Hawk Hill Ready

Saint Joseph’s Rises to the Occasion – On Hawk Hill and at Home

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic this spring, the Saint Joseph’s community came together to teach, learn, work and give back – virtually. As preparations were made for the return to campus this fall, the campus community is emphasizing health and safety while continuing to provide a fulfilling academic experience for students.

Hawks are ready for anything – and the Saint Joseph’s University community has proved that with aplomb in its response to the COVID-19 pandemic. As the entire world grappled with the spread of the coronavirus and the United States began to show signs of shutting down in early March, Saint Joseph’s made the proactive decision on March 12 to transition the spring semester to a virtual environment and entered an unprecedented chapter in its history.

“As our community and the world at large responds to the threat of COVID-19, we must all adjust to new routines and more virtual interactions,” President Mark C. Reed, Ed.D., said to the campus community. “I am proud of, and grateful for, the quick response of the Saint Joseph’s community and the willingness of our faculty, staff and students to continually adjust as circumstances change. My hope is that we continue to support each other during this transition, as Hawks do.”

Academically and operationally, Saint Joseph’s was well prepared for the transition, as the Office of the Provost had assembled a multidisciplinary, cross-functional team to explore the possibility of a virtual transition much earlier, sensing the seriousness and pervasiveness of the virus.

The pre-work paid off, and the transition was smooth and productive. Approximately 7,200 Saint Joseph’s Zoom meetings were held in March alone (a 400% increase over January), and during the spring, more than 1,000 daily active users logged on to the platform. The Office of Information Technology loaned out dozens of laptops, while student life, public safety, facilities management and other departments ensured that students who needed to stay on campus were accommodated and cared for. Nearly every service ordinarily offered in person – from tutoring and writing support to counseling and Sunday Mass – was made available virtually.

In the early days of the stay-at-home orders, Cheryl A. McConnell, Ph.D., provost and vice president for academic affairs, provided faculty and staff with regular briefings to share information – and connect. Reflecting on the personal and professional adjustment of the virtual transition and how “seeing” and engaging with colleagues has been particularly meaningful, she wrote: “I’ve been thinking about how difficult it is to interact with technology more than with people. The snippets of time I see and speak with colleagues on Zoom are pure gold and make me happy. Another positive is that I have been able to see full sides of some colleagues, including glimpses of children and pets, that add such a touch of humanity and connection."I’ve been thinking about how difficult it is to interact with technology more than with people. The snippets of time I see and speak with colleagues on Zoom are pure gold and make me happy. Another positive is that I have been able to see full sides of some colleagues, including glimpses of children and pets, that add such a touch of humanity and connection."

During the spring, the campus community came together to teach, learn, work, give back – and even celebrate the Class of 2020’s degree conferral – virtually. Social media campaigns connecting Hawk Hill launched; students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends volunteered and donated supplies and resources to those in need; the Barnes Arboretum of Saint Joseph’s University launched an Instagram account to keep the campus close to nature; the Kinney Center for Autism Education and Support developed a virtual camp; faculty discovered creative ways to inspire their students, whether teaching art or calculus; and SJU experts discussed topical issues in the news media and via a new continuing education webinar series titled Unlimited Learning.

Insights from the spring semester helped to inform future academic planning.

Throughout the summer, a preparation task force, led by McConnell and Cary Anderson, Ed.D., vice president for student life and associate provost, have been preparing for a return to campus in August. The task force and 10 working groups under its purview have been developing policies, procedures and practices for housing, first-year experiences, student activities, teaching technology, academic standards, development opportunities, employee wellbeing and more.

The University’s comprehensive Health and Safety plan, issued in June and informed by prevailing scientific and public health guidance, outlines new protocols for mask wearing, physical distancing and campus operations during the pandemic.

According to the report: “While much of our campus experience will look different, some things won’t change – our care for one another, our formation of students with and for others, and our dedication to our students’ rich and deep educational experience. … Saint Joseph’s has the ingenuity and agility to meet today’s unique challenges. These are extraordinary times, and we are preparing for many scenarios that the pandemic may present. In fact, we call our approach and mindset Hawk Hill Ready.”

Signage and a public education campaign reminding community members about good hygiene and health practices have also been developed.

“There are literally hundreds of people working to make our classrooms, dining halls, living and study spaces ready for a successful year ahead, as we prepare for our first full semester amid a pandemic,” Reed wrote in a June message to students and their families.

On returning to Hawk Hill in the fall, McConnell praised the University community for the extensive preparation work that took place over the summer.

“The collaboration and supportive spirit of our faculty and staff have allowed us to develop plans that strongly emphasize the health and safety of the University community even as we continue to provide a fulfilling academic experience for our students,” McConnell said.

Marie Williams is chief marketing and communications officer.