This semester Pace has introduced weekly mandatory PCR tests for all residential students on-campus. All residential students participated in mandatory testing prior to coming to Pace, as well as a rapid test during check-in.

However within the past two weekly residential mandatory testings, 25 residential students have tested positive. Due to these positives, 50 other residential students remain in quarantine.

Dean for Students, Rachel Carpenter, sent an email to all residential students urging  for behavioral changes and states that if conditions do not improve, the opportunity for residential housing may diminish.

The university has implemented family units, increased testing, reduced capacity, mandatory mask wearing amongst other safety precautions. However, the email explained that these actions are not being followed by all, as shown by the results of the mandatory testing.

“We have 12 weeks of classes remaining for this semester. If the number of weekly positive cases continues to increase at this rate, the University will need to reevaluate keeping our residence halls open,” stated the email.

Pace has not resumed on-campus classes yet this semester, with exceptions of labs and performing arts. In-person classes are scheduled to begin on Feb. 8. The email does not indicate a change to this.