COVID-19 FAQs: April 10, 2020
In light of Massachusetts Governor, Charlie Baker’s emergency order that requires non-essential businesses to close, and an advisory that all Massachusetts residents stay at home, we are updating our FAQ list as of April 10, 2020.
Q: Has anyone in the Endicott community been diagnosed with Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
A: As of April 10, 2020, we are unaware of anyone within our on-campus communities—both in Beverly and Boston—who has been diagnosed with COVID-19.
Q: Are you switching entirely to online learning for the remainder of the semester?
A: Courses will resume online as planned on Monday, March 30 for all undergraduate and graduate programs and continue through the end of the current semester. Faculty will be in touch with students in each of their courses if they have not already done so. Students who may not have access to high-speed internet, or who may live in areas with frequent internet interruptions, should contact their faculty directly, as soon as possible, to develop alternative plans as necessary.
Q: Will room and board and meal plans be prorated?
A: All residential students who plan to return to campus for the Fall 2020 semester will receive a pro-rated credit to their student account that will be applied to their fall room and board charges. Current seniors will receive a pro-rated refund check in the amount of the unused portion of their room and board. For more information, please visit the coronavirus FAQs page via the Bursar's Office.
You likely know that each one of our residence halls is priced at slightly different rates. Also, there are a variety of meal plan options for students to select from each year. Given the individual pricing for every student on campus, the refund or credit amount will be different for each. However, Endicott is committed to reimbursing the unused portion of room and board which equals 45% of the charges incurred for this semester. This equates to nearly $9 million in total refunds and credits to our students.
The processing of refund checks and credits to accounts will begin on April 15 and will be completed by June 1, 2020. Please keep in mind that the refund or credit will be reduced by any outstanding balances on student accounts.
Keeping in mind that every member of the Endicott family is facing adversity since this pandemic has impacted every facet of our world, families will be offered an additional option to apply their room and board credit to the newly established Wings Fund.
The Wings Fund is a new concept, created at the suggestion of Endicott families to assist returning students most affected by the economic downturn caused by the pandemic. In addition to traditional financial aid, students facing financial hardship, who are at risk of not returning to campus in the fall, may apply to the Wings Fund for assistance. Families interested in supporting the Wings Fund should email the College’s Chief Financial Officer, Tony Ferullo, at aferullo@endicott.edu.
International students who were unable to return to their homes and currently remain on campus will continue to have access to our grab-and-go meal options at the Callahan Center Dining Hall. As a reminder, access to campus remains highly restricted at this time.
Q: Will commencement be proceeding as scheduled?
A: We have made the difficult decision to postpone the commencement ceremonies originally scheduled for May. We plan on conferring degrees and to issue electronic versions of diplomas upon completion of coursework. This will allow seniors to complete graduate school applications and apply for employment opportunities.
However, we are committed to rescheduling the College's commencement ceremonies at a later date with the pomp and circumstance that is due for such a momentous occasion. More details related to the commencement ceremonies and related activities will be forthcoming.
Q: Will there still be a nursing pinning ceremony?
A: When commencement is rescheduled, so will the pinning ceremony. Please stay tuned to your email and our website for major event updates.
Q: Is my event canceled? How far out does this stretch/when will events resume?
A: Major events on campus, hosted by Endicott College will be canceled or postponed through May 31, 2020. Reunion Weekend has also been canceled. Future events will be evaluated in the coming weeks. A cancelation or postponement message will be sent to event attendees individually in the coming days and weeks.
Q: How/when will move out be handled?
A: comprehensive move out plan for residential students has been created and will be communicated to resident students early next week. The move out process will be orderly and limit the number of people on-campus during any given period. The move out process will begin after the shelter-at-home order is lifted by the Governor.
Q: Is Reunion Weekend still happening?
A: The Alumni Office announced on Wednesday, April 8, that Reunion Weekend has been canceled. Please visit the alumni section of the website for more information.
Q: Even though certain events are canceled, are there still ways for me to get involved?
A: Absolutely. The Nest networking platform is available for everyone and our Endicott Alumni Book Club is an option for our graduated Gulls: pbc.guru/endicott.
Q: I have more time on my hands at the moment, and I’ve been looking to get more involved with the alumni community, is there anything I can do?
A: Yes! You could look into joining our Alumni Council, GOLD leadership Council, or Reunion Committee. More information can be found at endicott.edu/alumni.
Q: Who should I contact if I have questions about online learning during this time?
A: We recommend that undergraduate and graduate students contact each course's faculty member directly for details on how specific classes will be conducted. Major issues can be directed to your academic dean:
Dr. Gene K. Wong
Dean, School of Arts and Sciences
978-232-2311
Dr. Michael Paige
Dean of Business
978-232-2259
Laurel Hellerstein, Ph.D.
Dean, School of Communication
978-232-2153
Dr. Sara Quay
Dean of Education
978-232-2200
Todd Comen, Ph.D.
Dean, School of Hospitality Management
978-232-2402
Nancy L. Meedzan, DNP, RN, CNE
Dean, School of Nursing
978-232-2389
Dr. Deborah Swanton
Dean, School of Sport Science and Fitness Studies
Mark Towner, M.F.A.
Dean, Visual and Performing Arts
978-232-2166
Van Loan School of Professional Studies students (Beverly or Boston) should contact:
Dr. Laura Douglass
Academic Dean of Professional Programs
978-998-7750
Q: For students who left for spring break early and were unable to pack for the extended break, can they return to residence halls to retrieve items?
A: Requests for residence hall access, in conjunction with move out procedures, will be considered following Governor Baker's removal of the stay-at-home emergency order. The main point of contact for that communication is our Assistant Director of Housing Operations, Corie Quill, at reslife@endicott.edu.
Q: What is happening with Accepted Students Day?
A: We are saddened to announce that the Accepted Students Day scheduled for Saturday, April 4, will not happen on campus.
However, we are pleased to share that we will release online content specifically for accepted students throughout the month of April, which will include a residence hall tour, opportunities to connect with students, faculty and staff, and more. Once we have solidified our offerings and schedule of events, you will receive further correspondence. In the meantime, we have created virtual visit offerings, with our admission staff, and student tour guides. To schedule your virtual visit, please visit our website.
Our admission staff’s contact information can be found on our website. Best wishes for good health to you and your family.
Q: Are there any details on spring athletics?
A: The NCAA canceled all remaining winter and spring championships. Club sports have also been shut down through the end of the semester. The NCAA has provided additional FAQs, healthy tips for student-athletes and fans, and other important resources on their website.
Q: Will the Post Center fitness center and Raymond J. Bourque Arena be open during this time?
A: The Post Center, Bourque Arena, and all athletic facilities are closed until further notice.
Q: What is happening with senior week? Will refunds be issued?
A: Senior week is being dealt with in the same manner as other major events. Please see the above question regarding event cancelations. In the event of a cancelation, refunds will be issued.
Q: How will housing selection be handled under the circumstances?
A: Housing selection will begin Tuesday, April 28, 2020, and end on Thursday, April 30, 2020.
Q: How will fall's advising and registration be handled under the circumstances?
A: For most of you, now is the time to set up the fall semester, as you normally would. March 23–April 10 is the advising and course registration period.
Juniors and seniors: Today, Tuesday, and Wednesday you should be talking with your faculty advisor to prepare for class registration later this week.
Sophomores: Your advisor meetings are March 30–31 and April 1, followed by class registration on April 2–3.
First-years: Your advisor meetings are April 6–8 with class registration on April 9–10.
Each student has received a registration time sent by the registrar’s office. Please be sure to log on during your slot and get your courses selected for fall.
We understand that this time has been a trying time. We ask that you please stay the course with us so that we can all move forward in the safest and best possible way.
Thank you for your continued patience and understanding.