Piedmont students returning to campus

   Piedmont College begins fall classes on Aug. 10 and students have arrived at the Demorest campus with various safety precautions in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 
   Prior to move-in, students will be asked to sign a Piedmont Pledge where they provide consent and state they understand the risk they are taking by living in a residence hall and that they will follow the protocols observed by the institution to ensure the safety of the residential population.
SAIL (a program for incoming freshmen) students moved in on Monday and non-SAIL students moved in Thursday. Upper class and transfer students will be moving in on Aug. 8 and 9. 
   Some move move-in day expectations included but are not limited to successfully completing a screening process which can include a questionnaire and temperature check. If the occupant or assisting individual has a fever of 100.4 degrees or over, they will not be permitted to move in according to the website. 
   Masks and gloves are being provided to those moving in if needed. More rules are outlined at piedmont.edu/piedmont-together. 
   The academic calendar will remain unchanged, however some exceptions include the fall break (October 12-13) being eliminated and in-person classes will end November 25. After Thanksgiving, classes and final examinations will be administered remotely.
   “We are doing much more than just what is described on the website,” said Piedmont College President James Mellichamp. “We have purchased a smart phone app for all faculty, staff and students that does a COVID-19 symptoms screening check every 24 hours. In addition, we have purchased facial recognition kiosks for various buildings that do immediate infrared temperature scans.”
   The kiosks ares said to arrive on Aug. 17. Mellichamp said they have an agreement with a local clinic to provide rapid testing for the campus, however he did not reveal the name.
   “These measures go well beyond what most other campuses are doing,” he said. ”As a result, we believe we are well-positioned to welcome our students back to campus.”

OUTSIDE VISITORS
   Per the college’s website, outside visitors to the campus are required to make appointments. Overnight stays have been eliminated. All guests should follow campus safety guidelines and be scheduled to maintain physical distance. Visitors are required to wear face coverings on campus.

GENERAL HEALTH AND SAFETY
   Faculty, staff, students, and visitors are required to wear face coverings while in class, attending events, conducting business on campus, and in densely populated common spaces. The college will provide face coverings for students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
   Faculty, staff, and students are required to social distance while in class, attending events, conducting business on campus, and in densely populated common spaces. Classrooms and laboratories are being reconfigured to allow for social distancing. 
   Classroom instruction, location, and teaching method may be revised to allow for physical distancing. With possible exceptions, large classes may be taught in a weekly alternating manner that would include both face-to-face and online formats.
   Classes of 15 students or above will be broken into smaller sections. Campus custodial services will implement extra cleaning services of all facilities as well. 

ATHLETICS
   Piedmont’s athletic teams will follow guidelines to limit the exposure of student-athletes, coaches, and staff. Spectators will not be allowed at home contests to help protect our community.
   The USA South suspended fall conference competition on July 28, leaving the decision of what sports to play and when up to the individual schools.
   The athletic training staff will have protocols for screening student-athletes and all individuals entering the Mize Athletic Center.