Dear Boston College Student:
As we approach the end of the week before Thanksgiving, I write to remind you of the importance of following Boston College’s policy regarding your decision to leave or to stay for the Thanksgiving break. As a reminder, this policy applies to all Boston College students whether you are residing on or off campus. I also wish to provide you with some information on conduct expectations as we approach the end of the semester.
THANKSGIVING BREAK TRAVEL POLICY COMPLIANCE
By now, you should have indicated your decision by completing the Thanksgiving Travel Registration form. If you have indicated that you are leaving Massachusetts for the Thanksgiving break, we expect that you will not return to campus, your on-campus residence, or your local off-campus residence for the remainder of the fall semester. If you have indicated that you will remain in your on-campus or off-campus residence for the Thanksgiving break and the remainder of the semester, we expect that you will not be leaving Massachusetts during the break. Those who choose to remain in the Commonwealth must continue to abide by Massachusetts regulations and the University’s policies and expectations regarding COVID-19.
Given the risks to you, your peers, and the wider community, I am asking you to hold yourself and your peers accountable for your decisions, and for upholding the Eagles Care Pledge. Failure to comply with your submitted travel plans may put your roommates and the entire Boston College community at risk. If you are found to have violated the Thanksgiving travel policy, you will be subject to Student Conduct sanctions, including potential suspension from the University or University housing. To assist in our compliance efforts, the Office of Student Conduct has established an online reporting form that will allow anyone to report alleged student violations of the Thanksgiving travel requirements. This can be done anonymously if one wishes. Students may also call 617-552-6800 and leave a detailed voicemail message to report alleged violations of this policy and other COVID policies as well.
CONDUCT EXPECTATIONS IN LIGHT OF GOVERNOR'S ORDERS
On November 2, 2020, Governor Charlie Baker issued a stay-at-home advisory, as well as new orders that addressed gathering sizes, physical distance measures, and mask wearing.
In addition to the Governor’s orders, I remind you that you are expected to comply with the spirit of the Eagles Care Pledge, the modified University guest policies, and the University’s “no parties and gatherings” policy on and off campus. These prohibited activities include gatherings off campus in any setting where masks are not being worn and/or physical distance guidelines are not being met. Students who are found responsible for violations of these policies face sanctions, including potential suspension from the University or University housing.
Off-campus students are expected to comply with the stay-at-home advisory by remaining in their residences from 10 p.m. – 5 a.m. As a reminder, all gatherings in private residences are to end by 9:30 p.m.
We are at a point in the semester where students cannot afford to let their guard down, particularly as it relates to their social activities. Please be reminded of the need to physically distance, wear masks, and refrain from behaviors that can contribute to the potential spread of COVID-19, as recent behavior has resulted in an increased number of students having to quarantine. As a result, it is important to reiterate the University's expectations regarding student behavior. In general, in order to limit the spread of the virus, students should keep the number of people they are in close contact with to a minimum. While students are permitted to visit local restaurants, when dining out they are expected to comply with state regulations and the spirit of the Eagles Care Pledge. This includes:
- Limiting group sizes at each table, wearing masks when not seated at a table, and maintaining a physical distance of at least 6 feet from others not in your immediate party.
- “Table hopping,” where large groups of students reserve individual tables in close proximity and then rotate seating assignments, violates the spirit of the Governor’s orders for dining establishments and the Eagles Care Pledge.
In accordance with the University’s “no parties” policy, students are also prohibited from renting party buses, trolleys, and Airbnb-type lodging for hosting off-campus parties or gatherings that violate the Governor’s orders and the spirit of the Eagles Care Pledge. Violations of these expectations will result in a referral to the Office of Student Conduct. If you have any questions or concerns about whether a proposed activity is compliant with University policy, you are encouraged to call the Office of Student Conduct at 617-552-3470.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to me (via email or through open office hours) if you have any questions or concerns.
Tom Mogan, Ph.D.
Associate Vice President for Student Engagement and Formation