Student Services

Stage 3:

• What is the institution’s plan for student services?

Caldwell University will continue to ensure that all essential services will be available to students. In-person interactions with students will be limited in many cases due to space constraints where social distancing is not possible.  All student services such as financial aid, bursar, registrar, advising, academic support, disability services, Title IX, health services and counseling will be offered remotely with creative options available for F2F interaction within social distancing and occupancy guidelines.  With the exception of Health Services staff who may need to meet closely with a student, teleconferencing, videoconferencing, campus “zoom rooms” and “walk and talk” options will be employed. Health services and counseling will continue to be delivered primarily as virtual telehealth as per the American College Health Association (ACHA)

• How will student service departments reduce in-person interactions and implement safeguarding measures, particularly in waiting areas? 

All student serving areas will be clearly marked with signage and floor decals. Wipes and hand sanitizer will be available in all waiting areas.  In some cases, seating will be removed or otherwise designated as not available. Students will be advised of remote options where social distancing is not possible in certain offices.  Caldwell’s Student Life suite features offices large enough for one on one meetings with students.  The lounge/waiting area will be clearly marked with floor decals and signage to limit the number of students and density of occupancy. In the Academic Success Center, offices may be switched to allow for F2F meetings with students who need a safe and confidential space such as in disability services.  There are areas on campus with sufficient space, but the nature of interaction cannot be achieved in person in a socially distanced manner, such as with tutoring.  Students may choose to use a “zoom room” on campus to work with a staff member who may be present, or to participate remotely.  Assistance with computer applications at terminals in the library will be provided  using a laser pointer allowing library staff to stand safely behind students. 

Plexiglass shields have been installed in Caldwell’s CARES Center, housing the Bursar, Financial Aid, Registration Services and Academic Advising.  Staffing will be staggered to reduce the number of employees, allowing for social distancing. Floor decals, signage, hand sanitizer  and cleaning supplies will be available.  Students will be encouraged to avail themselves of these services virtually, but in the event that there is a need for F2F, the necessary protocols are in place.

Health Services has established a thorough plan for assisting students during a pandemic. The front door to the office will be closed with a sign on the door instructing students how to access services.  There will be signage specifying  office protocols and reminding students about proper respiratory and cough hygiene. Floor decals will encourage social distancing.  Health Services will function by appointment only for all services with thirty minutes between appointments to allow for disinfecting.  Students who exhibit any respiratory symptoms of COVID-19 will be offered either a telehealth appointment and/or referred to an outside healthcare provider at their own expense.

Faculty and staff take pride and joy in interactions with students.  All student services offices will encourage students to schedule appointments allowing staff and faculty to stagger in-person meetings with individual students in such a way as to avoid congregating in waiting areas or hallways.  A significantly reduced campus population will help make this possible.  

• How will students, staff and faculty who are immunocompromised, or otherwise in an at risk category, or those with a positive diagnosis, be able to access student services remotely?

Remote services will be available to all students at all times allowing faculty and staff to deliver assistance virtually from their homes or private offices on campus.

Stage 2:

• What is the institution’s plan for student services? 

Student services will remain remote.

• How will student service departments reduce in-person interactions and implement safeguarding measures, particularly in waiting areas? 

There will be no in-person interactions.

• How will students, staff and faculty who are immunocompromised, or otherwise in an at risk category, or those with a positive diagnosis, be able to access student services remotely?

All services will be available remotely in Stages 2 and 3.