ASMSA COVID-19 Updates

The following post is a message from ASMSA Director Corey Alderdice sent on August 17, 2022.

Students, Colleagues, and Families:

ASMSA’s COVID-19 Workgroup met earlier today to review the latest operational guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for K-12 schools to support safe in-person learning.  Though the CDC does not consider residential schools a high-risk congregate setting based on the age of our student population, the Workgroup’s experience over the past few years continues to highlight the need to adapt CDC recommendations to match the needs of the campus community.

The Workgroup has recommended the following ASMSA policies regarding quarantine, isolation, masking, and testing.  The changes in practice will be implemented, effective immediately for both students and employees.

POSITIVE TESTS AND ISOLATION

Regardless of vaccination status, members of the campus community should isolate themselves from others when they have COVID-19. Symptomatic individuals should seek immediate testing, which is available at no cost in the Nurse’s office. Please do not brush off symptoms or wait to see if they worsen.

If your results are positive, you must isolate off campus for at least five days.  On the sixth day, you may return to campus.  During students’ initial return, they will be placed in alternative housing on campus to reduce the risk of transmission to roommates or suitemates.  Employees will return to regular duties. During the transitional phase (between days six and ten), you will be required to wear a mask.  KN95 masks are available at no cost.  Students and employees will be tested daily upon return to campus from isolation.  After either two consecutive days of negative tests or the ten-day window (whichever comes first), they will no longer be required to wear a mask.

CLOSE CONTACTS

Individuals who are identified as close contacts will no longer be required to quarantine regardless of vaccination status.  Close contacts will be expected to wear a mask and should limit interactions with other students and colleagues while unmasked (such as while eating or in their room).  On day six of potential exposure, close contacts will be tested.  If the result is negative, you will still continue wearing a mask for 10 full days after exposure. If the test is positive, you will have to isolate for 5 days. Students who are close contacts found not wearing a mask in public spaces will receive disciplinary action for Failure to Follow a Reasonable Directive in accordance with the Student Handbook. Repeated instances may result in the loss of off-campus privileges.

MASKING 

We believe that the most fundamental commitment that members of our community of learning can make to each other and their safety is wearing a mask or face covering when in shared spaces or at times when social distancing is not fully possible.  Though not a requirement, this common-sense practice is a core strategy in mitigating the transmission of the virus.  While our goal is to limit disruption to both the classroom and residential environments, we continue to strive to reduce transmission of COVID-19 to the fullest extent possible on campus.

IN CLOSING
The first weeks of the semester have already brought numerous cases to campus thanks to the BA.5 subvariant.  It is a reminder that while ASMSA has weathered the challenges of the pandemic over the past three academic years, there remains significant work toward shared responsibility if we are to limit disruption in the months ahead.  While the Workgroup has been committed to easing some of the more onerous restrictions that were in place in previous years, a return to those practices may be necessary should cases reach unacceptable levels.

As we have often noted, ASMSA’s success this year will be grounded in a shared commitment to each other.  On this point, we can expect no less.

The following post is a message from ASMSA Director Corey Alderdice sent on February 28, 2022.

Students, Colleagues, and Families:

Last week, the University of Arkansas System leadership provided an update to campus executives regarding masking policies.  Based on declining case numbers statewide and revised guidance from the CDC, the Trustees and System administration have recommended that masks should still be encouraged as part of our efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 but should no longer be a requirement.

ASMSA’s campus COVID-19 Workgroup met earlier today to discuss this recommendation, review campus-level data for the month of February, and consider further easing of restrictions that were implemented amid the rise of the Omicron variant in December and January.  To that end, I ask that you carefully review the updates listed below.

Effective Tuesday, March 1st, masks are no longer required on the ASMSA campus.  While masks have been a central component of our efforts to date and have helped to almost completely eliminate transmission in classroom settings, we are now entering a transitional period where our policies must become sustainable into the future. Testing, quarantine, and isolation protocols will remain the same for both students and employees.  

We continue to maintain a robust supply of free KN95 masks, which are available at the RLO,  Director’s office, Dean of Academic Affairs’ office, and the lounges on each floor of the Academic and Administration Building.   Masks are still strongly encouraged, and the COVID-19 Workgroup may review circumstances and special events on campus where it is potentially in the best interest of all parties that masks be required.  

Beginning Friday, March 4th, students may return to checking out each weekend to return home to visit with family.  I am appreciative of our parents’ and guardians’ understanding of the need to limit off-campus exposure during peak COVID-19 waves.  The last few weeks have seen our cases and quarantines return to zero, and it is comforting to finally return to a sense of normalcy on this point.

Off-campus privileges will return to their normal format after Spring Break beginning March 28th. Privileges are based on the requirements outlined in the Student Handbook (pg. 34 vehicle, pg. 38 off-campus, and pg. 40 study hours).  For students who have underperformed in classes at the start of the semester, this serves as a reminder that there is time to make significant progress in your coursework prior to the mid-term Progress Report on Friday, March 11th. Effective immediately, the restrictions on both on-campus and off-campus indoor dining are eliminated.

As a reminder to our students who are participating in the upcoming Global Learning Program experiences in Greece and Mexico, you are still subject to the policies of the Federal Aviation Administration, EF Tours, Ecology Project International, and local laws regarding masks as well as other measures.  ASMSA will test traveling students on Friday, March 11th, and Monday, March 14th, for COVID-19.  A positive test or quarantine will impede your ability to travel. As such, you are asked to continue to exhibit caution and care in the lead up to, during, and upon your return from these programs.

To close, I want to revisit the dual themes of shared commitment and shared responsibility that have framed all of our discussions and protocols related to the pandemic.  While many of the changes outlined above are based on average daily cases returning to manageable levels, I do acknowledge that our change in the required masking policy will feel too sudden for many.  While we can no longer require the use of masks, I anticipate that our community of learning’s commitment to each other will continue.

I want to commend our students, faculty, and staff for how you have taken those values to heart.  From vaccinations to unending patience to expressing your observations and concerns in appropriate ways, you have consistently modeled the kind of attitudes and discourse that would significantly improve the outlook and effects of the pandemic if everyone was more like you.  For that, I am grateful. 

The following post is a message from ASMSA Director Corey Alderdice sent on January 26, 2022.

Students, Families, and Colleagues,

The first month of the spring semester has seen ASMSA’s greatest challenges in addressing the pandemic since students first departed campus in March 2020.  Through planning, intentionality, and a fair amount of good fortune, we experienced only nominal disruptions until the start of this semester.  

I want to express my appreciation to our faculty, student life team, and support staff for how they have adapted to students and colleagues being in both quarantine and isolation.  As our students began to fully understand the transmissibility of the Omicron variant, they have re-committed to our values of shared responsibility to the preservation of the residential experience as well as our collective health and wellbeing.  

However, it remains too early to think of current circumstances as “the new normal.”  While cases statewide seem to be plateauing, they remain significantly higher than at the peak of the Delta surge last September as well as the post-holiday surge in January 2021. As such, the campus COVID-19 Workgroup is making the following recommendations for protocols through at least March 4, 2022.

First, all students who are not in active quarantine or isolation are expected to return to campus on Monday, January 31.  The elective option for remote learning is being discontinued.  We said last month that this was offered as a temporary measure as we assessed the full impact of the Omicron variant.  With a better understanding of how to address these unique challenges, the Workgroup is unanimous in their opinion that students should be in the classroom to the fullest extent possible.

For students who are currently remote, we ask that you begin at-home quarantining today.  That means limiting exposure to as few people as possible (i.e., members of your household).  Home-based transmission and subsequent exposures from those initial cases on campus were the root cause of cases this month.  We have seen numbers of students both in quarantine and isolation level off over the past week.

Dr. Morris noted earlier today that the campus will remain open this weekend for students who do not wish to depart.  For students who do go home this weekend, please remember the purpose of this Extended Weekend is quality time with your family.  Again, that means limiting your potential exposure to the fullest extent possible.  

When students return on Monday, they will be expected to eat exclusively with members of their suite.  We have not seen transmission of the virus within the classroom thanks to our masking and distancing protocols.  What that means is the time spent with suitemates and others at meals is where students are most at risk.  Ideally, the maximum number of close contacts should be no higher than 3 persons from any given case.  Students still enjoy 90 minutes during the lunch break, which is more than enough time to eat and then spend time elsewhere masked with their choice of friends.

The Workgroup has also decided that students will remain on campus for Required Weekends the weekend of February 5-6 and 19-20.  Should we successfully resume full residential operations next week, students will be able to go home the weekend of February 12-13 as well as the Extended Weekend on February 26.

The COVID-19 Workgroup will continue to meet to assess circumstances as they evolve.  While we are hopeful that case numbers will rapidly decline over the month of February, we will continue to prioritize measures that allow students to remain on campus while taking advantage of the full academic opportunities available at ASMSA.

The following post is a message from ASMSA Director Corey Alderdice sent on Friday, January 14, 2022.

Students, Families, and Colleagues:

Apologies for the lengthy email, but please review the following updates from the COVID-19 Workgroup carefully.

Since Monday, 11 students have tested positive for COVID, with some of those cases testing positive after being placed in quarantine.  Through our contact tracing efforts, we have identified 51 potential close contacts who have transitioned to quarantine.  Cases before Thursday were exposed prior to arrival due to the incubation period, but we are entering a timeline where positive cases are likely part of intra-community exposure.

The campus COVID-19 Workgroup met Thursday afternoon to review the data and make recommendations on our next steps.  While several districts have transitioned temporarily to remote learning due to staffing issues, we are not forecasting the immediate need to do so at this time.  We believe that it is important to maintain on-campus learning so long as it is safe and productive to do so.  The most likely scenario that would result in a transition to remote learning would be due to staffing challenges within the Student Center.

The Workgroup did discuss ASMSA’s current quarantine process and has recommended amending the quarantine period from 7 days downward to 5.  Students and employees in quarantine should now test near the end of the fifth day post-exposure and may return to campus on the sixth day.  Students will be tested a second time upon their arrival to campus.  While this practice currently exceeds the CDC recommendations, we believe it allows us to maintain a cautious approach while limiting time out of the classroom or away from campus.

Due to shortages of testing materials statewide, a student may forego the testing at home in order to return to campus; however, they do run the risk of testing positive and immediately having to return home.  On the subject of testing, if a student exhibits any symptoms of COVID, please visit the Nurse’s office for a test.  The majority of students who have tested positive did exhibit symptoms a day or two before they sought out testing.  Please do not hesitate to obtain a test or delay testing until symptoms worsen.  A lack of a timely response only increases the possibility of transmission around continued close contacts.

The group also wishes to remind students to keep their networks as small as possible for the time being while being mindful about the number of potential close contacts your interactions create.  This includes limiting who you dine with.  Whenever possible, you can minimize risk by eating only with roommates or suitemates.  While this is a strong recommendation at the moment, it may become necessary for it to become a required practice.

Finally, we will allow students to electively participate in remote learning through Friday, January 28, 2022, with return to campus on Monday, January 31st beginning at 2pm after the Extended Weekend. To be clear, while students will access courses via Zoom and Canvas, this is a more passive format than has previously been offered and is designed to suffice while students are in quarantine.  We will assess the need to extend this window later this month.

As I have noted in my previous messages, the challenges both ASMSA and schools across the country face are greater now than they have been at any previous point in the pandemic.  We will continue to monitor circumstances and amend our plans as necessary.  Students: I appreciate your commitment to preserving the on-campus experience.  Families: we are grateful for your patience and understanding as we move forward and make adjustments.

The following post is a message from ASMSA Director Corey Alderdice sent on January 6, 2022.

The following post is a message from ASMSA Director Corey Alderdice sent on January 1, 2022.

The following post is a message from ASMSA Director Corey Alderdice sent on November 2, 2021.

The following post is a message from ASMSA Director Corey Alderdice sent on October 4, 2021.

The following post is a message from ASMSA Director Corey Alderdice sent on September 21, 2021.

The following post is a message from ASMSA Director Corey Alderdice sent on September 1, 2021.

The following post is a message from ASMSA Director Corey Alderdice sent on August 18, 2021.

Students and Colleauges,

The following post is a message from ASMSA Director Corey Alderdice on August 11, 2021.

Students, Colleagues, and Families,

The following post is a message from Nia Rieves, ASMSA Human Resources Manager on August 9, 2021.

I wanted to pass along the updated guidelines for COVID exposure and infection (for employees and students).  The UA system has reinstated the COVID leave program and I have included the details of the paid leave program for your reference.

Vaccinated and non-vaccinated people with symptoms-must quarantine until PCR test results are received.

Vaccinated people who tests positive-must isolate for 10 days from first symptoms.  You may return to work after 10 days if you have been fever free (without medications) for 24 hours and improvement of symptoms.

Vaccinated people exposed with close contact (less than 6 feet apart for more than 15 minutes)-must quarantine for 7 days from contact with positive person.  You must take a PCR test on Day 5 that produces a negative result.

Vaccinated people who are caregivers or live in a household where distancing is not possible-must quarantine 7 days following the positive person's isolation period of 10 days (17 days total if no symptoms).

Non-vaccinated people who tests positive-must isolate for 10 days from first symptoms.  You may return to work after 10 days if you have been fever free (without medications) for 24 hours and improvement of symptoms.

Non-vaccinated people exposed with close contact (less than 6 feet apart for more than 15 minutes).  Must quarantine for 14 days from contact with positive person.

Non-vaccinated people who are caregivers or live in a household where distancing is not possible-must quarantine for 14 days following the positive person's isolation period of 10 days (24 days total if no symptoms).

For purposes of contact tracing on campus, it is important that I have a record of all vaccinated and non-vaccinated employees on campus.  If you did not participate in our vaccination clinic last year, are new to campus this year, or have not let me know already, please consider sharing with me your vaccination status.  This information will remain confidential in Human Resources.

Human Resources will need a copy on file of any test that is required for your return to campus or requires you to stay home.

While in quarantine and/or isolation, remote work is encouraged whenever possible.  If you are unable to work because of COVID symptoms, care giving responsibilities, or are unable to perform your job remotely, you can take sick leave hours.  If you run out of sick leave hours, you can use annual leave hours.

Last week I shared that the UA system had suspended the additional COVID paid leave program effective August 1^st.   We have since learned that the State has extended the program, providing the system the opportunity to continue.  The UA system leave program will be extended retroactively from August 1^st.   Outlined below are the program guidelines, unchanged from the prior program.

Paid leave for COVID-19-related illness, quarantine and child care

The UA system will extend the opportunity for up to 80 total combined hours of paid leave for employees affected by COVID-19.   The leave program is not a continuation of the FFCRA leave.

For such paid leave to be granted, the following requirements must be met:

• The employee must be unable to work from home due to illness or have a job in which working from home is not possible.
• The employee must not have previously used 80 hours of COVID-19 leave as was provided by the Federal Family First Coronavirus Relief Act (FFCRA).
• Due to Coronavirus the employee is subject to a federal, state, or local quarantine order.
• The employee has been directed by the Department of Health or other health authority to quarantine due to Coronavirus.
• Due to Coronavirus the employee is subject to extended campus return-to-work guidelines (up to 14 days rather than the seven and ten day options provided by the AR Department of Health).
• The employee is experiencing Coronavirus symptoms and is seeking a medical diagnosis.
• The employee must provide care for their dependent child whose school or daycare is closed due to COVID-19.
• The employee must provide (within a reasonable time established by the campus) appropriate physician, school, Department of Health or equivalent documentation supporting the leave utilization.
• Employees who used a portion of the available FFCRA 80 hours in 2020 may use the remainder as COVID-19 leave in 2021 but in no case may use a combined total of more than 80 hours.
• Including leave previously used under FFCRA, COVID-19 leave is limited to no more than total of 80 hours for any combination of quarantine, illness or child care leave eligibility.
• The 80-hour maximum will be prorated for less than full-time employees.
• Employees using COVID-19 leave will be eligible to receive full pay but not to exceed $511 per day or approximately $133,000 annualized.
• Whenever possible, work from home rather than paid or unpaid leave should be used.
• Failure to provide appropriate documentation for COVID leave will result in re-characterization of the leave taken as sick, vacation or leave-without-pay within the established leave use guidelines. (Sick leave may not be used for child care purposes due to school closure.)
• Qualified leave may be applied retroactively to August 1, 2021.

Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.

The following email was sent by ASMSA Director Corey Alderdice to the campus community on August 6, 2021.

The following email was sent by ASMSA Director Corey Alderdice to the campus community on August 3, 2021.

The following email was sent by ASMSA Director Corey Alderdice to the campus community on July 12, 2021.

Students, Colleagues, and Families:

Today, we are releasing the DolphinReady 2.0 Plan as part of ASMSA's ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

When ASMSA students and faculty returned to campus last August, there remained a significant amount of uncertainty about the year ahead.  We were the only one of our peer institutions slated to fully resume the residential experience, which made the task seem even more daunting.  In the end, we completed the year with zero cases of COVID-19 among students on campus.  This incredible feat speaks to the willingness of our students, employees, and families to make the necessary sacrifices on a daily basis that ensure the safety and continuity of the ASMSA experience.

As we prepare for the fall semester, there is both good news and bad news when surveying the current landscape.  The good news is two-fold: first, we now know this can be done; second, FDA-approved vaccines are widely and readily available that are both safe and effective at preventing the transmission of COVID-19.  However, there is also cause for concern.  Recent trends in statewide case numbers are higher today than they were last summer due to the emergence of the Delta variant as well as Arkansas’ lagging numbers in vaccine adoption.

Moreover, the Arkansas General Assembly passed two laws earlier this year that limits schools’ ability to adopt proactive policies in response to COVID-19.  Act 977 of 2021 prohibits state agencies and other public entities from requiring the COVID-19 vaccine.  Act 1002 of 2021 prohibits public entities (including both K-12 schools as well as colleges and universities) from enforcing campus mask mandates after July 27, 2021.

ASMSA’s COVID-19 Workgroup, which recommends policies and responses for the pandemic, has set forward the following framework for the year that intends, in large measure, a return to normal conditions.  This includes sign-off from campus, weekend visits home, and additional time for family members to visit campus.  However, our comfort with the policies as outlined in this FAQ is predicated on two factors.

1. We anticipate that 85% or more of students will be fully vaccinated upon arrival to campus in August.  Approximately 85% of all employees have already been fully vaccinated to date.
2. Wearing masks or other appropriate face coverings should continue to be a part of ASMSA’s campus culture of shared responsibility.  Consistent use of masks by both students and employees has been proven to reduce transmission of the virus and is the simplest step that we can take to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

To be clear: ASMSA cannot require these two actions based on the aforementioned state laws; however, the rest of our policies and responses will be adapted based on either the presence or absence of masks and a high rate of vaccination.  This includes reactivating restrictions on time away from campus. While every effort will be made to ensure the safety of students and employees, our planning for the year ahead assumes scenarios in which the virus is present and could lead to temporary disruptions to the residential experience.

I am grateful for the ways our faculty, staff, students, and families have risen to the challenges of the past year with patience, understanding, and resilience.  Challenges remain ahead, but I am confident that we will continue to work together to ensure continuity of learning and student growth.

Be safe. Be well.  We’re all in this together.

The following email was sent by ASMSA Director Corey Alderdice to employees on April 23, 2021.

The following email was sent by ASMSA Director Corey Alderdice to students and families at 9:00am on April 8, 2021.

The consensus of the campus COVID workgroup is that ASMSA should “stay the course” on the majority of campus policies to ensure a complete, uninterrupted finish to the end of this unusual year. In order to prioritize campus events like Prom, the Arts and Humanities Symposium, Ensemble concerts, and Commencement along with minimizing the risk of disruption to end-of-semester projects and final exams, we ask for your continued patience as restrictions remain in place through the end of the semester.

The campus workgroup has recommended two specific amendments to existing practice.

WEEKDAY TIME OFF CAMPUS

The shift to four-hour windows off-campus has provided mental health and wellness benefits for students.  To that end, we are extending students one additional weekday of time away from campus effective immediately. Time outdoors, light exercise, and personal space are helpful as students manage the natural stressors of this time of the year.

SENDING SCHOOL GRADUATIONS AND COLLEGE VISITS

Where we noted in February that students who conducted college visits would need to isolate upon return to campus, our experience post-Spring Break suggests that double-masking and PCR testing provides the necessary assurances when students return to campus. Seniors who also want to participate in their sending school graduation in May will also be allowed to do so under this approach.  Students are not permitted to attend Prom at their sending school or other institutions.

ASMSA COMMENCEMENT

ASMSA’s 27th Annual Commencement Ceremony will be held on Saturday, May 22nd at Bank OZK Arena (Hot Springs Convention Center).  Based on current facility guidelines, we are able to both increase each family’s allotment to 15 tickets and to extend the invitation to attend to all current students.  All attendees will be expected to wear face coverings and social distance by group.  Additional details will be provided as we near the ceremony.

VACCINATION OPPORTUNITIES

ASMSA residential staff members are happy to assist students in scheduling a vaccine appointment and provide transportation if needed.  Though there are a variety of options available, we recommend the weekly clinics on Tuesday and Saturday at National Park Medical Center.

While some families have expressed a desire for a full easing of restrictions, the CDC guidance continues to be that we all should remain vigilant amid surges in COVID variants in other portions of the country.  While there is an argument that our lower case numbers in the state, broad-based vaccine participation among students and staff, negative testing post-Spring Break, and continued use of masks should be cause for a return to greater normalcy, I hope that members of our campus community recognize that all of those commitments are part of collective efforts that ensure the campus remains free of the virus.  

This year has been successful because of the steps we have taken.  That’s all-the-more reason to see them through.  Thank you to our students, parents, and colleagues for your continued patience and persistence over the past fourteen months.  The horizon is in sight.  We’ll get there together.

The following email was sent by ASMSA Director Corey Alderdice to students and families at 3:00pm on March 30, 2021.

Students, Colleagues, and Families,

You will have likely seen the Governor’s announcement today that the statewide mask mandate has been suspended effective immediately and that all Arkansans sixteen and older are now eligible for the vaccine.  More than 70% of our students have received at least one dose as of this afternoon and more than 80% of employees have been fully vaccinated.  

The Governor also noted today that school districts may elect to continue with a requirement of face coverings.  ASMSA intends to keep our mask policy in place for the remainder of the academic year. This is our fundamental act of shared responsibility to each other.

The University of Arkansas System Board of Trustees has empowered planning and response committees to set policies related to the pandemic for their individual campuses, including ASMSA.  Our campus COVID-19 Workgroup will meet tomorrow to discuss a variety of topics as we near the end of this most usual year and begin planning for the next.  As I noted previously, we will hold on reviewing any potential updates to campus policies until after the results of the PCR testing are available either this weekend or early next week.  

While it is encouraging that the state’s case numbers continue to decline, there are a variety of reasons to maintain the level of vigilance we have committed to as a campus throughout this year.  Many families have chosen the residential experience specifically because of our decision to prioritize the physical health and safety of students.  While there have been calls from some members of our community of learning to ease restrictions, the planning group will continue to balance all decisions with the dual imperatives of safety and limited disruptions to the residential experience.

Again, we expect a much more normal ASMSA experience when classes resume in August.  In the meantime, our caution provides greater confidence in the overall safety of events like prom and graduation.  Though many aspects of these shared sacrifices are painful and frustrating at times, I appreciate your continued understanding and support of our collective efforts.

The following email was sent by ASMSA Director Corey Alderdice to students and families at 3:30pm on March 16, 2021.

Students, Colleagues, and Families,

Let’s begin with the big news of the week.  Earlier today, Governor Hutchinson opened vaccine eligibility to citizens in category 1-C, which includes individuals age sixteen and older who live in congregate settings such as student housing.  Both the Pfizer and Jonhson & Johnson vaccines can be given to sixteen-year-olds.  By the end of the day, we expect around 40% of the students who are on campus will have received their first dose.

If you are eligible--whether you are a student or adult--I encourage you to get vaccinated at the first opportunity.

As we near a well-deserved break at the midpoint of the semester and the three-quarter mark of an unusual year, I want to thank all members of ASMSA’s community of learning for their patience, support, and resilience this year.  While “normal” isn’t the word I would use to describe the past several months, your collective efforts and sacrifice have allowed us to continue the ASMSA residential experience with far fewer interruptions and greater normalcy than we ever imagined last summer.

Our guide in every decision this year has been to start with the physical health of students and employees in mind.  We are mindful that those decisions do have very real impacts on mental health and wellbeing, and we have tried to balance those two concerns to the fullest extent possible. With achieving a better balance in mind, I would like to outline some adjustments that have been recommended by the COVID-19 workgroup as we plan for students’ return after Spring Break. 

We have secured sufficient rapid tests to screen all students as they arrive on campus on Sunday, March 28th.  Any student who tests positive from the rapid test will be required to receive a PCR test and isolate at home until recovered.

We believe that this measure—along with the majority of faculty and staff having received the full benefits of vaccination—will allow us to continue with classroom instruction beginning on Monday, March 29th.  All students will still receive a PCR test on Friday, April 2nd, which would provide a sufficient incubation period for most cases that could result from any exposure during Spring Break.  We will continue to test symptomatic students as warranted. 

This approach, which avoids the week of “desktop learning” requires four essential concessions on the part of students: (1) there will be no leaving campus or family visits until students receive the negative PCR test results; (2) students must “double mask” for that week, though ASMSA will provide the underlying medical-grade masks; (3) all meals must be taken only with suitemates at their table; and (4) we must all be hyper-vigilant about social distancing, hand washing, and other basic measures.  

However, if the rapid tests do identify a significant number of cases, we may return to the former plan for desktop learning.

The COVID workgroup will convene early next month to determine if any further adjustments to campus practices are warranted as we complete the year.  With that said, we are expecting a return to greater normalcy when classes resume in August. “Pandemic fatigue” is a genuine and real concern, but we must each be reminded of the shared commitments we made at the outset of the year to each other as well as the shared responsibility for our collective safety.  Please make appropriate choices and use caution during your time away from campus during Spring Break.  Our success this year is grounded in simply doing the right thing each day and exhibiting the basic precautions that help prevent exposure to the virus.  

Let’s keep doing what works.

The following email was sent by ASMSA Director Corey Alderdice to students and families at 5:30pm on February 3, 2021.

Students and Families,

As we begin the month of February, I am pleased to report we have experienced no active COVID cases on campus.  Still, we must remain ever vigilant in our efforts. Last Friday, we conducted an on-campus vaccination clinic for employees.  I’m heartened to share that almost 80% of employees have chosen to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.  Because employees come and go from campus each day, this act is a further show of commitment to our shared responsibility in keeping students and employees safe amid the pandemic.

The COVID-19 planning group has been meeting since our return to campus last month to review and discuss the variety of activities and topics related to the coming months.  We ask that you review this information carefully.

SPRING BREAK
I have accepted the group’s recommendation that we maintain the existing Spring Break calendar.  Students will depart campus after classes on Friday, March 19th and return on Sunday, March 28th.  Much like Fall Break in October, our purpose for keeping this scheduled downtime is two-fold: (1) to provide appropriate space for students to decompress from the challenges of both ASMSA and the pandemic and (2) to spend quality time with their families.  I want to be absolutely clear that we strongly oppose elective travel, vacations, or attending group gatherings during Spring Break.  We ask that you do your part in mitigating potential exposure and risk.

While students will be able to remain on campus if they choose for the extended weekends on Friday, February 19th and April 30th, we are unable to offer this option during Spring Break.

When students return to campus from Spring Break, we will enforce a one-week, on-campus isolation period for all students with them remaining primarily in their rooms and residential wings of the Student Center.  Winter Break demonstrated that an extended period of time away from campus will result in several cases of the virus.  Because the break is insufficient for exposure, testing, and return, we have concluded that the safest measure is to conduct a “desktop learning” week with students on campus but remaining in the Student Center for the immediate period after break.  Following a sufficient window, we will conduct universal PCR testing for all students at ASMSA.  While both of these steps are extraordinary, we believe that they are essential to ensure the safety of the campus community.

COLLEGE VISITS
As we reach the time of the year where seniors are receiving college admissions and scholarship offers, many families believe it is essential to visit a campus to determine if the university is the right fit.  We want to support families in this action with the understanding that all safety precautions are taken in the meantime.  If possible, we suggest this taking place during Spring Break.  (Given the significance of college visits, we believe this kind of travel is not elective but is, instead, essential.)  

Students who do so must conduct campus visits at times other than Spring Break will complete a one-week isolation period upon return to campus, participate in remote learning, and receive a negative PCR test result prior to re-entry to the campus community at large. The Student Life staff will transport the student to be tested at our local provider to ensure timely results.

PROM
The planning group as well as our Student Life Staff have requested that we keep the scheduled date for Prom on Saturday, April 24th.  With students having been asked to make so many sacrifices this year, we believe it is important to hold these traditional rites of passage to the fullest extent possible.  The event will be held on campus at the Creativity and Innovation Complex, including dinner.

Students will not be allowed to have outside guests for the Prom.  Students who are participating in remote learning will have the opportunity to attend so long as they agree to a strict isolation period beginning Sunday, April 11th and receive a send-off PCR test dated no earlier than Tuesday, April 20th.

Additional details will be forthcoming as Student Life and the Prom Committee plan the event.

COMMENCEMENT
We have previously discussed our intent to host an in-person Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 22nd.  Our staff has been in communication with the Hot Springs Convention Center (Bank OZK Arena) about their protocols. Unless we receive word from either the University of Arkansas System or Arkansas Department of Health that precludes such events, we will host the ceremony.

We have been told that seating is limited to 1,300 total attendees, which includes both students and staff. Where we previously indicated students might expect approximately 20 tickets per graduate, it appears that number will be 10 tickets based on the arena’s updated restrictions. We ask that you keep this in mind as you plan for the ceremony. It will be streamed live on Facebook for those unable to attend in person.

PLANNING FOR FALL SEMESTER
The Teaching and Learning Committee as well as the COVID-19 Planning Group have begun conversations about the Fall 2021 semester.  We will continue to closely monitor overall case trends, vaccination efforts, and other factors that will shape the next academic year.  While our hope is for a return to some form of normalcy, all of our decisions will be guided by the safety of the campus community.

The Arkansas Department of Education has provided guidance to districts as they assess the status of remote learning opportunities for next year.  No decision has been made at this time regarding ASMSA’s plan, though we hope to reach a consensus this month.  We are appreciative of our faculty’s willingness to embrace hy-flex learning, though we do not believe that is a sustainable model in the longterm.

We anticipate the Academic Year 2021-22 School Calendar will be released prior to Spring Break so that families can begin to plan for the year ahead.

FEEDBACK OR QUESTIONS?
Should you have any questions or concerns about these items, I encourage you to contact Dean Flynn, Dean Morris, or me. We will include a specific question in this week’s Possip survey on spring semester logistics. You are welcome to respond there as well.

Thank you for the patience and trust you have demonstrated through the challenges of the past year. Together, we have confronted those challenges and remained consistent in our safety protocols and our responsiveness to individual needs. Over and over again, our students have shown discipline, maturity, and resilience. We could not be prouder of you, and we are grateful for the continued opportunities to work together.

Since the return of employees and students to campus last month, ASMSA has had zero positive cases of COVID-19.  Our testing prior to arrival as well as the use of masks, social distancing, and campus restrictions have helped to ensure the safety of the members of our community of learning.

We wanted to clarify that campuswide messages will only be sent regarding confirmed, positive cases of COVID-19.  Weekly data is available on the COVID-19 Updates page on the ASMSA website that provides additional information on students in quarantine.  ASMSA is taking a more conservative approach to quarantine given the relatively small and intimate nature of the residential experience.

Finally, we also wanted to share a step-by-step narrative of what happens when a student or employee exhibits multiple symptoms consistent with COVID-19.  Perhaps the greatest challenge for ASMSA and all schools is that the symptoms are representative of a variety of potential common illnesses.  

When a member of ASMSA’s community of learning reports symptoms consistent with COVID-19, the following actions are initiated:

• Evaluate the student to determine whether or not quarantine is necessary.  Quarantine will typically involve a student exhibiting two or more of the broad symptoms associated with COVID-19.
• We arrange for testing through our local provider, and the student is placed in quarantine on campus pending results.  At present, we are generally able to receive the results from our provider in no more than 48 hours.
• Once the test is administered, the student must remain in quarantine on campus or return home to await test results.  Because of the rapid turnaround, we are now advising students to remain on campus unless the family prefers otherwise.
• Contact tracing begins immediately after determining that a student’s symptoms require quarantine, and we identify students and adults who qualify as close contacts, which means contact that is closer than six feet for a total of fifteen minutes or more over a twenty-four hour period. 
• Individuals deemed close contacts are notified directly and placed in quarantine pending test results.
• Instructors are notified if one of their students has reported symptoms, and quarantined students are included on the absent list. While in quarantine, students attend class  remotely, if possible, and if not possible then students keep up with assignments on Canvas and by email with instructors.
• If a residential student tests positive, we will notify all close contacts as well as their parents/legal guardians. These contacts include students sitting closest to the positive case in classes, their teachers, and any staff member who has a need to know.  While this is not required because of other safety measures, we believe that it represents a prudent course of action.
• If an employee tests positive we will notify directly those individuals who had close contact with that employee.
• In the case of any positive test on campus, a general notice will be sent to all members of the community advising there is an active case.  This data is also updated weekly on the school’s COVID-19 Updates webpage.
• Positive cases will be required to isolate off campus.  These individuals may return to campus after 10 days and a letter of clearance from the Arkansas Department of Health.
  • They have had NO fevers for at least 72 hours (3 full days of no fever without using fever-reducing medicine).
  • Other symptoms have improved (i.e., cough or breathing).
  • At least 10 days have passed since symptom onset;

If you have remained asymptomatic, you may discontinue isolation when at least 10 days have passed since your first positive COVID-19 test.

• Close contacts of a confirmed positive case will be either quarantined on campus or at home for a full 14 days. Please note that testing before the 14 day period will not qualify for ending the quarantine period.

We appreciate your support and understanding as ASMSA adjusts to the unusual circumstances of the pandemic.  Please do not hesitate to contact Director Alderdice, Dean Flynn, Dean Morris, Nurse Monica, or Nia Rieves with any questions or concerns.

PARENT ZOOM

The ASMSA Parents Association will host a Family Support Session on Thursday, July 30th at 7pm via Zoom.  Parents will be available to offer their insights on the ASMSA experience, share some helpful tips for last-minute planning, and answer questions from their perspective.  Since many parents did not participate in Orientation Day sessions, we believe that this opportunity will be helpful as you plan for the year ahead.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://asmsa.zoom.us/j/99029421967

Meeting ID: 990 2942 1967

One tap mobile

+16468769923,,99029421967# US (New York)

+13017158592,,99029421967# US (Germantown)

REVIEW FAQ/HANDBOOK

The revised 2020-21 ASMSA Student Handbook is now available online at

https://www.asmsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/2020-21-ASMSA-Student-Handbook.pdf

Students as well as their parent/legal guardian must sign the Handbook Acceptance Form acknowledging they have reviewed the document and agree to abide by its policies.  The form is attached to this message, and must be submitted at move-in.

Further, we ask that both students and parents take time to carefully review the Dolphin Ready Reopening Plan.  Several of the questions we’ve received about the year ahead are addressed in the document.  Because of changes to the ASMSA experience in light of COVID-19, we want to ensure that students and families understand the challenges and changes that are necessary to facilitate both the residential and remote programs.

DEADLINE FOR FALL EXPERIENCE

We have received requests from families seeking to change between the residential and remote online experiences for the fall semester.  We ask that families finalize their decision this week.  The last date to request a change is Friday, July 31st.  This deadline is necessary in order for housing logistics, course balancing, student support, and other programs.

FALL COURSE REGISTRATION

The Office of Student Success is finalizing the master schedule for the fall semester and making initial placement decisions for students’ courses.  We anticipate sending preliminary information to students this week.

REMOTE TEACHERS

A limited number of instructors will be teaching fully remote for the fall semester in accordance with remote work policies and accommodations of the federal Families First Coronavirus Response Act.  Though these sections are remote or hyflex whenever possible, there are certain scenarios where they will teach students who are residential and living on campus.  These faculty will continue to be available for support, tutoring, and other engagement through email, Zoom, and other means.

YEARBOOK PHOTOS

Student photos for the yearbook are typically taken in the month of August.  Students should bring appropriate formal and informal outfits for their photos.  We are working with photographers to determine a date.  Traditionally, senior photos include a tux or drape photo that is used in the yearbook in addition to a portrait in ASMSA’s graduation regalia.  We are unclear if this is practical for the fall since items are shared and may default to a preferred formal/business/professional outfit of the student’s choice.  Additional details will be shared when plans are finalized, but we do want students to include appropriate attire in their packing list.

CHALLENGES AND COMPROMISES

There’s one final point that I’d like to reinforce as we near the month of August:  The year ahead will be filled with challenges and compromises for all members of our community of learning, and though aspects of ASMSA will look and feel different, we are committed to making the best of the circumstances by continually emphasizing patience, grace, and cooperation.

In our campus wide efforts to develop the reopening plan, our faculty, staff, and administrators have carefully considered the essential components of our mission, programs, and student experience.  Some considerations have understandably evolved in order to respond to the challenges of the ongoing pandemic, and while we have found compromises that allow aspects of programs or other experiences to remain, others will be set aside for the foreseeable future.

As much as we want a “normal” ASMSA experience for the fall, that is simply not possible.  Should you and your family find that these necessary adjustments and compromises to the campus experience do not align with your student’s specific needs, we ask that you carefully consider the remote learning path. As always, we remain available and ready to respond to your questions and concerns, and we look forward to continued collaboration during the months ahead.

A word of thanks to the students and families who have registered to participate in the personalized graduation ceremonies at the end of the month.  Please carefully review the logistics below for the day of the event.  Instructions for return of materials and receipt of diplomas for those not participating is included at the bottom of this email.

Should you have any questions, please contact Lorraine Munroe at munroel@asmsa.org.

As a reminder, the schedule is available at the following link: https://asmsa.me/2020gradtimes.  Please note the page is available only to Class of 2020 students via their ASMSA account.

PREREQUISITES
In order to participate in the on-campus event, all members of your party must affirm and be able to truthfully answer “no” to the following questions.

• Have you or anyone in your household had any of the following symptoms in the last 21 days: sore throat, cough, chills, body aches for unknown reasons, shortness of breath for unknown reasons, loss of smell, loss of taste, fever at or greater than 100 degrees Fahrenheit?

• Have you or anyone in your household been tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 21 days?

• Have you or anyone in your household visited or received treatment in a hospital, nursing home, long-term care, or other health care facility in the past 30 days?

• Have you or anyone in your household traveled on a cruise ship in the last 21 days?

• Have you or anyone in your household cared for an individual who is in quarantine or is a presumptive positive or has tested positive for COVID-19?

• Do you have any reason to believe you or anyone in your household has been exposed to or acquired COVID-19?

• To the best of your knowledge have you been in close proximity to any individual who tested positive for COVID-19?

ARRIVAL ON CAMPUS

Please plan to arrive on campus at least 15 minutes prior to your appointment time, though remain in your vehicle until the time of your appointment.  We would ask that any additional visits, meals, or celebrations be planned after your appointment.  Masks should be worn after exiting your vehicle. Groups will be limited to no more than 15 individuals.

Parking is available on campus or the lot at First Presbyterian Church directly across Whittington Ave. At your scheduled time, please enter the Creativity and Innovation Complex from the outside stairs leading to the second floor.  Elevator access on the first floor is reserved exclusively for guests needing support for mobility issues.  Please bring your textbooks and other materials into the building as well.

CEREMONY

Upon check-in, each guest will receive a temperature screening for fever.  Students will deposit their textbooks and materials in a designated space in the Hugo Room while family members are escorted to their spots in the Rainey/Measel Rooms.

After material return is complete, the graduate may remove their mask.  The graduate will have their name and college plans announced and march forward to receive their diploma from Dean Flynn.  A professional photographer will be on campus to take the customary photos. They will also take an informal group photo of the graduate and their guests.   All guests must continue wearing a mask for this photo.  Digital copies of these photos will be provided to graduates at no charge.  Graduates will collect a copy of the yearbook as they exit the CIC, along with their guests, from the front Terrace of the building.

AFTERWARD

After your session, you are welcome to take additional photos on campus in outdoor spaces; however, access to buildings is not allowed.  Please observe social distancing to the fullest extent possible.  When on campus and taking photos, masks may be removed for the purpose of pictures but should be worn otherwise.  Failure to adhere to this request will result in the group being asked to leave campus.

STUDENTS NOT PARTICIPATING

Upon return of your textbooks and other materials to ASMSA--either in person previously or by mail--we will mail your diploma and yearbook to your address of record.  All materials should be postmarked no later than July 31st to ensure sufficient textbooks and other resources are available to students enrolled for the fall semester.

Return to Work Guidance v1.1 (Revised July 17, 2020)

ASMSA Director Corey Alderdice, Dean of Academic Affairs Stuart Flynn, and Dean of Students Rheo Morris hosted a 90-minute question and answer session on Monday, July 18th.  Full video and associated chat from the session are available at the following link.

Questions posed from the meeting have also been used to update the school's Dolphin Ready Reopening Plan to version 1.1.

ASMSA and University of Arkansas System campuses across the state have announced their intent to resume in-person instruction and residential experiences for the Fall 2020 semester beginning this August.  An FAQ provides guidance to ASMSA students, parents, faculty, staff, and program stakeholders as we prepare for the semester ahead with respect to the challenges associated with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. To view the FAQ, click here.

Director Corey Alderdice shared this message with the campus community on Friday, June 26, 2020.

We are already approaching the midpoint of summer break, and the ASMSA campus is slowly returning to life. Ongoing concerns related to COVID-19 will continue to have an impact on schools across the state and country this fall.  Our emphasis both now and in the coming weeks is finding the most appropriate ways to embrace the challenges of the year ahead.

Our campus planning group continues to address the myriad logistics that will be part of the fall semester and the form it will take.  We will release a guiding document for students and employees on Wednesday, July 8, 2020, that will chart the course ahead.  We are closely following updates on recommendations and monitoring case increases both statewide and in Garland County.

Please review the information below carefully for changes to planned campus events and revised dates for other activities.  Much of the information is directed at new students, but we believe it is helpful context for returning students and families as well.

ONLINE OPTION FOR FALL 2020

Based on responses to our previous surveys, ASMSA will offer an online option for students and their families who are not ready to fully participate in the residential experience due to the ongoing pandemic.  Course options will be available across disciplines but will be limited in number.  The following classes are being developed for online learning only and will be offered based on sufficient interest and participation.

First Year Experience

MATH                      Bridge to College Algebra / College Algebra

ENGLISH                Composition I

SCIENCE                Computer Programming I / Chemistry and Society /

Science of Biology

HIGH SCHOOL      US History / Digital Communications

LANGUAGE            Japanese I

Returning Student Experience

MATH                      Trigonometry / Calculus I / Statistics

SCIENCE                Physical Concepts / College Physics

ENGLISH                American Literature / Philosophy and Lit

HIGH SCHOOL      Digital Art

ELECTIVE              Principles of Entrepreneurship / Any course above

Online courses will be a blend of synchronous and asynchronous learning with multiple sessions per week conducted live via Zoom.  Additional courses, particularly those in languages, may be available in a “hy-flex” (hybrid flexible) model with students learning both on campus and remotely at the same time; however, our initial model has these experiences independent of each other.

Students who choose online courses for the fall semester will have the option to join the on campus residential experience in either January or August 2021 depending on their preference and depending on circumstances related to COVID-19.  Families will be asked to decide if they plan to pursue the residential or online option no later than Monday, July 13, 2020. Please direct any questions on this option to either me or Dean Flynn.

Students should complete the form at the following link: https://forms.gle/oPbHmNKstMybzjNb7.

You must be logged into your ASMSA Google account to respond to submit the form.

NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION

We have decided against offering an on-campus orientation day and overnight stay that was originally scheduled for Saturday, July 18, 2020.  We will, however, replicate the sessions online via Zoom that day.  Digital sessions will take place from 9am to noon and will include introductions by the Office of Student Success, Q&A, and community building activities sponsored by our Student Life Staff.  A full schedule will be released in early July.

COLLEGE ALGEBRA READINESS CAMP
ASMSA will forego CARC this summer.  The opportunity has typically brought 30 students to campus for a two-week bridge experience in mathematics.  As a result of this change, we will encourage students to be conservative in their math course placements in this fall semester.  Because students may have not been fully engaged in Algebra II concepts during the spring semester, we are expecting a larger number of students in the Bridge to College Algebra course.  Students must have an ACT-Math score of 24 or higher to be eligible and considered for College Algebra for the fall semester.

FALL REGISTRATION FOR NEW STUDENTS
We appreciate incoming students completing the course registration survey.  We are finalizing assignments for the Student Success Coordinators.  They will be in contact with you next week in order to introduce themselves and schedule a time to meet with you by phone or Zoom in the month of July.  SSCs are an extraordinary resource for ASMSA students when it comes to scholar development, co-curricular opportunities, college planning, scholarship applications, and national competitions.  It is important that you build a connection early on with your SSC.

Returning students completed initial registration during the spring semester.  Please access the registration site if you wish to make changes, or contact your SSC to discuss your course planning for the fall.

The University of Arkansas System Board of Trustees and Dr. Donald Bobbitt, System President, addressed in-person fall classes and other issues during a meeting on June 17. To read the letter from Dr. Bobbitt and the UA System Board of Trustees, click below.

Letter from UA Board, June 22, 2020

ASMSA plans to begin a phased return to on-campus work for employees beginning Tuesday, June 9, 2020. To view the document outlining the plan, click here.

The University of Arkansas System Board of Trustees and Dr. Donald Bobbitt, System President, addressed in-person fall classes and other issues during a meeting on May 20-21. To read the letter from Dr. Bobbitt and the UA System Board of Trustees, click below.

Letter from the UA Board, May 27

A message from Director Corey Alderdice to students on May 19, 2020

Congrats on surviving this most unusual semester!  We’ve faced more challenges as a community of learning over the last couple of months than ASMSA experiences in most years, but I’m so very proud of how our students, parents, faculty, and staff have united to find paths forward in light of extraordinary events.  You made it.  We made it.

I wanted to pass along a few updates to common questions regarding the end of the year as we celebrate the Class of 2020 and look forward to what’s to come.

CLASS OF 2020 DIGITAL HONORS CONVOCATION AND GRADUATION

The 2020 Digital Honors Convocation and Graduation ceremony will stream on the ASMSA Facebook page (http://facebook.com/armathsciarts) on Saturday, May 23, 2020, at 2 p.m.  While this will look a bit different from our usual ceremonies, we are excited to take this opportunity to honor our students’ successes and what’s ahead.

Please help promote the ceremony by sharing the following Facebook Event post:

https://asmsa.me/2020virtualcommencement

AUGUST 1st PHYSICAL COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY

Our plan remains to host an in-person ceremony on Saturday, August 1, 2020, at 2 p.m. at Bank OZK Arena in Hot Springs.  Practice for the ceremony will take place at the usual 9 a.m. time.

This plan is certainly contingent on conditions at the time as well as any state orders restricting large gatherings.  Diplomas, cords, and stoles will be handed out at the ceremony and mailed shortly thereafter to those who are unable to attend.  If you already know that you will be unable to attend the August ceremony, please send that notice in an email to munroel@asmsa.org.

TEXTBOOK AND TECH RETURN

With classes out of the way, many of you have inquired about returning textbooks, laptops, mobile hotspots, or other ASMSA materials.  Seniors may return these items on August 1st.  Sophomore and Juniors may return the materials upon arrival in August.

If you would like to go ahead and return materials to campus,  you may do so beginning Tuesday, May 26, 2020, from 9 a.m.- 2 p.m. in the Board Room of the Academic and Administration Building.  While on campus, social distancing measures should be observed and masks worn at all times.  Requests for weekend drop-off in June can be made to munroel@asmsa.org.

YEARBOOKS

Yearbooks will be mailed to all students with the usual end-of-year packet.  And thank you to the yearbook staff for a good laugh with an unintendedly ironic theme of “Going Places” for this year’s edition.

CREDIT/NO CREDIT GRADES

Please refer to the FAQ document sent out last week regarding credit/no credit (pass/withdraw) options for Spring 2020 grades.  Grades will be available for students no later than the afternoon of Friday, May 22, 2020.

The document is available at the following link: https://asmsa.me/CR-NC-FAQ.

“CHALLENGES ACCEPTED” DAY OF GIVING TOMORROW

On Wednesday, the ASMSA Foundation will hold a Day of Giving with a goal of raising $40,000. Several generous donors have accepted the challenge to help ASMSA meet that goal. They have pledged to match up to $20,000 of your gifts to the Foundation. Please take a moment to show your support at https://asmsa.me/challengesaccepted.

CHECK YOUR MAILBOX

=Seniors:  Keep an eye on your mailbox this week. #ASMSAGrad

FAQ on Credit/No Credit Options for Spring 2020 Grades
Frequently Asked Questions

When will final grades for the Spring 2020 semester be available in NetClassroom?
Faculty are to submit final grades to the registrar by noon on Friday, May 22, 2020.  Grades will be posted and available to students later that day.

Will courses that I dropped earlier in the semester appear on my transcript?
Any course that was dropped earlier in the semester will not appear on a student’s transcript.

What grade will I receive for non-concurrent coursework?
All courses that are not eligible for concurrent credit with UAFS will receive a grade of “CR” (credit) for grades above 60 and “NC” (no credit) for grades of 59 and lower.

Will “CR” grades satisfy ASMSA requirements?
In addition to passing letter grades, “CR” grades will also satisfy ASMSA requirements for graduation.  No classes will need to be repeated in the following year unless a student receives a grade of No Credit (NC)/Withdraw (W) for a class.

What grade will juniors receive for Capstone courses?
In order to preserve this component of ASMSA’s curriculum, junior Capstone classes will remain graded on the normal letter scale.

Will juniors continue their Capstone courses as seniors?
Capstone coursework and core responsibilities are designed to be completed within the junior year, but presentation requirements remain for students within the senior year.  This can be accomplished without additional coursework through independent preparation in consultation with your faculty mentor.  The Teaching and Learning Committee will provide future guidance on this topic for students in the Class of 2021.

What grade will I receive for concurrent coursework?
ASMSA partners with the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith (UAFS) for all concurrent courses.  UAFS has previously issued guidelines regarding grades for concurrent courses in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

We recommend that students earning an A or B in concurrent courses keep those grades and that students earning a C or D consider changing those grades to “P” (Passing).

What should I do if my final grade in a course is a “B”?
As noted above, students are encouraged to accept the letter grade whenever possible.  We do believe that having a “C” on a college transcript presents little value, and that belief is reflected in ASMSA’s ordinary procedures regarding dropping students from concurrent credit at the three-quarter mark of the semester if it is unlikely for a student to earn a “B” or higher.  Students will obviously want to accept an “A” in a course.

This makes the question of whether or not to accept a “B” more challenging.  Much of the discussion within institutions that are offering students an option regarding final grades does still encourage students to accept the letter grade unless there are circumstances that specifically prevented the student from performing to their best ability.  ASMSA’s instructional efforts have focused on maintaining a challenging curriculum for students while taking into account the difficulties of remote learning and anxiety over current circumstances.  Earning a “B” in a course is not a terrible grade, and it is an accurate reflection of the student’s work and effort within the course.  Still, a “B” grade will typically lower a student’s GPA.

Students may wish to engage with their college of choice for additional information regarding transfer of credit as well as if courses transferred will carry into your new GPA or if those credits will simply be awarded.

How will concurrent grades be reflected on my UAFS college transcript?

ASMSA students will continue to pursue letter grades in all concurrent courses. After instructors post final grades for the semester, students can choose from among three options: (1) keep the letter grades earned; (2) change letter grade to Passing (P); or (3) Withdraw (W) from the course.

Will concurrent courses in which I accept a grade of “P” transfer to other institutions?
Under ordinary circumstances, “P” grades would face greater challenges in transfer of credit as well as satisfying requirements for graduate or professional school.  The unique nature of COVID-19 has caused many universities to adopt pass/fail systems for the semester that reflect the abrupt change to online instruction as well as disruption to students’ personal lives and wellness.

Now that students have selected their college of choice--or are near a decision--we encourage you to speak with your admissions counselor or the university’s registrar office regarding policies on transfer of pass/fail courses and any exceptions due to COVID-19.

Can I accept a letter grade on my ASMSA transcript but a “P” on my UAFS final grade, or vice versa?
Students must be consistent in their decision to accept either the earned letter grade or the “CR” (ASMSA) or “P” grade (UAFS).

How will CR/NC grades be explained to colleges and universities?
ASMSA’s “2020 School Profile” will include specific language regarding our “CR/NC” grades, which are in addition to the existing Pass (P) and Withdrawal (W) options.  We chose the “CR” and “NC” grades specifically to prevent confusion regarding the traditional circumstances when alternative grades are offered.

In the same way that our Academic Affairs staff works with universities to articulate the quality and depth of the ASMSA experience when questions arise regarding transfer of concurrent credit, we are prepared to engage directly with colleges and universities when needed to further express our rationale for offering flexibility in grading this semester within the context of student support and a commitment to equity in access.

What effect does a CR/NC ASMSA grade have on my GPA?
Courses with a “CR” or “NC” grade do not receive points within the 4.0 scale.  In addition, they are not weighed against the rest of a student’s coursework and, as a result, do neither raise nor lower a GPA.

What is the process for communicating my decision to ASMSA and UAFS?

If a student wishes to make no changes to their grades, no further action is required on their part.

Students who seek to have either an ASMSA grade changed to “CR/NC” or a UAFS grade changed to “P/W” should communicate that request via email to Kim McKean, ASMSA’s registrar, at mckeank@asmsa.org.

What is the deadline for deciding if a student will accept the letter grade or take advantage of the “CR” or “P” options?

All requests for grade changes to “CR/NC” for ASMSA courses and “P/W” for UAFS courses should be made no later than noon on Friday, May 29, 2020.

Additional Reading

The following articles reflect some of the discussions taking place in higher education regarding the further implications on pass/fail grading in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.  These articles are offered as context for decision-making and reflect that there is no uniform position by institutions regarding this system of grading.  We share these articles specifically because they do articulate some of the reasons why students may not want to choose a Pass grade if other options are viable.

https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2020/04/13/how-will-passfail-affect-students-future

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/education/pass-fail-grades-may-help-students-during-the-covid-19-crisis-but-could-cost-them-later

https://hechingerreport.org/choosing-pass-fail-grades-may-help-college-students-now-but-could-cost-them-later/

The University of Arkansas System Board of Trustees and Dr. Donald Bobbitt, System President, addressed in-person fall classes during a meeting on May 4. To read the letter from Dr. Bobbitt and the UA System Board of Trustees, click below.

Letter from the UA Board May 5

The University of Arkansas System issued a letter addressing summer term courses and in-person summer camps and other activities. To read the full letter, please click the link below.

Letter from the UA System April 21

The following post is a message from ASMSA Director Corey Alderdice at 1:15 p.m. on April 15, 2020.

If you haven’t seen the pep talk produced by ASMSA’s faculty and staff, I encourage you to view and share it online from our social channels.  We greatly miss having students on campus, and we look forward to a time in the not too distant future when we’re able to gather together again.

At present, though, I’d like to provide you with some updates regarding events, campus operations, and planning for the next academic year.

COMMENCEMENT AND END OF YEAR AWARDS
We have asked the Board of Trustees to consider our request for Saturday, August 1, 2020, as a potential makeup date for Commencement at their May 5th meeting.  The Board is closely reviewing any requests for meetings or gatherings for the time being. While many universities are simply inviting May graduates to participate in December graduation exercises, we believe it is best--if at all possible--to honor the ASMSA Class of 2020 prior to the start of their university experience.  We are unable to say at this time if the event will consist only of a ceremony at Bank OZK arena with appropriate social distancing or if students will be able to stay overnight on campus for a dinner and “Prom”.

We still plan to host a digital version of the Academic Honors Day ceremony and recognize this year’s students for their accomplishments.  This may be held in conjunction with an alternative digital celebration on Saturday, May 23rd. We welcome your ideas and suggestions on how ASMSA can use technology to create a celebratory event that honors this year's graduates.

INTENT TO CONTINUE AND FALL PLANNING
The online Intent to Continue form should be submitted by today (April 15th) for current sophomores and juniors.  This information is essential as we begin to reach decisions on offers of admission to incoming students next week.  Please reach out to your Student Success Coordinator with any questions or concerns.

We will begin course registration as well as roommate selection for the Fall 2020 semester in early May.  Additional details will be sent at that time.

VIRTUAL PROGRESS REPORT
A virtual progress report for grades will be available on Friday, April 24th.  We are providing this additional checkpoint on assignments and assessments so that families are aware of students’ progress in their courses.  As a reminder on concurrent credit courses, students can keep the letter grades received or choose a Pass/Fail grade after final grades are available in May.

2020-2021 CALENDAR
The online Google Calendar has been updated with a variety of institutional, academic, student life, admissions, and other events for the next academic year.  A quick reference PDF is also attached to this message. I want to thank the department chairs for their assistance and input in making some changes to the academic calendar that preserve as much instructional time as possible given some of the organic shifts in the calendar.

At this time, we are unsure if CARC will continue as scheduled in July based on the Trustees’ guidance on summer programs.  We believe that CARC is one of the most formative experiences for many ASMSA students, and we will work to preserve it if possible.  While we anticipate move-in will take place in August as scheduled, we are in close conversation with the System and state on expectations for a return to normalcy in operations.  We will continue to advise families on any changes in the calendar or expectations, but we do want to offer the intended schedule so that you may begin planning for the coming year.

SUMMER FELLOWSHIPS
The ASMSA Foundation offers a variety of endowed summer fellowship opportunities for rising seniors in the Class of 2021. Funding varies, but is between $400-$600.  Summer fellowships, enrichment programs, internships, and pre-collegiate programs are a great way to build your resume and strengthen your college application. These opportunities provide enriching experiences that can develop academic knowledge, research skills, and professional relationships that can assist you with personal essays and letters of recommendation.  We recognize that several of these opportunities will not look the same for Summer 2020, but we encourage students to be creative in their proposals.

Fellowships include the Alderdice Family Summer Arts Fellowship; Computer Science Summer Research Fellowship; Fredinburg Technology and Innovation Fellowship; Murphy USA Summer Research Fellowship (2 awards); Trustees’ Service Fellowship.

Descriptions of the fellowships and a brief application are available online. Interested students should submit their application no later than April 24th at the following link: https://forms.gle/uZCG34WLQjXKBncZ6

TEXTBOOK AND TECHNOLOGY RETURN
One of the most consistent questions we’ve received from families is regarding the return of textbooks, laptops, and other ASMSA materials.  Students should continue to hold on to these items in order to complete coursework for the spring semester. Should conditions allow, students will be able to return materials to campus in late May.  Returning sophomores and juniors may bring their items back to campus in August. If we are able to move forward with Commencement on August 1st, seniors may return their items at that time.

STUDENT RESILIENCE FUND
In times of crisis, ASMSA's community of learning joins together to support students who need additional assistance and resources. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused many friends of ASMSA to ask how they can help our students. The ASMSA Foundation’s Student Resilience Fund has been addressing the immediate needs of ASMSA students by eliminating gaps in food insecurity at home, broadband access, and other challenges. You are invited to make a difference by supporting this fund to ensure students have the resources necessary to help them through this critical time. Contributions of any size are appreciated. Your donation is tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

Please give online at https://asmsa.me/resilience.

POSSIP AND SHARING CONCERNS
A special thank you to parents who have continued to respond to the bi-weekly Possip surveys.  This information has been especially helpful in identifying challenges related to remote instruction, student needs, as well as general questions on parents’ minds.  We ask that you do take the time to share your observations through this great resource. When doing so, please be specific about any course or individual. This is essential information when following up, and students/parents names will not be disclosed when addressing concerns with employees.

REMOTE INSTRUCTION SCHEDULE
As a reminder, live instructional support sessions are being held exclusively on Tuesday and Wednesdays on the following schedule.

Tuesday (A Day)
10 AM First Period
11 AM Second Period
1 PM Third Period
2 PM Fourth Period 

Wednesday (B Day)
10 AM Ninth/Alternative Period
11 AM Fifth Period
1 PM Sixth Period
2 PM Seventh Period

Students are welcome to schedule time for “office hours” with instructors on Mondays.  Faculty are available by appointment on Thursday and Friday, though they are primarily using those days for grading, course prep, and content creation.

LEGISLATIVE FISCAL SESSION
The General Assembly's Fiscal Session is scheduled to wrap this weekend.  With the Governor's revised forecast for FY20, ASMSA saw a reduction in our Revenue Stabilization Act funding of approximately $67,000.  Based on the current RSA bill for FY21, we are expecting a loss of revenue between $55,000 and $110,000 for the coming year, which is consistent across all institutions of higher education.  The state has also revised its forecast downward for sales and use tax collections, which makes up the majority of ASMSA's funding. This funding reduction will not hinder ASMSA’s core operations nor will result in increases to student assessments, but it will limit new investments in programs and experiences in the coming year.

The following post is a message from Dean of Academic Affairs Stuart Flynn at 4:25 p.m. on April 2, 2020.

ASMSA partners with the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith (UAFS) for all concurrent courses.  Yesterday afternoon we received new guidelines from UAFS regarding grades for concurrent courses in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. ASMSA students will continue to pursue letter grades in all concurrent courses, and after instructors post final grades for the Spring 2020 Semester, students can choose from among three options:

1. Keep the letter grades earned

2. Change letter grade to Passing (P)

3. Withdraw (W) from the course

We recommend that students earning an A or B in concurrent courses keep those grades and that students earning a C or lower change those grades to P.  Students may wish to engage with their college of choice for additional information regarding transfer of credit, with particular attention to P or similar grades under the current circumstances.

We hope that under these new guidelines that students will choose to remain in concurrent classes whenever possible; however, if students still elect to drop concurrent courses that are not part of their ASMSA requirements, then those drops should be made no later than Friday, April 10.

The Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences and the Arts Foundation has established the Student Resilience Fund to help address immediate needs of ASMSA students.

Many friends of ASMSA have asked how they can help students during the COVID-19 pandemic which has required the institution to move to remote instruction. The fund will help the institution assist students by eliminating gaps in food insecurity at home, providing broadband access and alleviate other challenges caused by the pandemic.

When ASMSA announced it would move to at least a week of remote instruction before Spring Break, the foundation provided students who indicated they would face food insecurity at home with gift cards that could be used to buy groceries and other needs for their families. A friend of the school donated 12 Wi-Fi hotspots to be given to students who did not have access to adequate Internet connections for remote instruction.

The continuing pandemic forced ASMSA on Friday to announce the decision to forgo on-campus instruction for the rest of the Spring 2020 semester. As a result of not being able to rely on the residential services provided by the school, students may be exposed to continued gaps in needed resources.

By supporting the Student Resilience Fund, donors can make a difference by ensuring students have the resources necessary to help them through this critical time. Gifts of any size are appreciated.

“During trying times, we are reminded of the importance in meeting our student’s basic needs,” said Sara Brown, Ph.D., director of institutional advancement and the ASMSA Foundation. “Alleviating things like food insecurity is a meaningful way to help reduce the burden and struggle for our students and their families.

“The ASMSA Foundation has established the Student Resilience Fund as an opportunity to provide basic resources. We are grateful for our donors and their generous support of our students throughout the year. Donations received will immediately impact our students.”

To make a gift to the Student Resilience Fund, visit http://asmsa.me/resilience.

Good day all. In light of social distancing guidelines, the checkout process will look a little different. We have created a process known as express checkout, where you will drop off your keys in a key box once you have completed your move.

The following post is a message from ASMSA Director Corey Alderdice at 2:00 p.m. on March 27, 2020.

Priorities and Campus Values During Remote Instruction
The COVID-19 pandemic has presented a significant set of unique challenges and thus requires changes for ASMSA.  With input from the University of Arkansas System leadership, campus administrators, Department Chairs, and the ASMSA Governing Council of faculty and staff, we have determined that it is best for students to complete the Spring 2020 semester through remote instruction.  The student residential experience will resume in August 2020.

This is an incredibly difficult decision for us as a campus because the residential experience is so ingrained in both our mission and identity.  We exist as a school in order to bring exceptional young people together for the purpose of learning. While this shift is temporary, it is no less painful to make.  There will be future communications regarding move-out from the Student Center and other topics; however, we want to focus the following message on academic expectations and campus values for learning during the next two months.

As senior leadership met to develop a strategy to respond, there were four critical values that emerged from our discussion and need to be at the front of all planning and decision-making.  In the midst of the crisis, we will first prioritize the health, safety, and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff. Second, we will hold to the ideals of providing appropriately challenging learning opportunities for talented and motivated students while being mindful that our approaches to teaching, assessment, grading, and other components of instruction must adapt.  Third, we will reaffirm our community through shared learning, connections, and relationships via remote instruction and digital engagement when possible until we are next able to gather as a group. Finally, we will rise to these challenges together as both Arkansas’ premier public high school and a special investment by the people of Arkansas in the future of our state. We can do no less on all four points.

Dean Flynn and I met with faculty and all employees last week to discuss shared needs and expectations as remote instruction resumes after spring break.  Based on that discussion, our own reflections, and comparing notes with our peer institutions in other states, we have identified seven priorities and philosophies to guide both faculty and students in this period of uncertainty so that we can have shared expectations for moving forward.

1) Creating a Pathway for Seniors to Complete their ASMSA and High School Experience
Our greatest priority is ensuring members of the Class of 2020 are able to satisfy both the Arkansas Department of Education SMART Core as well as ASMSA graduation requirements.  ADE provided guidance on Friday, March 20th that seniors in good standing at the midpoint of the semester will have satisfied state requirements for graduation. However, districts were still asked to make decisions regarding honor graduates or other district requirements.

The Student Success Coordinators have assessed what additional ASMSA requirements each senior needs to complete this semester.  As part of ASMSA’s graduation requirements—and in alignment with the state’s investment in ASMSA and our students—we believe that full effort should be made to ensure seniors satisfy the additional institutional requirements.  These expectations include the minimum of 30 concurrent credit hours, two years of language study, and exploration of the various STEM disciplines. It would seem most productive for seniors to focus on these courses and then have the option to continue studies within elective classes or drop courses that are not required for the ASMSA diploma at their discretion. Students will receive no credit for dropped courses. As such, we will waive the five course minimum for seniors for this semester, though we strongly encourage seniors to remain in at least two courses. All drop requests should be made no later than Monday, April 6th. 

2) Preparing Juniors and Sophomores to Continue and Further Their ASMSA Studies in Fall 2020
Much of the first year of the ASMSA experience focuses on core coursework in math, science, and the humanities.  These experiences are important as part of a diverse education as well as foundational parts of the ASMSA curriculum.  Remote instruction requires adjusted expectations of students and sensitivity not only to societal stressors that all students are experiencing but also to those individual circumstances that create further challenges for some students; however, we must also continue preparing students for future learning at ASMSA.  Any requests for course drops must be made in consultation with and include the approval of a Student Success Coordinator by Monday, April 6th.  Students returning in Fall 2020 should understand that choosing to drop a course at this time has the potential to limit elective opportunities in the future depending on this year’s coursework and state requirements that were met prior to ASMSA.

3) Developing “Second Half Syllabi” that Amends Expectations Going Forward
In our discussion with faculty, Dean Flynn and I requested that all instructors develop a new syllabus for each course that adjusts expectations for the remainder of the semester.  We recognize that things cannot continue as planned at the beginning of the semester. That shift will result in assignments, assessments, and expectations changing as we adapt and enter this new phase.  It is essential that faculty have clear expectations for learning outcomes and that those expectations are communicated effectively to students and parents.  Updated expectations should be posted/emailed no later than Wednesday, April 1st.

4) Allowing Students to Continue Earning Concurrent Credit When Possible
Our discussions with the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith regarding eligibility of our remote courses for concurrent credit have been encouraging.  ASMSA courses generally exceed the core requirements for UAFS syllabi, and our faculty feel confident we can continue to deliver college-level learning with appropriate expectations for students.  Our only major concern at this time are lab-based courses. Our faculty are exploring how to replicate those experiences; however, we may have to forgo the separate one hour lab credit in some cases.  We have inquired with UAFS leadership if a “pass/fail” or “credit/no credit” option would be considered. Some campuses within Arkansas and others nationwide have made that move in recent days. A passing grade at ASMSA is 70 or higher. Should that be an option for ASMSA students, we will consider it fully and weigh any potential drawbacks.

Based on guidance from the Arkansas Department of Higher Education, students--including seniors--must still complete assessments that demonstrate their knowledge of the subject matter in order to earn concurrent credit. We are recommending that faculty assign a quiz, written response, or other short assignment every two weeks that ensures students are engaging with the material and making academic progress.  In April, courses should have one major assignment or test as part of the assessment structure. In May, an appropriate final exam or project should be scheduled for submission no later than Friday, May 15, 2020.  Whenever possible, assignments should have the opportunity for review or correction so that the emphasis is placed on understanding and improvement and not purely for a grade.

5) Reorienting Elective Coursework for Enrichment Purposes
While core classes must be everyone’s priority, we believe that continued pursuit of elective classes when students choose to do so will help keep them engaged in both their ASMSA experience as well as connected to topics of personal interest. We are requiring that all non-concurrent elective coursework adopt a “credit/no credit” grading system that alleviates some of the pressure of perfectionism while still allowing students to receive high school credit for their studies.  Faculty will be expected to develop asynchronous content for students to engage with the subject matter while delivering opportunities along the schedule outlined below for live discussions that provide engagement and socialization. The course should culminate in a short paper, project, or other assessment that helps to demonstrate proficiency of course concepts and familiarity with the subject.

6) Balancing Asynchronous Instruction with Opportunities to Connect
ASMSA faculty, staff, and administration have articulated the significant practical and equity issues with attempting to replicate coursework through fully synchronous (live, video-based) instruction.  Both broadband access as well as recognition that many ASMSA students are older siblings who are shifting into roles as primary caregivers/teachers for younger family members means we cannot approach how we teach with a singular solution.  Faculty have determined that asynchronous instruction allows exploration of all course concepts; however, we will offer two specific sets of opportunities for students to engage directly with faculty.

Faculty will be available to schedule individual or small group phone calls/video meetings with students on Mondays.  Students should think of this as time for usual “office hours” or scheduled individual visits for support, tutoring, or even just to check in with their mentor. 

On Tuesdays and Wednesdays, teachers will conduct 30-45 minute group discussions or tutoring sessions. These sessions will take place along a revised A/B schedule that both supports and supplements the asynchronous materials while also offering opportunities for socialization. Whenever possible, we encourage students to take advantage of this opportunity. The schedule for these classes is listed below. If students are not able to attend scheduled sessions then students are required to check-in with teachers by phone or video at least once per week.

Tuesday (A Day)
10 AM First Period
11 AM Second Period
1 PM Third Period
2 PM Fourth Period

Wednesday (B Day)
10 AM Ninth/Alternative Period
11 AM Fifth Period
1 PM Sixth Period
2 PM Seventh Period

Live sessions will be recorded and should be uploaded to Google Classroom/Drive within a day for viewing at a later time for those who cannot attend as scheduled.  We would like to reserve Thursdays and Fridays for course prep and development, though faculty should remain available to answer student questions by email under our “48 hour” guide for responses.  These changes in instruction require additional development and planning, and we want to ensure faculty have the appropriate time reserved to offer the best possible content.  

7) Re-assessing Capstone Expectations for the Class of 2021
The ASMSA Capstone experience provides students with an opportunity to engage in authentic research, inquiry, and creative expression.  While this experience is a hallmark component of ASMSA’s curriculum, we agree that more immediate concerns must take priority for the remainder of the semester.  

Seniors who presented in the Science Fair in February have clearly met their requirements as have students in the entrepreneurship capstone who entered in the Arkansas Governor’s Cup Business Plan competition.  Seniors who were scheduled to present at the Arts and Humanities Symposium in May have completed appropriate work in preparation of that event and will be considered as having satisfied the requirement.

In order to preserve this component of ASMSA’s curriculum, junior Capstone classes will remain graded on the normal letter scale. Juniors who have competed in Science Fair or the Governor’s Cup business plan competition should be considered as having met the presentation requirement, though should complete the course this semester. Capstone advisors will provide clear objectives to their students through a second-half syllabus after these objectives have been approved by the Dean of Academic Affairs. Juniors who do not complete Capstone this spring must meet the stated requirements before December of their senior year.  

We do strongly encourage juniors who wish to compete again in senior year for either Science Talent Search or along the ISEF pathway to continue discussions with their Capstone advisor about their goals and steps that will be needed to achieve them.

Balancing Student Support Systems with Autonomous Learning
There is a final point on which this guide should end, and it is expressed directly to students.  While ASMSA faculty, SSCs, and residence life staff will work to support and encourage you as you finish the semester, an essential component in remote instruction is that you take significant ownership of your learning.  Online learning is, in many ways, a greater challenge than the usual comfort, familiarity, and even flow of a classroom. There will be distractions and even a desire at times to minimize the value of your coursework. We encourage you to remember your commitment to ASMSA’s Honor Code and the reasons you wanted to become a part of this community of learning in the first place.  Remember that these courses are not only part of the semester but also a link in the chain of lifelong learning. We expect that you will give it your best effort, and we will continue to intervene and support when challenges arise.

Given the Center for Disease Control’s latest recommendations on avoiding large gatherings, in-person interviews on the ASMSA campus in Hot Springs are not possible under the current conditions.  As such, ASMSA is exploring alternative models that will allow engagement with both students and their families during the semifinalist stage.  

You will receive an email outlining our alternative process no later than March 31, 2020.  This will include information on a livestream information and question session for parents and family members, details on completing the math placement exam, interview information, and surveys to assist ASMSA in continuing to improve our statewide admissions and outreach efforts.

Digital Interviews
Interviews exist as a chance to follow-up on different components of a student’s application packet.  In light of the current situation, if we do not have questions about the application, student essays, or recommendations, we may choose to forgo an interview.  This option is being weighed and admissions staff will inform semifinalists of the need to schedule either a phone, Zoom, or other digital interview no later than March 31, 2020.  ASMSA will conduct digital interviews with all semifinalists for Early Entrance to the Class of 2023. We believe this remains an important step given that the program remains in its pilot stage.

Parent Q&A Panel
The parent information and question panel discussion serves as part of pre-orientation to life and learning at ASMSA.  The forum helps parents and family members understand what to expect over the coming months and identifies important dates, deadlines, and events that lead to the start of the fall semester.  During this virtual parent session, Director Corey Alderdice, Dean of Academics Stuart Flynn, and Dean of Students Dr. Rheo Morris will be present to share and to answer any questions you might have.  You will be able to pose your questions through the chat feature. Interim Director of Admissions Charlie Feick will moderate the session. The session will also be recorded and made available for those unable to attend in person.  Anyone unable to join us for the live session is welcome to email admissions@asmsa.org or telephone 501-622-5235 with any questions you might have after watching the recording.

Math Placement Exam
The math placement exam exists to ensure students are placed in the appropriately challenging math course if admitted.  Please be aware that many students will not have encountered all the material covered on the exam. Students should give their best effort on the exam so that the score accurately reflects their abilities and previous learning.  The exam will take one hour and calculators will not be permitted.  We will make the exam available on three different dates and times.  Semifinalists are only to take the exam once. This process will require honesty and integrity on the part of the applicants and their families.  Overstating your abilities or making choices that will result in an inaccurate score will only create problems for students upon enrollment. Students will take a confirming math placement exam during the Fortnight week in early August prior to the start of the fall semester.  Semifinalists will be informed of the dates and times by March 31, 2020. Should a student not have the means to take the exam digitally due to limited internet or technology access, please communicate this with the admissions team so that we can work to provide alternative means to complete the exam. 

Some Words of Encouragement
The challenges of the last few weeks have presented numerous opportunities for ASMSA faculty, staff, and students to focus on the core of our experiences and reflect on why our academic and residential programs are so important for talented and motivated young Arkansans.  Uncertainty through trying circumstances, while difficult, brings out a sense of passion and resolve. We understand that the application process is naturally filled with uncertainty for applicants, and we are here to continue to support you as we cooperatively determine if ASMSA will be the next step in your educational journey.  Please consider us a resource, and we are happy to address all questions and concerns you have over the coming weeks.

The following post is a video of a Zoom meeting between ASMSA administrators and parents of students on March 19, 2020.

The following post is a message from ASMSA Director Corey Alderdice at 3:50 p.m. on March 19, 2020.

Based on Governor Hutchinson's announcement this afternoon, ASMSA will continue with remote instruction through Friday, April 17, 2020. Over the next few days, our faculty and staff will assess our instructional priorities as we work to reframe the second half of the semester.

Parents: We will still host tonight's forum via Zoom and will take your questions. There may be some that we do yet have answers to, but they will inform our ongoing planning discussions.

Employees: We will talk more during tomorrow morning's digital meeting.

Students: Please let us know if you have any connectivity issues or concerns as we continue remote instruction. Based on some questions, we will provide further guidance on accessing any personal items in the Student Center.

The following post is a message from ASMSA Director Corey Alderdice sent at 2:00 p.m. on March 19, 2020.

I am writing to you today with a heavy heart regarding ASMSA's 26th annual Commencement ceremony scheduled for May 23, 2020.  The Board of Trustees, in accordance with current CDC guidelines, has requested that campuses reschedule or seek alternatives to May 2020 ceremonies as part of their responses to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.  

The following post is a message from ASMSA Licensed Professional Counselor Staci Stich sent at 3:20 p.m. on March 18, 2020, regarding mental health services and resources to students during remote instruction.  She can be reached stichs@asmsa.org.

I want you all to know that while you are away from campus that mental health services will continue to be available. You can contact me by phone, text or email at anytime. If you prefer to have a specific time to talk we can schedule an appointment. Please keep my phone number available.

I know this is a huge transition for all of you educationally, socially and emotionally. I encourage each of you to reach out to others for support during this time. Keep in touch with your friends, family and others. Thankfully we have multiple ways of keeping in touch while at home. Faculty and staff at ASMSA will be available and want to be available for you. 

It is normal to experience stress and worry related to the current situation. We all react differently and that’s okay. Finding healthy coping skills that work for you is very important. 

Here are a few things that might help:

1. Keep in touch with others. Be the first one to reach out to someone else. We are all in this together so let’s keep in touch!

2. Think of things you can do while at home instead of focusing on what you cannot do. Be creative.

3. Develop a daily routine and try to follow it as well as you can. It is important to have a regular sleep pattern. Getting up and going to bed at close to the same time every day can be very beneficial. 

4. Nutrition is very important for your wellbeing. Continuing to have specific meal times can help create a feeling of normalcy and insure a more balanced diet. It’s also a good way to break up your day.

5. Find ways to get exercise. Not only is it good for your physical health but is a great stress reliever. 

6. We all want to know what is going on around us. Make sure the news you hear is from a reliable source and give yourself a break from the news sometimes. Read a book, watch a movie, play a board game, card game, video game, take up a new hobby!

7. Meditation is a good way to destress. This would be a good time to incorporate meditation into your daily routine. Deep breathing exercises can be done anywhere at anytime and will help lower anxiety level.

8. If you are currently receiving mental health services  (counseling and/or medication management) it is recommended that you or your parent/guardian contact the provider soon to schedule on going services. 

The following post is a message from ASMSA Director Corey Alderdice sent at 4:30 p.m. on March 16, 2020.  ASMSA understands this is a fluid situation, and as new information becomes available, we will provide updates.

With yesterday’s announcement from Governor Hutchinson that schools statewide would transition to alternative methods of instruction this week, it appears ASMSA’s decision to proactively return students to their home was for the best.  I want to commend our Residence Life Staff for their extraordinary efforts in getting students checked out and on their way home.

Thank you to the many ASMSA parents and colleagues who expressed their appreciation regarding our communications on COVID-19 to date.  We will continue to do our best to provide you with timely and focused updates as developments warrant.

Please review the following updates regarding remote instruction, ASMSA’s transition to optional remote work for employees, and other important points for all members of our community of learning.

Transition to Optional Remote Work
Beginning Tuesday, March 16, 2020, employees with the option to work remotely may transition to that format with approval from their supervisor.  Employees will need to document their plan of action with measurable project/work objectives. Faculty are automatically approved for remote instruction.  Since campus is not closed, all employees must complete their weekly 40 hour work commitment.

Campus Remains Open for Essential Operations
Campus will remain open unless a mandatory closure is ordered to ensure continued janitorial, maintenance, human resources, finance, payroll, information technology, security, and other functions remain in place.  The on-campus presence will focus on those employees whose responsibilities cannot be conducted away from campus as well as a rotating essential crew for the operations described above. Mail will be delivered to the Student Center but will be distributed in the usual manner.

Parent Zoom Call on Thursday
A word of thanks to parents who submitted questions and responded to this week’s Possip survey.  We received the report earlier this afternoon and will use it as a frame to our discussion on Thursday night.  Dean Flynn, Dean Morris, and I will discuss ASMSA’s ongoing response systems as well as mid- and long-term planning in light of COVID-19 during a special Zoom forum at 7 p.m.  Students and parents may attend the session at https://zoom.us/j/6377584498.  If you wish to connect only by phone, please dial 312-626-6799 and enter meeting ID 637 758 4498.

Sick Leave
Our usual policies and processes related to sick leave will continue.  As a result of the public health emergency, if you are sick, are caring for someone who is sick, or have been exposed and are quarantined, you will be required to use sick leave hours.  Please refer to our leave policies as outlined in the ASMSA employee handbook for further clarification.

covid@asmsa.org Email Address
IT has established a special email account that will allow administrators to follow communication between faculty and students’ classes.  Faculty should add this account to your Google Classroom sections. If faculty are using email to directly communicate to their class as a whole, please copy the message to the covid@asmsa.org account.

Information Technology Support

IT will provide guidance on how to forward to employees’ campus phone number to another number should they need to receive direct calls while working remotely.  We have also activated our voicemail to email system for all employees, which has been an elective option in the past.

Zoom has announced expansion of its free software for educators as a response to the current situation.  IT is testing this version against our paid version (which has a limited number of accounts). You may also wish to explore Google Meet and other options.  For this week, we ask that faculty keep synchronous instruction to a minimum as we work to address individual issues with access to broadband.

Students and employees who have not yet signed up to receive emergency text messages and voicemails through the campus system should email techsupport@asmsa.org.  Please note that you must opt-in through a notification text to receive future updates.  If you did not receive the messages on Thursday night, then you are not subscribed at present.

Instructions for Faculty
The most important item for today is that faculty make direct contact with their students through Google Classroom and/or email to ensure they understand the expectations for the week ahead.  Timely and responsive communication are the most essential elements as we transition to remote learning. If you need assistance with Google Classroom, Zoom, or another online platform please contact Dean Flynn.

I shared with students last Thursday that all emails should receive a reply as soon as possible. If a faculty member or other employee has not replied to a student or parent message within 48 hours, they have been instructed to forward the original message to both Dean Flynn and me in order to ensure a reply.

Please use this week as an opportunity to catch up on grading as well as to post updates in FAweb/NetClassroom.  I recognize that many of you planned to issue tests, midterms, or other assignments this week toward the progress report.  While we will not yet use midterm grades in the usual manner, we do hope to have a snapshot of student performance through the midpoint of the semester in order to ready our intervention systems.

Admissions Interviews
The Office of Admissions is actively pursuing alternative options in light of revised CDC guidance for group meetings over the next eight weeks.  An announcement will be made on changes to our review and selection processes for the Classes of 2022 and 2023 by the end of this week.

Commencement Ceremony
The Board of Trustees has asked campuses to evaluate their plans for Commencement ceremonies in May.  ASMSA will make a determination on current May 23, 2020, date no later than Monday, April 20th. We wish to ensure a proper celebration of the accomplishments and persistence of the Class of 2020 at a time which is proper and safe to do so.

In Closing
We recognize that this is a period of high uncertainty, anxiety, and stress for all members of our community of learning.  We will continue to be flexible in order to address individual needs while also maintaining reasonable expectations for all students and employees.  Please do not hesitate to reach out should you have questions or needs.

The following post is a message from ASMSA Director Corey Alderdice sent at 7 p.m. on March 12, 2020.  ASMSA understands this is a fluid situation, and as new information becomes available, we will provide updates.

As noted in my previous communications to campus, the circumstances regarding COVID-19 and institutional responses across Arkansas are evolving rapidly.  In the time since my most recent message, school closures in central Arkansas as well as shifts to digital instruction at the majority of universities across the state have accelerated our response plans to ensure that students remain safe while still engaged in their learning.

While our initial hope had been to reach Spring Break before shifting to remote instruction, we believe there are two compelling reasons to move forward with sending students home.  First, our students come from two-thirds of the state’s counties. We believe it is productive to release students to the care of their parents prior to a case of the virus in Hot Springs or on the ASMSA campus.  Second, in times of uncertainty, parents and guardians will always prefer to have their children nearby. We accept our role of stewardship of these young people with the utmost pride and care and have made this decision out of an abundance of caution.

With that said, ASMSA students will be asked to leave campus no later than 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 15, 2020.  Remote instruction will begin on Tuesday, March 17, 2020, and continue through the remainder of the week. During spring break week, ASMSA leadership will continue to assess statewide circumstances and will make a determination on if remote instruction will continue or if we will be able to safely resume the residential experience on campus with check-in on Sunday, March 29, 2020.

Classes will meet Friday, March 13, 2020, as usual following the B schedule.

The ASMSA campus will remain open through this period under otherwise normal operations.  All employees will be expected to report to campus.

Students:  We will meet tonight at 9:30 p.m. in the CIC to go over some basic preparation for your transition away from campus and into remote instruction.  Dean Flynn, Dean Morris, and I will take your questions. Dean Morris will discuss signout procedures and preparing your room for your absence. Dean Flynn will talk about gathering textbooks and other materials you will need to continue your studies while away.

We still need your assistance in determining your access at home to broadband internet and phone service. While this week’s developments will have resulted in some changes to your spring break plans, we do ask that you provide that information so we will have it in case there is a need for self-quarantine and further remote instruction.  Finally, we ask that you alert staff to any concerns about food insecurity and access to meals while away from campus.

Employees: We will meet on Friday morning at 8:00 a.m. in the CIC to discuss the transition.  We will continue our discussions with faculty about preparing students for continued instruction.  We will work collectively on Monday to align our remote instruction efforts.

Parents: We ask that you refrain from signing your student out from campus until after 3:00 p.m. on Friday afternoon.  Again, students will have until 4:00 p.m. on Sunday to complete the checkout process.

There will be a special Possip check on Friday that asks the following question: “ASMSA is using Possip to help plan for the next steps in response to COVID-19.  What additional questions do you have about COVID-19 and how it may impact school?”

This information will be especially insightful as we continue to provide updates by email.  ASMSA leadership will look to hold a digital forum by Zoom and phone next week to answer further questions and outline additional steps in how we will work together to support students.

ASMSA will be making additional decisions over the next few days regarding cancellation of other on-campus meetings and events.  Whenever possible, we will work to replicate those events digitally.

These are extraordinary measures and challenges that ASMSA has not faced at any point in the past three decades.  I want to commend our faculty and staff for their efforts and work they have been doing behind the scenes over the last few weeks.  I appreciate the patience and care of our students and parents as we have responded to the shifting landscape as new information has become available.  Our goal remains to provide exceptional instruction, support students as they reach their final decisions on opportunities for college after ASMSA, carry forward with the selection of our next cohort of talented young Arkansans, and continue our outreach programs that make an impact across the state.  ASMSA has always been a lab-based learning environment where we embrace flexibility and rise to unknown challenges. That spirit will continue to define our campus in the coming days as we move forward, together.

The following post is a message from ASMSA Director Corey Alderdice sent at 12:45pm on March 12, 2020.

As you will have likely seen in the news, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff as well as the University of Arkansas at Monticello will suspend on-campus classes until at least Monday, March 30, 2020. The closures are being undertaken to limit the spread of COVID-19 in light of nursing student interactions with the first presumptive cases of the virus in the state.

There are no active cases under investigation or quarantines on the ASMSA campus at this time. Our intent at this stage is for campus to remain open through the start of spring break on the afternoon of Friday, March 20, 2020, and make further determinations as needed.

Governor Hutchinson’s stance on the topic is that widespread closures are not yet necessary, and ASMSA will only consider a campus closure should the circumstances necessitate it for the safety of our students and employees. The realities of this situation will continue to evolve in the coming days and weeks, but I would like to outline several topics related to COVID-19, campus preparedness, and response scenarios. Please know that circumstances are likely to change quickly and we will revise plans as necessary.

The Arkansas Department of Health has provided a variety of online resources to better inform citizens about the COVID-19 virus as well as state responses:
https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/topics/novel-coronavirus

Global Learning
You are aware by now that the Greece program has been delayed and both Japanese exchange visits cancelled for this semester. I do not believe it would be prudent for the Costa Rica program to continue as planned; however, we have not been able to reach a suitable outcome should the original spring break trip be cancelled. Rescheduling for both Greece and Costa Rica are ongoing discussions, and we are striving for a solution that is fair for students and families. The Sister City Program has not yet made a determination regarding the June trip to Hanamaki. At this time, we are not yet expecting changes to the summer language immersion program in Quebec.

Travel, Events, and Competitions
Governor Hutchinson announced yesterday that out-of-state travel for state employees would be restricted for the next sixty days. We will adopt the Governor’s recommendations regarding travel out-of-state. Any events which are scheduled to continue out of state through early May will need special authorization from the Director to continue. The two primary events affected by this restriction are the Ocean Bowl National Competition and Regeneron ISEF. A decision has not yet been reached by either organizer to cancel, and will we work to determine if participation is prudent.

In-state events like the Arkansas State Science and Engineering Fair, FBLA Leadership Conference, State Quiz Bowl, and other events remain as scheduled for the moment. Because many of these events are hosted on university campuses, we will continue to monitor other campus policies regarding large group events and meetings, which could result in the cancellation of these activities.

Students have worked incredibly hard over the past year to be prepared to compete as well as represent themselves and ASMSA at the highest levels. While any event cancellation will be disappointing, I hope you will understand the necessity of doing so.

We will make a decision regarding Interview Weekends for applicants in the Classes of 2022 and 2023 prior to notification of semifinalist status in the coming week. Interviews have served as supplemental components of the review and selection process, and the on-campus activities that day are part of our pre-orientation processes for incoming students. We will continue to explore alternatives and make a decision that is best for campus and our prospective families.

ASMSA will also evaluate individual events that have been scheduled on campus such as workshops, external meetings, and other activities on a case-by-case basis.

Online/Blended Learning
I have previously shared that System leadership has encouraged campuses to take proactive measures to plan for a shift to digital learning in the event of a campus closure. For example, all University of Arkansas at Fayetteville faculty have been requested to be ready to implement digital learning by March 30th. Because of the nature of ASMSA’s residential experience, we do not often utilize blended learning as frequently as many other institutions.

I asked faculty earlier this week to begin thinking about what the transition for courses would look like should we need to close campus. While students all have access to technology, one of my greatest concerns is that not all students will have access to quality broadband (or any internet connection at all) at home. We must keep equity in access in mind as we plan but must also consider additional ways that technology can scaffold and expand core instruction. I recognize that some experiences will be difficult to replicate and have encouraged faculty to think about the core concepts and essential ideas that need to be explored in classes. Completing labs and earning concurrent credit will be tertiary components of our planning rather than initial priorities.

Should ASMSA have to shift to an independent or blended learning model, we will ensure that expectations on assignments, learning outcomes, and process are both flexible and appropriate. Much of ASMSA’s work in digital learning has been focused on adapting aspects of the ASMSA curriculum for blended environments. The goal has not been to directly translate our courses or experiences. As such, this scenario will involve a variety of challenges. This shift will naturally create some stress and anxiety for both students and faculty, and we will encourage patience and grace on everyone’s part.

Information Gathering
While social distancing remains one of the most effective strategies to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, I recognize that many of you have established plans for spring break that cannot be changed. If you are traveling out of the country, to an area of the United States that has experienced significant cases (i.e., New York, California, Washington), or to a major tourist area or large gathering of people (Disney World, for example), I would ask that you proactively inform your Residential Mentor of these plans. We will make decisions regarding any potential need for self-quarantining in conjunction with health officials as we reach the end of spring break or sooner should the need arise.

During room checks on Thursday night, Residence Life Staff will be asking students to electively provide this information in addition to information about their access to broadband and unlimited phone minutes at home. We are also mindful of cases where lack of access to meals may be a concern for some students in the event of an extended campus closure. If this is a concern for you or your family, please share that information as well.

Hand Washing and Campus Cleaning
From the Centers for Disease Control: “Regular handwashing, particularly before and after certain activities, is one of the best ways to remove germs, avoid getting sick, and prevent the spread of germs to others. It's quick, it's simple, and it can keep us all from getting sick. Handwashing is a win for everyone, except the germs.” As simple as it sounds, regular handwashing with soap is one of the most effective strategies to prevent spread of viruses.

The Arkansas Department of Education also makes the following general recommendations for health and safety. To reduce the risk for getting and spreading viral respiratory infections, including the flu and the common cold, students are encouraged to take simple steps to help prevent COVID-19. These include:

• Alerting the nurse or other staff member if they feel sick;
• Frequent handwashing with soap and water. If soap and water are not readily available, using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol;
• Advising persons to avoid touching their eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing;
• Urging students and staff to get a flu shot during the flu season; and
• Providing adequate supplies for good hygiene.

In addition to usual campus cleaning measures, additional emphasis will be placed on frequently touched surfaces such as door handles, handrails, elevator buttons and other common surfaces.

New Resource for Arkansas
The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) is pleased to announce that UAMS HealthNow, its 24-hour digital connection to healthcare professionals, will soon offer free screenings for all Arkansans who have questions about whether they may have the COVID-19 virus.

UAMS HealthNow site will have a screening tool with a series of questions about their symptoms, age, overall health, travel and other potential exposure to the COVID-19 virus and guide them regarding next steps, if any. This may include a video session with a UAMS HealthNow provider, advice to contact their local physician for further evaluation and possible testing for the virus. People who have symptoms and who have been exposed to COVID-19 are urged not to visit a physician office, urgent care clinic, emergency room or hospital without first talking to the facility and getting instructions on how to prevent spreading the virus to healthcare providers and other patients. This service will be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to patients of all ages across the state of Arkansas and can be accessed from a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or computer. https://uamshealth.com/healthnow/

A Word of Thanks
The discussions we’ve had and decisions we’ve reached over the past several days have required input and insight from a variety of individuals on campus. I wish to express appreciation to Ron Luckow and other faculty for their work with the Global Learning Program, Amy Brown-Westmoreland for her communication with our Japanese partners, Nurse Monica, Nia Rieves in HR, finance/travel staff, the maintenance and janitorial staff, as well as everyone who has offered individual perspective. Challenging times require communication and support. We will continue to be transparent as decisions are made and keep you updated as frequently as possible.