Adrian, MI – Adrian College President Jeffrey Docking recently reached out to his students via video and gave instructions for a safe return from Spring Break.
While many other Michigan educational institutions have called off Spring Break, the Bulldogs have scheduled one from 5 p.m., Friday, Feb. 26 through March 7. Adrian College President Jeffrey Docking said the break is needed to help students relax and recharge.
“We think a break will be good for their mental health and well-being,” Docking said. “It’s a long slog to get through this semester so we’ve kept Spring Break. It also serves the function of keeping college as normal as possible, which is what we’ve wanted for them since opening in the fall.”
Adrian College’s dorms, the Merillat Sports and Fitness Center, and the Shipman Library will remain open for students who decide to stay on campus during Spring Break. Those who stay on campus or do not leave Lenawee County will not be required to be tested for COVID-19 to return to classes.
Adrian College’s Student Health Center Director, Dr. Emily Kist, said plans have been made for a safe return from Spring Break.
“Rapid COVID-19 testing will be offered in the Merillat Sport & Fitness Center’s Blue Gym on March 11-12, by appointment, for any student who is symptomatic, has been exposed to COVID-19, or traveled outside of Lenawee County during Spring Break,” she said.
Athletes will continue being tested according to NCAA guidelines. Adrian College’s athletic department will conduct approximately 700 rapid COVID-19 tests the week of Spring Break, and will continue conducting hundreds of tests per week according to NCAA protocols. Rapid testing will proceed as usual in the College’s Student Health Clinic by appointment during all other business days.
Students may also submit negative COVID-19 test results from another testing location to the College’s Student Health Center in order to return to campus. Students taking a test on campus will be notified of the result within 24 hours of the test being submitted. Test results will be uploaded to student Magnus accounts. Students may also request a hard copy of their test result to present to professors.
Adrian College’s Medical Director, Dr. Aron Gornowicz, was included in the safe return from Spring Break instruction video and thanked students for everything they have done to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 on campus so far. He reminded students to continue avoiding large groups, unnecessary travel, to mask up and to wash their hands.
The College’s Public Health program is rolling out a Safe Spring Break survey and pledge. Public Health students will be handing out bracelets to serve as a reminder for students to continue safe health practices over Spring Break. Not all students will immediately return to the classroom upon return from break. Faculty have the option to teach remotely for the 10 days following Spring Break.
Adrian College’s student body limited the spread of COVID-19 after returning from Winter Break by following a safe return plan. Docking believes students will continue following the College’s instructions to successfully complete the school year.
“We have once again put our trust in our students,” Docking said. “They understand, in order to have in-person classes they have to follow our safety guidelines.” For more information about the safe return from Spring Break plan, contact Kist in the Student Health Center by calling (517) 265.5161, ext. 4214, or emailing ekistnp@adrian.edu.
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*Media courtesy of Adrian College*