St. Thomas is requiring all undergraduate students living, working or attending classes on campus to electronically sign the “Common Good Commitment,” before returning for fall 2020, according to an email sent by university President Julie Sullivan Tuesday evening.

The university hopes to reduce the spread of COVID-19 on campus by requiring students to follow the guidelines outlined in the commitment.

“If we take personal responsibility and abide by our plan, we will greatly increase the likelihood of staying open,” Sullivan said in the email.

Each undergraduate student was emailed a unique link to read the full “Statement of Student Responsibility and Acknowledgement Related to COVID-19” and electronically agree to the commitment.

Students agreeing to the commitment agree to “accept a commitment to help create a caring culture that supports the well-being of each member of our community,” and understand “that the risks of COVID-19 transmission increase with community interaction, that the health and transmission risks are not fully known, and that St. Thomas cannot eliminate the risks of COVID-19 transmission on campus.”

The university’s COVID-19 Preparedness Plan, sent to all students by Sullivan on June 23, outlined guidelines that students must follow on campus, including being asked to follow social distancing guidelines, wear a face covering in indoor common areas and practice regular handwashing. The preparedness plan was sent to all students by Sullivan on June 23.

The agreement also states that St. Thomas will offer online courses and activities for students uncomfortable or unable to return to campus. If students become uncomfortable or unable to participate in classes or activities on campus, the agreement noted that students may discuss alternatives with the Dean of Students office.

Students signing the agreement must also understand that a surge in COVID-19 cases on campus or in the community may make the university alter those plans, including converting some or all classes and activities online or closing residence halls, and that students “will do (their) part to avoid this outcome.”

A Friday email from Student Affairs stated that the university “fully intend(s) to welcome as many students this fall as we can safely accommodate because we believe our mission to educate morally responsible students who advance the common good is essential” and that “we must remain flexible and ready to respond” if plans must change.

The university will welcome students back on campus this fall. All classes were moved online in March amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Justin Amaker can be reached at justin.amaker@stthomas.edu.