Welcome to the first of a weekly series of videos that we will be creating throughout the summer, previewing our plans to bring our community back together in the safest, most responsible way for the fall semester.

Each video will feature a member of our Leadership Team, Pandemic Response Team, or Contingency Task Force - the three teams charged with developing and implementing scenarios for living and learning at Saint Joe’s in this time of COVID-19. They will explain the decisions that have been made in the previous week, and give you a preview of any changes you’ll experience when you return.

The videos and detailed FAQs will also be posted to the College website and social channels, so you can use them as a reference if you miss one or forget a few things.

Our approach to the fall term will be Vibrant, Trusting, and Responsive. Saint Joseph’s College is a community that lives our values, and looks out for each other. We believe that these qualities will ensure that our campus will remain vibrant despite safety precautions and changes. Our guidelines will be clear and designed to build trust, while remaining responsive as we “listen to the virus.” You will know what to expect before you arrive, and know when it’s time to do things differently. Just like life outside the college, there will be experiences on campus that are more rigidly controlled for our community’s safety.

Here are a few more things to know this week.

Welcome Back

  • Saint Joseph’s College will return to campus living and learning this fall. (We’re going to keep repeating this one, because we’re so excited to welcome everyone back.)
  • On-campus classes will begin on August 24th. Move-in will happen in stages over the previous week - more details will be forthcoming.

Dining

  • Lunch hours will be extended to 12 PM - 8 PM with no breaks, allowing students to come at different times and avoid crowding.
  • Tables will be arranged for 6-foot social distancing, and time in the dining hall will be limited to 20 minutes per person.
  • Ten people will be welcomed into the Pearson’s servery at a time, and we are eliminating buffet and self-service. All stations will have servers, to maximize health and safety.
  • Both Pearson’s and Baggot St. will offer pre-made and wrapped food to grab and go.
  • We will also offer to-go service - pre-order the night before and grab at off-times.
  • Entrances will change to keep doorways clear. The community will enter Pearson’s through the entrance near Xavier, and exit next to the freight farm.
  • We are actively looking for alternative and outdoor eating spaces.

Health

  • Screening and testing protocols will be available to all community members.
  • We will have expanded health care capacity on campus, including PPE, tests, and personnel.
  • We are committing traditional residential space to expand our Health Center footprint and temporary housing

Summer at SJC

  • Summer housing begins June 15th.
  • Certain facilities will be available to rent starting June 15th.
  • Camps will be open. They will follow CDC and Maine guidelines on camps, with specific considerations for certain sports and use of indoor facilities.
  • The Stone Barn will remain closed for the summer.
  • The lakefront is open, with social distancing guidelines in place. You must bring your own canoe or kayak.