Graphic by Bell Jackson On the morning of Oct. 19, the University of Montevallo’s Marketing and Communications department released an email regarding the plan for spring semester.
UM will continue to follow outlines in the Falcon Forward plan, with some changes.
All students will be given the option of choosing online modality for one or more courses or all of them. Requests for distant learning must be received no later than Jan. 4.
If a student develops COVID-19 symptoms, a positive test or is exposed to someone who is COVID-19, they will be temporarily required to attend classes virtually until they receive a negative COVID-19 test result.
The pass/fail grading option will not be extended for the spring semester.
Retesting is required for students who will be on campus in the spring. Those who choose to be remote and are not going to be using campus facilities will not be tested.
In November, the University will distribute self-administered test kits to be shipped to a lab. Everlywell will then report results directly to the University.
For those who misplace their tests, they will be required to secure one at their own expense and will need to report the results to covid@montevallo.edu.
For those who test positive, students will be required to immediately enter a 14-day isolation. Only those who are unable to isolate at home will be given campus accommodations.
The University encourages students to minimize their risk by completing a 14-day quarantine, if possible.
Face coverings will still be required in public spaces on campus, with no exceptions. Campus will also continue to operate under social distancing guidelines.
According to the email, those who refuse “will be subject to progressive discipline through the student conduct process.”
For questions, review the University’s Falcon Forward webpage.
Ariel Hall is a writer for The Alabamian. She is a senior communication studies major and enjoys reading and photography in her free time. Previously, Zoe has acted as editor in chief, lifestyles editor and advice columnist.
