To the Parents and Guardians of Carroll College students,
We continue to finalize plans for a safe and healthy return to campus. On Friday, July 31, we will also be adding a new Frequently Asked Questions section to the Marching Back website as well as other additional information. Questions can be directed to covid19@carroll.edu and we will answer them within two business days.
Testing
Carroll College has an agreement with a laboratory to provide testing of all students as they return to campus. The goal of our testing program is to quickly mitigate the spread of the virus at Carroll College and ensure an in-person and healthy opening for Carroll College. Following a test run of the program the week of August 3, we will begin communicating additional information about when and how students will be tested. Our current testing protocols include:
- All students will be asked to take a COVID-19 test when they move-in. Some students who are in the region or are engaged on campus as student-athletes, work-study students, or others may be asked to participate in the testing program as soon as the week of August 3.
- As the State of Montana restarts the state sentinel testing program, throughout the semester 200 students per week will be asked to test to ensure the campus is COVID-19 free.
- Currently, NAIA guidelines require that all student-athletes will be tested 5 days before their first competition and must be COVID-19 free to participate. Athletic schedules have not been finalized in all cases and student-athletes should work with their coaches for the latest information.
- Students that are symptomatic at any time can contact the Carroll College Wellness Center and be tested quickly. Wellness Center staff will work with students on an individual basis in conjunction with Lewis and Clark Public Health.
- If your community is doing free testing, please obtain a test within seven days of coming to campus.
- Students who have had a COVID-19 test within 72 hours of the first day of class can present negative test results to Director of Health Services Kerri Rigsby and not take part in the campus testing.
Class Format
In order to provide for proper social distancing, ensure the safety of vulnerable individuals, and provide a safe and healthy environment, the college will be offering courses in different formats and modifying classrooms to make space for social distancing.
- Students can check their current schedule and view the Campus Course Schedule found at https://sfss.carroll.edu/
Student/Courses to see the format of their classes. - Definitions of course types can be found here.
- If a student wishes to move a course due to format, they can contact advising@carroll.edu.
Reporting COVID-19 Cases
Beginning Friday, August 14, Carroll College will publish a prevalence report which will provide the communication information on any new COVID-19 cases reported to Carroll College by enrolled students, faculty and staff. Due to federal regulations, we will not be providing any information beyond the number of new cases and the total number of active cases. When published, that report will be on the Marching Back website.
Next Week
Next week on Wednesday, August 5, we will be sending more information about how to report symptoms, what a student can expect if they have COVID-19, and what quarantine and isolation will look like on campus.
As always, stay safe and healthy,
John E. Cech, Ph.D., President
Carroll College Marching Back Task Force