SACRAMENTAL LIFE
» We will make use of a larger space such as the Student Union Ballroom and O’Bryan Performance Hall for campus liturgies. » We will expand the number of outdoor liturgies when needed for larger groups. » Adoration will have a safe, limited, capacity. » All adjustments will be in coordination with diocesan regulations. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis
semester will begin on Monday, August 24 as originally scheduled. Here are some preparations and precautions we are planning for the fall:
ACADEMICS
» To reduce traffic in traditional academic halls, we will multiply the number of class locations. » All classrooms will have hand sanitizers which must be used before entering and upon departure. » We will seek to use technology to facilitate student access to faculty. » Fall break, which was scheduled to take place on October 15 and 16 (Thursday and Friday) will be canceled and classes will be held on these days. » Classes on Monday and Tuesday of Thanksgiving week will be canceled. » The last day of in-person classes for the fall semester will take place on the Friday before Thanksgiving week (November 20). » Classes will resume exclusively online the Monday after Thanksgiving (November 30) for one week and final exams will take place online the week of December 7-11.
SANITIZATION
» We have purchased a professional electrostatic backpack sprayer to disinfect all surfaces. It has a virus kill time of less than three minutes. Collier County school systems (48,000 students) just purchased this same unit » We will continue the process of pressure-washing bathrooms using a disinfectant. We have done this since the outbreak of COVID-19 » We hired a private cleaning company to wipe all door handles nightly. » We will steam-clean and sterilize all dorm hallway carpets, dorm rooms, classrooms, common areas, and stairwells.
HEALTH
» We have formed a Healthcare Advisory Board comprised of medical personnel to advise President Ice on all health, safety, and logistical measures. » We will arrange ongoing COVID-19 testing options. » Every student will be provided a return to campus wellness check. » Personalized plans will be developed for students with underlying health
ave ma r ia maga z i ne | ave ma r ia.edu
stations, social distancing cones, and receiving in the hand, which made for a successful and safe distribution. Weathering the storm is nothing new for Ave Maria University. We follow the Blessed Mother’s example of prevailing in faith through trial and adversity. Recall that just three years ago, during Hurricane Irma, Ave Maria University sheltered in place and returned to classes quicker than any of our neighboring institutions. These facts should comfort fears. While we are certainly not overlooking the threat or health implications derived from this pandemic, we share in the resolve of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis who said, “The only thing we have to fear is letting fear overwhelm our sense of purpose and determination.” The students love Ave Maria University, and it is because of them we are determined to return to a vibrant campus life. This will demand we apply different approaches and precautions when students return. These precautions will coordinate with the Center for Disease Control and Florida Department of Health guidelines. We are devoted to following the recommended best health practices surrounding COVID-19. New and Returning student arrivals will be staggered. Orientation will also take place in smaller groups to allow for less crowding and proper distancing. The fall
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