Summer Visits and More
This information is archived as of July 23, 2021, and is saved here for reference. See latest health information.
June 15, 2020
Dear Central College Family,
Summer is officially underway. With its arrival starts our gradual, phased return to activities on campus and the continuation of several recent initiatives. Here’s an update:
Summer Visits
Our admission team has returned to its office in Central Hall and, in accordance with guidance from local, state and federal officials, began offering in-person visits to campus for prospective students June 1. We have implemented a number of safety measures to help protect visitors and the Central community during the tours. So far, nearly 30 prospective students have come to campus to visit while the admission team continues to have a busy virtual visit schedule as well.
COVID-19 Class
About 200 current and incoming students are taking a free, two-credit course titled An Interdisciplinary Conversation on COVID-19. It is the first course of its type in Central history and I hear it is going extremely well. Thanks to all who are participating, and especially to the nearly 20 faculty and staff members who are offering the course.
Central Cares Fund
We continue to accept applications to the Central Cares Fund to help students navigate barriers created by COVID-19. If you’re a student in need, please fill out the application. We will review and respond to you promptly.
Kuyper Opening
Beginning Monday, June 15, the Ron Schipper Fitness Center in the A.N. Kuyper Athletics Complex will open to faculty, staff and students.
The fitness center will be open Monday – Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
To use the facility:
- Central IDs will be required at all times for check in.
- All users must check in and out at the M. Joan Kuyper Farver Atrium entrance.
- Continue to follow physical distancing guidelines along with proper hygiene procedures.
- Until further notice, all other areas in the complex are closed due to construction.
Fall Opening
Our work on how we will restart campus for the Fall 2020 semester is well underway. Move-In Day for first-year students is Aug. 22. Returning students may move in Aug. 24. The academic semester will begin with classes Aug. 26 and conclude Dec. 10.
We have convened two task forces to help us plan for the fall semester:
The COVID-19 Campus Protocol Task Force includes members from the fields of medicine and epidemiology, in addition to members of Central’s faculty and staff. This group is advising the college how to reopen and run the campus as safely as possible. It also is providing guidance on how we will continue to keep the Central family safe should anyone become ill. This task force is reviewing recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and federal, state and local medical information.
We are encouraged that last week Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds lifted the 50% capacity restriction on businesses and organizations effective June 12 after continued downward trending case numbers in the state.
The COVID-19 Athletics Protocol Task Force includes members from the fields of medicine, athletic training and sports medicine. This group is providing recommendations on best practices for dealing with the pandemic specific to athletics in consultation with the NCAA and the American Rivers Conference. Central has decided not to offer athletics camps this summer out of an abundance of caution. It looks forward to working with the NCAA and American Rivers Conference in planning the resumption of athletics activities on campus as soon as possible.
Homecoming and Commencement
We look forward to welcoming alumni and friends of the college to Homecoming Sept. 25-26. This year, the event will include the dedication of the new History Garden and Peace Mall on Friday, Sept. 25.
We also look forward to welcoming the Class of 2020 on Sunday, Sept. 27, for its Commencement ceremony.
Mark your calendars for these two momentous occasions. We will continue to monitor state and local guidelines and will provide details about plans for these two events later this summer.
Meanwhile, stay safe and stay in touch. I’ll do the same, with periodic updates throughout the summer on the work we’re doing to safely continue to reopen campus.
Go Dutch!
Mark Putnam
President