March 18, 2020 - Special Edition Newsletter

Salem Academy and College and COVID-19

During these challenging times, we are thinking about you and your families and hope that you take every precaution to stay safe. We will continue to be in touch with you to keep you updated on our Salem community.

Salem Academy and College have been closely monitoring the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). We’re following the guidelines issued by federal, state, and local authorities and studying the potential impact of the virus on our community. Our response to this challenge provides us with the opportunity to support each other and to focus on the wellbeing of our students, faculty, and staff.

Salem created a special webpage at COVID-19 to keep campus members and others informed about the prevention of COVID-19. The webpage includes important travel-related advisories and updates, and the latest community announcements issued by Salem regarding COVID-19. The webpage also provides links to important resources and information available from the CDC, the World Health Organization, and the U.S. State Department.

Late last week an important update was emailed campus-wide to all students, faculty and staff regarding a revised spring break schedule, modified classes and instruction, remote learning, students in residence halls and athletics. To find this communication and others updates please visit the COVID-19 Update webpage.

Salem Academy Moving Homes - watercolor by John Hutton

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Salem Academy Moving Close to its Original Home

Both Salem Academy and Salem College, led by trustees and administrators, have been engaged in an intensive strategic planning process to define the institution’s future. Under the framework of the strategic plan, a need has been identified to take greater advantage of Salem’s unique asset—having Salem Academy, a college preparatory high school, located on a college campus, not just near it.

Beginning this fall, Salem’s original campus will once again become the home to Salem Academy as it was in 1772 and for most of the Academy’s history. Academy students will live in Babcock, which a more intimate setting that can accommodate 115 students.

The move will give Academy students quicker and easier access to academic and student life resources, including the Student Center, Gramley Library, science labs, and Corrin Refectory. Academy boarding students will have the benefit of larger rooms in Babcock and a reception room. A Tag Room, Senior Lounge, and a Day Student Lounge and lockers also will be created in Babcock. The residence of the Head of School will move to the Boner House, and administrative offices will be in Shober House.

To read more about Salem Academy’s move, click here: Salem Academy Move.

Reunion Weekend 2020 has been postponed

We regret to inform our Salem community that due to our concern for the safety of our alumnae and our students, Reunion Weekend 2020 will be postponed. We are, however, excited to invite this year’s Reunion Classes (the“0”s and “5”s and the class of 2019) to join their sister classes, (the “1”s and “6”s) to celebrate a double Reunion during the weekend of April 23-25, 2021!

Class gifts made for Reunion Weekend 2020 will be announced at the Reunion Luncheon in 2021. If you are in a Reunion class, gifts made until June 30th will count towards your class total and participation. Salem relies on the Reunion Giving Program to help us meet our College Fund goal each year, please consider making your Reunion gift or pledge, if you haven’t done so already. Make your gift today!

If you have already registered, your registration fees will be refunded. Please contact Rosanna Mallon at rosanna.mallon@salem.edu or 336.917.5599 if you have any questions about your refund.

Corrin Refectory Design update rendering

Corrin Refectory Renovations

Both Salem Academy and College students will be able to enjoy a fresh dining experience at the Corrin Refectory when they return to campus next fall. During summer months, work crews will make upgrades to the kitchen, serving and dining areas inside the Refectory. Among the upgrades to the dining area will be new flooring, tables and chairs. In addition, the entire building, which was constructed in 1941, will be centrally air conditioned for the first time. Thank you to Aramark for making a generous $1 million restricted grant to Salem for the improvements to the Refectory.

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Giving During this Time of Challenge

Imagine leaving campus in mid-March, needing to make arrangements to pack up your room and coordinate travel home at a few days notice. As you assemble your belongings, you wonder if you will see your friends again before the end of the semester or if graduation will be held in May. This is the reality for Salem students, like many other students across the country.

Salem acted quickly to provide laptops and WiFi access to those who did not have them; to implement online learning platforms and train faculty how to use them; and to make arrangements for short-term housing and food services for those students who could not return home. It is a time that has truly highlighted the strength our of Salem community.

Gifts to the College Fund will support both our students and the College’s response to challenges posed by COVID-19. Please support Salem today.