Community Forums Bring Babson Together for Return to Campus Updates
Over the course of three days, more than 1,300 Babson community members gathered virtually for community forums focused on the College’s return to campus plan.
“All of the measures you’ve read about in the plan, and that you hear at these forums, are designed not simply to bring us together safely. They are intended to keep us together,” said Vice President of Learner Success and Dean of Campus Life Lawrence Ward. “It will take all of us, individually and collectively, to be successful.”
Spotlight on Student Life
At the undergraduate forum on July 14, Ward led a panel featuring President Stephen Spinelli Jr. MBA’92, PhD and leaders from the undergraduate school, residence education, education abroad, and health and wellness.
“Students are the lifeblood of a college, and we know that your connections to friends, classmates, faculty, and this community are an essential part of your growth, development, education, and sense of place in this world,” said Ward. “We are committed to providing opportunities for social connection, gathering spaces, and additional mental health and emotional well-being resources. We believe that these are essential aspects of the Babson student experience and are fundamental to why we have developed a comprehensive, safe, and thoughtful approach to reopening our campus.”
Among the updates shared during the undergraduate forum: a pre-arrival quarantine procedure for students. All students planning to study at Babson’s Wellesley campus for the fall semester are expected to self-quarantine at home for 14 days prior to traveling to campus. This applies to all students currently residing outside of New England, New Jersey, and New York, including those who will travel by plane to campus as well as to students planning to live off campus for the semester.
Upon arrival, students will be asked to complete a form confirming their at-home quarantine. Students also will be tested within 24 hours of arrival, and asked to remain on campus for two weeks after moving in. More details are outlined on the Return to Campus site.
Near and Far, A Wealth of Resources
Incoming and returning graduate students gathered virtually on July 17 to review safety, academic experience and class formats, and the experience outside of the classroom. Panelists included representatives from the graduate school, education abroad, career development, and graduate admission.
“This year may look a bit different, but we’re excited to continue to engage with you,” said Beth Bristol, associate dean of the Graduate School. “No matter what, we will ensure that you make progress toward your degree and build the skills, mindset, and connections that will enable you to thrive.”
Graduate students also are asked to complete the 14-day at-home quarantine before arriving on campus.
Navigating the Next Normal Together
The faculty and staff forum on July 15 focused on health and safety protocols the community can expect upon returning to the office, including testing, symptom reporting, and enhancements to campus facilities.
All Babson community members can expect things to look different this fall, but the ability of entrepreneurial leaders to navigate change, said President Spinelli, is what makes our community strong.
“What ultimately connects the people of Babson—students, faculty, alumni, parents—is an unwavering desire to advance themselves and the world,” said Spinelli. “Babson people are action people. The value of a Babson degree will ultimately be enhanced because of this experience.”
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