These FAQs were released Tuesday, December 8, 2020, and updated where indicated on December 11 and 16, 2020.
*If you have questions after reviewing the information presented here, please email
aboutcovid19@hendrix.edu.
Academics and Student Life:
How many courses will be taught in-person this spring?
Approximately 83% of Spring 2021 semester courses will be taught
in-person. Approximately 91% of students have said that they will be
on campus for in-person classes. Approximately 20% of the faculty will be
teaching fully remote classes due to medical issues. These classes will be
noted as remote in the course schedule so that students know how the courses
will meet.
How will hybrid classes be conducted this spring?
Classrooms—and some non-traditional teaching spaces such as Worsham and
Staples—have been outfitted with technology solutions that allow remote
students, in-person students, and the professor to interact in both lecture and
seminar modes. In some larger classes, in-person students may rotate between
remote and in-person learning to ensure appropriate physical distancing in the
classroom. Isolating and quarantining students who are not too sick will be
able to continue to attend courses remotely. The College recommends in-person students
bring to campus a laptop or other device appropriate for remote learning. For
more information, see the Academics appendix of the Spring 2021 Reopening Plan.
May students who choose remote learning still participate in on-campus
activities, such as labs, theatre arts and dance, studio art courses, music
ensembles, etc.?
Students must attend in-person classes in order to participate in
on-campus activities, such as labs, arts, music, and theatre arts and dance.
How will Spring Break be
handled?
[updated Dec. 16, 2020] To enhance
safety, the faculty approved a semester calendar update that redistributes the
five spring break days throughout the semester. These days will provide
opportunities for rest and self-care every few weeks. The updated spring
semester calendar can be found here.
How will the daily schedule
of classes be different?
[updated Dec. 16, 2020] The faculty also approved
modifying the schedule to allow 15 minutes between class meetings. These 15
minutes will allow students and faculty to disinfect individual desk areas and
safely exit classrooms and buildings before the next classes enter. The updated
spring semester schedule of classes can be found here.
How will students who are not returning to campus receive academic support
services?
Just like this fall, the Office of Academic Success will be available
to support remote learners through various platforms. The Office has a robust process
for working with students who have accommodations. Further, the library will
continue to help students remotely with both digital and paper materials.
May student-athletes participate in training, practice, and
competition if they choose the remote learning option?
Student-athletes must attend in-person classes in order to
participate in intercollegiate athletics.
In general, how will intercollegiate athletics take place this
semester?
The Department of Intercollegiate Athletics and the Hendrix COVID Response
Coordinator are working with other Southern Athletic Association Conference colleges
to determine return-to-play COVID safety standards and scheduling for fall, winter,
and spring sports; details will be announced when confirmed.
Pandemic Protocols:
What is the process for self-screening?
All students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to monitor their health
and complete a daily health screening via #CampusClear. View the instructions
for downloading and using the app.
What COVID-19 safety protocols will be in place in classrooms?
Students and professors will wear face masks when in the classroom and inside
all College buildings, (except while working or studying alone in a confined
space, such as an office or laboratory). Classrooms are set up to ensure
appropriate social distancing. Classrooms will be thoroughly cleaned early
every morning, and students and professors will clean their work areas at the
end of every class (each classroom will have appropriate cleaning supplies).
Will I need to be tested if I’ve had COVID-19 or received the
vaccine?
[updated Dec. 11, 2020] Submit a request to be exempted from testing: COVID-19
Exemption Request Form. You will need to provide documentation from a medical provider of a positive
COVID-19 test result or proof of vaccination. This documentation will be
reviewed by the College’s Testing and Contact Tracing Coordinator, who will issue
notification of exemption (or the length of time you will be exempted from
testing).
How will the new CDC guidance (reducing the 14-day quarantine
recommendation to 7 or 10 days) affect quarantining at Hendrix?
The College monitors CDC changes and follows the Arkansas Department of
Health policies. The ADH recently evaluated the new recommendations and issued
guidance to colleges and universities in the state. As a result, the Hendrix student
quarantine policy has now changed
to a 10-day quarantine period.
How will the College be implementing contact tracing?
Staff who have been trained in contact tracing have already begun
managing the tracing process for the limited population of faculty, staff, and
students currently on campus as they report symptoms or close contact with a
COVID-positive person. The College will use various technology solutions to
remind the community to self-screen, as well as to help with contact tracing.
If I start the semester in-person, may I change to remote
learning later in the spring?
Yes. Contact the Registrar’s office at registrar@hendrix.edu to make the
necessary arrangements. For students in College housing, please note the refund
policy question and answer found below.
If I start the
semester remotely, may I change to in-person later in the spring?
Yes. Contact the Registrar’s office at registrar@hendrix.edu to make the necessary
arrangements. Requests for College housing are subject to availability.
Financial Concerns:
Will I receive a refund of room and board fees if I
decide to switch from in-person classes to remote classes for any reason?
For
the Spring 2021 semester, if a student decides to switch from in-person to
remote learning for any reason, room and board fees will be refunded according
to the following schedule:
- Decision by January 22: 90% Housing and Board refund
- Decision by January 29: 75% Housing and Board refund
- Decision by February 5: 50% Housing and Board refund
- Decision by March 12: 25% Housing and Board refund
- After March 12: No refund
NOTE:
If a student withdraws or takes a leave of absence, then the regular refund
policy listed in the Catalog (under Admission and Financial Aid information)
applies.
When should students/families expect to see updated financial
statements for the Spring 2021 semester?
The Office of Financial Aid is recalculating aid for the Spring 2021
semester based upon students’ selection of in-person or remote learning. The Business
Office is in the process of finalizing the financial statement updates
accordingly. The statements are expected to be ready by December 15, 2020.