Villanova Students Move Back In Under 'Community First' Directive

RADNOR TOWNSHIP, PA — New students returned to campus at Villanova University on Thursday, under direction to put "community first" by following guidelines, or be sent home.

The guidelines have been made clear in announcements by Villanova President Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA in video and written presentations. Sophomores, juniors, and seniors will return over the coming weekend, expected to wear masks at all times.

"If you follow the guidelines we have set up—wearing a mask at all times, washing your hands frequently, social distancing and staying home when you are sick—we can make this semester on campus work," Donohue said in an Aug. 13 statement to students.

Vice President for Student Life Rev. John P. Stack, OSA has asked students to make the Caritas Committment, a pledge to keep the whole community safe and healthy by doing one's own part, abiding by guidelines that include temperature checks and not coming to classes if symptomatic.

"It is imperative that every member of the Villanova community embodies The Caritas Commitment. By being considerate of others in all ways, we will emerge from the pandemic a stronger, more attentive community and have an incredible fall semester together," Stack said.

The message was clear that it was up to students to follow guidelines and enable the university to remain open. Donohue made clear what it meant to make the guidelines work. He said, "I mean:

• Keep you healthy and safe.
• Keep you on campus, and keep campus open.

"Let me be perfectly clear, if we don’t do these things, YOU WILL BE SENT HOME and more importantly, our community members’ health will be at risk." The CAPS were included in the president's correspondence.

"We all need to adapt NOW to this new normal and way of doing things—for our good and the good of others," said Donohue.

The university's posted guidelines for move-in and campus living say "Prior to move-in, all students residing in the United States will be sent an at-home testing kit, the result of which must be negative before you move into the residence halls."

Also, "face masks must be worn at all times while on campus. If you or anyone accompanying you to campus are experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19 or are not feeling well, please do not come to campus."

Room capacity is only to be twice that of the room's occupancy, so a 3-room occupancy dorm room would be limited to six students allowed to gather in it. Guests who are not Villanova students will not be allowed in residence halls this semester, and even family may only make drop-off visits.

Students were asked to pack lightly as they returned to the dorms. "As this pandemic continues to be a rapidly changing situation, the possibility exists that the University will need to move to a fully virtual learning environment during the semester. If that decision is made, the residence halls will close, and students may be asked to vacate their rooms in as little as 48 hours."