During the lockdown, students were unable to leave their rooms, except to use the bathrooms or to pick up meals. Students could only eat in their dorms and the fitness center, Whitaker Campus Center and The Blazer were closed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Every area of the campus has been rearranged to allow for social distancing. The dining hall has markers on the floor to keep students 6 feet apart and reduced self-serve options, seating in classrooms has been moved to the appropriate distance, and furniture in the dorm rooms have been moved 6 feet apart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDo not move furniture to create larger social groups, whether in the buildings or in the tents\u201d Chapdelaine reminds students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Upon arrival to campus, students had to sign the Heart, Mind & Hands pledge. Chapdelaine said that the pledge is \u201ca serious commitment\u201d and \u201ceveryone signing that pledge is saying that they have the resiliency, courage and resolve to do their part to take care of each other.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Campus Clear app is essential for students and faculty members to complete before coming to campus. Vice President for Marketing and Communications Laurie Ward reminded everyone to \u201cstay in the habit [of using Campus Clear],\u201d to continue keeping the school\u2019s population safe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ward also explained that there is an incentive for using Campus Clear. She said that students will be entered into a drawing for a $20 Amazon gift card. Students will get one entry per day they use the app. Three to five students will be chosen to win every spirit Friday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chapdelaine reiterated that \u201cbeing here is a privilege. I do not want any student to have to leave, but we will not hesitate to remove anyone from campus who is not following the rules.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ward described the indicators that would determine if the campus can stay open, or if the school should move to online instruction. A number of factors help the faculty to make that decision, including \u201chow many positive cases we have currently, how many isolation beds we have available, what the positivity rate is in the county, if tests are available, [and] if hospital beds are available,\u201d Ward said. These factors are being monitored daily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some have expressed worries about having people on campus who tested positive for the virus. \u201cHealth experts state that as long as you are wearing a mask, washing your hands, monitoring symptoms and social distancing, the risk of contraction is extremely low,\u201d Chapdelaine said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Throughout the semester, students should continue to social distance, wear masks, sanitize their hands and high-touch surfaces and monitor their symptoms using the Campus Clear app.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you have any COVID-19 related questions or concerns, contact covidquestions@hood.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMy belief in the strength of the Hood community and our willingness to have this different kind of semester has been tested but remains steadfast. Yes, we are forgoing some things, but we are also gaining so much more \u2013 fortitude, compromise, flexibility and the opportunity to be together in community,\u201d Chapdelaine said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"![\"\"](\"http:\/\/hoodcomstudies.com\/theblueandgrey\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/IMG_3514-545x1024.jpg\")