Community Well-being Updates
Beacon College’s new COVID-19 policies have been put in place after careful consideration and judgement based on the most recent information and recommendations from District Health Department and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Beacon College will continue to closely monitor the COVID-19 situation, work with local health officials, and will continue to make appropriate changes if necessary.
Our new mask policy will contain the following components:
- Mask wearing for students, staff, and the community will no longer be mandatory in campus buildings or on the Beacon buses.
- Students and staff who want to continue wearing masks are welcome and encouraged to do so.
Students and employees who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 should get tested to keep Beacon College a safe and healthy place to work and learn for all.
Please remember the CDC guidelines regarding things you can do to prevent illness and avoid being exposed to the virus. To protect the health of students, employees, visitors and others:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick, even inside your household.
- Put distance between yourself and other people outside of your home, when possible.
- Remember to always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow. Throw used tissues in the trash. Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Monitor your health. Watch for fever, cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Are vaccines required at Beacon College?
Answer: Vaccines are strongly encouraged at Beacon College to keep our community safe.
Question: Are face coverings required at Beacon College?
Answer: Beacon College views face coverings as a personal choice.
Question: Is COVID-19 testing required?
Answer: COVID-19 testing is not required but is a helpful tool in keeping our community healthy. We encourage you to get tested if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.
Question: Can I go to class if I test positive for COVID-19?
Answer: If students test positive for COVID-19 or have any other short-term illness (i.e. strep throat), they should not attend class. The Office of Health Promotion will notify the Provost of a positive diagnosis. The student should communicate with their professors directly about assignments and course content.
Question: What if an employee tests positive for COVID-19?
Answer: Employees who test positive for COVID-19 must isolate for five days per CDC guidelines. The employee should communicate with their supervisor. Employees are given five sick days during the fall 2022 semester, if they are diagnosed with COVID-19.
Question: If I have had close contact with someone testing positive for COVID-19, do I have to isolate?
Answer: We no longer require those (vaccinated or not vaccinated) who have had close contact with someone who tests positive for COVID-19 to quarantine. Please monitor yourself for symptoms of COVID-19.
Question: I live in student housing, what if I test positive for COVID-19 and have to be isolated?
Answer: Students who test positive for COVID-19 will isolate in their room. They will be required to wear a mask when leaving the room to pick up food or to go to the restroom.
Question: What will my roommate do if I test positive for COVID-19?
Answer: We strongly encourage roommates and suitemates to discuss in advance an agreed upon plan if one should test positive. The roommate of a COVID positive student may choose to find temporary accommodations with friends.
Who To Contact
Our departments are available to answer your questions. Please consult the directory below for specific departments.
Personnel Contact List
| Department | Name | Contact info |
| Registrar’s Office | Carrie Santaw | csantaw@beaconcollege.edu |
| Housing | Tekayiha Coleman | oses@beaconcollege.edu |
| IT Issues | Phillip Deese | ithelpdesk@beaconcollege.com or 352-638-9774 |
| Counseling | Dana Manzo | dmanzo@beaconcollege.edu |
| Library | Gretchen Dreimiller | gdreimiller@beaconcollege.edu |
| Cathy Lutes | clutes@beaconcollege.edu | |
| Writing Center | Rick Davidson | rdavidson@beaconcollege.edu |
| Dr. Ray Nault | rnault@beaconcollege.edu | |
| Student Accounts | Cindy Eckhart | ceckhart@beaconcollege.edu |
| Learning Specialists / Academic Advising | Dr. Oksana Hagerty | ohagerty@beaconcollege.edu |
| Travel or Study Abroad | Dr. Shelly Chandler | schandler@beaconcollege.edu |
| Financial Aid | Stephanie Knight | sknight@beaconcollege.edu |
