You’ll need a mask when on the ACC campus this fall.
The college’s board of trustees updated their COVID-19 pandemic plan on Tuesday night, wherein the decision was made for masks to return to campus.
According to President John Masterson, the policy was reinstated “mainly because of the surge in the delta variant” along with increasing cases across the state and region.
“We just thought about being preemptive,” he added, along with noting how, if conditions improve, “you can always back off.”
Thankfully, of the athletes who have already returned to campus, none thus far have tested positive for COVID-19, and no employees have tested positive, either.
Three staff members were placed in quarantine, however, due to close contact with a positive case.
Of note, is that many international students immediately sought out vaccination upon arrival, due to a lack of availability at home.
“In their own country, they weren’t even close to their age group,” Masterson observed, and so they headed straight to Walmart and elsewhere, eager for the opportunity.
ACC is also hoping to have an on-site vaccination clinic this fall, in coordination with the Southeast Kansas Multi-County Health Departments.
Lastly, given the impact of COVID-19 on social interaction, the college is joining others in focusing on enhancing student activities this fall.
“This has become a heightened focus across the nation,” said Vice President Jon Marshall, who went into detail about improving relationships between students, teachers and course content in the wake of the pandemic.
IN OTHER news, around 170 student-athletes have already arrived on campus, and it’s looking as though the dorms are going to be full (without exceeding capacity).
At this point, 1,770 students are enrolled for fall, which is up from last month’s figure by about 600. ACC expects to pull in even more by the time fall semester starts.
It’s estimated that between 90-100 international students are attending the college this fall, representing some 25 countries.
To honor these students, colorful flags will soon adorn the “fishbowl” area of the main campus building, where each student’s country of origin will be displayed (as well as those from students attending in previous years).
