At the onset of the pandemic, seven interdisciplinary teams were formed to work toward the goal of bringing all students, faculty and staff safely back to campus for the ‘20-’21 academic year. These teams adopted a set of guiding principles to direct their work and decision making in preparing for an initial return to campus in the Fall of 2020, and continue to guide us today.

• 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.