Bryant Welcomes Back Some Employees, Staff Starting Monday

SMITHFIELD, RI — Bryant University will welcome back some faculty staff and student employees on Monday as the school prepares to resume on-campus classes and student residences this fall.

Bryant University President Ron Machtley said the school will "start the process of returning to normalcy" on Monday, and work within the state's reopening guidelines as the campus comes back to life after closing amid the coronavirus health emergency in March.

"We are all looking forward to beginning to interact with each other in person on campus once again, but this needs to be done in such a way as to help ensure the health and safety of all community members," Machtley said in a letter to the school community. "Thank you for your patience, understanding and cooperation as we phase in our return to campus."

Only staff who have been approved to return to campus by division heads or department heads as part of the phased re-opening will be allowed on campus on Monday. Those not on the list permitted to work will not be allowed on campus to maintain capacity limits.

Those returning may have staggered start times to reduce traffic volume and deep cleaning of high-touch surfaces will take place. The school said offices will be disinfected using an electrostatic spray system. Faculty and staff are advised to follow CDC guidelines when it comes to hand washing, social distancing and staying home with any symptoms of illness.

Faculty and staff will self-certify, on a daily basis, that they have no COVID-19 symptoms or risk factors using a Health Checker Bryant University app for this purpose. Campus access will not be granted without proper completion of this step, which should be completed before employees leave their homes to travel to campus. Face masks should be worn in all common areas where it is difficult to maintain 6 feet of distance.

Bryant said it will provide three face masks per employee and gloves for those with frequent customer contact. Employees are asked to wear their own mask to campus on their first day back.

Some employees may be relocated from their offices to maintain social distance, and should plan to take work home to work remotely at any time. There will be capacity limits for meeting rooms and other common areas, with remote meetings advised even if staff if on campus.

There will be limited dining options with breaks times staggered. Staff with an office will be asked to eat lunch in that office. Modified walking patterns have been instituted in some buildings. Employees will be asked to clean their own space and empty their own trash in a common area so the custodial staff can concentrate on greater sanitizing projects.

Employees will be asked to keep a journal of visited spaces and staff during the day.

Campus visitors will be limited. Students should only come on campus when approved to do so.