The following set of guiding principles were developed at the onset of the pandemic as our teams worked to bring our community safely back to campus. These principles continue to guide us today as we thoughtfully make each decision to keep our students, faculty and staff safe.

• The safety of Belmont students, faculty, staff and guests is paramount and will be at the forefront of our decision-making processes.
• Our mission to provide a transformative education fostering students’ intellectual, social, personal and spiritual growth must be realized.
• We will proceed thoughtfully, carefully and deliberately, allowing data and the recommendations of leading medical experts along with federal, state and local officials to inform our actions.
• We will be flexible, ready to adjust operations as needed.
• We will build upon new processes and technologies implemented as a result of the pandemic and commit to further improvements in order to achieve successful outcomes for all.
• We will help the Belmont community stay healthy through providing proper protocols, a voluntary sentinel surveillance testing program for asymptomatic students, faculty/staff, and training—mask wearing, handwashing, social distancing and staying home when sick will be emphasized.
• We will maintain our personal connections as an engaged community of learners through creative methods.
• All plans and recommendations will be regularly assessed, evaluated and amended as needed.