Xavier University readies protocols for fall semester

 

“The decision to return to campus is driven by our collective knowledge that students learn, grow and benefit greatly from the in-person engagement with a committed faculty and classmates,” Verret wrote to students at the historically black college. 
    

To reduce the probability of the virus spreading on campus, Xavier’s leaders formulated “One Safe XULA” guidelines that involve wearing masks; practicing social distancing (with reduced class sizes, desks moved 6 feet apart in classrooms and clearly marked entry and exits from all buildings); unidirectional signage on pathways; proper personal hygiene, such as hand washing and sanitizing the surfaces of desks, dining tables and chairs used by students and faculty before and after each use; and quarantine facilities for students who test positive or have been exposed to COVID-19.
    

A daily check-in model online will also be employed in the fall where anyone coming on campus has a personal health check-in to ensure no one with symptoms comes to school.
    

“We have been in consultation with partners in public health, both locally and outside the region,” Verret said. “Our goal is to provide a significant measure of safety to all members of the community. … We are creating a learning and working environment to reduce the possibility/probability of transmission by means grounded in reliable and sound science.” 
    

Wearing masks and having individuals contribute to a sanitized campus are congruent with Xavier’s motto of “caring for others,” a tenet of St. Katharine Drexel, who founded the university and the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, Verret said. 
    

“You should not make yourself a danger to anyone else – you must mask; you must wash your hands; you must keep your social distance. You have to think of the other person, not just yourself,” Verret said. “I think we get lost in thinking of ourselves. In a public health emergency, you have to think of ‘not me’ but if you are endangering another person.”  
 

Financial impact
    

Verret, who is an immunologist and biochemist, said the university was preparing as early as January to address the virus. As needs arose, Xavier stepped up with measures such as: telemental health services for students and faculty experiencing emotional stress due to online learning or losing loves ones or friends to the coronavirus; free laptops and the creation of hot spots for digital connections, enabling faculty and students to access online learning; and financial help for students who lost jobs or housing or families struggling to pay tuition during the pandemic.
    

Verret said federal funds from the CARES Act made these adjustments possible. In addition, Xavier refunded $2.5 million to students for unused housing.
    

Part of the federal money was reserved for fall financial aid for incoming students whose families have financial challenges “so they come back to continue their education. 
    

“We do not want any of our students to interrupt their education due to financial needs,” he said.
 

Crisis discussions in January
    

Xavier was getting reports and started paying attention to the pandemic in China in January and began discussions with faculty to transform its campus to teaching online. One-on-one teacher training – called XULA/FLEX – for faculty needing help to effectively teach online began in February.
    

While Xavier taught online classes before COVID-19, more online classes will come in the fall, Dr. Verret said, with a goal that quality instruction is not diminished. Xavier also will ensure every student has a laptop.
    

“Our learning will shine,” he said. “We have a faculty that has our students’ backs and gives 110%. We are investing money over the summer so our faculty can take (virtual) training initiatives so they will be better in the fall.”
    

Housing was another concern. To reduce occupant density, the 1,300 total on-campus beds was reduced by half, causing Xavier to find 650 single-occupancy offsite hotel rooms or housing at UNO for returning students. 
    

Verret anticipates opening the fall semester on its original Aug. 17 start date. New student orientation will be online via webinars, followed by in-person visits with social-distancing protocols and masking.
    

Further protective measures include canceling fall break in October and ending instruction before Thanksgiving (to prevent illness from other states, and in case of a resurgence). Final exams and papers will be completed remotely.  
    

“We will protect and care for one another by our masking, social distancing and hygienic practice,” Verret said. “To do otherwise would not be worthy of a Xavierite, called to follow in the example of service of Mother Katharine. The return to campus will be a reaffirmation of our calling and our mission to serve one another and to show the way to the more just and humane society.”
    

Updated details can be found at: https://xula.edu/xavier-university-fall-return
    

Christine Bordelon can be reached at cbordelon@clarionherald.org.