These FAQs were released Thursday, July 1, 2021 and updated August 4, and August 10, 2021.
*If you have questions after reviewing the information presented here, please email
aboutcovid19@hendrix.edu.
Will facial coverings still be required on campus this
fall?
[Updated August 23, 2021] Because the spread
of the delta variant includes transmission among vaccinated persons, the
College is once again requiring all members of the community to wear CDC recommendation-compliant masks indoors,
and outdoors when not able to maintain distancing of 6 feet or more. This
policy will likely continue through the fall semester unless the pandemic
significantly improves in Central Arkansas. We continue to monitor public
health guidance and carefully monitor the presence and effect of the delta and
other variants in Arkansas.
What’s the
difference between gateway testing and surveillance
testing?
Gateway
testing refers to tests performed as students arrive back to
campus at the start of a semester.
Surveillance
testing is the regular, every-two-weeks testing that may
continue throughout the academic year. In both cases, samples are
collected by medical personnel from Conway Regional Medical Center (via mouth
swab), and the PCR testing is completed by Natural State Labs.
What’s the
plan for students who don’t provide proof of vaccination by Move-In Day?
At
move-in, students without proof of vaccination will take a PCR
test (“gateway testing” as described above). The College will also
hold a vaccination clinic for any students wanting the vaccine at that
time. Students who are not vaccinated upon arrival should be
prepared to quarantine in their living space until their test results are
received (usually about 24 hours).
How often are
students required to undergo surveillance testing?
Unless
there are extenuating circumstances (for example, Conference or
NCAA-mandated testing on a more frequent basis
for unvaccinated student-athletes in close contact
with each other), the surveillance testing of unvaccinated
students will maintain a schedule similar to last semester’s two-week
intervals. Students who have proof of vaccination on file with the College
will not have to undergo surveillance testing.
In what cases
would a student have to pay for their own gateway
and surveillance testing?
If
a student provides medical documentation from a health
professional listing the medical condition preventing them
from receiving a
COVID-19 vaccine, the College will exempt them from paying
the costs associated with gateway and surveillance testing, but will still
require that student to participate in testing.
If
a student has followed the state exemption process for the required MMR
vaccination based on religious or philosophical exemptions, the student
will not have to pay for COVID gateway or surveillance testing, but
will still have to undergo such testing.
Without a documented medical
or religious reason for a student to be unvaccinated, that student
will be required to undergo gateway testing and regular surveillance
testing at their own cost. Most insurance plans do not cover asymptomatic
testing, which includes surveillance testing. The testing will be provided
at the campus clinic at a discounted rate ($87.00 per PCR
test) and will take place every two weeks while classes are
in session. (If surveillance testing over the course of the academic year
becomes unnecessary, the student’s total
estimated cost of $1,400 will decrease accordingly.)
How will
students be charged for gateway and surveillance testing?
Each
time an unvaccinated student is tested, a charge will
be added to their student account in the amount of $87.00 per test.
This charge-per-service model will allow students who become fully
vaccinated during the course of the academic year an opportunity to lower
their estimated total cost ($1,400) for testing.
Where can
students get vaccinated? Is there
a cost for vaccination?
Students
may obtain vaccinations at a provider of their choice. The Hendrix
Medical Clinic is among the sites providing COVID-19
vaccinations (Pfizer and Moderna). Call 501-506-2747 to schedule an
appointment. Vaccines were paid for with taxpayer dollars and are
provided to all people living in the United States at no
cost. Most health insurance plans cover the full cost of the
administration of the vaccine. If someone is uninsured, vaccine providers
may seek reimbursement from the federal government.
Hendrix
will organize vaccine clinics during fall move-in days for any students
who would like the vaccine and have been unable to receive it, including
international students.
Will there be
hybrid classroom education this fall?
[Updated August 4, 2021] The plan
for this fall is a complete return to in-person classes. However, if necessary
and appropriate, the College is prepared to implement hybrid solutions in
larger class settings. At this time, the Office of Academic Affairs is
coordinating with the Campus COVID Steering Committee and Facilities Management
to assess how public health needs may affect academic life.
What will
classrooms look like in the fall?
[Updated August 4, 2021] The
Campus COVID Steering Committee is exploring options that will increase safety
in light of the delta variant’s prevalence in central Arkansas. We anticipate
full capacity in most classrooms based on the expectation that the
vast majority of students will be vaccinated at the start of fall
semester (the faculty is vaccinated at more than 97%). The College
may move to larger classroom spaces when appropriate for larger classes; with
our relatively small average class size, many classrooms already allow for increased
distancing without modification.
Will official
College travel be allowed in the fall?
Students, faculty, and staff will be allowed to travel on
official College business this fall (including for Odyssey projects). Special
COVID approval for domestic travel is not required, but we do ask travelers to
follow any destination COVID protocols and to regularly monitor for COVID
symptoms. International travelers must petition for approval at this link.
How can
students stay safe?
[Updated August 4, 2021] As
we head into the fall, the best ways to keep the community safe are still
vaccination, masking while indoors, and surveillance testing. More than 85% of
Hendrix students and employees are fully vaccinated (see the dashboard above
for the latest numbers). It will be necessary to surveillance test any
unvaccinated students, especially as the state of Arkansas has verified
the presence of the delta variant and is witnessing rapid growth in number
of cases.
Campus
Visitors
Will
prospective students and families be allowed on campus?
[Added
August 10, 2021] Yes, the Office of
Admission will host any prospective students and their families while on campus
and ensure that all campus safety protocols are followed during the visit. The Admission Office has
collaborated closely with the Dean of Students to reduce the likelihood of
contact between these visitors and members of our community. Admission
will be able to take these groups inside buildings, including designated residence
halls. However, classroom visits, eating in the Dining Hall, and overnight stays in residence halls will not be
allowed at this time.
Will visitors, including parents, be
allowed on campus?
[Updated
August 10, 2021] Visitors
from off campus may be limited. The College expects any visitors to follow all
COVID protocols, including masking and health screenings before coming to
campus. Personal guests will not be allowed in the residence halls, and
students’ access cards will only work for their
own residence halls.
Will
visitors be allowed on campus as speakers/performers?
[Added
August 10, 2021] Yes, campus offices
and departments may host visitors for college-sponsored activities such as presentations, workshops, guest
lectures, performances, etc. The sponsoring office or department will ensure
that all campus safety protocols are followed during the visit. Any vendors on campus must also
adhere to all COVID protocols.
Will
visitors be allowed at events as attendees?
[Added
August 10, 2021] Visitors will be
allowed to attend campus events this fall. However, when guests from outside
the Hendrix community (such a community is defined by current students, staff,
and faculty) attend events with more than 50 people, overall attendance is limited to 50% of full
capacity for indoor venues, and 75% of full capacity for outdoor venues.
Further, there will be designated seating areas for Hendrix community members
and visitors.
During fall
move-in, the College is requesting that students and families limit population
density in the residence halls and rooms for everyone’s safety, given the
prevalence of the delta variant in the area. If
at all possible, please limit guests to no more than
two per student indoors at a time. Please remember masking protocol inside
residence hall rooms.
Will
visitors be allowed in the Dining Hall?
[Added
August 10, 2021] Visitors will not be allowed in the
Dining Hall at this
time to ensure a
safe and successful start to the
fall semester. This policy will be adjusted as COVID-19 conditions on campus and in
the surrounding community allow.
Campus
Events
Will student events and activities be allowed this year?
[Updated
August 4, 2021] With the vast
majority of students vaccinated, typical activities—such as Orientation
trips, Shirttails, concerts, etc.—will occur with proper precautions in
place. We will continue to monitor the COVID conditions on campus and in the
community, and some events may need to be altered, postponed, or canceled to
ensure safety for all participants.
Is
there a limitation on group size?
[Added
August 10, 2021] Events or activities
with group sizes of fewer than 50 individuals do not require any special
approval from the COVID administrators. Student organizations can request approval for events through the student organization event request form. All other departments can request events through the master calendar. However, outdoor gatherings are encouraged when possible, and location
should always be chosen to maximize
social distancing.
Events
or activities
with 50 or more individuals—whether indoors or outdoors—require approval from the
Hendrix COVID Response Coordinator and/or Steering Committee. Organizers of
such events should use this form to submit a request and plan outlining necessary COVID-19 precautions.
Will
any off-campus groups be allowed on campus?
[Added
August 10, 2021] Off-campus groups
will only be allowed on
campus under certain circumstances. For
example, outside groups will not be allowed during class time or significant student
activities. These groups
will be limited to 50% of an
indoor venue’s full capacity, and 75% of an outdoor venue’s full
capacity. Appropriate Hendrix staff will be responsible for hosting the group while on
campus and ensuring that all campus safety protocols are followed during the
visit.
Are
there any restrictions on food at events?
[Added August 10, 2021] The risk of COVID-19
transmission from the handling or eating of food is very low. However, the risk of
transmission from eating
and drinking with others is higher
due to the removal of face masks when eating and drinking. If food and refreshments will be
served, outdoors is
preferred. If indoors, prevention measures such as limiting group size, social
distancing, and strict mask wearing while not
actively eating or drinking should be observed. If indoor prevention measures cannot
be observed, then to-go options
should be considered.