Ravens Return

All students will be asked to provide Student Health Services with a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours (3 days) of arriving on campus for move in, or in the case of commuters, either the first day of orientation (new students) or classes (returning students).

The University is also providing, in partnership with Convenient MD, on-site testing August 16-19. Students that cannot produce a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours prior to their arrival in Rindge, must submit to an onsite test to continue their move-in process. Additional testing will also occur throughout the semester.

First, don’t worry. We have asked that students attempt to be tested and receive the results within a 72-hour period prior to either their arrival on campus (residential students) or their arrival for orientation or the first day of classes (commuter students). If this is not possible, we will test you on campus.
Tests on campus will be administered during move-in between Sunday, August 16 and Wednesday, August 19. Commuters and early-arrival students, we will send a separate email to schedule your test in Rindge ‒ again if you cannot provide a negative result from a test taken on your own during the 72-hour window.
We encourage students to consider testing at any time prior to coming to campus for your own peace of mind. If you test at any time prior to your arrival on campus and test positive, this will enable you to start your quarantine from home. Please note that if you test negative, we will still test you upon arrival if the test was not performed within the prior 72-hour period. And if do test positive, don’t worry! We will work with you to ensure that you don’t fall behind in your classes and will welcome you to Rindge as soon as you test negative and are released by your physician. The earlier we know, the more we can help and the less hassle it is for you!

Yes. Students that get tested when they are moving in will be permitted to move in while we await the test results as long as they adhere strictly to our safety protocols and processes. If they cannot, they will be asked to leave campus until their test results return.

Testing will follow a drive-through process once you arrive on campus and will be administered through the window of your vehicle. The tests will begin with several screening questions, followed by a temperature reading with an infrared thermometer. Any indication of a fever will then be confirmed with a single-use thermometer. A nasal swab test will then be conducted, with the results received within 3-5 days. Students who do not have a fever will be allowed to move in after completing the test as long as they agree to follow all safety protocols.

All students will have their temperature taken when they arrive. Commuter students who’s temperature is 100.4 degrees or higher will be asked not to return to campus until their oral temperature has been 99 degrees or less for 72 hours without use of any medication. Residential students with a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher should self-isolate and contact Student Health Services. Please know we will work with you if this occurs so that you are not navigating this situation without help. Our hope though is that by being tested in advance, even if it outside of the 72-hour window, and self-isolating as directed, we can avoid having any positive test results in Rindge as students arrive.

Students will be asked to self-quarantine at home for 14 days prior to coming to campus and limit all unnecessary contact with anyone outside of their immediate family. We expect all students to wear a face mask and abide by social distancing guidelines when interaction with others is required during this period.

We are asking students to reduce non-essential travel and face-to-face contact with anyone outside of their immediate family for 14 days prior to arriving on campus. We recognize there are exceptions and that some students must work during this period or travel. In all cases, we ask that you: (1) wear a face mask and practice social distancing to avoid potential exposure and transmission, and (2) avoid going to high-risk locations like movie theatres, bars and clubs, or concerts and events. The key is to be smart and remember that your vigilance during this period will help protect all of us in Rindge. These expectations will apply on campus as well.

Commuter students are to present Health Services with a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of their first face-to-face class or in the case of new commuter students, their first day of orientation. If they cannot do this, they must come to campus between August 16-19 to be tested on campus in order to avoid any delays to their academic progress.

Yes, faculty and staff will be tested.

Yes, testing will be available on campus from August 16-19. Please note that the University is covering the cost of these tests.

At this time, any testing conducted when students’ move-on campus, during the established four days of testing, or any additional semester testing conducted by Student Health Services will be covered by the University.

Yes. Employees and students will be required to fill out and complete a short, HIPPA Compliant Form daily. Students, faculty and staff will be required to provide their own thermometer. Failure to complete this document daily as directed could result in your removal from campus.

Should this occur, please contact Student Health Services at 603 899-4130 or for support and guidance on next steps. Your health and the health of everyone on campus is our primary concern.

We are asking for all employees and students to encourage each other to report any potential COVID-19 symptoms to Human Resources or Health Services respectively. We also ask that anyone who believes other members of the community are showing symptoms of COVID-19 please report their concerns to Student Health Services.

You will not be permitted on campus. If you feel that you cannot adhere to the COVID-19 expectations, contact the Dean of Students office to discuss a leave of absence or other options that may be available to you.

Students who test positive for COVID-19 can return home if they do not have to board a plane or take any form of public transportation, including cabs or car services. If returning home is not an option, we have beds and spaces set aside for students that test positive for COVID-19, those who are symptomatic, or those who have been exposed to a confirmed COVID-19 case. Services will be required to sign off on the health of all students in quarantine before they return to in-person classes.

A student will be assigned a room space in our quarantine area in which they must remain until cleared to leave. Meals will be delivered, trash will be taken out and laundry will be collected weekly. We will also work with all students in quarantine to get essential items, after they are disinfected, from their room. All students in quarantine will be allowed to attend classes remotely in synchrony with their in-person classes. We will of course work with students individually to make quarantine as pleasant as possible.

Any student that has been exposed to a confirmed COVID-19 case will be notified and given a safe quarantine room on campus and tested for COVID-19. Though this testing is to ensure those in quarantine are not sick, it is also to provide surveillance data for our campus. Unfortunately, you can NOT test out of quarantine. While in quarantine, we will make sure you are provided food, water, laundry services, and a safe way to get outside to get some fresh air.

For our tests, the swab will only be placed in the lower part of your nose and will not involve the “brain tickle” associated with early COVID-19 tests. The swab procedure will test will take less than 10 seconds to complete.

Residential students will be tested when they arrive for their scheduled move in time. You should have received an email from Residential Life to schedule your move-in time, but if you have not, please contact the Residential Life office at 603 899-4176 or email Assistant Dean of Student Affairs Kat Dougherty at doughertyk@franklinpierce.edu

Given the protocols put in place as a result of the pandemic, we ask that students and their families not arrive on campus more than 10 minutes prior to their scheduled move-in time to avoid congestion and delays.

Our preference is that roommates move in one at a time in order to maximize social distancing and minimize any direct contact between families.

There are few establishments locally available for breakfast and we ask that families if possible not do this to limit exposure. If a family does decide to dine at a local restaurant, we ask that they wear masks and follow all social distancing guidelines.

To avoid exposure, we will not provide bins or dollies during move-in. Families of course may bring ones of their own.

The consent form from our testing vendor, Convenient MD, will be sent to all residential and commuting students in the coming days.

We expect test results within 3 to 5 days of being administered. For this reason it is crucially important that all students, family, faculty and staff wear masks at all times – with the exception for students being when they are in their dorm rooms or eating ‒ and follow all social distancing protocols in place.

No, each student will be allowed to have two family members or friends help them move in. They will be required to wear masks as will everyone. We of course ask that if any family members or friends who exhibit any symptoms of COVID-19 not come to campus.

No. There will be no cost to students either for COVID-19 tests taken during move-in days or randomly as needed throughout the semester.

In past years numerous members of our staff and athletics teams helped families during move-in, with most students’ belongings being unloaded and moved to their rooms in just a few minutes. Because we are minimizing our interaction with visitors as a result of COVID-19, these teams will not be on site this year. Please know though, that we will be there to provide any families who need help because of mobility issues or any other circumstances with the assistance they need. We’re excited to welcome you and are here to help!

Of course. You can schedule a Zoom meeting in advance of moving in or can reach out to Student Financial Services when you are on campus for a phone meeting by contacting them at 877 372-7347 or osfs@franklinpierce.edu.

Masks/Face coverings must be worn AT ALL TIMES, except for when you are in your individual room, office, utilizing the bathroom for brushing teeth/showering etc. and when in your personal vehicle. If you are in your residential room and someone other than you roommate comes into your space, all occupants must then put on a mask.

A face mask remains the most effective barrier for reducing the transmission of COVID-19; however, if there is a specific reason a mask cannot be worn, students can work through the accommodations process for permission to instead wear a face shield.

All students should maintain a minimum of six feet between one another, wear their face mask properly, wash their hands regularly for at least 20 seconds, stay home when they are sick, clean and disinfect surfaces regularly and cough or sneeze into a tissue, sleeve or elbow ‒ not their hands.

We ask that all members of the university community take an active role reminding others of the importance of face masks and their required use ‒ and to report non-compliance to Campus Safety or Student Affairs so that the Student Conduct process can be implemented to maintain the safety of the campus.

No. All students should arrive on campus with a sufficient supply of face coverings ‒ this should be 1 or 2 per day. The university will also have a limited supply on hand for the instances where a mask was misplaced or forgotten.

There will be posters and stickers strategically placed to illustrate how much distance should be between individuals.

Desks will be strategically placed within the classrooms; there will also be markings on the floor to assist in guiding proper placement. Larger spaces have also been transformed into classrooms to make social distancing easier.

Yes, if physical distance guidelines can be maintained. Please note that groups of ten or more people must wear face masks even when meeting outdoors.

We ask that you bring disinfectant cleaners and that you wipe down anything that can be disinfected when you arrive. While you are not required to wear a face mask in your room with your roommate, we ask that your family members do.

A deep cleaning will occur at least daily in the residence halls. We encourage students to adopt a “if I touched it, I will clean it” commitment to provide an additional level of disinfection.

All high traffic areas on campus will be deep cleaned daily and in many cases multiple times.

The University took a number of steps to introduce more fresh air into ventilation systems. These included replacing filters within units, increasing fan speeds and cleaning ductwork.

There are 8-week online classes available in Undergraduate Terms 1 and 2. Check out the list of classes on Campus Web. If this is the best option for you, please contact for the form and next steps.

Remote access to Rindge courses is available to students who require accommodations, and in some circumstances, with special circumstances. To request access, download and complete this form.

Remote access to Rindge courses is available to students who require accommodations, and in some circumstances, with special circumstances. To request access, download and complete this form.

Remote access to Rindge courses is available to students who require accommodations, and in some cases, with special circumstances. To request access, download and complete this form.

Remote access to Rindge courses is available to students who require accommodations and in some cases with special circumstances. To request access, download and complete this form.

Remote access to Rindge courses is available to students who require accommodations and in some cases with special circumstances. To request access, download and complete this form.

Remote access to Rindge courses is available to students who require accommodations and in some cases with special circumstances. To request access, download and complete this form.

You will be able to access your face-to-face courses remotely using the link provided by your course instructor.

No. Rindge classes are delivered face-to-face only; our new classroom technology will allow students to attend remotely during scheduled class days/time only.

Labs and Experiential classes may not be available as a remote option. If you are approved to take classes remotely, you will be notified of any courses that will not be available in a remote format and may consider other options for your schedule.

Wherever possible, physical computer labs will be replaced by virtual labs. Your course instructor will provide you with details about accessing these virtual labs. MAC labs will not be virtual and will be used for courses as scheduled.

Yes. Faculty will hold office hours and will include information about those hours in their course syllabi. Generally, faculty will hold office hours remotely, but may be available for an outdoor meeting if needed. Please check with your faculty for details about how they are holding their office hours.

Specific guidelines will be posted in these areas. Lingering in these public spaces is discouraged and in some cases may be prohibited.

Fitzwater Director Kristen Nevious has a detailed set of guidelines for equipment checkout and use.

Check your course Canvas page for details or contact individual faculty members for course information.

It is possible that a Faculty member may have permission to deliver their course(s) in a remote-only mode; please note that ALL courses are held synchronously, meaning they are “live” and held during their scheduled time.

Billing is adjusted when the student completes the course modality process and is enrolled 100% online in either 8 week Undergrad Online Term 1 or Undergraduate Online Term 2. Students with combined enrolled in the Rindge semester or Undergraduate online 8 week terms do not require billing adjustments.

Students who opt to enroll exclusively in 8 week undergraduate online terms, forfeit scholarship support during those terms of enrollment only. Students are required to notify and meet with Student Financial Services upon returning to semester (15 week) based enrollment. Financial aid eligibility will be revised based on students who change their enrollment to the 8 week term format; a revised award letter will be sent and students are encouraged to meet via zoom with their financial aid counselor in Student Financial Services.

Student Financial Services will work with you to cancel your monthly payment plan and reflect previously made payments on your account appropriately.

The only time tuition charges are changed is when the student moves into an 8 week, online format. Students granted permission to attend semester classes remotely will not receive any tuition adjustment..

The only time tuition charges are changed is when the students moves 100% of their enrollment into an 8 week, online format. Students granted permission to attend semester classes remotely and who are simultaneously enrolled in 100% 8 week online coursework, will be charged up to 17 credits for all classes that fall within a given semester.

Student Financial Services will apply private scholarships evenly over each 8 week, 100% online term that the student is enrolled in, so long as the student continues to meet eligibility requirements, as specified by the scholarship fund.

No. The only time charges are adjusted is when the student completes the course modality process and withdraws from all semester-based classes.

The University is only required to refund students based upon the withdrawal refund policy. Students should familiarize themselves with the financial responsibilities policies and refund policies, found here: https://franklinpierce.edu/admissions/finaid/finaidbasics-Terms.htm

Yes. Students who complete the course modality process with the Registrar and approved by their Dean can continue to live on campus and be enrolled in the 8 week online terms.

YYes. Students who enroll in 8 week terms will be billed on a different schedule than the Rindge semester. Students will be required to adhere to billing due dates reflected on their statement of account.

Yes. Families can visit https://gradguard.com/ for more information.

A student that at any time tests positive for COVID-19 will be placed in isolation. Isolation is set aside from other spaces established to house students who are in quarantine. Quarantine is for students who are symptomatic or named as a contact in contact tracing but who have not yet officially tested positive for COVID-19. If while in quarantine, someone tests positive for COVID-19, they will be moved to isolation.

A “contact” is defined by the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services as any individual that for a minimum of 10 minutes or more was within 6 feet or less of a positive individual whether or not they are wearing a mask. Anyone named as a contact during contact tracing must quarantine.

The initial contact tracing process begins when the Director of Health Services notifies a student that they have tested positive for COVID-19 as discovered by testing. Students are asked to provide an initial list of individuals with whom they have had contact with, as defined above, beginning two days prior to their test date. Members of the Franklin Pierce University COVID-19 response team will contact these students to inform them they have been named as a contact for someone that has tested positive and to coordinate their move into quarantine.

A caseworker with the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services will likely contact the student that tested positive within 48 hours to do additional investigation and contact tracing. At that time, additional individuals may be identified by the NH DHHS who may also need to move into quarantine.

All students who test positive for COVID-19 are required by the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services to self-isolate ‒ either at home if they can safely travel there without using any form of public transportation ‒ or in one of our isolation locations on campus.

While the student is in isolation, we will work with them to ensure that they do not fall behind in their classes and are able to take all of their classes remotely in synchrony with their existing class schedule. We will of course also work with each student to make isolation and/or quarantine as pleasant as possible. It goes without saying that our students’ well-being is our first priority and at no point in this process will they be on their own.

Students who test positive for COVID-19 have the option to return home if they do not have to board a plane or take any form of public transportation, including cabs or car services. If returning home is not an option, we have beds and spaces set aside for students that test positive for COVID-19, those who are symptomatic, or those who have been exposed to a confirmed COVID-19 case. The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services will be required to sign off on the health of all students in quarantine and isolation before they can return to in-person classes.

A student will be assigned a room space in our quarantine area in which they must remain until cleared to leave. Meals will be delivered, trash will be taken out and laundry will be collected weekly. We will also work with all students in quarantine to get essential items, after they are disinfected, from their room. All students in quarantine will be allowed to attend classes remotely in synchrony with their in-person classes. We will of course work with students individually to make quarantine and isolation as pleasant as possible but it is not like the experience of living in their assigned residence hall and so patience will need to be exercised. Due to our inability to assure an outdoor space that can separate isolated and quarantined students on campus from other members of our community, students in isolation and quarantine do not have an option to go outside.

The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services will not permit an individual to test out of quarantine or isolation. They must complete their full time in quarantine and isolation before being permitted and cleared to rejoin general activities.

There are several factors, determined by the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, that go into determining the prescribed number of days that a person must remain in isolation and quarantine. However, in general, if a student is asymptomatic and tests positive for COVID-19, they must isolate for a minimum of 10 days. If a student is named as a contact in contact tracing, they must quarantine for 14 days. The length of each is determined by the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services.

Any student that has been significantly exposed to a confirmed COVID-19 case will be notified and given a safe quarantine room on campus and tested for COVID-19. Though this testing is to ensure those in quarantine are not sick, it is also to monitor any spread.

Note, the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services must sign off on the health of all students before they are released from quarantine.

While in quarantine, we will of course make sure students are provided with food, water, laundry services, and a safe way to get outside to get some fresh air. Please note, too, that students will offered counseling services at all times to comfort them and address any anxiety they may feel as a result of exposure to COVID-19. It goes without saying that our students’ well-being is our first priority and at no point in this process will they be on their own.

While all students, faculty and staff were tested during the move in period, additional testing (both scheduled and random) will also occur throughout the semester at no charge to the student.

Yes. Employees and students will be required to fill out and complete a short, HIPPA Compliant Form daily, which records temperature and asks screening questions to identify any common symptoms of COVID. Students, faculty and staff will be required to provide their own thermometer. Failure to complete this document daily as directed could result in an individual’s removal from campus.

We are asking all employees and students to encourage each other to report any potential COVID-19 symptoms to Human Resources or Health Services respectively. We also ask that anyone who believes other members of the community are showing symptoms of COVID-19 please report their concerns to Student Health Services.

We also ask that all members of the university community take an active role reminding others of the importance of wearing face masks and their required use, adhering to social distancing and other outline protocols ‒ and to report non-compliance to Campus Safety or Student Affairs so that the Student Conduct process can be implemented to maintain the safety of the campus.

If a student feels that they cannot adhere to the COVID-19 preventative guidelines and protocols, contact the Dean of Students to discuss a leave of absence or other options that may be available.

In accordance with the guidance of the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, Franklin Pierce will publish and update the number of active cases on campus as data becomes available here.

We will cover this in greater detail in a communication to come, but please know that you will have access to your Rindge classes even if you are isolating or quarantining at home or on campus.

Yes. This will be emailed to your Franklin Pierce account and must be signed before coming to campus. Failure to do so will result in your removal from campus.

The dining hall will be open for Breakfast, lunch and dinner 7 days a week. Raven’s Nest will also be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner 7 days a week. Students will be able to use meals this year at the Raven’s Nest instead of just points. The Library Café will be open for breakfast and grab-and-go options Monday through Friday. In addition, students will be able to use meals for breakfast this year at the Café instead of just points. Grab-and-go options will be made available at a tent outside the dining hall for lunch and dinner Monday through Friday.

All dining locations will disinfected and wiped down multiple times throughout the day. Capacity will be limited in all dining locations to ensure social distancing guidelines are met and Sodexo staff will seat students as spaces become available. There will be no self-serve options. Sodexo staff will serve you as your proceed through the line. Meal plans will no longer allow guest passes. Guest passes will be converted into 50 additional points for each plan that received one. Additional picnic tables will be available outside the dining hall for use during warmer months.

Students must refrain from any non-essential travel during this first semester. If a student must leave campus, we expect them to adhere to all appropriate protective measures including facemasks and social distancing. Students must not go to high-risk locations such as indoor restaurants, clubs, movie theatres, concerts, sporting events, bars, or other large gatherings.

Residential students will not be allowed to have visitors in the residence halls. Guests should not be invited to campus as a general practice. If you visit a friend on a different floor or in a different hall, even if you go to their assigned room, you must always have your mask on. Not allowing visitors is a preventative measure recommended by the New Hampshire Governor's office Guidance for Reopening Higher Education in the state.

You will not be permitted on campus. You should contact the Dean of Student Affairs office to discuss potential options available to you.

Details on orientation can be found here.

Right now we are in final conversations about what different options will be available to students. We have discussed and are prepared for every possible permutation and are in the final stage of decision making. We are prepared for all classes to be in-person and have new technology installed that will enable us to provide a robust remote experience as well. The options for students will be posted on Ravens Return once they are finalized and confirmed. Families and students will also be informed via email.

We are prepared to pivot to an all-remote delivery model for classes should a significant outbreak that warrants that transition occur. It is our hope that by following the procedures, protocols and processes we have in place we can complete the semester without incident.

We are not controlling students’ comings and goings from campus, but we are heavily advising them that they be thoughtful about why they are leaving campus, where they are going and how often they do so. There are of course myriad legitimate reasons to go off campus, for example doctor’s appointments, shopping for groceries, internships, employment, etc. We ask though that all students wear a mask and socially distance as much as possible while doing so both for the safety and well-being of those on campus and surrounding communities.

Our plan all along has been to offer in-person instruction on the Rindge campus. We do offer a fully online course of instruction, but it follows a different term structure than our Rindge classes. Students should consult with their advisor or admissions counselor for details.

We have started distributing roommate information, but please don’t hesitate to reach out to your admissions officer with any questions.

For students who attended Step Day, you should have had your ID photo taken. That will be available when you move in, but if you did not, you will have an opportunity to have that photo taken on move-in day or during orientation. For parking permits, all new students should now have access to Campus Web. Under the Campus Life tab, there is a link for parking permits. The parking pass will be delivered to your on campus mailbox once it is ready. Please note that parking will not be enforced for the first couple of weeks, but you will need to register your vehicle. If you have any questions or concerns you should stop by or contact Campus Safety.

The Freshman Seminar, our GLE 101 course, is required of all incoming students. Everyone has a specific topic as determined by the instructor, but all have similar components that are designed to help you transition to the college community and the academic world at Franklin Pierce. All students will complete a career exploration project and a first-year inquiry project that will introduce them to the academic resources on campus. There will also be readings and discussions on the topic of the seminar as determined by the instructor and all sections have a minimum number of reading and writing assignments. The instructor will also be students’ first-year advisor, and will help them learn more about the University environment and how it works. Each seminar will also include two peer leaders who can help with any questions students have.

The Franklin Pierce mail department is following the United States Postal Services’ guidelines regarding COVID-19.

We’re always happy to welcome parents to campus every fall and Parents’ Day, or Family Day, usually coincides with our homecoming festivities. Because the NE10 conference suspended all athletic competition, homecoming and family day are being reenvisioned. Instead of cancelling it we will reschedule it. Our hope is to have it in the spring. We are also looking at organizing virtual family day events this fall. Details on both will be forthcoming.

Students received their Franklin Pierce mailing address in an email from the admissions office. and will pick up their key on move-in day. Please reach out to your admissions counselor if you have any questions.

Come back soon for more information!

Throughout the semester Student Health Services will conduct randomized testing, and will use a randomizer to identify who is tested. All students who are determined to be high-risk because of contact tracing will also be tested in the same way.

Yes, Student Affairs will inform parents or family members if a student comes down with COVID-19.

Quarantine is for those who have been exposed, or potentially been exposed to someone with COVID-19. The quarantine period lasts for 14 days, and you can NOT test out of quarantine.

Isolation is for those who have symptoms and a confirmed positive for COVID-19. The isolation period lasts for 10 days, and you can NOT test out of isolation.

A contact is defined as someone who was within 6ft for 10 minutes or longer. This may be a roommate, someone you had lunch with, etc. Please share this information with Student Health Services, and DHHS.