As I reflect on the fall semester, I feel incredibly proud of the many accomplishments we have witnessed in our community. Despite the obstacles we've faced due to the pandemic, I remain in awe at the resilience and energy that our students have displayed each and every day. As we prepare for this time of rest and replenishment, I hope you will take a moment to safely enjoy the company of your family. I hope that you fully make use of this much deserved break and prepare for all the opportunities that 2021 will afford.
We know that we are not yet "back to normal," but as we prepare to return to campus in the spring, we are confident in our efforts to keep our community safe and healthy. As you enjoy this time off, please make sure to familiarize yourself with our spring plans so that you and your student are ready for our fast-approaching return.
Wishing you and yours a very happy and healthy holiday season,
Anabella Morabito, MA
Assistant Dean, Student Affairs
Spring 2021 Information
For the most current information about Regis' spring 2021 planning efforts and what students can expect when they return to campus, please visit our COVID-19 and frequently asked questions web pages. We have also created the checklists below to help our residential and commuter students prepare for the spring semester. As always, if you have any questions, feel free to contact covid19@regiscollege.edu.
This year, the flu vaccine is required for all college students in Massachusetts. This vaccine requirement applies to all full-time undergraduate and graduate students under 30 years of age and all full-time and part-time health science students. The only exceptions are for students who exclusively attend classes online and never visit campus in person, or those who provide a religious or medical exemption.
Regis students who attend any classes or activities on the Weston campus or at the Dental Center in Waltham, even once, will be expected to have received a flu vaccine prior to their arrival to campus at the start of the spring semester. Flu shot documentation should be submitted via CastleBranch. For students who do not have access to CastleBranch, documentation should be submitted via email to health.services@regiscollege.edu prior to arriving on campus.
As a reminder, all students, faculty, and staff returning to our Weston campus in the spring will participate in our COVID-19 testing. The test is quick, painless, and an important part of the university's campus safety protocol. Watch this video of Santiago Pedraza '23 taking you through the process step-by-step. Additional information can be found on our reporting and testing web page.
Last week, Health Services sent emails to our residential and commuter students with important information about our testing protocol:
Before returning to campus, all students must sign this consent form that allows for participation in our testing protocol. Signed consent forms may be brought to the first testing appointment or scanned and submitted to Health Services via email.
Community Town Hall Recording
Thank you to everyone who joined us for our virtual community town hall on December 9. If you're weren't able to attend or would like to review what was discussed, we encourage you to watch the recording.
FAFSA: The Most Important Financial Aid Form
As a reminder for students who have not applied yet, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available to file for the 2021-2022 academic year. The FAFSA is one of the most important forms to complete if students and families want to be considered for the most financial assistance possible. Along with consideration for federal scholarships, grants, and loans, the FAFSA also helps students to be considered for valuable institutional funding. Our Office of Financial Aid has created a helpful FAFSA Guide that provides an overview of the process.
We encourage students to contact their financial aid counselor with any questions they may have about completing their FAFSA or the financial aid process in general:
Yolande Stephenson: undergraduate and graduate students with last names A-F
Logan Liberty: undergraduate and graduate students with last names G-N
Janet Casey: undergraduate and graduate students with last names O-Z
Rebecca Anderson: online and Regis North students with last names A-L
Valerie Paterson: online and Regis North students with last names M-Z
The Pandemic in Paradise: Samantha Pereira '23
As the spread of the pandemic led to restrictions on international travel, Regis College nursing student Samantha Pereira ‘23, saw her plans to study aboard in Florence, Italy, quickly fade away. Not wanting to miss out on the chance to learn and culturally immerse herself in a place beyond Weston, Pereira took it upon herself to find an alternative. And that opportunity came this semester in the form of a traveling certified nursing assistant job in Hawaii. READ MORE
Q&A: Manufacturing a Remedy
The most critical line of defense against COVID-19 is making its ways across the U.S. Assistant professor Brian Plouffe explains how a safe and effective vaccine is developed. When asked about the steps that go into manufacturing a vaccine, Dr. Plouffe shared: "Manufacturing of vaccines is one of the most complex and regulated processes in medicine, and safety is held to the highest standard." READ MORE
Lessons and Carols for the Holidays
While the sounds of Christmas music may not be filling the Fine Arts Center, we are still celebrating the holidays with an arrangement of songs and readings by singers from across the university. The Regis College Glee Club, Alumni Chorus, Chamber Choir, Pride of Christ student group, and Center for Ministry and Service are collaborating on a weekly virtual musical program for the Advent season. You're invited to watch recordings of music and student readings on the university’s YouTube and social media channels. READ MORE
Student Leadership Application is Now Live
Regis' student leadership application is now open for the 2021-2022 academic year. If students are interested in becoming a Pride Guide (tour guide), Orientation Leader, and/or Resident Assistant, they are invited to submit an application by January 22, 2021 at 4 p.m. Following this deadline, applicants will receive a list of presentation topics they can choose from to submit a video presentation. For more information, students are encouraged to attend upcoming info sessions via Zoom on January 12 (12-12:30 p.m.) and January 21 (2:30-3 p.m.). Students can contact Alex Patturelli with any questions.
Campus COVID-19 Dashboard
The Regis Dashboard tracks COVID-19 testing and results of students and employees on the Weston campus. The dashboard is updated weekly with the most recent test results available. The total results since campus testing began on August 19, 2020 (as of December 16, 2020) can be seen below. Please note invalid test results are excluded from the total result tallies.
Total Tests Performed 4,117
Total Positive Tests 10
Total Negative Tests 4,107
Parent and Family Liaison
In collaboration with offices across campus, I serve as a resource for parents and families as you support your students throughout their time at Regis. I strive to partner with you to enhance the student experience as well as strengthen your own connection to our community. Please feel free to contact me if I can be of any assistance. I look forward to working with you!
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