Union family,
Now that spring has officially arrived, we all seem to have a new bounce in our steps as we enjoy the warmer weather, the early blooms and we look forward to graduation and the summer.
But what about next school year? What will next fall be like at Union College?
We are committed to an in-person campus experience in the fall, and we hope to return to as close to “normal” as possible—much like we were prior to the pandemic. While none of us can foresee the future, our fall plans are based on the assumption that everyone in our campus community who chooses to be vaccinated will be by then.
We plan to operate our classrooms at full capacity and all classes will be taught in person. Dining services will return to normal and we plan to hold regular campus events, return to regular varsity athletic activities and reinstitute travel for campus groups.
Naturally, we will be responsive to any locally directed health measures should new threats from the pandemic arise in the fall, and we will adjust as needed to ensure the safety of our community. We will determine whether face masks will be required next fall in coordination with local public health officials. We also plan to maintain a few residential hall rooms for isolation in case that is needed.
We will continue to solidify plans for the fall semester throughout the spring and summer, and we will communicate key information as it becomes available. But we wanted you to know our goals so you can plan accordingly. If you’re curious about the schedule for next fall, you can view it here.
Thank you for each playing a role in keeping our campus safe during this crisis. The pandemic is definitely not over yet, but because our campus and community took the threat seriously, we are now able to see light at the end of the tunnel.
God has kept his promise to protect us this school year and we believe He will continue to watch over us. As the psalmist said, “The Lord will . . . watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” (Psalm 121:7-8 NIV)
Please continue to wear your masks this semester. And please consider taking the vaccine when it becomes available to you. Those continue to be our two best tools to crush the coronavirus.
Blessings to you,
Vinita Sauder
President, Union College
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