulations. For more information about student account billing and financial aid, please read the information on the FAQ page.

Housing and Dining

Bryn Mawr will still offer a residential experience this Fall and all students in residence will have a full meal plan. As part of the College's plan to follow public health recommendations regarding college housing, the dorms will have fewer bed spaces available, so we may not have enough on-campus housing for every returning student who wants to live in a dorm. We need to have an accurate understanding of how many students would like campus housing so that we can plan for room draw. Therefore, every student who wants to return to Bryn Mawr — no matter where you want to live — must submit the Housing and Enrollment Form by July 9. If you don’t submit this form, we will assume that you are taking a personal leave for Fall 2020. We know these are significant decisions to make in a limited time. Please be in touch with your dean if you need to discuss options or have concerns.

• The Room Draw process for sophomores, juniors, and seniors will take place July 13-31. All students will be assigned to singles or multi-occupancy rooms with doors that close to private sleeping areas. We will prioritize hall groups so that students can be housed with their friends.
• Dorm leadership teams will do much of their training remotely and Customs Week/Orientation for new students will not be a single week but instead begin remotely in late July.
• Students will move in to their rooms on a staggered schedule in the days before classes begin. Sophomores, juniors, and seniors who have been approved for housing will be offered an appointment in early September (those exact dates have not yet been determined). Any friends or family helping a student move in will have to abide by all safety precautions and will not be able to stay overnight in the dorm.
• This year, it is imperative that we have accurate information about how many students wish to live on campus in order to plan effectively for the Fall semester. We need every student’s cooperation.

I know that this is a lot of information to digest. We will continue to provide information through the summer, so please keep checking your Bryn Mawr email for updates. Your college career has taken a challenging unexpected turn — a turn that may shape your scholarly questions and your personal decisions. I believe in the midst of these challenges we will — together — find new ways to come together to create a dynamic and vibrant educational atmosphere. The Dean's Office will be offering opportunities on July 6, 7 and 8 to help you think through your options and your concerns, so don’t hesitate to seek counsel about your decision.

Please complete your Housing and Enrollment Form (available in email link) by July 9.

And don’t forget to review the FAQ page for additional information.

I’m looking forward to greeting you again on campus or on Zoom or however we can connect. And I hope that you will not hesitate to reach out to me if you have questions.

You have my best wishes,

Jennifer L. Walters
Dean of the Undergraduate College