Coronavirus (COVID-19) Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I learn more about COVID-19?

In addition to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) site and COVID-19 FAQ, a number of sites have updated resources for those who want to learn more about COVID-19, including:

National Association of International Educators (NAFSA)
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
World Health Organization (WHO)
US Department of State
European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)
Ledge Light Health District
Coronavirus Global Cases

How can I help?

The Student Emergency Fund has been deployed to address student needs such as travel, housing, lost student wages and more as the Connecticut College community responds to the ongoing global public health crisis surrounding COVID-19. This fund provides the Dean of the College with the flexibility and resources necessary to address student hardships as they arise. If you would like to make a gift to the Student Emergency Fund please visit our online giving page.

How is Connecticut College responding to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19 outbreak?

College officials have been working in consultation with federal, state and local health and government agencies and other colleges and universities to respond. The College is following the guidelines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control for any affected regions and countries.

We moved to remote modes of instruction beginning Wednesday, March 25. All spring-semester classes—through finals—will be completed remotely.

Students studying abroad have all safely returned to the United States.

The College is reducing on-campus presence of staff and faculty by asking all but critical employees to work remotely until further notice.

Have any Conn students been exposed to COVID-19?

Currently, there are just a small number of students and critical staff on campus, and none have become ill as a result of exposure to COVID-19. Due to the changing nature of this situation, however, we do expect that members of the College community will be affected. We will assist health officials and offer support in any way we can should we become aware of other cases.

How is Conn advising the campus community to reduce the risk of exposure?

In regular communications sent to the campus community, as well as a dedicated website, the College is providing information about the COVID-19 outbreak, along with recommendations on how to recognize symptoms and prevent exposure.

Can masks protect against COVID-19?

New guidance from the CDC  is that people should wear cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (i.e. grocery stores and pharmacies) especially in areas of significant community-based transmission. CDC is additionally advising the use of cloth face coverings to stop the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others.

The cloth face coverings recommended are not surgical masks or N95 respirators. These are supplies that must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders. It is important to note that cloth face coverings do not replace social distancing, but are complementary to additional measures to stop the spread of COVID-19.

If a person is asymptomatic then the following guidance is recommended in order to help prevent infection:

• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds to avoid spreading any virus to others, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

• Cover coughs and sneezes in your elbow or sleeve, not your hand, to keep germs from spreading.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

• Avoid sharing drinks, food, cigarettes or vaping products.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

• Clean high touch areas such as doorknobs, railings, phones and computers as often as possible. Using cleaning products or soap and water will most likely kill the virus.

• If you feel unwell, stay at home in order to protect yourself and other people. If symptoms are consistent with COVID-19, follow your local department of health guidance on how and where to receive medical attention.

• If you share a living space with someone who is sick, try to stay at least six feet away to prevent exposure.

What support is available to students, faculty and staff?

The circumstances related to COVID-19 can be upsetting and unsettling for members of our community. There are many people who can offer support to campus community members. Students should be in touch with class deans and the offices of Residential Education and Living (REAL) and of Religious and Spiritual Programs. Faculty and staff are encouraged to use the Employee Assistance Program.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

For confirmed COVID-19 cases, reported illnesses have ranged from mild to severe, including illness resulting in death. For confirmed COVID-19 cases, reported illnesses have ranged from mild to severe, including illness resulting in death. Symptoms can include: chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell, fever, cough and shortness of breath. More details are available on the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) site.

What steps is Conn taking to keep the campus healthy?

The College is operating on a mostly remote basis with only critical staff working on campus to support a small number of students. The College’s Emergency Response Team (CERT) is meeting regularly to respond to this evolving situation. The team is consulting with local health and government officials, colleagues at other institutions and colleagues across the College in developing campus response plans. All of this work is being done in close consultation with President Bergeron and the senior administration.

We are updating the COVID-19 website regularly with the most up-to-date information, communications and resources available.

What are Conn's long-term plans for responding to this situation?

As the situation evolves, our Emergency Response Team is continuing to monitor and develop plans for any potential impact to upcoming College events and programs planned over the next several months and over the summer. All in-person events have been canceled through the end of the semester and we will continue to evaluate future events scheduled for after that time.

Will the Arboretum be closed?

All parts of the Arboretum are open daily from dawn to dusk aside from Caroline Black Garden. Arboretum programs are postponed through June 30. (New dates for programs will be announced at a later time). Please follow all suggested CDC guidelines and social distancing precautions when visiting.

Are visitors allowed in the Caroline Black Garden?

At this time, we are limiting access to the Caroline Black Garden to reduce physical contact to help limit the spread of COVID-19. The Arboretum is working to develop a strategy to reopen Caroline Black Garden in late spring when sanitation protocol can be implemented.

What safety measures are in place for visitors to the Arboretum?

For the safety of our visitors, an emergency phone is located at Buck Lodge and an emergency number is posted in the kiosk at the entrance to the Arboretum. Arboretum staff is regularly working throughout the Arboretum and will communicate with Campus Safety, the New London Police Department and Arboretum administrators if issues are observed or arise.

Will the Child Development Lab School be closed for the semester?

The Child Development Lab School is closed until further notice.

Is the campus post office open?

Yes. The campus post office will be open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, with open window hours from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. If you are expecting mail or need mail forwarded, please email jteel@conncoll.edu or call (860) 439-2371 between 8:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.

I am an employee with authorization to come to campus but I had contact with someone who has symptoms or tested positive for COVID-19. What should I do?

You should notify your department head of your situation and remain off campus for 14 days after your last contact with the person who tested positive. If that person is a member of your household, you must not return to campus for 14 days after the person has been deemed no longer infectious.

What should I do if I experience symptoms after being exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19?

You should isolate at home, call your medical provider to be tested and monitor your temperature at least daily. You should continue to isolate yourself and follow CDC and Ledge Light Health District guidance.

I am an employee with authorization to be on campus but I had symptoms or tested positive for COVID-19. When can I return to campus?

You need to remain home for at least seven days from the onset of symptoms and three days after your fever is completely gone and your respiratory symptoms are better before returning to campus. This decision should be made in consultation with your healthcare provider. You also should inform your supervisor.

Academic Questions Related to Remote Instruction

General

Will there be a Commencement ceremony for the Class of 2020?

Yes. We will hold in-person Commencement exercises next year, on May 30, 2021, during Memorial Day weekend.

How can I request an official transcript?

Information about how to request an official transcript can be found on the Registrar’s Office site

Remote Instruction

What if I don’t have the technological support or equipment at home to participate in alternative modes of learning?

If you have inadequate Internet access at home, please let your class dean know right away.

How will labs and performances required for credit be completed?

Faculty instructors are working on modifications and alternatives for laboratory and performance work. Please inquire directly with your course instructor.

How will the College support my need for library resources to complete assignments?

If you do not have access to necessary library resources to complete assignments, please alert your faculty member for the relevant course. Charles E. Shain Library staff continue to assist students and faculty in any way they can while working remotely. Faculty may request assistance with additional readings available via online platforms through the spring semester.

Will the libraries remain open?

Shain and Greer Libraries are closed. Staff continue to be available via phone or teleconference to answer questions and provide training.

What should I do about my rental textbooks?

Please use them for remote learning. Given the quick-changing nature of this semester, Follet will be making determinations about returns in the future, and you will receive a notification.

If I become sick and cannot complete coursework on time, what is the policy and procedure for requesting an Incomplete?

Students should contact both their instructor and class dean. The Incomplete Form needs to be completed by student and instructor, then sent to the class dean for final processing.

If I need a medical leave for any reason, what is the process?

Students who may become sick or require a medical leave should contact their class dean and Student Health and Counseling Services.

Academic Support Services

Will tutoring continue through the Academic Resource Center? (Both group and one-on-one)?

Yes. Individual tutoring is continuing through Google Hangout. Individual tutors are making arrangements with their tutees. Group tutoring will follow the existing schedule, but modifications will be made to accommodate time zone differences. 

Will meetings with learning specialists at the Academic Resource Center continue?

Yes, meetings with learning specialists will continue to work with students remotely  

Will the Roth Writing Center remain open?

Online appointments with Writing Center tutors are available by appointment using this form.

For further information or to schedule an appointment in the ARC or the Writing Center, please use this form.

Will I continue to receive my academic accommodations? If I have questions about my accommodations granted from Student Accessibility Services, whom should I contact?

Students are able to use their approved academic accommodations while taking classes remotely.

It is anticipated that extended time for tests and quizzes and alternate-format (i.e., digitally accessible) text will be the two most commonly used accommodations for remote classes. Should you have online tests or quizzes through Moodle, your professor is able to adjust the time you are allotted based on your accommodation. Please remember that you are under the Honor Code for monitoring your extended time for tests and quizzes that are not taken online and/or do not have a “turn off” time.

Any resource posted online by your professor should be in a format that is readable by your Digital Reader Program. Should you find a resource that is inaccessible, please contact your professor, Student Accessibility Services at sas@conncoll.edu and Diane Creede, assistant director for instructional technology, at decre@conncoll.edu. If you have any questions or concerns about your accommodations, contact the Office of Student Accessibility Services at 860-439-5428 or email sas@conncoll.edu.

Is the campus bookstore open?

Yes. A store manager is available between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Monday through Thursday via phone at (860) 439-2375. Currently, the bookstore’s first priority is to ensure the campus community has textbooks and other essential items. 

The bookstore’s website remains open and is offering free shipping on all items with no minimum purchase. This includes formats of course materials, supplies, apparel, technology and more. Additionally, the campus store is offering free shipping return labels and is extending the non-return period without penalty to assist with increased returns by mail. Click the COVID-19 message on the bookstore homepage for more information. 

When are textbook rentals due? 

Typically, textbook rentals are due back to the bookstore by Commencement on May 17. The grace period has been extended to June 2. Free shipping labels are available to all U.S. rental patrons until midnight of the due date (June 2). 

What other resources are available?

Visit the bookstore’s website to gain access to eBooks at no additional charge with .edu email address. Each student can access up to seven eBooks for the designated period free of charge. 

If a member of the Connecticut College community is diagnosed with COVID-19 will their identity be revealed?

If a member of the College community contracts the COVID-19 virus, the College will take significant measures to protect that information, and no personally identifiable information will be shared.

Has the College taken into consideration how the decision to move to remote instruction could disproportionately impact students based on their personal identities and needs?

Yes. As an equity-minded institution, Connecticut College has been working with special populations to ensure they are adequately supported through this difficult time. For example, students with academic accommodations are supported in making the appropriate adjustments to utilize new online learning platforms. International students and those who live far from campus received extra support to help make the transition off campus or to receive special services on campus. Students who cannot afford to leave campus were given financial resources for travel or encouraged to petition to remain in campus housing for the immediate near term. We are taking an individualized approach to working with students to meet their particular needs. If you have specific questions or concerns about the College’s support for particular populations or ideas to share with the administration, please send them to us atdiei@conncoll.edu.

I am concerned about the ways international students, particularly people of Asian or Asian American heritage and/or people from severely affected countries, are being treated by members of the Connecticut College community. What can I do about this?

Connecticut College strongly denounces such behaviors and asks all members to challenge ourselves and others not to make harmful assumptions or inferences about others’ health based on their racial or ethnic identities. Wherever you may be during this challenging time, we hope you’ll reflect the College’s values and work to prevent the spread of racism and xenophobia in that locale. Whether you are on or off campus, we encourage members of the community to report any incidents of bias that you may witness or personally experience using the Bias Incident Reporting Form on CamelWeb.

VISITING CAMPUS

Is Conn open for campus visits, tours, information sessions and open houses?

Right now, the only visitors allowed on campus are those who are taking driving tours and agree to remain in their vehicles. However, there are many ways to learn more about Conn online, including information sessions and other events. Check out your options here.

When will the campus reopen to all other visitors?

We continue to monitor the worldwide spread of COVID-19 as well as the directives of the World Health Organization, the Centers for Disease Control, and federal and state governments. We will reopen to visitors as soon as it is safe to do so. To receive an email with the date on which we’ll reopen and other information about the College, complete this form.

FOR PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS and APPLICANTS

Will Conn representatives visit my high school this fall?

No. In order to help limit the spread of COVID-19, our admission counselors will not be traveling or visiting high schools. However, they will be making virtual visits—check in with your school to see if Conn is coming your way. You can visit us virtually, too. We’re hosting online information sessions for everyone and online interviews for high school seniors. Our Fall Open House will be completely online this year, and our counselors have filmed short, informative videos that provide a lot of detail about Conn and our admission process. All of your virtual visit options can be found here. If you have specific questions, contact the counselor for your area and reach out by phone or email. And you can complete this form to receive news and information about Conn.

Will Conn host any events for prospective  students?

Yes! We're hosting online information sessions every week, two separate Fall Open Houses and a new two-day social justice event. We also host online group visits for your high school or community-based organization. And if you’re a high school senior, you can sign up for an online one-on-one interview with an admission representative. See all your options and sign up to hear about other opportunities we’ll create for your online college search!

What if standardized test(s) are impacted again this year? Will this impact my application/admission?

If you weren't able to take (or re-take) the SAT or ACT, it won't affect your application as Conn is test-optional!

What if AP tests are impacted again this year?

Any changes to Advanced Placement testing will not alter the way we evaluate your scores.

My school may institute Pass/Fail grading in some courses. Will that affect my application?

We know that Pass/Fail grading is necessary at some schools and in some courses, so Conn will not discredit any of your grades in that format.

Did a lot of members of Conn’s Class of 2024 choose to defer their enrollment? If so, will you be admitting fewer students to the Class of 2025?

We saw an increased number of students from the Class of 2024 electing to defer, but we do not expect this to have an impact on our admission practices or the number of students we admit in the Class of 2025.

Because of COVID-19, I’m not able to play sports or meet with clubs. Does that negatively affect my application?

Of course we like to see active and engaged students, and if it's possible to participate in extracurricular activities remotely, we encourage it. But we certainly take the pandemic into context when reviewing the activities you include on your application.

I’ve heard about demonstrated interest. What does that mean and how can I do it during the pandemic?

Demonstrated interest just means we know you're giving serious consideration to Conn. Right now, there's no better way to show that than by signing up for online information sessions and interviews, contacting the admission counselor for your area, and participating in our virtual admission events, such as Fall Open House and Social Justice Week. Again, you can find all your options here.

What advice does Conn have for newly admitted international students planning to enroll in Fall 2020?

The College is continuing to monitor the situation and is working closely with the Dean of Admission and Financial Aid to ensure that admitted students are updated with the latest information available.

We are aware that TOEFL testing centers in some countries have been temporarily closed due to the Coronavirus. Plans are underway by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) to introduce a secure TOEFL testing solution that will allow students in some areas that have been affected by the virus to take the test from home, prior to test centers reopening for regular testing.

More information will be posted as soon as it becomes available. Specific questions should be directed to the Dean of Admission and Financial Aid.

How can I adapt my courses to remote instruction?

Visit the Resources for Academic Continuity online guide for a list of technology tools available: https://conncoll.libguides.com/academiccontinuity.

Will the academic calendar change?

No, we are adhering to the published academic calendar.

Some of my students may now be living on campus. May I provide group or individual instruction to them?

No. We have shifted to remote instruction in order to minimize contact and impede the spread of the virus.

Will I be able to access my office/lab space on campus during the period of remote instruction?

The College is reducing on-campus presence of staff and faculty by asking as many employees as possible to work remotely until further notice. We ask everyone who needs to come to campus in the coming days to be rigorous in following CDC protocols on social distancing.

Will we still hold the April and May meetings for chairs and directors of academic programs?

There will be no in-person meetings, but we are working on a format for communication with chairs and directors.

How will committees continue their work?

The work of committees is essential shared governance. Faculty leadership and senior administrators are considering options.

How will students access materials placed on reserve?

The Charles E. Shain Library's Access Services staff is organizing a process to make course reserves material available to students who need it.

Can I still take a trip using College funds?

All College-sponsored/funded travel has been suspended until further notice.

Will I lose College funding now that I had to cancel a trip related to professional development?

If you have had to cancel such a trip that would have been supported by RFJ or Research Matters, please contact Jeanette Barret-Hall (jbarrett@conncoll.edu). If you have an endowed chair, the funds will remain in your account.

My canceled trip was nonrefundable. May I still submit for reimbursement?

If your trip was canceled due to coronavirus-related travel or College restrictions, you will be able submit reimbursement requests for canceled transactions.

As my conference trip has been postponed, can I use some of my awarded funding to support my remote teaching from home?

Yes, up to $200. For larger sums, contact Associate Dean of the Faculty Anne Bernhard or Dean of the Faculty Jeff Cole for approval.

Can I use some of my startup funding to set up my home office?

Yes, up to $200. For larger sums, contact Associate Dean of the Faculty Anne Bernhard or Dean of the Faculty Jeff Cole for approval.

What if an employee has a family member who is sick with COVID-19?

Employees who share a home with someone who is diagnosed with COVID-19 should follow the precautions recommended by the CDC and review the CDC guidance for how to conduct a risk assessment of their potential exposure. They should monitor their own health for symptoms of the virus and follow the guidance of their health care provider or public health officials.

If I am planning to travel to a conference, should I cancel that travel?

Yes. At this time all College-sponsored travel is suspended.

How can I access administrative technology resources, such as Banner, when I am off campus?

You will need to connect using a VPN (virtual private network). If you are using a College-owned computer, the VPN client should be installed on your machine. If you have questions or need to install the VPN client, visit the Information Services, VPN website for more information.

My job requires me to talk on the phone. How can I forward my office phone to my cell/home phone?

You have access to the web-based Cisco Connecticut College “self-care portal” that enables you to manage your phone online from on or off campus. You can log in with your Connecticut College username and password.

I’m trying to access the College systems from my home but I keep getting messages about DUO. What do I need to do?

Connecticut College uses DUO, a multi-factor authentication (MFA) control, for off-campus access to College systems. This applies to all students, faculty and staff. To learn about MFA and how to install DUO, visit the MFA website.

How do we get accounts payable payments processed now that we are working remotely?

Please forward the invoice or request for payment with supporting documentation and appropriate account codes to your department head. Your department head will in turn forward to accountspayable@conncoll.edu, and this will serve as their approval for the payment to be processed by the accounting office.

How should faculty and staff handle the purchase of standard, critical and emergency supplies when needed to work from home or conduct teaching and instruction during the COVID-19 crisis?

Purchases with suppliers already enabled in CTW OneSource (eMarketplace) must still be purchased through the platform. In an effort to facilitate the shipping of critical and emergency supplies from any supplier currently in CTW OneSouce (in particular, Amazon Business), email Director of Purchasing Christopher Rust at crust@conncoll.edu with your specified ship-to address so he can temporarily add the addresses for use during the current COVID-19 crisis. 

As with all purchases in CTW OneSource the already established Approval Workflow process will continue to be used. Supplies being ordered must support the online instruction of Connecticut College students, support requests from faculty for necessary and required supplies and/or provide critical assistance for staff working from home. Please be sure to use the activity code 1219 for supplies directly related to COVID-19.

May I use my P-card to make other purchases outside of the eMarketplace so they can be delivered to home addresses during the remote instruction/remote working period?

During the COVID-19 crisis, orders can be shipped to a non-campus address. With approval from department heads or budget managers, purchases from non-CTW OneSource-enabled suppliers can be made in the traditional manner on a supplier's B2B (Business-to-Business) website and charged appropriately using the College-issued Purchasing Card. Please exercise particular CAUTION when purchasing since we are learning of “Excessive Shipping Charges” being applied to regularly priced goods.

Will I need to wear a mask on campus?

To ensure compliance with Governor Lamont’s latest statewide order, the College is requiring all faculty and staff working on campus to wear a facemask or other cloth material covering the mouth and nose. Masks should be worn at all times with the exception of when an employee is working alone in an enclosed office or during breaks for eating and drinking while social distancing is maintained. All non-critical employees who come to campus with prior authorization must bring and wear their own face mask. Those working outdoors in open spaces are not required to wear a mask if they are able to stay within six feet of others.

What if a staff member is sick with COVID-19 symptoms but does not have enough sick or vacation time available?

We have created a new COVID-19 leave bank, with up to 10 days of additional paid leave available for benefits-eligible staff who under certain conditions related to COVID-19 find themselves unable to perform their job responsibilities. Details about those conditions and about how staff may draw on this leave bank, as well as other sick and vacation leave, can be found in the COVID-19 leave policy, located in CamelWeb. After logging in, you can find this policy under the HR/Finance tab (Employee Handbook/Leave Benefits). Please note that the new COVID-19 leave bank replaces the sick leave guidance that was sent to all staff on March 12. 

What happens if I am not able to complete my work remotely?

If no work opportunities are available, staff will be placed into a new status of “on reserve.” During this time, they will receive 40 percent of their normal pay along with benefits, if eligible. Individual staff will be informed by their supervisor and more information is available in CamelWeb and clicking on the HR/Finance tab (Employee Handbook/Salary and Wage Policy).

These commitments will remain in place through mid April, at which point we will reassess our needs and resources. They may be adjusted if the public emergency extends far beyond the next month.

What if an employee has a serious health condition and/or compromised immunity?

Employees who have concerns about their personal health should discuss those concerns with their healthcare provider. If their healthcare provider indicates that they should not report to work, they may request a workplace accommodation by contacting HumanResources@ConnColl.edu.

If I am planning to travel to a conference, should I cancel that travel?

Yes. At this time all College-sponsored travel is suspended.

How can I access administrative technology resources, such as Banner, when I am off campus?

You will need to connect using a VPN (virtual private network). If you are using a College-owned computer, the VPN client should be installed on your machine. If you have questions or need to install the VPN client, visit the Information Services, VPN website for more information.

My job requires me to talk on the phone. How can I forward my office phone to my cell/home phone?

You have access to the web-based Cisco Connecticut College “self-care portal” that enables you to manage your phone online from on or off campus. You can log in with your Connecticut College username and password..

I’m trying to access the College systems from my home but I keep getting messages about DUO. What do I need to do?

Connecticut College uses DUO, a multi-factor authentication (MFA) control, for off-campus access to College systems. This applies to all students, faculty and staff.  To learn about MFA and how to install DUO, visit the MFA website.

How do we get accounts payable payments processed now that we are working remotely?

Please forward the invoice or request for payment with supporting documentation and appropriate account codes to your department head. Your department head will in turn forward to accountspayable@conncoll.edu, this will serve as their approval for the payment to be processed by the accounting office.

How should staff handle the purchase of standard, critical and emergency supplies when needed to work from home or conduct teaching and instruction during the COVID-19 crisis?

Purchases with suppliers already enabled in CTW OneSource (eMarketplace) must still be purchased through the platform. In an effort to facilitate the shipping of critical and emergency supplies from any supplier currently in CTW OneSouce (in particular, Amazon Business), email Director of Purchasing Christopher Rust at crust@conncoll.edu with your specified ship-to address so he can temporarily add the addresses for use during the current COVID-19 crisis. 

As with all purchases in CTW OneSource the already established Approval Workflow process will continue to be used. Supplies being ordered must support the online instruction of Connecticut College students, support requests from faculty for necessary and required supplies and/or provide critical assistance for staff working from home. Please be sure to use the activity code 1219 for supplies directly related to COVID-19.

May I use my P-card to make other purchases outside of the eMarketplace so they can be delivered to home addresses during the remote instruction/remote working period?

During the COVID-19 crisis, orders can be shipped to a non-campus address. With approval from department heads or budget managers, purchases from non-CTW OneSource-enabled suppliers can be made in the traditional manner on a supplier's B2B (Business-to-Business) website and charged appropriately using the College-issued Purchasing Card. Please exercise particular CAUTION when purchasing since we are learning of "Excessive Shipping Charges" being applied to regularly priced goods.

Will I need to wear a mask on campus?

To ensure compliance with Governor Lamont’s latest statewide order, the College is requiring all faculty and staff working on campus to wear a facemask or other cloth material covering the mouth and nose. Masks should be worn at all times with the exception of when an employee is working alone in an enclosed office or during breaks for eating and drinking while social distancing is maintained. All non-critical employees who come to campus with prior authorization must bring and wear their own face mask. Those working outdoors in open spaces are not required to wear a mask if they are able to stay within six feet of others.

Will I be reimbursed for room and board?

Yes. The College is working on a formula for reimbursing seniors and crediting undergraduates on their student accounts. A communication will be sent to all students in the coming week.

Can I come back to Conn to visit my friends who remain on campus?

No. The College will let students know when and if they can return to campus to visit.

Will the Study Away program be available this fall?

Due to the rapidly changing global situation surrounding COVID-19, the College has canceled the Study Away program for Fall 2020. Students should consult with their academic adviser (s) to discuss options regarding deferment to a future semester, refunds and their fall classes.

How will the Coronavirus impact summer plans for students, faculty or staff?

Students who are planning to travel out of the country this summer for internships or as part of an academic program should consider alternate arrangements in the event those programs are canceled due to travel and health advisories. Students should be in touch with the office or department that is advising them on the internship or academic program to discuss the various options. Students who live in countries classified as CDC Warning Level 2 or Warning Level 3 for summer break should contact Associate Dean of the College and International Student Adviser Carmela Patton to discuss the possible impact and options available.

Faculty and staff who are planning personal travel out of the country this summer should take travel and health advisories under advisement when making plans. The College requires all faculty, staff and students planning work or personal travel abroad to fill out the International Travel Plans form for the foreseeable future. The information provided is private and will only be shared with those who need to know in the event of an emergency.

Is the College taking any steps to increase or change cleaning protocols in light of COVID-19?

The College has instituted enhanced cleaning procedures; these include the application of EPA-approved disinfectants on communal, high-use surfaces. We stand ready to alter these practices as CDC guidance and/or the situation at Conn changes. In the event that deeper environmental cleaning becomes necessary, the College is working with an outside vendor to ensure that this can be done swiftly and thoroughly.

Dispensers throughout campus are being restocked with CDC-recommended hand sanitizer, and we will install additional dispensers as needed. We continue to monitor our inventory of hand soap, disinfectant, sanitizer and paper products to ensure uninterrupted availability of these products throughout campus.

Is the college providing me with a credit for room and board related to the COVID-19 pandemic?

Yes. Because of the unprecedented circumstances requiring students to move off campus before the end of the spring 2020 term, the College will be returning a credit for the unused portion of your spring semester room and board, adjusted for any institutional and federal financial aid you received.

Will I receive a credit for tuition?

No. Although students are not on campus, we have fully transitioned to a remote-learning environment, and classes will continue on schedule this spring. All students will be positioned to successfully complete the spring 2020 term and continue to progress toward graduation.

I have special circumstances that require me to remain on campus for the rest of the spring 2020 term; will I receive a credit for room and board?

Students who remain on campus for the spring 2020 term after March 23, 2020 are not eligible to receive a credit for room and board.

How is the amount of the room and board credit determined?

The College employed concepts informed by federal guidelines to determine prorated credits for the spring 2020 term. Room and board credits are calculated based on your family’s contribution to the cost of attendance and the level of institutional and federal financial aid received.

Will I be reimbursed for room and board for the portion of the spring semester when we were not on campus?

Yes. The College reimbursed seniors and credited undergraduates on their student accounts.

When will I receive a credit for room and board?

For seniors: Room and board credits will be applied to student accounts by Friday, April 24, 2020. If the room and board credit results in a positive balance, refunds will be processed automatically on Wednesday, April 29, 2020. Seniors receiving a refund who are enrolled in CCPay Student Choice Refunds will receive direct deposits to their bank accounts by May 1, 2020. Seniors not enrolled in CCPay Student Choice Refunds will receive a paper check in the mail after May 1, 2020. Click here to sign-up for CCPay Student Choice Refunds direct deposit by Monday, April 27, 2020 to receive your refund directly to your bank account by May 1, 2020.

For all other students eligible for a room and board credit, credits will be applied toward next term’s (fall 2020) room and board and will appear on your account statement on July 1, 2020.

I plan to enroll in a payment plan for fall 2020 and need to know the amount of my room and board credit to determine my payment plan amount. Where can I find this?

Fall 2020 room and board credits can be viewed in CCPay by clicking View & Pay Accounts under Current Activity for term Fall 2020. Fall 2020 room and board credits for returning students will be posted by May 15, 2020. If you have any questions about payment plans, please email bursar@conncoll.edu.

Will I get a refund of my camel cash?

For seniors, balances remaining on the Camel Cash account will be applied to the student account to settle any outstanding amounts owed to the College. For all other students, balances remaining on the Camel Cash account will remain and be carried over to the fall 2020 term. If you have any questions about your Camel Cash, please email camelcash@conncoll.edu.