URGENT – Updates to Spring Semester Testing and Reunite Ripon Plan

Dear Ripon community,

While many things about returning to campus for spring 2021 will resemble the fall 2020 semester, there are several important differences that will initially be in effect because of our changes in testing protocol and unforeseen delays in test processing. 

Until the morning of Thursday, Jan. 28, when we expect our entire student body and all employees working on campus will have received their COVID testing results, ALL students and employees will be asked to minimize personal contact with other individuals. Students will be asked to remain in residence halls except to get food from grab-and-go at the Commons, the Spot or Starbucks, or when going outside for exercise. Non-essential College employees should work from home until Thursday. With the exemption of Residence Life staff, on-campus student employment will be suspended during this period as well.

• All students and employees will be tested, free of charge, starting on Friday, Jan, 22. Students will be tested in stages according to their move-in date. Employees and students who commute to campus should come to Great Hall during business hours on any of the three days. Additional information regarding testing details and protocols will be communicated soon from [email protected]. Please also visit our FAQ page for more information.
• All classes from Monday, Jan. 25, through Wednesday, Jan. 27, will be held online. Professors teaching in-person classes that are scheduled to meet during this time period will communicate directly with students during the transition. (Faculty will receive additional information from Dean Sisko shortly).
• Until the morning of Thursday, Jan. 28, the following rules will be in effect:
  • Willmore Center, Lane Library and all academic buildings will be closed.
  • All student lounges (including Greek lounges) will be closed.
  • There will be only Grab-and-Go food service at the Commons, The Spot and Starbucks. There will be no in-person dining at any location.
  • There will be no in-person College meetings or gatherings. 
• Students and employees must sign the Spring Campus Community Pledge and are expected to follow all social distancing, masking and hygiene best practices. The pledge must be signed by Friday, Jan. 22.
• Violations of stated health and safety practices by students or employees may result in expulsion, suspension, fines, restriction of OneCard access or termination from College employment.

Our continued success and ability to remain on campus depends on everyone respecting the rules and taking care of their own and each other’s health. I wish everyone a safe and productive semester.

Sincerely,

Zach Messitte 
President