Amid the global Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Colorado College’s response is not only based on prioritizing the health and safety of the college community, but also that of Colorado Springs and the nation and world at large. The president’s cabinet and the college’s multi-disciplinary COVID-19 Emergency Response Team continues to meet regularly (via web and teleconference services) to assess the situation and plan for impacts to the campus community.

CC has taken the following actions:

• Block 7, 8, and summer classes delivered via distance learning. Most students left for Spring Break and remained off campus. A small number of students — about 175 by Block 7 — who were unable to return home were approved to remain on campus; these students have been provided with housing, meals, and technology support.
• Adjusted block schedule: Spring Break was extended by one week, through Sunday, March 29. On Monday, March 30, CC began Block 7 with distance-learning classes only, in a revised schedule. Most classes were adapted; only a very few were canceled if an online alternative was not possible. Advisers helped students navigate the impact of these changes and the Vice Provost’s Office and advisers worked with seniors to make sure they have pathways to graduation as planned.
• Social distancing: Employees who could telecommute were asked to work from home beginning March 18, and hold meetings virtually. On March 26, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis issued a stay-at-home order, requiring all employees to work from home except those who provide essential services.
• The campus was closed to visitors beginning March 18, including family members and job candidates. Admission open houses have been canceled. Only faculty, essential staff, and students approved to remain living on campus have key-card access to a limited number of buildings.
• Commencement postponed: President Jill Tiefenthaler announced on March 31 that Commencement 2020 could not be held as planned in May. While she said she could not promise a later celebration, students and parents have been surveyed for their input on what would make a postponed celebration meaningful.
• Summer changes: CC-sponsored study abroad programs, summer athletics and theatre camps, Summer Music Festival concerts, the Pre-College Program, and other summer programs, events, and activities, are canceled. If local, state, and federal guidelines allow, August activities, including the Bridge Scholars program, early athletics training, New Student Orientation, and the beginning of the academic year, will resume as usual.

Resources for support and assistance:

The COVID-19 outbreak has caused anxiety and distress for many. The college mobilized and promoted numerous resources for support and assistance, including the Student Health Center, the Counseling Center, the Chaplain’s Office, Employee Assistance Plan, the Butler Center, Student Opportunities and Advising Hub, and Wellness Resource Center. A Coronavirus (COVID-19) Emergency Response Fund was created; faculty, staff, parents, alumni, and friends continue to donate to the fund to help students and the college respond quickly to the challenges brought by the pandemic.

Because the COVID-19 response has changed rapidly based on circumstances, note that this information was current as of press time, but may have changed subsequently. For updated information on Colorado College’s Coronavirus response, visit: coloradocollege.edu/coronavirus.

If you have additional concerns about COVID-19 or the campus response, email covid19@coloradocollege.edu; please leave your phone number if you prefer a personal call back.