HELENA — There are two testing centers at Carroll College for students to be tested for COVID-19. It is one of many changes the college is implementing as fall classes begins August 17th, 2020.
One difference is that all students coming to campus must be tested.
"We are seeing a nice, 24-to-48-hour turnaround on these tests we've turned in so far,” says Chato Hazelbaker, the Vice President of Enrollment Management and Marketing at Carroll College. “That's a key part of the move in process for everybody this year. Our off-campus students can also access testing by coming to one of the testing centers.”
One testing center is located in front of Borromeo Hall. The other center is located in the Wellness Center at Carroll College. Faculty and staff can be tested through their healthcare provider. There are also new isolation rooms across the campus to house any student that tests positive.
"We have rooms set aside. So if a student was positive and they needed to go into isolation, we can go ahead and move them into that facility that has all the things they would need to take care of themselves,” says Hazelbaker. “They would have their food service provided to them. Most importantly, they can actually, then, get in contact with our faculty members to start working with them right away so they don't miss academic time."
Classrooms will look different. Each room will be at half-capacity, socially-distanced, and cleaned in between each use by faculty and staff. Masks are required upon entering any building on campus.
"Well, I'll tell you what, if you're not flexible, you're just not going to make it this fall. So, we are doing our best right now," says Hazelbaker.
Some students have already moved into dorms and apartments. On August 14-15th, campus housing will be open for incoming freshmen to move into their dorms. Only 15 students will be able to move in at one time.
On-campus activities are available but the number for those who can attend will be limited.
