Archive for the ‘Community Messages’ Category.

Commencement Masking Recommendations

Dear Colleagues, 

Commencement activities are just two weeks away. In the past few weeks, many soon-to-be graduates have expressed their desire for the ceremony to be mask-optional; I know that others, out of concern for themselves and their loved ones, would like us to require masking. The College leadership team and I wanted to wait until closer to the event to review data on community levels and CDC recommendations before changing masking requirements for this large, indoor event. Per the CDC website, the COVID-19 Community Level in Lebanon County and the counties surrounding it are Low. For counties with Low Community Levels, the CDC says, “People may choose to mask at any time.” Since the beginning of the pandemic, LVC has committed to following CDC guidelines. Therefore, we are changing the Commencement masking policy to mask-optional but highly recommended. 

*Attendees can help protect others by masking up. 
*If an at-home COVID-19 test is available to you, take one before Commencement. Anyone who tests positive must not attend the ceremony. 
*If you have any symptoms on the day of Commencement, do not attend. 
*If you are traveling to campus from a county with Medium or High Community Levels, mask up. 
*KN95 or N95 masks are the more effective options for those who choose to wear masks. 

I understand that some attendees will be uncomfortable or unhappy with this change in protocol. There are no easy answers. Frankly, it would be difficult to enforce a masking requirement, especially on such an emotional and meaningful day when students want to be photographed without masks, and when other large venues do not require masking.

I do, however, strongly encourage all attendees to mask up for the good of the whole community. I look forward to celebrating our students’ accomplishments. If you are unable to attend, look for photos and video on social media after the event.   

President MacLaren 

Policy on Remote Instruction for In-person Courses: Students

Dear LVC Students and Families,

Since the beginning of the pandemic, LVC has committed to following CDC guidelines in determining policies and practices. Per the CDC website, the COVID-19 Community Level in Lebanon County and most counties in which our students and employees reside have Low Community Levels. Therefore, the College has decided to return to pre-COVID-19 policies and practices concerning in-person courses.

Effective starting Summer 2022 and in subsequent terms, the following policies and practices will be in place regarding in-person courses:

1. Unless a course is designated as an online offering in the course schedule, it will occur in person.Students may not take in-person courses remotely, except if approved on a short-term basis (generally limited to three weeks) due to medical circumstances with appropriate documentation.If a student requires a short-term accommodation for remote learning, their circumstances will be evaluated by the appropriate office (e.g., Health Services, Accessibility Resources), and the Registrar’s Office will send a communication to instructors.2. Classrooms, labs, and other instructional spaces will return to normal distancing.

3. Masking indoors will remain optional but highly encouraged.

Please note that these policies are subject to modification if there is a significant change of circumstance regarding COVID-19 or another infectious disease. 

If you have any questions, please reply to this email, and an LVC staff member will be in touch.


Sincerely,
Dr. Monica Cowart, Provost

Policy on Remote Instruction for In-person Courses

Colleagues,

Since the beginning of the pandemic, LVC has committed to following CDC guidelines in determining policies and practices. Per the CDC website, the COVID-19 Community Level in Lebanon County and most counties in which our students and employees reside have Low Community Levels. Therefore, the College has decided to return to pre-COVID-19 policies and practices concerning in-person courses.

Effective starting Summer 2022 and in subsequent terms, the following policies and practices will be in place regarding in-person courses:

1. Unless a course is designated as an online offering in the course schedule, it will occur in person.Students may not take in-person courses remotely, except if approved on a short-term basis (generally limited to three weeks) due to medical circumstances with appropriate documentation. If a student requires a short-term accommodation for remote learning, their circumstances will be evaluated by the appropriate office (e.g., Health Services, Accessibility Resources), and the Registrar’s Office will send a communication to instructors.Faculty may not teach undergraduate courses remotely during fall and spring semesters, except if approved on a short-term basis (generally limited to three weeks) due to medical circumstances with appropriate documentation or approved in advance by the Provost/VPAA according to the College’s online/hybrid course policy. The policy allows for the following circumstances:The professor has expertise in a specific course and cannot teach fully on campus;There is a circumstance that prevents the course from meeting in person. For example: The professor is ill, injured, or otherwise unable to come to campus for an extended duration;Hybrid or online instruction has a compelling pedagogical benefit to the course. For example: an education course teaching online learning;The department, in the spirit of innovation and as a way of improving pedagogy, desires to offer a course or courses in hybrid/online format to evaluate and assess the effectiveness of this modality for the course or to compare the pedagogical effectiveness to the course’s in-person offering; orLimited other reasons at the sole discretion of the Provost/VPAA.2. Classrooms, labs, and other instructional spaces will return to normal distancing.

3. Masking indoors will remain optional but highly encouraged.

Please note that these policies are subject to modification if there is a significant change of circumstance regarding COVID-19 or another infectious disease.


Sincerely,
Provost Cowart

LVC to Go Mask Optional: Commencement Masking Policy Remains in Effect

President James M. MacLaren, Ph.D., shared the following important messages this morning. He separately noted that as of now Commencement attendees will be required to wear masks, but that College and its health partners will reevaluate the protocols closer to Commencement Weekend. 

1. Starting Monday, March 21, Lebanon Valley College will go mask optional. We made this decision in consultation with our Penn State Health advisors and based on the low COVID-19 infection rates in Lebanon County. 

Notes 

*Your professors may continue to require masking in classrooms, labs, and other learning spaces in which individuals are in proximity for extended periods. Continue to carry a mask with you, and please follow your professors’ requirements. The Student Conduct Code will apply to students who do not comply with professors’ masking requests. 

*Masks are optional in the residence halls, social spaces, and dining spaces. Use good judgment and be respectful of your peers.

*Masking will remain in place for LVC Live this Saturday since many people will visit campus from out of town.

*Please note that this policy is subject to change if infection rates rise or a new variant develops. 

2. Please join me next Thursday, March 24, at 7 p.m. on Zoom to learn about the results of our recent campus climate survey; progress made in diversity, equity, inclusion, and intercultural affairs; needs, and next steps. You will hear from Dr. Felicia Brown-Haywood, associate vice president of diversity, equity, inclusion, and institutional success. 

Regarding campus climate, I am deeply disappointed to learn of inappropriate Yik Yak posts targeting individuals and marginalized groups of students. Such comments are unacceptable and not in line with LVC’s values as an institution. As members of the LVC community, I urge you to treat all individuals with respect and care and live the values of Inclusive Excellence. There has been positive progress recently, and I know we can—we must—do better. 

*Please make a report here if you witness or experience a bias incident. If you are comfortable being contacted, a member of LVC’s Bias Response & Education Team will reach out to you to offer resources and support. 

*If you need personal support or a listening ear, I encourage you to contact Annesha Edwards-Carter, director of diversity, equity, inclusion, and intercultural affairs, at aedwards@lvc.edu or counseling services at counselingservices@lvc.edu. Your academic advisors, professors, and staff are here for you. 

President MacLaren

Ordering GrubHub Meals while Isolated or Quarantined On-campus

LVC dining services wants to ensure that you stay well and receive your meals every day while in quarantine or isolation. Please let us know if you have any special dietary needs so that we can work out a plan for you.

All Isolation and Quarantine meals will be ordered thru GRUBHUB. Please download the GrubHub app and create a new account to get started, or sign in if you already have an account.

Once signed in, click the Account icon. Click Campus dining after that menu opens. Click the button that says Find your campus. Type in Lebanon Valley College and click the Add affiliation button. Select your class year, and then add your campus card to order from the menu.

The menu can be found here, and viewed by clicking on Click here to view our weekly menu. There are four options from which to select. You can add a side salad or cup of soup with all options:

            a. J. Clarks Grille         b. Main Plate         c. Villa Toscana         d. Live Well Fuel

In the Delivery options section, add any special requests and/or allergies before checking out and completing your order.

Isolation meals will follow the Meal Policy for Students in Isolation and be delivered by LVC dining services staff.

Quarantine meals will follow the Meal Policy for Students in Quarantine policy and be picked up by the student.

Thank you for your help in providing us with all the information we need to provide you with your meal during this difficult time.

Thank you,

Landis Brown, Dining Manager (717-867-6319) and the LVC dining services team.