Maryville University’s campus looks different this fall than it has in years past. Students still fill the sidewalks, only this year, they’re wearing face coverings. Signs dot campus as reminders to keep six feet apart. Classrooms are occupied, though students view their instructors through a plexiglass barrier. It might seem at first glance that campus is not as vibrant as normal — but beneath the initial sense of strangeness, much about life at Maryville remains the same. Through a community dedicated to innovation, Maryville faculty, staff and students have adapted to living and learning in the time of COVID-19.
When the University’s plans to return to campus for the fall semester were announced, behind the scenes a team sprang into action. Over the course of a few months, a cross-departmental coronavirus task force took on the herculean feat of preparing campus to be safe and prepared for myriad possibilities, while maintaining a sense of familiarity and community for students. The initiative was named #SaintStrong to represent the strength of the Maryville community as they navigate the uncharted times together.
The #SaintStrong website was launched as a central source of information for the campus community. Online training modules were created for faculty, staff and students to educate them about policies and protocols that would be put in place for a safe return. Informational videos were created to show the proper ways to wear a mask, how to sanitize classrooms and how to social distance in various places on campus. Each student was equipped with a health kit containing a thermometer, reusable cloth masks and hand sanitizer.
DAILY HEALTH SCREENING
An online daily health screening survey was implemented to promote self-monitoring of health status and reporting of symptoms, exposure or positive COVID-19 tests.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT OFFICERS
Community Engagement Officers were added to the Department of Public Safety to act as health ambassadors for the Maryville community. These officers support community engagement and compliance with health and safety policies and protocols.
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Staff in the Health and Wellness Office were expanded in order to provide increased capacity for medical services, case management and contact tracing, including Suzanne Jaudes, FNP-BC, who takes the helm as the new director of Health and Wellness.
DINING
Campus dining options were modified to provide students with mobile ordering, contactless pickup and delivery.
MOVE-IN
This year’s move-in was adjusted to provide a safe and contactless experience. All residential students were tested for COVID-19 prior to returning to campus. On-campus housing occupancy was reduced, with supplemental residential housing added at two area hotels.
COMMON SPACES
Furniture placements were modified in common spaces to promote social distancing, and cleaning staff participated in specialized training on CDC-recommended cleaning methods to enhance campus cleaning protocols.
#SAINTSTRONG BY THE NUMBERS
1,400 student health kits distributed
206 hand sanitizer stations installed on campus
177 plexiglass barriers installed on campus
980 cloth face coverings distributed
398 gallons of hand sanitizer in stock on campus
1,142 participants in virtual orientation program for new students
1,050 instructors participated in virtual pedagogy professional development
4,500 disposable face coverings in stock on campus
60,000 pairs of disposable gloves available for classroom use
82% of staff working remotely full time or on a hybrid schedule to reduce campus density
266 instructors participated in online instructional training for platforms including Zoom and Kaltura
2,747 signs and decals placed on campus reminding the community of important health and safety guidelines
400 face shields and 300 clear masks distributed
To find out more about the University’s efforts to create and maintain a safe campus environment for all Maryville community members, visit maryville.edu/SaintStrong.
