Caldwell University Restart Plan
Revision 2 (incorporating Revision 1, Stage 1 Update submitted to OSHE August 18, 2020)
In accordance with EO 175 changes to OSHE Restart Standards published on August 18, 2020 and August 31, 2020, Caldwell University has updated its plan for operations in Stage 2 as amended. These changes are posted on the University website. https://www.caldwell.edu/restartplan
Components of Institutional Plan for Restart Checklist
Caldwell University Restart Plan
Cougars Come Together
Introduction:
Caldwell University looks forward to welcoming new and returning students to campus in a way that will maximize academic and social experiences in accordance with best practices established by federal and state experts and public health authorities. Our goal is to greet students, faculty, and staff back to classrooms and offices that are prepared to support teaching and learning, student services, and administrative functions of the University while endeavoring to meet the guidelines for restarting instruction as promulgated by local, state, and national public health authorities and recommendations from experts. The fall semester of 2020 will be like no other in that the COVID-19 pandemic presents us with unprecedented challenges. Grounded in our mission to prepare students “to think critically, pursue truth, and contribute to a just society,” and remaining true to our core values of Respect, Integrity, Community, and Excellence, our approach will rely on the commitment and collective energies of all members of the campus community in adhering to protocols that have been put in place to help keep people safe and well.
Caldwell University’s Return to Campus Task Force (RTC) has been meeting tirelessly to develop strategies for identifying and mitigating the risks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and to develop policies, procedures and safeguards to protect our community. The success of our plan will be strengthened by the demonstration of our signature traits, the respect, care, and concern for others, which are hallmarks of our University culture. The plan follows the guidance of the NJ Office of the Secretary of Higher Education (NJ OSHE) based upon Governor Murphy’s Executive Orders 155 and 175. It is informed by recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and the New Jersey Department of Health. We continue to monitor this guidance daily. The RTC referred to the Johns Hopkins OpenSmartEDU COVID-19 Planning Guide and Self Assessment for Higher Education for guidance as well.
As of this writing, New Jersey is currently in Stage 2 of Governor Murphy’s “The Road Back” plan for reopening the state. Caldwell University’s plan was developed based on the expectation that the state will move to Stage 3 prior to the start of the fall semester, and with the understanding that both the stage and the elements of the stages may change. Should the state remain in Stage 2, the University will operate within Stage 2 restrictions while continuing to plan for moving to Stage 3, and ultimately, to what the Governor’s plan calls ‘The New Normal’. If the state reverts to Stage 1, protocols for essential employees will be put in place with spaces restricted and closed on campus.