Latest Update:: 3/19/2020

Quick Index:  Travel, Competition, Financial

I’m still in possession of club gear or a jersey, how do I properly return it?

Recreation Services is partnering with Residence Life to ensure the easy return of your sports clubs gear during your move-out. If you have club property to return, simply leave it behind in the room and lock your door. To let us know what gear has been left and where, please complete this short equipment return form.  We will make sure the club’s gear is properly labeled and stored until the Fall 2020 semester.

If sports clubs are not allowed to travel for their planned trip, will they be able to stay on campus?

For the remainder of the spring 2020 semester, room and board will be provided ONLY to students who have NO OPTION but to remain on campus, including those from countries with travel restrictions and those with other extenuating circumstances. Students will be provided instructions for applying for permission to remain on campus with a follow-up email from the Office of Residence Life.

Can club members choose to travel as planned if the trip is fully funded out of pocket?

No club members may represent Lafayette College in practices or competitions during the established period outlined by the college’s message.  Regardless of the source, students should work to reclaim any committed funds by working with vendors for lodging, rental, travel, etc.  Many entities are providing flexibility in travel arrangements and have been generous in refunding expenditures.

If other schools are permitted to travel, why is Lafayette cancelling travel?

Lafayette College’s highest priorities are the health and safety of the community and the successful continuation of our students’ academic experience. It has sought to balance these priorities in arriving at all decisions regarding travel. A goal of this decision was to reduce social interaction and protect the health and safety of the campus community.

If not traveling will preclude teams from participation in playoffs or regional/national competition will the travel be permitted? 

At this time, all college travel, practices and competition have been suspended for the remainder of the spring 2020 semester. There are no exceptions being made for extenuating circumstances.

If students do travel, will they be permitted to return to campus?

According to the recent communication from the college, students will engage in remote instruction for the remainder of the spring 2020 semester. Students have been advised to take needed course materials as well as any other essentials – passports, medications, etc. – they may want while away from the college.

Are local competitions still permitted and, if so, how far is travel permitted (bordering counties, state, region, etc)?

For the spring 2020 semester, all college events and all non-essential Lafayette sponsored travel will be cancelled. This includes arts and theater performances, academic lectures and programs, athletic practices/competitions and club sports activities, admissions visits, and development/alumni and external events hosted on campus to any location. A goal of this decision was to reduce social interaction and protect the health and safety of the campus community.

If the host schools do not cancel their event, why can the club not attend?

Lafayette College’s highest priorities are the health and safety of the community and the successful continuation of our students’ academic experience. It has sought to balance these priorities in arriving at all decisions regarding travel.

If teams are forced to cancel, will additional funding be provided to schedule alternative competitions this spring, taking into account the loss of funds resulting from the cancellation of initial travel?

Lafayette Student Government will be flexible in the administration of adjustment funding.  Any questions regarding this process can be directed to Vanessa Pearson, Director of Student Involvement, at pearsova@lafayette.edu.

Will clubs be compensated for non-refundable expenditures that have already been incurred?

We realize that the recent college communication regarding Covid-19 led to unexpected changes to travel plans. Lafayette Student Government will be flexible in the administration of funding for adjustments.  Any questions regarding this can be directed to Vanessa Pearson, Director of Student Involvement, at pearsova@lafayette.edu.

Can the College compensate club members for the loss of personally invested funds?

Students should seek reimbursement from businesses or vendors for all personal expenses incurred for club related activity planning during the period of March 16 to May 8, 2020.