Albion College Family and Supporters Newsletter: April 2022
April 14, 2022
Class of 2022 Commencement
Commencement is right around the corner — Saturday, May 7. Campus is alive with excitement as we all count down the days until this monumental event. As we look forward to welcoming friends and family to campus, we encourage you to plan your trip now. Maps and directions can be found on our website, as well as places to stay. Albion’s downtown is home to a recently built Courtyard by Marriott, which many families have found to be a comfortable and convenient accommodation. There is also a charming bed and breakfast if that is more your style. Albion and the surrounding cities also boast some fun local places to eat. Plan your trip now to ensure a pleasant and rewarding experience with your student. We look forward to welcoming you as you celebrate with your student.
Commencement information can be found on our website.
If you have questions about events, you can contact Cathy Cole at ccole@albion.edu.
Summer Break Checkout
As the semester ends, we know you are eager for your student to return home. Before they do so, they must check out from their residence hall or apartment. All residential buildings close at 8 p.m. Saturday, May 7, 2022. At the conclusion of spring final examinations, all students not participating in commencement activities are expected to check out of their room within 24 hours after their last final examination or by 8 p.m. Saturday, May 7, 2022, whichever is sooner. Visit our website for information on checking out of rooms. If you have questions about the checkout process, you can contact the Office of Community Living.
End of the Semester Schedule
The final exam schedule was adjusted this year to accommodate the delayed start to the semester due to COVID-19 precautions. Important dates are listed below, and the Academic Calendar can always be viewed on our website.
- Monday, May 2: Last day of classes, Last day to register for CR/NC option
- Tuesday, May 3-Saturday, May 7: Final Exams
- Saturday, May 7: Commencement, Residence halls close to all students at 8 p.m.
- Wednesday, May 11: Final grades due at noon for all students
- Wednesday, May 18: Final grades viewable to students on ACIS at 5 p.m.
- Sunday, May 15: Residences open for summer college residents at noon.
- Monday, May 16: First day of classes for the first Summer Session
Planning for Summer
We have a robust offering of summer courses this year, most of which are offered in an online format. Visit our website for a list of summer classes and course descriptions. Summer housing options are also available. We do not offer a summer meal plan, so students should plan to do their own cooking.
Rescinding of Temporary COVID-19 Policies
As of Monday, March 28, 2022, Albion College’s mask mandate has been lifted in all areas. We will continue to monitor case counts in Calhoun County, and may reinstate the mandate if cases rise again. Albion College continues to require all students, faculty, and staff to be vaccinated against COVID-19 unless a medical or religious waiver is approved.
For regular updates on COVID-19 policies and active cases, visit our Together Safely page.
Mental Health Support
As the semester winds to a close, we recognize that many students may be feeling stress under the pressures of college. We would like to remind parents and supporters to encourage your students to take advantage of the free, 24/7 mental and physical telehealthcare that we offer. Our free counseling services on campus are also available, or for students who prefer virtual assistance, we offer AlbionCare, a free virtual platform where students can receive mental health support 24/7, 365 days a year. We recognize that college provides unique stressors, and some students may be experiencing mental health crises on top of that. We will work with students to help them access the most appropriate care for their situation. All mental healthcare resources are confidential.
Staff Highlight: Chris Berry
In a recent profile of Chris Berry, assistant dean for student success and the new director of the Cutler Center, he talks about the many ways the Cutler Center is working to support students in their academic and social lives. He says, “Our most successful students have always used resources like tutoring, writing support and engaging with a faculty or staff mentor. Success isn’t about being a ‘good’ student or a ‘bad’ student; it’s about whether a student has access to resources and support networks that allow them to engage in the strategies that successful students use. Our job at the Cutler Center is to make sure every student has this access.” Berry discusses his commitment to helping students plug into these resources, and meeting students where they are.