By: Zoe Finholm//
With hard work from students and staff, Hood College has completed the entire 2020 fall semester on-campus, an accomplishment that many schools haven’t achieved.
According to the campus health dashboard, there have been 30 total cases of COVID-19 as of Nov. 16.
On Nov. 13, President Andrea Chapdelaine said in an email to students and faculty that face masks will be required in all indoor and outdoor public spaces, regardless of the ability to social distance, in compliance with guidelines set by the Frederick County Board of Health. Those who don’t obey the updated guidelines can be subject to a monetary fine.
Chapdelaine said in an email on Nov. 11 that indoor events will be capped at 25 people, per Gov. Larry Hogan’s announcements on Nov. 10. The fitness center and pool will remain at 50% capacity.
“The college is determined to continue to provide you with the resources you need, especially at this critical point in the semester, while following all safety protocols to mitigate risk to the community,” Chapdelaine said in the email. Student-centered offices, like the Student Success Center, will remain open.
Optional COVID-19 testing will occur on Tuesday, Nov. 17, and Monday, Nov. 23. Testing is encouraged before you travel back home to “know, as best you can, that you are heading home to family and friends COVID free,” Chapdelaine said.
Vice President for Marketing and Communications Laurie Ward said, “The Oversight Working Group and its subcommittees have begun working on the spring plan, looking at what worked well and what changes need to be made.”
Updates to the New Horizon Plan are expected to be sent out in early December via Hood’s social media and email and on the website.
Chapdelaine said in an email on Aug. 25 that there will be a reward if the college can remain open until the end of the semester. Ward said that the reward is yet to be determined and will be announced at the start of the spring 2021 semester.
“We have seen lower than expected compliance numbers [with Campus Clear] and will work to make this a much more viable task,” Ward said.
In the event there is a vaccine available at the start of the spring semester, it is possible that there will be a new vaccine mandate from the Maryland Department of Health, according to Director of Wellness Teresa Cevallos. Cevallos said that the Frederick County Health Department will direct the possible vaccine distribution.
The lack of breaks this fall semester has been stressful for students and staff. “One thing we will add into the plan is to find more ways to relieve stress and anxiety,” Ward said. “One change will be the intermittent non-class days throughout the semester.”
“Only through the commitment of the students and the hard work of the faculty and staff have we been able to make it to the end of the semester,” Ward said.
Contact covidquestions@hood.edu for COVID-19 related questions or concerns.
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