March 11 Update From President Hays

Dear Regis community,

The rapidly evolving COVID-19 outbreak has created unique challenges. As always, our highest priority is the health and safety of our community. After careful consideration of the guidance from federal, state and local health officials, Regis College has made the decision to transition from classroom to fully online instruction until further notice. At this time, we are not requiring students to vacate the residence halls, and the Weston campus will remain operational. Students may elect to leave campus and continue their education online from home. All residential students must complete our Residence Life Registration Form on the Adirondack Portal. Residential students will receive more information from Residence Life tomorrow. No decision has been made about Commencement at this time. We are continuing our athletic program for the time being, and are having ongoing conversations within our athletic league.

Please adhere to the following updated and previously announced guidelines until further notice:

• Classes will be offered solely online beginning Monday, March 16. Faculty have prepared for this potential scenario and will provide students with information specific to their courses. Thursday and Friday present an opportunity for both faculty and students to make any final preparations and consult with ITS and the Center for Instructional Innovation if assistance is required.
• Core services of the university which include, but are not limited to, library, police, dining, athletics, and health services will continue to operate on campus unless federal, state or local health officials direct us otherwise.
• Regis will cease to host and strongly discourages attendance at non-essential gatherings of 50 or more people and encourages the community to use virtual gatherings when feasible. Note: this is a change from previous guidance.
• Students should attend clinicals, fieldwork, research experiences, student teaching, or internships unless instructed otherwise by their placement site, Regis or your medical provider.
• Program directors will provide more specific information about clinicals shortly to our nursing and health sciences students. Since many students need these hours in order to graduate, if possible, please do not miss any of your hours at these sites. Please follow the instructions from your faculty member/clinical supervisor about any changes that have occurred due to COVID-19 preparation.
• Regis staff should continue to report to work under guidelines released March 11 from the Department of Human Resources (“Work Plan for Business Continuity”). Any individual concerns or circumstances should be discussed with your manager or human resources. Planning is underway should it become necessary for the university to continue its operations remotely, outside of essential staff.
• If you or a member of your household is sick or experiencing any flu-like symptoms, please do not come to any of the Regis campuses. If you are a Weston-based student, please contact Health Services by phone at 781.768.7290. If you are located at Regis North or are an online student, please seek medical care from your local healthcare provider.
• All Regis international travel is cancelled until further notice and the governor recommends avoiding personal international travel. Per Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, a 14-day self-quarantine period is required for all travelers from current Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Level 2 and 3 Travel Warning countries. Travelers from Level 2 or 3 countries should self-quarantine at their home or off-campus residence for 14 days, monitor their symptoms and contact Health Services before returning to any Regis facility.
• If you have not done so already, please complete a Travel Registry form for international travel since February 18, 2020, and any upcoming personal international travel. Providing travel information is a voluntary decision. Any information provided will be shared on a strict need-to-know basis for community health protection (e.g. disclosed to Regis College Health Services, the Center for Global Connections).

Regis facilities crews will continue extensive cleaning of high-touch surfaces in buildings and residence halls. We ask everyone to practice preventive measures including the following:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available
• Stay home when you are sick
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces

For high risk individuals (older adults and people with chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, lung disease and others) per the CDC it is extra important for you to take actions to reduce your risk of getting sick. Read more on the CDC's COVID-19 page.

These decisions are not made lightly; as you know a core value of our institution is love and care of the dear neighbor. We will continue to follow the guidance of local, state and federal health officials in an effort to protect the health and well-being of our valued students, faculty and staff.

Thank you to our students and families for your patience as we continue to navigate this challenging situation. And thank you to our faculty and staff for your flexibility and dedication to our students. We will continue to post updates and public health resources on our COVID-19 (coronavirus) Information page.

Sincerely,

Antoinette M. Hays, PhD, RN