Shawn Nowlin shawn.nowlin@ourvalley.org
On March 11,
Roanoke College posted information on its website regarding COVID-19. In part, it read, “As part of Roanoke College’s preparation and response, President Maxey has determined the best course of action is to suspend face-to-face meetings of classes. This plan is part of a wider public health strategy to ensure the safety of our campus and community at large. We believe this approach allows us to help protect the health of both the campus community and our neighbors, while ensuring that teaching and research can continue.”
While the campus is still open, all events are canceled and regular services are limited. Most students, except for those from other countries, have returned home. The plan is for in-person classes to resume on Monday, April 6.
Last Friday, the college was notified that the test results of one student who was checked for COVID-19 came in as negative. “While the test result is good news for the Roanoke College community, we all must continue to remain vigilant in preventing the spread of the virus,” said Director of Public Relations Teresa Gereaux.
In regards to residence halls remaining open, a college spokesperson said, “We recognize some students are not able to travel so a limited number will be allowed to stay if special circumstances exist. Students are encouraged to make a reasonable effort to remove all perishable or personal items of value. If that isn’t possible, they should take all essential items such as computers, chargers, class materials, insurance cards, medical IDs, medicine, passports and MaroonCards.”
All Roanoke College athletic competitions are canceled until the campus returns to in-person classes. Roanoke’s May Term travel classes and all international destinations have also been canceled.
An abrupt disruption of the semester seemed unfathomable when students and college personnel began the school year last spring.
Said a college spokesperson, “We know that families have sacrificed to make May travel experiences possible, and we are actively pursuing refunds from travel vendors for those whose trips have been canceled”
Alumni Weekend, originally scheduled to begin on April 17, has been canceled. At this point, it’s too early to tell whether the college commencement on May 2 will be postponed. “We will continue to monitor the situation and keep students, alumni and parents updated via our website and email. This suspension will not affect students’ academic records, and will not prevent anyone from graduating,” President Michael Maxey said.
For the most up to date information, visit https://www.roanoke.edu/covid19.
