December 10, 2020
Dear Members of the Boston College Community:
We write on the final day of classes for the fall semester to express our gratitude for the extraordinary efforts each of you has made since late summer. Despite the ongoing challenges presented by the pandemic, the University is on track to complete a successful on-campus, in-person fall semester. This is no small feat, and is the direct result of the hard work, cooperation, and dedication of the entire Boston College community – students, faculty, and staff. While there were many challenges along the way, our community has modeled understanding, resiliency, and a commitment to a common purpose. As we now move into the exam period and semester break, our collective efforts have helped our community to remain healthy and safe. We are grateful for the contributions made by so many.
Today, we would like to share information about campus operations and planning efforts related to the spring semester as a follow-up to the previously announced changes to the academic calendar.
Spring Semester COVID-19 Protocols:
While we await access to COVID-19 vaccines over the next six months, the BC community will most likely need to follow the same University and public health protocols next semester that proved to be effective this fall, including:
- Wearing of masks in class and outside of your residence hall rooms/private offices
- Following physical distancing requirements
- Washing and sanitizing hands frequently
- Avoiding parties and large gatherings
- Holding meetings remotely whenever possible
- Monitoring symptoms daily
- Staying at home and contacting your primary care physician or UHS–rather than coming to work or school–if symptomatic
Detecting and containing COVID-19 within the Boston College community remains a critical element to the University’s ability to maintain on-campus operations and in-person instruction. The University intends to follow the symptomatic and targeted surveillance testing, contact tracing, and quarantine and isolation strategies for the spring semester, as it did in the fall.
As was done in August before classes began, testing will be required for all who plan to be on campus during the spring semester, starting on Tuesday, January 19, with faculty, staff, and graduate/professional students, as well as undergraduates who reside off campus. Testing for undergraduates who live on campus will begin on Sunday, January 24, and will be linked to their scheduled move-in time. Residential Life will provide information regarding move-in procedures later in the month.
We are proud of what the Boston College community has accomplished in 2020 and we look forward to the start of a new year. First, though, we hope that each of you is able to find some time to enjoy Christmas and the holiday season with loved ones in person and/or virtually.
Thanks for all you have done and continue to do for Boston College and one another.
Sincerely,
