Fall 2021 Planning Update

To the Allegheny College community:

For 206 years, Allegheny College has been a residential liberal arts college offering students the opportunity to learn in the classroom from engaged faculty. In fall 2021, we plan fully to return to this mission.

During the academic year 2021–2022, all classes will be held on campus and in person. While we have had to adapt to the pandemic with remote learning options beginning in March 2020, students and faculty alike have made it clear that in-person learning and the residential campus experience are far more effective for the engaged hands-on learning that is a hallmark of an Allegheny education. Therefore, beginning fall 2021, unless unexpected health conditions should mandate otherwise, we expect that no remote classes will be offered. Residence halls will return to regular occupancy. Athletic practice and competition will proceed per NCAA and ACHA guidelines. Beginning August 1, 2021, all administrative offices will be fully staffed, in person.

We will continue to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 transmission on campus with directed strategies following the most current public health recommendations. After extensive consultation with our local and national experts, however, we have confidence that we can educate our students in person, safely, beginning in the fall. Our track record speaks to our ability to succeed: we have seen no transmission of the virus from employee to student, or student to employee. No Allegheny community member has had to quarantine based on classroom interactions. Additionally, all employees have been offered the vaccine; it is our expectation that by August the majority of our students will also have been offered the opportunity to be vaccinated.

More detailed information will follow, as well as a document including FAQs. In the meantime, we hope you are as excited and proud to receive this message as we are to send it. We are confident in making this announcement due to the College’s success to date in keeping our community safe while remaining open for in-person living and learning. This success is a result of the incredible efforts, dedication, and at times personal sacrifices of our students, our faculty, our staff, our families, and so many others. We thank you for all you do each and every day to make our campus and our College safer and better. Go Gators!

With all best wishes,

President Link and her Cabinet

Cabinet members:

  • Ian Binnington, Dean of Curriculum and Registrar
  • Ron Cole, Provost and Dean of the College
  • Kristin Dukes, Dean for Institutional Diversity
  • Ellen Johnson, Incoming Vice President for Enrollment Management
  • Jennifer Padlan, Director of Human Resources, Payroll and Title IX Deputy
  • Bill Ross, Director of Athletics and Recreation
  • Meg Ryan, Interim Vice President for Enrollment Management
  • Susan Salton, Strategic Communications Advisor
  • Matt Stinson, Vice President for Institutional Advancement
  • April Thompson, Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students
  • Linda Wetsell, Chief Financial Officer and Vice President for Finance and Administration