November 30, 2020
Dear Boston College Students:
Welcome back. I hope you had an enjoyable Thanksgiving break.
We are now three weeks away from the end of the fall semester at Boston College, and the vast majority of our community members have responded generously and effectively to the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic. It is vitally important that all on campus, including students, continue to follow health and safety protocols that will enable us to finish strong and begin our spring semester as scheduled on campus.
COVID-19 cases have significantly increased nationwide in the last month, including on college campuses and in surrounding communities. This surge requires all of us to keep adhering to public health recommendations by wearing masks, practicing physical distancing, and avoiding gatherings. Boston College has such a vibrant and caring community, and we need to safeguard it and avoid jeopardizing the remaining weeks of in-person classes now and in the second semester.
On behalf of the BC Community, I especially ask students to make sure they do not let their guard down, particularly in social settings, and that they continue to help protect all of us from COVID-19 and its spread. The University learned recently about students frequenting area restaurants in small and large groups, particularly on weekends, and that behavior has led to an increase in COVID-19 cases at BC. Such decisions risk harming the health of our community and cannot be tolerated.
Because of the University’s commitment to limiting the spread of the virus, Boston College will not gather for its traditional Christmas tree lighting ceremony, originally scheduled for December 1. In addition, Residential Life staff will remain diligent in upholding the guest policy in our residence halls throughout the remainder of the semester.
We have accomplished much since the school year began in August, and I am grateful for all you have contributed to helping us live up to our motto, Ever to Excel.
Sincerely,
Michael Lochhead
Executive Vice President, and Acting Vice President for Student Affairs