Aug. 13, 2020
Dear Students,
We hope the summer is providing some much-needed relaxation. As you prepare for the start of classes on Aug. 31, we wanted to encourage you to begin thinking about behavior related to COVID-19 restrictions and regulations.
Both Trocaire College and many clinical sites will require students who are reporting for in-person, on-site classes or assignments to complete a COVID-19 health screening form. Included on that form may be questions about travel to or contact with residents of “hot spot” states that are currently under a New York State travel advisory, or contact with anyone exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms. In many cases, an affirmative answer could be met with a requirement to self-quarantine.
We expect all our students—as future healthcare, business, hospitality and technology professionals—to act responsibly, report their behaviors and/or symptoms honestly and abide by all subsequent restrictions. Doing so will help keep our community safe. Please think about any trips, activities or visits planned for the rest of the month, and make whatever adjustments necessary to ensure you can start classes and clinicals on time and without disruption.
If there are any missed classes or clinicals due to COVID-19-related precautions, please note that they will be the responsibility of the student to make up. Exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis for individuals experiencing symptoms themselves.
In addition: please note that Trocaire will be operating with an abundance of caution and requiring all individuals on campus to wear face masks in all shared spaces including classrooms—regardless of ability to social distance. Expect to wear a face mask while on campus at all times.
In this spirit of accountability, personal integrity and respect for others, the college is asking students to sign a community pledge before the start of the Fall 2020 semester. Look for the pledge in your email inbox in the next few weeks.
The more we look out for each other, the safer we’ll all be. Thank you for your attention to this important issue—we look forward to welcoming you back to campus!
Bassam M. Deeb, Ph.D.
President
Trocaire College
