Masks Required, Visitors Restricted On Wheaton's Norton Campus

NORTON, MA — While most students are expected back on Wheaton College's Norton campus when classes resume next month, the classes themselves will look a lot different amid the coronavirus health emergency.

Visitors will be restricted or prohibited, student housing will be reconfigured, and many classes will be held remotely with students getting together for small discussion groups, as part of the school's plan to provide a campus experience while keeping students, staff and the Norton community as healthy as possible.

"In the current environment, we all know that bringing people back together will require significant adjustments to what normally happens on campus," Wheaton College President Dennis Hanno said in a letter to the school community. "At its core, our plan for returning to campus is focused on the safety and well-being of all members of our campus community. While we know this will change the campus environment, it really is about prioritizing health and safety for all."

Students who cannot return to campus, or who do not feel comfortable being on campus, will be able to take courses remotely.

The fall calendar has been adjusted where classes will be held on Labor Day and during traditional fall break in October, then will conclude prior to Thanksgiving. Finals will be taken remotely after Thanksgiving.

Due to the shorter semester, students living on campus will receive a one-time $500 room and board credit. Those living off campus will have their merit aid applied to their tuition.

"While it is unreasonable to assume that we can entirely eliminate the risk of student, faculty or staff exposure to the COVID-19 disease, we are confident that our strategy is comprehensive and informed by the best public health information and guidance currently available," Hanno said. "Our knowledge and understanding of the COVID-19 virus continues to evolve, and as such our policies and procedures are subject to change based on new guidance and public health information."

As part of the return-to-campus plan, faculty, staff and students will be expected to maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet whenever possible. Masks are expected to be worn at all times when in the presence of others.

Students will be tested for coronavirus upon returning to campus and both students and faculty, staff and students will be asked self-monitor for any signs of symptoms through a college-provided screening tool each day.

Hanno said the college is partnering with the Norton Board of Health and Sturdy Hospital to create a COVID-19 public health advisory group to advise the school of any coronavirus-related issues that may impact the college this fall.

The hybrid tutorial model allows for students a combination of virtual classes and smaller in-person discussions.

"These discussions can be in person, here on campus, or students may join them remotely," Hanno said. "This ensures that all students will experience Wheaton's small class environment and close personal contact with faculty in every course."

Hanno said he expects most courses will have some component of on-campus instruction, while some courses will be entirely remote.

Visitors and guests will generally be restricted from campus buildings, including residence halls, offices, and other campus facilities, unless as part of an official college tour or with prior approval.

For returning students, these changes will mean that the recent room selection process will need to be revisited. New student housing will largely remain the same.

Dining will be adjusted to include increased cleaning, adjusted capacity of dining halls, more "grab-and-go" options and the elimination of buffet-style meals.

Student clubs will be encouraged to meet remotely and events will be limited in in-person attendance.

The school's intercollegiate athletics protocol will be determined according to New England Men's and Women's Athletic Conference guidelines, and state input, to be determined this summer.

"For our returning students, we know that you will not be coming back to a Wheaton campus that looks exactly the same as it was when you left," Hanno said. "And for those that are new to our community, your experiences may be different from what you may have expected when you first embarked on your college search. But despite these changes, the core of Wheaton — our connected and supportive community — remains and we will strive to deliver on our distinctive and personal educational experience."

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