Roger Williams University is making plans for students to return to campus in the fall, including a significantly altered schedule, a blend of in-person and virtual classrooms, distancing and face-mask rules for students, and mandatory tests for students when they return to campus.

The university developed its own set of health and safety guidelines and submitted them to the Rhode Island Department of Health last Friday.

According to Jill Rodrigues of the university’s communications office, “We plan to test students when they arrive and regularly throughout the semester. We are investigating several cutting-edge testing technologies and developing rigorous contact tracing and monitoring protocols.

“We have also developed a ‘Covid-19 Honor Code,’ in which our students will pledge to take actions that support a healthy and safe campus community, including social distancing, wearing a face covering, keeping up with personal hygiene, following cleaning protocols, and self-monitoring and reporting symptoms.”

Students who choose to not return to campus can choose internships, community-engaged work and more, in combination with remote courses. Called “Learn, Work, and Serve,” these opportunities add a new element in this post-COVID higher education environment: the opportunity for remote students to conduct meaningful, community-engaged work, research and internships in service to their communities, wherever they are.

“We understand that not all students can get back to campus, due to health concerns, financial issues, or a desire to stay home and help their community,” said President Ioannis Miaoulis. “By offering a customized approach that allows students to build their own semester, we’re meeting students and their families where they are, allowing them to determine the best way to continue their education.”

Plans for 'Reopening Roger'

RWU submitted its reopening plan on June 12 to the Rhode Island Department of Health; the plan outlines the school’s testing and tracing protocols. There will be changes to campus functions, including how students live and learn, and how they engage with each other.

Among the changes to be implemented:

• • COVID testing and screening procedures for students when they arrive, when a student exhibits symptoms, and on a routine basis to monitor for the virus;
• • Face masks will be worn on campus and during class, if this remains a requirement by state public health officials;
• • RWU never taught classes of more than 50 students. Some classes will be able to meet as normal based on their total enrollment. When a classroom size is too small, students will alternate learning in the classroom and logging in from their dorms in order to limit the density in classrooms;
• • Disinfectant stations will be set up across campus and in each classroom;
• • All classrooms will be sanitized between each session and each building will receive a “deep clean” weekly;
• • To start the semester, dining halls will not utilize buffet options and will offer take-out to eliminate crowds; time assignment for students to eat are also being considered;
• • Residence halls will eliminate triples to ensure enough physical distance between students.

New academic calendar

• • Fall semester begins Aug. 26 and ends Dec. 10.
• • RWU will end in-person course delivery at Thanksgiving so that students are off campus when the U.S. typically enters peak flu season.
• • Spring semester begins Feb. 1 and ends May 17

To accommodate the condensed schedule, classes will be held during certain holidays and breaks, including Labor Day and Columbus Day in the fall, and Presidents’ Day and Spring Break week next spring.