By: Liam W. Cooney | Staff Writer
What a year it has been! As we have wrap up finals week, we sit back and reflect on the year. Full of ups and downs and a number of learning curves, the 2020-2021 academic year has truly been like no other.
As we wrap up this school year and look towards the next, I’m going to take the time to talk to you about what the 2021-2022 calendar year might look like, based upon the University’s recent update of what they envision in the coming academic year.
Earlier this month, April 9th to be precise, President Kelli J. Armstrong, Ph.D., penned a letter to students, issuing what she and the rest of the University hope to make happen in the latter half of 2021. As vaccinations become readily available, hopefully we can put this era of the Covid-19 pandemic in our rear view.
As of now, and based upon this recent letter, this is what Salve envisions for the 2021-2022 calendar year:
- All students will be welcomed back to campus to be fully engaged in our signature University experience.
- Classes will be taught in person and our science labs will return to more standard, hands-on operations.
- As the centerpiece of Salve Regina’s academic life, our faculty will be back on campus to teach and to advise our students in person.
- Residences, dining facilities, classrooms and other campus spaces will return to more normal occupancies.
- Intercollegiate athletics, student organizations, performances and special events will resume in person.
I know this type of news is wonderful to hear for many, myself included. As I read through this message, I of course read word for word, but what stood out most was: “a return to normalcy,” and “going to school like it used to be,” and lastly “having other people see my smile” – those types of phrases. Suffice to say, I was filled with joy reading this email as it hit my inbox; I’m sure you were too. The chance for the class of 2024 to finally engage in a real college experience is long-awaited, as is the chance for the classes of 2023 and 2022 to recapture the experiences they were only afforded for a short while. This is of course what the University hopes for as we move into next September: things could change and who knows what exactly will happen over the summer. Nonetheless, this is extremely encouraging news for our Salve community.
As for another pointed topic of discussion- one that was rightfully mentioned in this letter- was that of vaccines, and how exactly the University will go about either mandated, or strongly recommending all students, faculty/staff receive the Covid vaccine. Word for word, this is what was stated in the email:
“Recently, several institutions in the state have announced mandatory vaccination protocols for their students prior to the fall semester, and this is something Salve Regina is also considering very carefully. While we are not yet making an announcement on this policy, we continue to encourage all members of the Salve Regina community to receive the coronavirus vaccine as soon as they are eligible. High vaccination rates among our campus community will be key to achieving our plans for a more traditional fall and beyond.”
The letter then concluded with Dr. Armstrong’s own personal thanks regarding the cooperation of the Salve community this school year, and her own personal wishes for what may be in store in the near future. Saying she is “grateful for the continued kindness and fortitude of our Salve Regina community as we approach the end of this academic year.” As for next year, she stated that she is earnestly looking “forward to the fall semester, when we can once again enjoy all of those experiences, we cherish in our close-knit learning environment.”
“Cliff Walk Near the Mansions of Newport, Rhode Island” by StJenna is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0
