Just moved D into Hamilton on Monday. Because we live in MA, she did not need to quarantine in NY for 14 days in advance. She received a test kit in the mail a week before moving in, and then was tested upon arrival on Monday. She received her test result (negative) in 24 hours. She now has to get on a regular testing schedule though an app that also tracks students for tracing purposes.
H and I have been EXTREMELY impressed with Hamilton these past months. Back in May they started building modular housing to de-densify, upgraded HVAC and ventilation in academic buildings/classrooms, and all students were invited back to live in singles or doubles. The move-in process on Monday did not disappoint.
As we drove up the hill to campus, upper-class RAs and OLs lined the route to the drive thru testing and registration, holding up welcoming signs and waving and cheering. (Before anyone asks, they were socially distanced and all had on masks.) It was such a warm welcome! President Wippman was at the testing site to greet each car (from an appropriate distance) as they arrived, and everything was organized and seamless. We all stayed in the car the entire time (with masks on) while D was tested, checked in, and received her keys and ID. They had cones and signs marked for the drive up areas that were easy to follow… When we arrived at her dorm, there were two RAs stationed outside to welcome students and answer any questions. (Again, they were distanced and masked.) Only one parent was allowed in the dorm to help move in, and we were given a 2-hour window.
All students must quarantine in their rooms until their test results are in. Luckily, it was quick (they are using Broad Institute) and she was only isolated for a day. Once she received her test result, D got together with some friends she met a few months ago (through one of Hamilton’s social networking sites for first years), and headed outside for lunch. (The dining halls are open with limited seating, but it was a nice day and Hamilton has a beautiful campus.) They cannot enter each other’s dorms, but had no problem gathering on some of the Adirondack chairs outside on the lawn. Later that day she met with her advisor (through Zoom) and then headed to the campus smoothie shop with her roommate. She commented that everyone was following the rules, and distancing and wearing masks. She and her roommate are playing cards with two other students from their floor later tonight. Tomorrow and Friday she will join her floor (which is also her Orientation group and pod) for outside outdoor activities and dinner together as part of a modified Orientation schedule. Classes start Monday, and 3 out of 4 of her courses are in-person. (For now, anyway.)
I realize some threads on CC are completely doom and gloom about students returning to campus, but my D has not been isolated or lonely. She is not taking meals alone in her room, and has met several new people. Hamilton is fortunate that they are small (2,000 students), rural, and 100% residential. They also have a rigorous testing program. This is clearly not the case everywhere. I’m hoping they can create an “NBA-style bubble” as well. I must say, if they can’t do it, I’m not sure anyone can. Fingers crossed!