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Visitor Policy

Last updated: September 28, 2022

OVERVIEW

Mercersburg Academy is a private independent boarding school. As such, its buildings are generally not open to the public. When on campus, visitors have the status of guests, and are subject to all school policies and to all requirements that the school may impose on campus visitors. The school reserves the right to revoke the guest privileges of any visitors who fail to comply with school policies, as well as those visitors who fail to cooperate with school personnel or who object to the directives of school personnel.

WHO IS A VISITOR?

  • Parent
  • Extended family and friends (who live off-campus or visiting from out of town) of employees
  • Contractors or vendors who need to be on campus to perform a service
  • Guest speakers
  • On-campus services (babysitter/cleaning service) that happen in faculty homes
  • Alumni
  • Prospective students and families

VISITOR REQUIREMENTS

The following requirements are for all visitors before arriving on campus and while on campus.

  • The school recommends all visitors wear a mask indoors while on campus, regardless of vaccination status. Visitors should come to campus with a mask; however, a mask can be obtained at the Rutherford Health and Wellness Center if a scheduled visitor arrives on campus without one.
  • For events in which visitors are invited to campus, COVID mitigation measures may be in place and will be communicated prior to the event.

While we have made every effort to make our Visitor Policy consistent, there are minor exceptions depending on the individual or groups visiting campus.

Visitors for Students

  • In addition to the requirements listed above:
  • Anyone other than a parent should email the Office of Student Life to request a visit.
  • Day student parents do not have to contact the Office of Student Life or make a request to visit if they are simply picking up their child to go home.
  • Parents who are visiting are not allowed to eat in the dining hall during family style meals. Parents are allowed to bring food from outside sources (e.g. local restaurants) with them to eat outside with their student(s).
  • Currently, parents are allowed to take students off campus for a day, weekend, or overnight visit (e.g., lunch or shopping). Please make sure your child fills out a leave request form via their Veracross student portal, and that the leave request is fully approved, prior to the weekend or visit. When departing campus, students must do a virtual leave via their student portal. If you have any questions, please contact the Office of Student Life.

Business-Related Visitors

  • In addition to the requirements listed above:
  • Visitors are not required to rapid test, unless they will be interacting with students (e.g. guests speakers).
  • Visitors are not allowed to eat in the dining hall during family style meals.
  • Visitors may not have access to dormitories, unless they are visitors of a dormitory apartment.
  • When visiting a dormitory apartment:
    • Visitors must not access student areas such as common areas and student bathrooms.
    • Visitors must use external access doors (where applicable).
    • Visitors must be escorted by the host to and from the apartment.
  • When visiting an on-campus home:
    • Visitors are allowed to enter on-campus homes of employees who live on campus but are expected to follow the Visitor Requirements listed above.

Prospective Families (Admission Visits)

  • In addition to the requirements listed above:
  • Students must register in advance with the Admission Office to visit campus.
    • Students and their families are allowed to attend an outdoor practice or event.

Alumni and Other Visitors

  • In addition to the requirements listed above:
  • Visitors must schedule an appointment with their school contact/host (e.g., Facilities, Advancement, Marketing, Summer Programs, etc.) unless they are a spectator at a PGA event.
    • The host of the visitor will be responsible for instructing the visitor of required arrival and on-campus protocols, if applicable.

Borough Visitors of Campus Grounds

  • In addition to the requirements listed above:
  • The use of the campus grounds (not including athletic fields) by residents of the borough of Mercersburg and surrounding areas is permitted.

External Groups

  • In addition to the requirements listed above:
  • External groups, (e.g., weddings or outdoor athletic tournaments), may be considered on a case-by-case basis and must be approved in advance by the Office of Summer and External Programs.