Mantella, administrators explain planning process to return to campus in Fall 2020

At a virtual Town Hall for current students and parents on June 18, President Philomena V. Mantella and Grand Valley administrators detailed extensive planning that is currently underway to ensure that a return to campus is as safe and clean as possible.

Mantella noted a trifecta of stressful conditions that are impacting Americans today, including the global pandemic, racial injustice and unrest, and a faltering economy, but assured students that at Grand Valley “Job 1 is to keep you learning.”

“With time to plan, we have the capability to manage disruptions much better,” Mantella said.

The Laker community is strong, Mantella said, but such global and national challenges will require all faculty, students and staff to work together to ensure a positive outcome.

Administrators detailed enhanced cleaning procedures, housing guidelines, social distancing protocols and plans for a vibrant student life, despite the inherent difficulties that will exist because of the conditions under which the fall semester will occur. 

Felix Ngassa, chair of the Faculty Senate, said faculty are working with administrators to ensure flexibility in scheduling in order to accommodate students who wish to learn in any one of three different modalities, including fully online, hybrid classes, and face to face. While administrators acknowledged that not every class will be available in both formats, they stressed the importance of working with an academic advisor to plan and schedule classes to meet individual student needs and wants.

The president also sought out the opinion of current students Evan Bonello and Julian Sanders, who said they were ready to come back to campus and participate in classes and student life in the “new normal.” 

“I’m looking forward to having the option to get back in the classroom and I’m looking forward to activities,” Sanders said. 

Bonello, who is a resident assistant, knows Fall 2020 will be different than other semesters, but feels the university is doing its best to mitigate risk and prepare students for a robust experience despite challenges.

Mantella encouraged students and their families to use these challenging times to examine themselves and their habits.

“We are marked by what is happening in the world right now, you as students and me as a first-year president,” Mantella said. “Use this time as a mark of hope and passion and finding who you are. I think every day about how I used my time before, and how I use my time now. It informs what is important in my life. Join us in that exploration and the experience; we want you back, we are ready for you. Have confidence, and it will be a joy,” Mantella said.