Journey Back – On Campus

Yes!  We look forward to welcoming you to campus and have a day of orientation planned for you and your family!

Orientation for new students this Spring will be Saturday, January 23.  Details will be posted in the coming weeks.

• Some student leaders and athletes (as determined by supervisor/coach):  Friday, January 22 between 1-4pm

• New Students:  Saturday, January 23 between 10am-1pm

• Returning Students with last names A-L:  Sunday, January 24 between 1-4:30pm

• Returning Students with last names M-Z:  Saturday, January 23 between 1-4:30pm

We are conducting the residence hall move-in process in stages.  Each student will be permitted a maximum of two adult helpers during designated move-in hours.  Unfortunately, no one under the age of 16 is permitted to enter the residence halls or to assist with move-in. Students and their helpers must wear facial coverings during the move in process.

To assist with traffic outside the residence halls, we ask that those helping first move all belongings to the student’s room and then move their vehicle immediately (before beginning to unpack).

Beds can be configured in multiple ways and this may require extra support pieces and/or material not immediately available. In light of that, only trained employees and staff are permitted to re-construct the beds.

For a list of suggested items to bring to college, please click here.

We strongly encourage you to adjust plans to return to campus on the designated date.  If this is not possible, you may submit a request to return with another check-in group.

As part of our commitment to each other, masks are required in most indoor settings. This guideline is governed by the recommendation of the CDC and the state of Indiana’s mask mandate.  Face coverings help cut down on the spread of droplets containing the coronavirus and help mitigate the spread of Covid-19 on our campus. Masks are not a replacement for 6 feet of social distancing. Masks are recommended in any setting where you are unable to predict your ability to maintain 6ft. physical distancing and whenever requested by another during an interaction. 

Specifically, face coverings are required in residence halls, classrooms, hallways, chapel, common areas, and dining facilities (except when seated and eating).  Masks are also necessary during transportation in Grace vehicles and when being transported to Grace-sponsored events.

Faculty and students may choose to remove their mask or wear a face shield when teaching or presenting from the front of the class and distanced at least 6ft from others.  Masks are optional during exercise in the GHAWC when in the fitness center and distanced at least 6ft from others.

Face coverings should be worn outside when you are closer than 6ft from others and when traveling through campus with others.  They may be removed when outdoors and distanced at least 6ft from others.

Students and employees are expected to keep a mask (N95 surgical masks are not required) with them at all times for use if needed. Regardless of the setting, any individual who desires to wear a mask will be treated with respect and courtesy. Those who choose not to wear a mask in required contexts are not adhering to the “Grace Campus Commitment” and may forfeit their opportunity to participate in community life at Grace.

If you have any concerns specific to your health or mental health when returning to campus, please contact Connie Burkholder in Disabilities Services for help, support, options, and referral to other campus resources. The process will be the same as the current accommodations request process. You can reach Connie at burkhoc@grace.edu or 574-372-5100 ext. 6423.