Dear students,
I apologize for what continues to be constantly changing information. I appreciate your patience as we navigate this situation together. I am writing with URGENT updates regarding your presence in residence on campus. As you may know, K-12 schools in Massachusetts and many other institutions are shutting down operations effective Monday, March 16. Massachusetts and the federal government have both declared a state of emergency, so we are sharing important updates about how that will impact checking out of the residence halls.
In accordance with new guidelines from the Department of Health and the CDC, we are moving into a more urgent and rigorous mode of social distancing. We had hoped our intermediate steps would be sufficient, but it is clear that we need to take a next wave of actions to help slow the spread of COVID-19. These are very difficult actions to take, and we know we are asking individuals to make deep sacrifices for the good of our community.
To that end, we are now *REQUIRING you to check out of the residence halls as soon as possible if you have any flexibility to do so. We encourage you to make your plans quickly, as the external environment is changing rapidly and we do not know if or when additional restrictions may be imposed on transportation. In short, we are asking that you make arrangements to leave campus as soon as you are able, and if at all possible; it does not apply if you are unable to leave and this does not apply to students who have been approved to stay.
- We understand that many of you have flights that are not flexible, but, if you are able to travel sooner, we urge you to do so to avoid potential future cancellations and disruptions. If you have a car on campus or can be picked up by friends or family, we are also urging you to leave as soon as possible.
- The Storage/trunk registration form will close at midnight.
- The Safety Net Fund will be temporarily closed at midnight tonight in order to process the high number of requests. Moving forward, all funds will be distributed via a mailed check.
- As shared previously, all Mount Holyoke College events from March 14 until May 5 are cancelled. This includes informal events or gatherings in residence halls. Campus Police will be present in the residence halls starting tonight to ensure we are compliant with social distancing recommendations.
- As a reminder: to successfully check out, please use this form and drop off your key at the drop box in Safford anytime. These forms and your keys are essential for us to determine student housing/meal credits.
- One-time guest passes for individuals actively providing moving support will be available at Campus Police. They can be picked up anytime.
- We encourage you to continue checking the FAQs. Information is updated frequently regarding student resources.
The Division of Student Life suite in 205 Blanchard will be staffed to help with check out today, March 14 until 4 pm, and Sunday, March 15 from 10 am to 5 pm.
And, as a reminder if you have belongings in Kendall lockers, they must be removed by 2 pm on March 15.
*This message about required is not for students who have been approved to stay on campus past March 20.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have questions.
Warmly,
Marcella Runell Hall
Vice President for Student Life, Dean of Students
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