Griffiths “Seeing the joy of our newest Ravens as they arrived on campus over the
past two days validated in so many ways the tremendous steps taken by Franklin Pierce’s
administration, faculty and staff to safeguard the well-being of all involved and
provide the college experience our students so desperately want,” said Andrew Pollom,
Dean of Student Affairs. “There is no denying that things are different this year,
but given the high spirits of the Class of 2024 and their families, it’s clear that
the testing process and safety requirements we put in place brought comfort without
dampening the spirit of Raven Nation.”
In addition to testing all students upon their arrival on campus and requiring the
use of face masks, Franklin Pierce initiated a number of guidelines to maximize the
safety not only of students, faculty and staff members, but also surrounding communities
during the fall term. Chronicled in the “
Ravens Return” section of the University’s website and covered in materials and conversations with
students and parents, the requirements govern everything from class sizes, dining
hall processes, ongoing testing requirements, and rules for any interactions off campus.
Notably, all of Franklin Pierce’s COVID-19 protocols for the incoming freshman class
were refined through experience. Students in the University’s
Master of Physician Assistant Studies program ‒ dedicated to training health care professionals for rural and medically
under-served communities ‒ and those in its
Doctor of Physical Therapy program, returned to in-person instruction this summer. This included students at
Franklin Pierce’s academic centers in Lebanon and Manchester, N.H. and Goodyear, Ariz.
“None of us could have predicted the circumstances we would face in 2020, but our
students, faculty and staff have shown from the beginning that together we can quickly
and effectively adapt,” said President Kim Mooney. “The Class of 2024 has already
shown the spirit and adaptability that is such a hallmark of Raven Nation. The guidelines
we have put in place and which the Class of 2024 has embraced are crucial requirements
we must continue to live by on campus, but they will by no means define us. We have
an entire term ahead of us that will deliver the enriching learning experiences we
celebrate at Franklin Pierce. I look forward to a great fall semester together!”
Returning students will continue to move in today and tomorrow. Classes will begin
on Thursday, August 20.
