Siena College is preparing to welcome students back on campus this August.

The school announced Monday it will start classes two weeks earlier than usual on August 24, and wrap up everything, including finals and holiday break move-out, before Thanksgiving.

 

What You Need To Know


  • Siena College's campus is reopening for fall on August 24, earlier than previous years, and wrapping up semester before Thanksgiving

  • School has installed sanitizing stations and clear plastic sheeting in common areas around campus

  • School still finalizing plans, but expects to run in-person classes at half-capacity, alternating in-person and online attendance

  • Students will be expected to wear masks around campus and in common areas of residence halls

 

The campus is outfitted with sanitizing stations and clear plastic sheeting in common areas like the dining halls, and students will be expected to wear masks around campus and in residence halls.

While they're still finalizing plans, students will also be socially distancing in classrooms, and capacity for class size will likely be limited, with the class split in half and alternating taking a course in person and online.

Communications Director Lisa Witkowski says this isn't a decision the school took lightly.

"Our plan to reopen in person was approved unanimously by our Board of Trustees and overwhelmingly approved by our faculty," Witkowski said. "We also surveyed students and their parents about a month ago to see what their desires were for coming back to campus. More than 90 percent wanted to see an in-person on-campus experience."

Witkowski says they're still waiting on official state guidance ​about fall and winter sports, as well as what they may need to do if someone on campus tests positive for the coronavirus, but are hoping to finalize those plans soon.

BE INFORMED