These FAQs were released Thursday, July 1, 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?
On June 21, 2021, the College sent an email to students, faculty, and staff announcing a policy change which allows vaccinated students, employees, and visitors to go without masks on campus, including inside buildings. The College is requiring unvaccinated members of the community and unvaccinated visitors to campus to continue to mask. In addition, the College supports individuals who are vaccinated in the choice of continuing to mask. This policy will likely continue in the fall semester unless the pandemic significantly worsens 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?
This fall, all classes will be held in person. We do not anticipate offering online or hybrid classes unless the pandemic significantly worsens in Central Arkansas.
What will classrooms look like in the fall?
We anticipate full capacity in the classroom 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%). We will decrease classroom density if the pandemic significantly worsens in Central Arkansas.
Will student events and activities be allowed this year?
If the pandemic doesn’t significantly worsen and the vast majority of students are vaccinated, typical activities—such as orientation trips, Shirttails, concerts, etc.—will occur. Unvaccinated students must wear face masks and social distance at such activities and events. Vaccinated students are also encouraged to mask at large, concentrated events.
Will visitors, including parents, be allowed on campus?
Yes, visitors will be allowed on campus. The College expects visitors to follow all COVID protocols, including masking if unvaccinated. Prospective students and their families will be able to enter designated residence halls during their visits to campus. The Admission Office has collaborated closely with the Dean of Students to reduce the likelihood of contact among these visitors and other members of our community. Other personal guests will not be allowed in the residence halls, and students’ access cards will only work for their own residence halls.
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?
As we head into the fall, the two best ways to keep the community safe are still vaccination and surveillance testing. More than 85% of Hendrix employees are fully vaccinated, and we expect students to exceed that number. 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 (the week of June 20, 2021, yielded the most new cases since March, and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences has reopened one of its covid units).