March 11, 2020 — Update from President Lettiere sent via email to the Immaculata University community:
Dear Immaculata University Community,
The Immaculata University Executive Administration has been closely monitoring the rapidly developing issues associated with the COVID-19 virus (Coronavirus) and its potential impact on operations at Immaculata University. This includes staying current with information we are receiving from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Chester County Department of Public Health. We have also been keeping track of what other area colleges and universities have done in response to the coronavirus outbreak. It is important to note that at the present time, Immaculata University has no confirmed cases of the coronavirus.
It is out of concern for the continued good health and safety of the IU community, that we have made the decision to extend the spring break for one week. During this time, we will be deep cleaning and disinfecting our dining hall, classrooms, dorms, lavatories, showers and common areas. As a result, residential students are strongly encouraged to leave campus. If students are unable to leave campus, they must contact Jenny Lucas, Director of Residence Life and Housing by noon on Friday, March 13, 2020. She can be reached at rlh@immaculata.edu or 610-647-4400 ext. 3113. We need this information in order to develop a cleaning schedule for the dorms. We are prepared to support the students who must stay on campus and provide a safe living environment. The dining hall will be open and students can use their ID cards. Athletic events will take place as scheduled. It is important to note that depending on the circumstances with the schools with which we compete, this may change.
With respect to classes, on-campus classes will be canceled until Saturday, March 21st. Online courses will continue as scheduled. Off-site classes, student teaching, and internships/practica/clinical rotations will continue as long as the host institution is open for business/accepting our students/faculty. Any cancellations pertaining to off-site classes, student teaching and internships/practica/clinical rotations will be communicated to students by the department and/or faculty member.
The day-to-day administrative operation of the University will continue and University staff will report to work as usual. We ask all staff to maintain healthy practices that will minimize the possibility of the spread of the virus. If you are sick, please stay home.
Effective immediately, all Immaculata University sponsored international travel is canceled until further notice.
To recap, academic instruction will proceed as follows:
- Online classes will continue as scheduled, resuming Saturday, March 14th
- Off-site classes, internships for credit, clinicals and student teaching assignments will continue as long as the host institution is open for business.
- All other on-campus courses will resume on Saturday, March 21st
We realize that these are very difficult and uncertain times. We did not make this decision without taking into account the health, safety and academic parameters of our students’ education here at Immaculata University. We want our students to be successful and we will do whatever we can to help our students complete this spring term. We recognize that our decisions impose a burden on our community and hope that we can all work together to move forward in the best way possible. As this situation continues to evolve, we will update you as new information becomes available. You will find updates posted on our website at www.immaculata.edu/covid19. Thank you for your continued understanding and cooperation.
Sincerely,
Barbara Lettiere
President