Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the university’s Health and Safety Protocols have drastically impacted students’ lives on Hawk Hill. New guidelines, construction projects, new and modified clubs and virtual events have made for a unique, unprecedented fall semester.
Health and safety modifications
New physical distancing guidelines and reminders are posted throughout campus. To prevent overcrowding and to regulate traffic flow, arrows are posted on doors, stairways and hallways. Signs across campus read “Mask Zone,” to remind students, faculty and staff that face coverings are required inside buildings and outside when physical distancing is not possible.
Construction
The construction along City Avenue closed the east sidewalk along City Avenue for the next three weeks, according to an Aug. 24 advisory on The Nest. The closure is between the Barbelin Hall driveway and 54th Street, and continues around the corner to the driveway at Mandeville Hall. Students, faculty and staff are asked to utilize detours and crosswalks at Hawks’ Landing, Lapsley Lane and Cardinal Avenue.
Saint Mary’s Hall, originally an on-campus residence hall located directly behind McShain Hall until spring 2018, was recently renovated. It will soon house the Office of Financial Affairs and The Office of Human Resources.
Campus Ministry
Sunday Mass will be livestreamed weekly on Campus Ministry’s Instagram account, @sjucampusministry, at 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Limited seating is available for those who wish to attend in person.
Additionally, Engage, a new program for first-year students, offers the opportunity to hear stories about Ignatian spirituality from Peer Ministers and a chance to form new friendships. The first session will be held on Sept. 1 at 4 p.m. in the Chapel of Saint Joseph.
The Weekly Service Program, where students work with community partners in Philadelphia and Camden, will still be offered at virtual and physical locations. Other programs, including the Christian Life Community, where student groups meet weekly for conversation, reflection and prayer, will be offered with significant virtual modifications.
Events on Campus
The annual Activities Fair, originally scheduled for Aug. 30, was postponed. Details regarding how the fair will proceed will be available this week, according to an email from Beth Hagovsky, Ed.D.
The Office of Inclusion and Diversity (OID) is hosting open house sessions on Sept. 1 and Sept. 3. The sessions will feature walk-through components, raffles, bingo and to-go snacks. Updates can be found on OID’s instagram account @cidatsju.
The annual Study Abroad fair will be a series of virtual events held on Zoom from Sept. 8 to Sept. 17. Events will include general study abroad Q&A sessions, and drop-in and scheduled sessions with individual programs. The full calendar of events is available on the Center for International Program’s website.
