Updated: 03/22/2021
Richmont Graduate University is making plans to be fully operational with students returning to campus for face-to-face classes in fall, along with additional virtual course attendance options. All modifications made to schedules, policies, and practices will be aligned with CDC recommendations. This webpage contains information regarding university safety precautions and processes related to COVID-19. Periodic updates may be added or updated as needed.
Safety practices will include measures to create physical distance, enhanced cleaning, and use of disinfecting wipes, hand sanitizer, and required face coverings.
Here’s what you need to know:
Classrooms have been reconfigured to increase physical distance among students and professors. Unnecessary furniture has been removed, and fixed seating is marked to show where students should sit in order to stay socially-distant. Classrooms now include defined instructional space to indicate boundaries between students and instructors for appropriate physical distancing. Plexiglass, and other physical barriers, will be used in a few spaces in the university, but the primary protective barrier will be face coverings, which will offer more flexibility for movement.
Libraries will limit the number of students in the library to 4 students at a time in the front areas and 5-7 students in the stacks/study area. “Entrance Cards” will be provided outside of doors in the library and will be replaced as students leave. Students are encouraged to spend no more than 1 hour in the library so that other students are able to enter safely. Tables for quick pickup and drop-off of books and printed materials will be outside each main entrance of the library. Social distancing protocols will be enforced, but especially by the service desk and copier/printers. For students needing extra help, appointments for research consultations with the librarians can be arranged.
Many services and questions can be answered online by contacting libraries@richmont.edu.
All rooms on the university campuses will be labeled with a maximum room occupancy. Students are encouraged to follow these requirements and appropriately socially distance in all areas. Some spaces also may be divided into “zones” in order to physically indicate safe physical distancing.
Common areas and student lounges on both campuses will limit the number of students in the lounge at a time. “Entrance Cards” will be provided outside of the lounge doors for students to grab as they enter the lounge. Students are encouraged to spend a limited amount in student spaces so that other students can have access to these spaces safely. Social distancing protocols will be recommended, but especially in the kitchens and by the copier/printers. The furniture will be transitioned and re-grouped to support social distancing protocols. Students are asked not to rearrange furniture on campus.
The student lounge will only provide microwaves and refrigerators for student use. All other shared food space (Honor Bar, Coffee, etc.) has been temporarily removed. Students are asked to bring only enough food for one day and not to store personal food/condiments/etc. items in the lounge area or refrigerators. There are additional spaces outside of each campus where students can enjoy their lunch.
Classes will be taught as on-ground, hybrid, virtual, or fully online. The use of virtual attendance which allows on-campus courses to be attended virtually in real-time, is a substantial change. Some courses also may be conducted in a hybrid format for all students. Hybrid courses provide some in-person instruction while helping enhance physical distancing across campus.
The Office of Information Technology is installing equipment to support real-timevirtual and hybrid instruction. The technology will also enable lectures to be recorded so that if a student must miss class, the course content will be available to view on demand.
The university has implemented enhanced cleaning and disinfecting procedures to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Classrooms and common areas will have increased frequency and enhanced cleaning.
Disinfecting wipes will be available in all classrooms and high touch areas. Students and professors are encouraged to pick up a wipe on the way into classrooms and wipe down their work areas and classroom technology such as wireless microphones, keyboards, and podium touchpads. Hand sanitizer will be conveniently located in all classrooms.
Face masks will be required for all faculty, staff, and students in classrooms and all areas on campus. Those in a room with a closed door will not have to wear a face covering.
Face shields are not required for general use, but provide added protection when combined with a face mask. A shield protects the entire face, is easy to clean, and prevents the person wearing it from touching his or her face. Face shields (alone) can be used by professors while teaching without a mask, but professors will wear a mask at all other times. Students are not permitted to ONLY wear a face shield, but can combine it with their face mask if they choose to do so.
The university is taking measures to help protect faculty, staff, and students who are at high risk for severe illness from COVID-19 or who are living with or caring for someone at high risk. University efforts include:
Philip Burns at pburns@richmont.edu