Published: March 12, 2020
Dear Thomas College Community,
Throughout the 126-year history of Thomas College, our community has had to face many challenging moments that test our resolve and character. Our response to the COVID-19 outbreak will see us, together, embody one of the highest callings of our mission: leadership and service in our communities.
While there are currently no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Maine or in our Thomas College community, the health and safety of our community is–and will remain–our highest priority.
Our COVID-19 Response Team continues to monitor the situation closely. Our Director of Health Services is working with the Maine CDC to provide clear, relevant, and timely updates as circumstances change.
Out of that dedication to the health and safety of our community I wanted to personally share changes and updates that will impact students and their families, faculty, and staff:
College-Sponsored Domestic Travel
In response to this ever-changing situation, until further notice, Thomas College has adopted the following guidelines regarding College-sponsored domestic (out-of-state) travel:
- Thomas College is suspending all College-sponsored travel outside the state of Maine
- Thomas College is suspending all on-campus sporting events with out-of-state opponents
This applies with immediate effect to students, faculty, and staff.
College-sponsored travel is defined as any trip funded directly or in-directly by the College or for which the traveler receives reimbursement from Thomas College.
This policy will be evaluated regularly as circumstances change.
Personal Domestic Travel
Since many areas of the U.S. have confirmed cases of COVID-19, Thomas College recommends students, faculty, and staff reconsider domestic travel to states and areas with community spread or that have declared a State of Emergency.
Thomas College recommends that all individuals should take appropriate precautions and consult and follow CDC health advisories while traveling.
Given the rapidly changing nature of this event and with the health and safety of the community as top a priority, the College reserves the right to impose self-quarantine measures at any point for its faculty and staff.
Continuation of Instruction
The Provost has encouraged all faculty to prepare for the continuation of instruction in the event that the College reaches a decision to transition all courses to an online environment. The College is committed to ensuring that students complete their course requirements and earn credits through pedagogically appropriate means.
Additional Precautions
Thomas College physical plant staff, including custodial staff, is currently using hospital grade cleaners and sanitizers. There is increased emphasis on sanitizing high-touch surfaces and ensuring hand sanitizer availability and placement in multiple campus locations.
The above directives will be regularly reviewed and will remain in effect until further notice.
I understand that these changes will disrupt our campus life for many of our students, faculty, and staff. However, we must act swiftly and with the health and safety of our community as our top priority.
Over the coming days and weeks, we are committed to keeping you informed. In addition to regular email updates, the latest news and updates will be posted on our COVID-19 page, https://wwwold.thomas.edu/coronavirus. If you have questions, please contactcovid19@thomas.edu.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work together to keep our community safe.
With deep respect,
Laurie G. Lachance
President