March 13: Residential Student Update

Good Afternoon,

In light of the President’s recent announcement regarding the shift to remote learning as of March 23, we are asking all students to vacate the residential areas effective immediately. Those students with extenuating circumstances that restrict their ability to go home at this time must e-mail deanofstudents@merrimack.edu to receive permission, regardless of prior approval to stay beyond Sunday at noon. Situations in which students will be permitted to remain on campus will be rare. Effective at 5 p.m. today, all residence areas will be closed for access including Royal Crest.

To reiterate the message that President Hopey shared, the health and safety of our community members is of paramount importance. We recognize that students left for spring break, and may have left essential items in their rooms. In an effort to preserve each community members’ individual health, we are asking that students email deanofstudents@merrimack.edu to receive permission to retrieve any items which are essential to your learning or health. If you need to come back to campus you will need to schedule a time to come back and will be escorted to your room. Students will not be granted access to the residential areas without prior approval. Merrimack College Police will not allow students on campus unless they are on an approved list that will be maintained by my office. We are doing this to protect the health and safety of our students and staff and to assure that social distancing is paramount. Please be forewarned that it may take a few days for you to obtain a scheduled time to gather your materials. Students without prior approval will be turned away by Merrimack College Police. We urge you to only return to campus if it is absolutely necessary.

We recognize that this is a time of uncertainty - please know that we are here for you. I continue to be impressed by how the Merrimack community has come together. I know we will support one another through this.

Sincerely,

Allison Gill
Vice President and Dean of Students