We take seriously the health and well-being of our students and community members. We also know that part of our responsibility is to act in the best interest of all. For us, that means considering the impact on the communities our students are from, the impact on our students and employees themselves and our own campus community.
Letter from the President
Friends,
As we begin this new academic year amid COVID-19, this manual is prepared to provide parameters, policies and guidelines for how we will manage this pandemic together. It will help guide our community life taking into consideration the health and well-being of all students, staff, faculty, families and others who will enter our campus throughout the year. Our health and well-being must be a top priority for us this year.
As we continue to face this global pandemic together, I want to remind us to take seriously the health and well-being of each other by acting in the best interest of all. Our individual decisions and actions matter. Our members are from surrounding neighborhoods and across this country to countries around the world. Given this, our personal will impact communities near and far.
This manual contains a set of plans for the prevention and mitigation of COVID-19 during our academic year. It was created with broad input from staff, faculty and administrators in consultation with the Harvey County Health Department in Newton, Kansas. Due to the unpredictable nature of COVID-19, the contents of this manual is subject to change as new information becomes available. Please continually refer to our website for the latest information.
The plans in this manual will succeed if we are motivated out of care for each other and our community. I ask that each of us seeks to be kind, supportive and accountable as we respond to one another and change our collective behaviors. As we are well aware that our normal has changed. Maybe for forever. Realizing it will not be easy, let us seek a new normal together.
If you have concerns or questions about the health and safety measures put into place or concerns and questions about your personal health and safety, you should notify your manager or vice president immediately. Students or parents with concerns or questions should notify Deb Roth, Vice President of Student Life at deb.roth@hesston.edu, or call 620-327-8236.
In closing, I encourage you to take care of yourself, take care of each other, be safe, be smart, be kind.
Peace,
Joe Manickam, President
Contents
- Lark Commitment and screening questions
- Opening Weekend plans: Move in and Registration
- Academics – calendar, attendance/seating charts, face coverings, classroom disinfection adn seating capacities, student/faculty illness, hybrid courses, office hours/meetings
- Admissions – campus visits, open houses, counselor travel, ACT/SAT test optional
- Athletics – seasons of play, screening and use of athletic facilities, fitness room use, travel guidelines, athletic resonse to student athlete showing symptoms of COVID-19, spring semester planning
- Dining Services – dining space, weekday dining hours, Larks Nest, cleaning adn disinfection, quarantine dining protocol
- Supplies and Cleaning
- Student Life – Residential Students – general policies, face mask/covering policy, campus visitors, student travel, chapel/forum, mod parent program adjustments
- Illness Protocol for Dorming Students
2020-21 academic year
Hesston College’s top concern is for the health and well-being of all students, faculty, staff, family and others who will be on campus throughout the year.
To date, Hesston College’s rural location and small campus size has proved to be a benefit, and we are fortunate to be located in an area that has not been heavily impacted by coronavirus cases. As of June 29, according to the Harvey County Health Department, the county has had 40 cases of COVID-19 since March. Of the cases, 23 are active. Reporting on COVID-19 cases throughout the entire state of Kansas can be seen at the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. Even with a low number of cases locally, we take seriously and will comply with the guidelines put in place by federal, state and local governments and public health professionals.
FAQ/Guidance for students and families
HEERF Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students
Donations:
- Donations are currently being processed as they arrive. If further restrictions are implemented by state or federal government, online donations may be preferred as they can be processed and receipted right away. Donations sent by mail may have a longer processing time. Consider giving to the Protect the Larks campaign that will help cover unexpected costs due to COVID-19 during the 2020-21 year and beyond.