January 19, 2021
Message from the President: Inauguration
As the United States moves towards January 20, the date on which presidential inaugurations occur, we approach a core moment in American democracy.
COVID-19 FAQ - For Students
COVID-19 FAQ - For Students
Common questions from Students with answers collected by release date. All answers are current.
CARES Act: Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF)
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Does the CARES Act: Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund provide any financial assistance for students?
1. Does the CARES Act: Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund provide any financial assistance for students?
Yes. Recently, the U.S. Congress, under the CARES Act, allocated funding to colleges and universities to assist students affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) was created to enable colleges and universities to provide cash grants to current students for expenses related to disruptions to their education due to COVID‑19. Distribution of these funds must follow all federal guidelines relating to the CARES Act.
What expenses can HEERF Funds be used to cover?
2. What expenses can HEERF Funds be used to cover?
Eligible students must also have expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to COVID‑19. Eligible expense categories are:
- Food
- Housing
- Course materials
- Healthcare
- Childcare.
- Technology
- Transportation
Examples of expenses that cannot be covered with HEERF Funds:
- Loss of wages for the student and/or parent/spouse
- Tuition/Student Account Balance
Can a new incoming student receive CARES Act emergency grant funds?
3. Can a new incoming student receive CARES Act emergency grant funds?
No. Students must have been enrolled at Salem College in on-ground and/or hybrid classes as of March 13, 2020.
How do I apply for HEERF funding if I am an eligible student and have completed a FAFSA?
4. How do I apply for HEERF funding if I am an eligible student and have completed a FAFSA?
Students meeting the HEERF funding criteria should have received a link to the application at their Salem email address. If you did not receive the email, but feel you may qualify, please email financialaid@salem.edu.
How will the HEERF Funds be issued once the application is approved?
5. How will the HEERF Funds be issued once the application is approved?
If your application is approved, funds will be disbursed per your payment preference as noted on your SAC (TMS) account under the Refund tab. Please log on to salemcollege.afford.com to verify your banking information for direct deposit or delivery address for paper checks.
All information provided is subject to change pending additional guidance/clarification from the Department of Education.
See the reporting requirements for the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF).
April 3, 2020
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Update to College Commencement Plans
1. Is Salem postponing the traditional in-person Commencement ceremony?
Yes. For the safety of our students, their families and friends, and the campus community, Salem will be postponing its traditional in-person Commencement ceremony to a later date. To honor our College Class of 2020, Salem will be hosting a virtual Conferral of Degrees ceremony on May 23rd at 10:00 am. President Doran and Dean Henking have created a special Commencement and Events Task Force chaired by Dr. Shawn Ricks and comprised of Salem students (members of the Senior Class), faculty, and staff to identify creative and joyful ways to honor Salem seniors and to celebrate the binding legacy of the Class of 2020. As additional details develop, the Task Force looks forward to sharing them with the Salem community, including the new date for an in-person Commencement celebration once determined.
Mail Center Contact Process
2. How should I contact the Salem Mail Center if I have a mail or package-related question?
Please contact the Salem Mail Center by email at mail_svcs@salem.edu. We ask that you please do not leave voice messages for the Mail Center at this time. The Mail Center is best equipped to respond to your questions by email.
March 27, 2020
Move-Out for Students to Retrieve Belongings from Residence Halls
When can I return to campus in order to retrieve my belongings from the residence halls?
At this time, due to the Stay at Home Order issued by Governor Roy Cooper (effective until April 29, 2020), we are unable to provide a date for the move-out process to begin. As a result of the Order, the move-out process will not begin until sometime after April 29, 2020. Should the Stay at Home Order be extended, we will continue to follow such orders and send out updated information on the check-out process at that time.
We are carefully monitoring and following guidance issued by local, state, and federal health officials and other authorities to determine when it will be safest for students to return to campus and retrieve belongings from residence halls. We understand that students are anxious to retrieve their items. We will announce the timeline as soon as possible under these difficult circumstances and appreciate your patience. When Salem is able to announce the move-out timeline and process, students with a housing assignment will receive an email through their Salem email account with detailed instructions and a link to sign-up for a check out time.
Will Salem provide a move-out process that is staggered over multiple days and/or weeks to limit interaction between students due to COVID-19?
Yes. We will limit the number of appointments allowed for each day and each building during the announced move-out time periods. At this time, we will limit students to bringing one individual with them to assist in the move-out process. If you need special accommodations, we will ask you to email Residence Life (residencelife@salem.edu) at least 48 hours before your scheduled appointment.
Can my roommate pack up my items and check out for me?
Yes. In order to receive approval for this request, both you and your roommate must send a request to Residence Life (residencelife@salem.edu) for approval once your move-out appointment has been set up.
This response is subject to change based on guidance from local, state, and federal health authorities as the situation evolves.
Can another Salem student (who is not my roommate) pack up my items and check out for me?
Yes, but only if your roommate has already checked out. You and your Salem friend must each send a request to Residence Life (residencelife@salem.edu) for approval once your appointment has been set up.
This response is subject to change based on guidance from local, state, and federal health authorities as the situation evolves.
Can my items be shipped to me?
At this time, Salem has not made a determination regarding this request for the move-out process.
For essential items (e.g., medicine) stored in your residence hall room that you need for your health or safety prior to the move-out period, please email Dean Mindy Bliss to discuss your options (marinda.bliss@salem.edu).
Is there a way to store my belongings on campus?
At this time, Salem has not made a determination regarding storage options. If you are interested in a storage option, please email Residence Life (residencelife@salem.edu). We are assessing interest in this option and will provide additional details if this option will be made available.
Whom do I contact if (1) I am en route but running late to my scheduled check-out appointment, (2) I run over my check-out time, and/or (3) I need to clean my room?
Please call the Residence Life On Call phone number (336-575-3887) to provide an update regarding your status.
Will I be able to check my campus mailbox in the Student Center and/or pick up any packages from the mailroom in Main Hall during my check out time?
Salem is working to develop a process for students to retrieve mail and packages from the mailroom on their move-out appointment date. Additional details will be provided once the process is determined.
The Salem Mailroom has started a mail forwarding process to students’ primary residences in an effort to ensure students receive their mail timely moving forward.
If I have lost my room key do I still need to fill out the express check-out form and turn it in?
Yes. Please add a note on the express check-out form stating that the key was lost and turn the express check-out form in at the designated location as instructed by Residence Life.
What should I do if I forget to turn in my express check-out form and key when I leave?
Return the information to Residence Life by U.S. Mail. Please first email Residence Life (residencelife@salem.edu) to notify us that you are returning the check-out envelope & key by mail. Then prepare a padded envelope with the mailing address below and place the key and express check-out form in the envelope and seal it. Then place the appropriate amount of postage on the envelope and mail it. If you mail the key in a normal envelope, the envelope will be caught in the USPS processing machine in the Post Office, it will tear the envelope, the key will fall out, and the key will be lost. If this happens, you will be responsible for the replacement cost of the key. Mailing address:
Salem College
Housing & Residence Life
601 S Church Street
Winston-Salem, NC 27101
I have items checked out from Gramley Library. How should I return them?
Please contact Gramley Library directly at library@salem.edu to find return dates for any checked out items you have in your possession. You can also find updates on News and Events page of the Library website: library.salem.edu/news-events.
What should I do if I need to reschedule my move-out appointment?
Please resubmit your move-out request form to Residence Life in order to schedule a new check-out time on the sign-up link to be provided by Residence Life when the move-out process is announced.
When is the last day for move-out and retrieving items from the residence halls?
This date is unknown at this time and will depend on the status of the Stay at Home Order and guidance from local, state, and federal health authorities. We will provide additional details as soon as possible under the circumstances.
REGISTRATION FOR SUMMER/FALL CLASSES
HOW WILL I REGISTER FOR CLASSES FOR SUMMER AND/OR FALL?
You will register online through PowerCampus Self-Service. The Registrars’ Office is sending detailed instructions on Monday, March 30, and your academic advisors have received instructions already in order to help you. If you have already submitted a paper registration form, the Registrars will process those forms.
Securing Fall Housing
When will I be able to select my residence hall room for the 2020-2021 Academic Year?
Residence Life will post the information packet for the 2020-2021 Room Selection Process on the MySalem Student page on Friday April 3, 2020. In addition, an email will be sent out to all students with this information as well. We anticipate students may have questions as the process will be conducted online. Residence Life will be holding electronic information sessions for students who want to learn more about the process and to ask questions. We will create frequently asked questions and add answers on MySalem to assist students with this process.
CAE and Impact for Honors Students
Will the Celebration of Academic Excellence be cancelled?
Yes. Unfortunately, the Celebration of Academic Excellence will be cancelled this year, due to the complexity of holding the event through distance technology. No student, including students in the College Honors program, will be penalized as a result of this decision.
Academic Support
Is Academic Support still available to help students?
Yes. Although we will be moving to online classes, Academic Support will remain available to help you throughout the spring semester.
How can I get help from Academic Support?
To help you get started with your transition to online classes, Ms. Ida Turner Davis, Director of Academic Support and Student Disability Services, has posted information at the following link for Salem students’ reference: guides.library.salem.edu/online-learning. To provide you with as much support as possible, Ms. Davis will be adding to, and updating, these resources throughout the remainder of the semester.
Ms. Davis is also available for remote one-on-one meetings. If you have questions or need help with something not listed on the guide, please contact Ms. Davis at academic.support@salem.edu to schedule a virtual meeting.
Writing Center
Is the Writing Center still available to help students?
Yes. Virtual appointments will be available for the rest of the semester.
How can I get help from the Writing Center?
If you want to meet with a consultant in real time, you can sign up for an appointment slot here (www.salem.mywconline.com). All appointments will happen through Google Drive. You will receive instructions when you make your appointment.
If this does not work with your schedule, you can also email your paper to the Writing Center Director at katie.manthey@salem.edu,and you will receive feedback from a peer consultant within 48 hours through email. Note: If you choose this option, you *must* include a copy of your assignment sheet, your current project, and a written explanation of what you would like feedback on/what you are concerned about. The Writing Center consultant will need this information in order to help you.
Grading
Will grading for College classes be handled differently this semester due to the transition to remote learning?
Yes. All undergraduate College classes will be Pass/No Credit, unless a student asks for one or more classes to remain graded. Students may request that their classes remain graded through a Google form; the link to the form will be posted on the Salem website by April 1. The deadline for submitting requests for graded classes will be April 20. Please be advised that this grading change does not apply to graduate level classes.
Exams
How will students take spring semester College exams?
College exams will be virtual this year. Faculty who choose to give final tests or exams will be encouraged to make them due during the scheduled exam period, May 15-19.
Work Study
I am a work-study student. Will I be paid for any of the hours I miss during the remote learning period this semester?
At this time, you will receive your work-study paycheck for the March pay period based on the scheduled work hours you previously set up with your supervisor.
When Salem receives additional information from applicable federal agencies regarding the use of work study funds for other pay periods during this pandemic, the Financial Aid Office will provide additional guidance.
What do I need to do in order to be paid for the March work study pay period?
Students will not need to do anything. Your supervisor will be responsible for submitting your time to the online payroll system on your behalf based on your previously established scheduled hours of work.
At this time, your supervisor will enter time for Monday, March 23 – Tuesday, March 31. No hours will be entered for the original week of Spring Break.
Internet Access
A lot of people are using free Public Wifi. Can I use that to do my school work?
Public WiFi is any WiFi network you can connect to that is made available to the general public, and/or is unsecured by password access. It is important to remember that open WiFi or Public WiFi is insecure, but there are steps you can take to protect yourself when using it for school work. Please be advised, Salem I.T. prohibits faculty/staff use of Public WiFi when working with any Personally Identifiable Information (PII).
When using Public WiFi, remember to follow these guidelines to keep your computer and stored information safe:
- When using a hotspot, log in or send personal information only to websites you know are fully encrypted. Please see the link below for more details on encryption;
- Do not use the same password on different websites;
- Pay attention to warnings made by web browsers that alert you to visiting fraudulent websites or downloading malicious programs;
- Use a virtual private network (VPN). A VPN is a method of protecting your web traffic in transit between you and another, trusted server. It helps to protect your anonymity and your data from eavesdropping. If you use a VPN, make sure it is a VPN from a provider that you trust;
- Make sure the WiFi network you are using is configured to use WPA2 as it is the strongest wireless encryption available on Public WiFi. When you are given the chance to connect, your device should tell you what type of encryption is in use;
- Install a browser add-ons or plug-ins that forces HTTPS on all sites that have it available, and that block ads. The EFF provides excellent add-ons for privacy, and our recommendation for ad blocking is uBlock Origin from Raymond Hill, Both Raymond Hill’s and the EFF’s addons are available to be added to most browsers).
For more on these guidelines, and further tips, please visit the Federal Trade Commission’s Consumer Information Tips for Using Public WiFi.
Video Conferencing
I have problems getting video/audio not to lag/distort during video calls. What can I do to improve this?
As much as possible, use headphones with built-in microphone when on video or audio calls online. It’s best practice to always be on a wired network connection rather than WiFi when viewing videos and listening to audio on-line. The same is true for video conferencing using [Zoom/Hangouts Meet/insert your favorite video conferencing app here]. When you can’t get a wired connection with an ethernet cable, move closer to your WiFi router/hotspot (NOT TOO CLOSE! Remember, social distancing - it works for more than just COVID-19!). You can also make sure that other WiFi devices are turned off (especially WiFi printers), your microwave oven is not running, your cordless phone is not close by, and other sources of WiFi interference are turned off. For more information on improving your WiFi experience - and therefore your video conferencing experience, visit I.T.’s MySalem page, or read Tips for a Better WiFi Experience (PDF).
Internet
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Free Internet Access in North Carolina
Are there any available free or low cost internet access options in North Carolina?
Yes. NCBroadband.gov/covid19broadband provides a list of North Carolina internet providers that are offering free internet service for 60 days, with some variance in price and availability period by provider, to those who qualify. Based on your address, the list identifies providers in your area and contact information for your use. Some of the offerings (AT&T for instance) are not just responsive to COVID-19 and may provide more long-term, low-cost offerings for households.
Students who need proof of enrollment may email registrar@salem.edu. For questions about internet access, please contact Salem IT at helpdesk@salem.edu with any questions.
Salem College Counseling Services - March 17, 2020
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Communicating with Counseling Services While Away from Campus
1. How will College students be able to communicate with Counseling Services while away from campus due to COVID-19?
You can correspond through your Counseling Services counselor’s email address or by emailing Director of Counseling Services Robin Campbell (robin.campbell@salem.edu). You will also need to download Google Hangout to your computer or mobile phone, so that a counseling session can be set up through the video function. If you need IT support for downloading Google Hangout, please email the Salem College Help Desk at helpdesk@salem.edu.
How to Set Up a Remote Counseling Appointment with Your Counselor
2. How can a College student who already has a counselor set up an appointment?
All you have to do is send an email to your counselor’s email address requesting an appointment. Your counselor will contact you to find out what time works best for a remote counseling session.
If You Are New to Counseling Services
3. How can a College student who has never been seen by Counseling Services set up an appointment?
To set up an appointment, please send an email to any of the Counseling Services counselors’ Salem email addresses: robin.campbell@salem.edu or gaither.terrell@salem.edu. You will be assigned to have a remote counseling session with Robin Campbell, Gaither Terrell, or one of our graduate interns Hannah McGrath or Quviah Streater.
4. Who should a College student contact if they need access to psychiatric medication or medication management regarding a mental health concern?
You need to contact your primary physician or psychiatrist, your local mental health agency, or your county’s health department.
Information About Other Distance Counseling Options
5. What information is available about other distance counseling options?
Please see Distance Counseling Resource Support Document for additional information about distance counseling options.
Prevention of Self-Harm
6. If I am feeling like harming myself, what do I do?
You need to immediately call the 24-hr Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-TALK (8255).
March 13, 2020
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Returning to Campus for Belongings
1. Can residential students (not including those remaining on campus due to approved extenuating circumstances) return to campus during the extended Spring Break and remote learning period for purposes of retrieving items left in residence hall rooms?
Should you have an urgent need to retrieve belongings from your residence hall room, please contact Dean Lauren Rogers or Ms. Gloria Frost (for Academy students) and Residence Life (for College students by calling 336-575-3887) to discuss options. Students should not return to campus unless permitted to do so by an Academy or College official.
Use of Campus Facilities During Break and Remote Learning
2. Can students return to campus during the extended Spring Break and remote learning period to use labs, classrooms, or other campus facilities?
No, with the exception of the following. At this time, students will be permitted to continue using Gramley Library for studying and internet access. Gramley Library will transition to card access only effective March 16, 2020 and will not be open to the general public. Should it become necessary to further limit access to Gramley Library, students will be notified. With the exception of the Refectory, which will only be accessible to residential students who are allowed to remain on campus, no other College facilities will be open for use by students during the extended Spring Break and remote learning period. Dean Rogers will provide direction to Academy students residing on campus regarding permitted use of the Academy building.
Student Workers
3. Can student workers continue to work during the extended Spring Break and remote learning period?
No, per the message issued by President Sandra Doran and Head of School Carol Killebrew on March 12, 2020, the campus will remain open for faculty and staff, excluding student workers.
Financial Aid for Work Study
4. Will financial aid compensate work study students during the remote learning period?
Salem College is currently exploring ways to support our work study students during this unprecedented time. As we receive more information and have updates in regards to work study, we will pass them along.
Notifying Salem of COVID-19 Symptoms
5. If I feel like I am exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, cough, shortness of breath), should I notify Salem Academy and College?
Yes, if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, please follow this process and immediately notify the designated Salem officials:
- Academy Students: Notify Dean Lauren Rogers (336-721-2776) or Ms. Gloria Frost (336-721-2765).
- College Students: Notify the Residence Life On-Call Member by calling 336-575-3887.
Following notification, the designated Salem official will connect you with a healthcare provider for assessment and determination of next steps.
If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and believe that you need an ambulance, call Public Safety at 336-917-5555 and explain your situation.
Exposure Notice
6. Will I be notified if Salem learns that I have been exposed to someone with COVID-19?
Salem will be directed by local health officials regarding who must be notified in the event of known COVID-19 exposure. For students, local health officials and/or Salem Residence Life or Administration (as directed by local health officials) will make such notifications without revealing the identity of infected person.
Academy Graduation and College Commencement
7. Will Academy graduation or College commencement be rescheduled?
We are currently assessing the status of end-of-year celebrations and will provide the campus community with a substantive update soon.
Room and Board
8. Will I receive a refund for room and board during the extended Spring Break and remote learning period?
We are analyzing this question and will provide updates as soon as answers are determined.