Providence College Suspends 17 Students for Violations of COVID Standards
Friday, August 28, 2020
Providence College announced Friday night that 17 students have been placed on interim suspension for violations to the College's COVID-19 Code of Conduct.
"Interim suspension" means that the students are not allowed on campus until their disciplinary hearing. (Most hearings should take place within the next 72 hours.) During their suspension, they cannot attend classes in person or participate in any campus activities. Classes begin on Monday, 8/31.
Full Text of Fr. Sicard's Message to Students and Parents:
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTDear Providence College Students and Parents:
During the past few weeks, a number of students and parents have contacted me to express their gratitude to the College for our efforts to plan and execute a safe reopening. Now, as we repopulate the campus and continue to welcome our new and returning students, I am sorry to advise you that we already have experienced significant violations of our established protocols by a number of students.
I am deeply disappointed by the selfish behavior of these students who defiantly chose to ignore our COVID-19 Code of Conduct. This disregard for clearly defined protocols jeopardized the health and safety of others in our campus community. Consequently, 17 students already have been placed on interim suspension. Additional sanctions may be imposed by the Office of Community Standards. While I find no joy in having to endorse such strong sanctions, I know they are necessary if we are going to have a successful fall semester.
The Dean of Students and I have sent several written and video messages to students and families to warn of the significant consequences, including suspension or dismissal, for failure to comply with mandates currently in effect to keep our community healthy and safe. We have emphasized strongly that actions that endanger themselves and others during this pandemic will not be tolerated at Providence College. I know that, as a community, we are better than this.
Please let this notification serve as a reminder that t is up to each member of the Providence College community to take individual responsibility for our collective success and to demonstrate how we care for one another.
Respectfully,
Rev. Kenneth R. Sicard, O.P.
College President
