With the fall season’s bright foliage and cooler temperatures, we turn our thoughts to winter break and how Norwich will execute an orderly departure from campus. As with so many other aspects of college life, the uncertainties of COVID-19 have changed how we must approach and plan for winter break. We fully anticipate a phased return to campus in the spring that was similar to August arrival, but we also need to be prepared for other scenarios. There will be some important changes to how you prepare for your winter break departure and a requirement to vacate the residential halls during this time.
First, all students should research the travel requirements for the state to which they are traveling for the winter break. You may be required to quarantine or have a COVID-19 negative test result (within a certain time frame) to meet the state requirements. Please know that we are committed to ensuring your safe travel and will facilitate special needs respective to COVID-19 testing or quarantine as we are able. We will have additional testing availability for the week immediately preceding winter break to help you meet any potential state-specific requirements. Additionally, should a student test positive for COVID-19 in the last week prior to winter break, we will make isolation accommodations available on campus until the student is cleared by a medical professional.
Secondly, you will be required to pack all your belongings prior to leaving for winter break. The COVID-19 pandemic is unpredictable and therefore we must all remain flexible in these uncertain times. Please understand that we are not requiring you to remove your belongings from your rooms if you plan to return for the spring semester. You will be simply required to have all your belongings packed appropriately for shipping or storage in the event you are unable to return. You will receive more information on next steps as we get closer to winter break. Please note that the university will provide you with packing materials for your belongings as needed.
Also unlike past years, you will be required to turn in your room key before you leave even if you will be returning to the same room in the spring. This requirement helps to ensure that every student completes the spring semester arrival process in January.
Winter break will officially begin on Wednesday, November 25th at 7 p.m. Residential Life staff will be prepared to check you out of your rooms as early as Wednesday, November 18th. We understand that students may not have a need to remain on campus if they have completed all their in-class requirements. Please note that Rooks are not authorized to leave prior to Sunday, November 22nd.
Here is important information you need to know:
- The last full meal served by the dining facility will be lunch on Wednesday, November 25th. The Pick 6 line will be available for dinner that evening.
- All students must vacate the residence halls by 7 p.m. on Wednesday, November 25th without exception. All doors will be locked and no access will be allowed after 7 p.m.
Finally, Norwich’s spring classes will begin online at the conclusion of winter break and prior to your arrival back on campus. More information will be forthcoming based upon guidance from the State of Vermont and the Department of Health. Therefore, you MUST take any items required for completion of your academic work (computer, textbooks, calculator, etc.) with you as you depart for winter break. The university will not be shipping items to students.
Thank you for your review and compliance with the above procedures. As we gain greater clarity on how the spring semester will begin we will share that information with you.
