July 20, 2020
La Roche University Announces Reopening Plan for 2020-21 Academic Year
PITTSBURGH, July 20, 2020 – Today La Roche University presented its health and safety plan to reopen campus for the 2020-21 academic year amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“While COVID-19 presents many unique challenges, La Roche has prepared—through extensive and careful planning—to reopen campus for the 2020-21 academic year,” Sister Candace Introcaso, CDP, Ph.D., president of La Roche, said. “In every decision we make, we prioritize the health and welfare of our campus community and neighbors. The precautions announced today aim to maximize safety, mitigate risks and prepare us for a broad range of scenarios as faculty and students return to campus.”
As learning and operations resume on campus, the University will follow the health and safety protocols of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Allegheny County Health Department. La Roche’s reopening plan details new safety measures, policies and procedures, including:
- Face coverings or disposable masks must be worn by all individuals in all public settings on campus, whether indoor or outdoor
- Daily temperature and symptom screenings for faculty, staff, students, visitors and vendors
- Social distancing protocols
- Reducing the density of the number of students in classrooms and residence halls
- Quarantine spaces for resident students who need to self-isolate due to a positive COVID-19 test or exposure
- A phased return to work plan for non-essential employees to reduce social density
- Protocols to routinely clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces and service areas
La Roche also revised its instructional delivery to reduce the campus footprint, which will enable adequate social distancing at all times. In addition to its normal small, immersive, in-class experiences, the University has added more online courses and a new collaborative, Hi-Flex classroom model in which students are only required to be in the physical classroom every other session.
“COVID-19 is a complex and evolving situation, and as circumstances change, La Roche is prepared to take swift action to keep our community safe,” President Introcaso said. “While there is much uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, we are certain in our ability to provide high-quality instruction and meaningful educational experiences—both in person and online.”
Please visit laroche.edu/reopening to view the full reopening plan.
About La Roche University: A private liberal arts university in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, La Roche University offers 66 undergraduate programs of study, six master’s degrees and one doctoral degree, with particular strengths in education, business, criminal justice, psychology, and health and medical sciences as well as interior design and graphic design. This residential university provides a vibrant campus community for more than 1,400 men and women enjoying 30-plus student organizations and an exciting NCAA Div. III athletics program. Founded by the Sisters of Divine Providence in 1963, La Roche University embraces its Catholic heritage while welcoming people of all faiths and backgrounds. With a legacy of social justice and a commitment to international exchange, La Roche University educates students to be lifelong learners and achievers in an increasingly diverse and global society.
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