July 2020
The campus is coming back to life with activity as we continue our work to begin the semester in less than two weeks. A handful of graduate assistants arrived last week; resident assistants, student diversity liaisons, and Bonner interns arrived Thursday; and more student leaders are coming in today. Beginning next week, we expect several hundred students each day to check in at nine stations around campus, following safety protocols that include temperature checks, required face coverings, and social distancing.
As you know, the University reported its first case of COVID-19 earlier this week. We are pleased and relieved to report that the staff member who tested positive is doing well and we expect medical clearance for their safe return to campus soon.
When students move in next week, each will be given a safety kit with a handmade Sewcial Hornets mask, a digital thermometer, hand sanitizer, acetaminophen, and tissues. The kits are packaged in a bag imprinted with safety reminders and the University’s face-covering policy. Hundreds of volunteers around the country committed to making 10,000 masks this summer, and dozens of volunteers have been at work ensuring the masks and kits are sanitized and packaged safely.
The safety kits serve as a simple reminder that all students are expected to familiarize themselves with our Public Health Plan and to follow safety protocols. Earlier today, the dean of students communicated with students regarding our policies and about enforcement measures.
- A reminder that we are requiring all in our community to take their temperatures daily and to use the LiveSafe app to monitor your health.
- Showing symptoms? Stay home.
- Students should alert their professors and advisor and call Student Health.
- Faculty and staff should alert their supervisors and call their doctors.
If you have not yet downloaded the LiveSafe app, we urge you to do so before returning to campus. Currently, nearly 4,900 have signed up, with almost 1,000 new users since mid-June, when we added the WorkSafe health verification tool.
The University has canceled all study abroad programs for Fall and J-term 2020-21. We will continue to monitor the situation before making any determinations about study abroad during the Spring and Summer 2021. We remain optimistic and encourage students to continue exploring study abroad options. In the event study abroad for the Spring and/or Summer 2021 is suspended, we will convey any decisions with as much advance notice as possible. The Center for Global Education will communicate with all students who have applied to participate in study abroad as more information is available.
This week, the Openings Task force approved policies regarding travel and transportation:
- Until further notice, all nonessential University travel is suspended and all essential University travel must be approved in advance by supervisors.
- Individuals who travel for personal reasons must take precautionary measures to avoid infection, practice social distancing, wear masks, and monitor themselves for symptoms of COVID-19 prior to returning to campus.
- Local and regional travel for academic, athletic, and student life purposes is permitted with prior approval.
- Strict safety protocols have been adopted for the use of University vehicles used to transport students, faculty, and staff.
We continue to answer questions regarding course delivery and urge students to reach out to their academic advisors should questions remain. Students may also refer to class comments on the course offerings page for additional information about course delivery. We have also added a “Show My Courses” tab on the course offering page for students to use. As a reminder, classes will be taught in several different formats this fall:
- Face-to-Face classes will be taught on the day and the time listed on your class schedule.
- Face-to-Face/Hybrid classes will have some combination of face-to-face instruction and online instruction. On the class offerings page, the online component will be noted by the day or days that are indented. If there is a time associated with the indented day/s, the online component is synchronous. If there is no time associated with the indented day/s, the online component is asynchronous.
- Online Synchronous classes will meet on a specific date or time, but online instead of in a classroom. For example, a synchronous class might meet on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 1 to 1:50 p.m., all online.
- Online Asynchronous classes will not have a specific day or a time when you log into the class. When you review your schedule, you will not see a day or time listed for the class.
Should families still have questions and concerns over the payment of tuition and fee bills and completion of the Arrival Portal, required prior to arrival, please be sure to contact the business office so that they may help make the arrangements that best suit your needs. Once you have made arrangements with the business office, this will allow the tuition aspect of your portal to register as complete. Telephone and email volume remain high, and the business office will return your messages as soon as they’re able. For a direct contact, please feel free to email Joan Ochs at ochs@lynchburg.edu.
If you still have questions in the coming days and weeks, please direct them to the Openings Task Force: covid.answers@lynchburg.edu. You may also call the University’s main telephone number — 434.544.8100 — to be connected to any office on campus. A list of important numbers is also published on the COVID-19 page.
We continue our campaign to educate and keep everyone safe, stressing the importance of personal vigilance in our efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 through signage, social media, videos, and the webpage. Recently, history professor Adam Dean talked with Associate Chaplain Nathan Albert about what to expect when we return. Adam is this year’s faculty chair and Nathan serves as chair of the Staff Advisory Council. You may watch and listen to their conversation here.
In a few short days, we will begin to welcome students and families back to campus. Our preparations will continue until the moment students arrive, and our vigilance will continue throughout the semester. We look forward to seeing everyone soon and we wish you safe travels.
Sincerely,
Kenneth R. Garren, President
Alison Morrison-Shetlar, President-elect
I write today to inform you that a member of our community has tested positive for COVID-19. This staff member received a presumptive positive test and is receiving medical care off campus. Additional close contacts will be tested as needed.
The person self-identified to administrators after testing positive and shared that they did not think the exposure happened on campus and that they have been adhering to our face-covering policy and safety protocols. We are appreciative that this individual has taken the appropriate actions to self-identify and self-isolate. Consequently, the risk to the campus community should be minimal. The state of Virginia recently implemented a requirement that all employees be notified within 24 hours if a co-worker tests positive. Employees who are known or suspected to be positive for COVID-19 cannot return to work until they are released from isolation by a health care provider.
Ensuring the anonymity of members of our community who test positive is paramount. If you are aware of their identities, please respect their privacy so that they may focus completely on their health. The last thing they need — or any of us would want for them — is public attention and scrutiny. Instead, please show compassion, do your part to mitigate your risk of infection, and remain vigilant in social distancing, wearing face masks, washing hands often, using hand sanitizer, avoiding touching your face, and staying home when sick. The University will do everything it can to support members of our community through what is undoubtedly a disconcerting and difficult time.
Guided by the Centers for Disease Control and the Virginia Department of Health, the University has established protocols for evaluating individuals who have symptoms of COVID-19. In line with those protocols, the Department of Health is taking the appropriate steps to communicate with members of the community who may have come into contact with the individual who tested positive.
This week’s confirmed case gives our opening efforts even greater urgency. In every corner of the University, faculty and staff are working tirelessly to provide guidance and resources, to share the latest information, and to make decisions with a single end in mind — ensuring the safety of every member of our community. It’s important to remember the responsibility that each of us has in keeping our community safe. Everyone should be following the University’s Fall Reopening Plans that have been shared previously. Please re-familiarize yourself with these practical and effective measures.
We recognize that the uncertainty around COVID-19, and now a confirmed case within our community, may cause stress and anxiety, and we encourage you to visit the University’s COVID-19 webpage for important information and updates related to our response. You should also feel free to talk with your supervisor, contact the task force, or take advantage of Therapy Assistance Online as a resource.
Sincerely,
Kenneth R. Garren, President
Alison Morrison-Shetlar, President-elect
There are many things to report this week as we continue our preparation for students to move in during the first week of August, the opening of the fall semester, and the resumption of on-campus classes on Aug. 12. First, let us respond to a few concerns that students and families have shared with us this week.
As students begin to review fall class schedules, there is some confusion over the ways in which classes will be delivered. As you review your schedule, you may notice changes to the classes you have selected. We are still in the process of finalizing the format for classes. As a reminder, classes will be taught in several different formats this fall:
- Face-to-Face classes will be taught on the day and the time listed on your class schedule.
- Online Asynchronous classes will not have a specific day or a time when you log into the class. When you review your schedule, you will not see a day or time listed for the class.
- Online Synchronous classes will meet on a specific date or time, but online instead of in a classroom. For example, a synchronous class might meet on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 1 to 1:50 p.m., all online.
- Hybrid/Online Portion classes will have some combination of face-to-face instruction and online instruction. On the class offerings page, the online component will be noted by the day or days that are indented. If there is a time associated with the indented day/s, the online component is synchronous. If there is no time associated with the indented day/s, the online component is asynchronous.
We are still in the process of updating classes for the fall. You may visit the course offerings page to see the format for each course. You may also contact your advisor to discuss your schedule.
We have also received questions and concerns over the payment of tuition and fee bills and completion of the Arrival Portal that is required prior to arrival. Our business office is committed to working with students and families regarding their bill payments. Please ensure that you’ve made contact with the business office so that they may help make the arrangements that best suit your needs. Once you have made arrangements with the business office, this will allow the tuition aspect of your portal to register as complete.
Please recognize that currently, our telephone and email volume is high, and that our business office will return your messages as soon as they’re able. For a direct contact, please feel free to email Joan Ochs at ochs@lynchburg.edu for more information.
To better answer any questions you may have in the coming days and weeks, we have set up a central email address that will be monitored daily with responses from members of the Openings Task Force: covid.answers@lynchburg.edu
By now, you have likely heard that the University of Lynchburg athletics program, in conjunction with members of the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC), has decided to postpone traditional fall intercollegiate competition for both fall and winter sports through the end of the 2020 calendar year. ODAC made the decision this week following ongoing efforts to navigate the ever-changing guidance from the NCAA Sport Science Institute related to testing prior to external competition during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Jon Waters and the coaching staff have been in touch with our student-athletes and their families about what this fall will look like, and Athletics has produced this podcast to detail the specifics of the fall season.
Our comprehensive plan for reopening has been updated with more detailed information regarding protocols should we have suspected and/or confirmed cases of COVID-19 on campus. These protocols outline specific procedures for students who present at Student Health Services with symptoms and also provide guidance to staff and faculty who become ill. The plan now also defines a three-level alert system that details conditions under which the University will alter daily operations should we experience increased instances of the disease in the community and on campus.
A Public Health Team is being formed to provide “boots on the ground” once we return to campus this fall. More details on the team and its role will be provided as we get closer to move-in days in early August.
Lastly, we continue to reach out to all members of our community, stressing the importance of personal vigilance in our efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Everywhere you look on campus, you will see “Return to the Hive” signage reminding of the face-covering policy, the need for daily temperature checks and use of the LiveSafe app, social distancing and avoiding large gatherings. We continue to share these messages through social media and thorough videos such as this one with two presidents — President-elect Alison Morrison-Shetlar and Student Government President Davion Washington.
As always, we ask that you revisit the COVID-19 webpage and continue to familiarize yourself with our opening plans. Another reminder, please download the LiveSafe app today and get into the habit of taking your temperature and monitoring your health every morning.
Until Aug. 12, please stay safe.
Sincerely,
Kenneth R. Garren, President
Alison Morrison-Shetlar, President-elect
While we are still several weeks away from the opening of classes on Aug. 12, the campus is gearing up for early arrivals — a group of graduate assistants arrives Monday, and several groups of student leaders will begin arriving next week.
The red closure signs that have greeted visitors since March have been removed and today were replaced by new “Return to the Hive” signage that stresses how we can work together for a safe return — adhering to the face-covering policy, monitoring health with the LiveSafe app, daily temperature checking, social distancing, hand-washing, and avoiding gatherings.
With the removal of the closure signs, the campus is now open for business — although offices are operating with minimal staff and many are still working remotely. Offices are gradually bringing employees back into offices over the coming weeks, and all remain available by phone or email.
The faculty continue to work with the registrar’s office on course delivery and class schedules. As of this week, faculty have submitted their preferences on course delivery — in-person, hybrid, or online. The registrar’s office is making room assignments now and expects to release the fall schedule for students, faculty, and staff on July 27. After that date, students will be able to review their schedules and work with advisors to make changes before classes begin.
A reminder from last week’s message to answer the question: What happens if we have a suspected case of COVID-19 or if someone tests positive?
Contingent upon Virginia Department of Health recommendations and guidance from the governor’s office, the University is establishing thresholds that trigger campus decisions to cancel outside community events, on-campus events, and sporting events, or, as a last resort, minimize staffing on campus and move instruction online.
Factors that will be considered in the decision-making process:
- The University can no longer meet or provide essential functions such as safety, shelter, food service, cleaning/sanitation.
- The University can no longer deliver courses (hybrid and in-person) safely.
- The number of positive cases in the greater Lynchburg community grows to a sufficient level so as to endanger the University community.
- The University is actively servicing, quarantining/isolating students at a level that cannot be adequately served by the University’s Student Health Center staff.
Protocols are now being finalized to address suspected and confirmed cases of COVID-19.
We continue to receive calls on the status of refunds/credits for the spring semester. As of June 29, all had been processed and checks had been mailed. We are aware of delays with the U.S. Postal Service and are confident that all will receive their checks soon. We understand your frustration and apologize for the delays.
The Sewcial Hornets project is still going strong towards its goal of 10,000 masks for students, faculty, and staff. This program is unique in higher education and has received a good deal of media attention. More importantly, Sewcial Hornets embodies the Lynchburg spirit of caring and support for all members of our learning community. Our Sewcial masks will be a part of student return kits that are being packaged by staff volunteers. The kits will contain masks, digital thermometers, and hand sanitizer, among other items. All will be packaged in an imprinted bag that details safety protocols and also includes the face-covering policy.
The signage and safety kits are critical parts of our ongoing messaging to the community. In the coming days and weeks you will hear more from student leaders, faculty, and staff about all that we need to do collectively to maintain a safe environment and ensure that once we Return to the Hive, we stay here for a successful semester. In this video, our President-elect, Alison Morrison-Shetlar, speaks to our students and families about what we must do.
Please remember to check the COVID-19 webpage and familiarize yourself with our opening plans. The page is updated on a weekly basis. And, please continue to reach out to the task force with questions and advice. Another reminder, please download the LiveSafe app today and get into the habit of taking your temperature and monitoring your health every morning.
We look forward to Aug. 12 when we Return to the Hive. Until then, please stay safe.
Sincerely,
Kenneth R. Garren, President
Alison Morrison-Shetlar, President-elect
We are just over a month away from our Aug. 12 opening for the fall semester, and there is more and more activity on campus each day as we prepare for an influx of students, faculty, and staff. The Openings Task Force continues its planning to ensure we Return to the Hive safely.
A critical piece of our planning has been to answer the question: What happens if we have a suspected case of COVID-19 or if someone tests positive?
Contingent upon Virginia Department of Health recommendations and guidance from the governor’s office, the University is establishing thresholds that trigger campus decisions to cancel outside community events, on-campus events, and sporting events, or, as a last resort, close campus and move instruction online.
Factors that will be considered in the decision-making process to close campus and move classes online:
- The University can no longer meet or provide essential functions such as safety, shelter, food service, cleaning/sanitation.
- The University can no longer deliver courses (hybrid and in-person) safely.
- The number of positive cases in the greater Lynchburg community grows to a sufficient level so as to endanger the University community.
- The University is actively servicing, quarantining/isolating students at a level that cannot be adequately served by the University’s Student Health Center staff.
- Protocols are now being finalized to address suspected and confirmed cases of COVID-19.
Deans are currently working with faculty to determine which classes will be in a hybrid format and which classes will be online for Fall 2020. The Course Offerings page on the University website will be updated to reflect class delivery formats once the schedule is finalized, likely by July 27. At that time, students may consult with their advisors if changes need to be made given the new information regarding class delivery formats.
This week, faculty and staff received a COVID-19 awareness statement and pledge form. Signing the pledge indicates that all are committed to understanding and following the safety protocols we have implemented for the fall. Students will be receiving similar information regarding expectations as they return to campus in the coming weeks.
As of today, all of the University’s COVID-related crisis funds for students have been allocated and most checks from the larger portion of the CARES Act fund have been mailed. If a student submitted an application for the pool of additional funds, please note that we were unable to fulfill all requests. We received approximately 550 applications for this limited pool and average awards were small. We hope that these secondary checks will arrive by the end of July.
Students will be hearing a lot more from the University in the coming days and weeks. In addition to important information about class schedules — in-person vs. hybrid vs. online — students can expect to hear from the dean of students, our president-elect, and some of their peers. All will be sharing a similar message:
- We each have a role to play in keeping one another safe.
- Take your temperature each morning before you go to class.
- Download and use the LiveSafe app to monitor your health.
- Wear your mask; wash your hands; practice social distancing; avoid large gatherings.
- Life will certainly be different when students return to campus. But, if we all work together and follow the protocols and precautions, we can get back to the Lynchburg experience everyone so misses. If we don’t work together, we go home. It’s that simple.
When students arrive, each will receive a safety bag with a mask from our Sewcial Hornets project; a digital thermometer, hand sanitizer, tissues and some basic guidelines to help stay safe and healthy.
In closing, please continue to check the COVID-19 webpage and familiarize yourself with our opening plans. And, please reach out to the task force with questions and advice. And, another reminder, please download the LiveSafe app today and get into the habit of taking your temperature and monitoring your health every morning.
We are counting the days until we all Return to the Hive. Until then, please stay safe.
Sincerely,
Kenneth R. Garren, President
Alison Morrison-Shetlar, President-elect
A quick update from the Openings Task Force in advance of the July Fourth holiday.
Yesterday was President-elect Allison Morrison-Shetlar’s first official day on the job. She and her husband, Dr. Robert Shetlar, relocated over the weekend from North Carolina. She’s been on task force calls (and countless others, too numerous to count) for months now as she planned her transition, and yesterday was no exception as she conferenced in while actually being on campus. Dr. Morrison-Shetlar and President Ken Garren will work side-by-side until the end of July when Dr. Garren officially retires.
With the overall University opening plan in place and constantly being refined, the task force has been approving academic and administrative departmental plans. To date, most offices have submitted plans to ensure a safe reopening. Faculty and staff teams have looked at labs and studios, residence halls and computer labs, locker rooms and playing fields. They are looking at innovative ways to deliver a high-quality education and the unique Lynchburg experience our students have come to expect.
For example, Dining Services has plans for safe dining with social distancing and carry-out options; automated temperature kiosks are being installed in key locations around campus, and building traffic patterns are being examined to maintain safe distancing. The performing arts faculty is hard at work determining how to provide both live and remote rehearsal and performance opportunities; the Chapel projection system is being upgraded so that the space may be used for classes; and WIFI is being upgraded in various locations to better support hybrid and online course delivery.
The Registrar’s Office is working with faculty to schedule classes and make the best use of space that will be severely stretched due to social distancing protocols.
Our business and finance team has completed the processing of refund/credit checks to students displaced when we closed campus and moved to online learning in March and more than 500 students are being helped through the CARES Act (federal funds) and various University relief funds. More on this next week.
Finally, the announcement of our face covering policy last week was applauded by members of our community. Sewcial Hornets, our grass-roots project to hand-sew 10,000 masks by August 1 is gaining momentum with nearly 7,500 masks committed by students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community volunteers.
As always, please refer to the COVID-19 webpage and familiarize yourself with our opening plans. And, please reach out to the task force with questions and advice.
We wish you a safe and happy Fourth of July,
Kenneth R. Garren, President
Alison Morrison-Shetlar, President-elect
June 2020
The Openings Task Force continues to work with faculty and staff across the University in preparation for the beginning of the fall semester on Aug. 12. Faculty have been actively planning for the fall schedule and the delivery of courses. And, this week, a face covering policy was approved and communicated with all students, faculty, and staff.
Yesterday, in announcing our face covering policy, we alerted all students, faculty, and staff that they must wear a mask or face covering and practice social distancing while on campus. Faculty and staff recently began a gradual return to campus and we are requiring that all who come to campus wear a mask or face covering, practice social distancing, and perform a health verification via the LiveSafe app.
It’s clear that wearing masks or face coverings, regular hand washing, and social distancing are simple things that each of us can do to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus. In our community, following these simple protocols will ensure that we return safely and that we stay safe. If we do not follow protocols, we run the risk of sending our students home again and returning to online delivery of classes.
The Openings Task Force has endorsed the Face Covering Policy and it has been approved by President Garren. The following is in effect until further notice:
All students, faculty, and staff must have a face mask or cloth face covering with them at all times while on campus.
- Face coverings must be worn by all students, faculty, and staff in all classrooms and public shared indoor spaces on campus.
- In order to protect those most vulnerable to COVID-19, waivers for face coverings to attend class will not be granted.
- Face coverings must be worn covering the mouth and nose in times when at least six feet of physical distancing cannot be maintained.
- Face covering may be removed for exercise, eating, while working alone in an office, or while outdoors if physical distancing can be maintained.
- Those who are in violation of this policy may be subject to disciplinary action.
The faculty planning group, led by Associate Provost Chip Walton, has developed a scheduling plan for the fall that seeks to balance in-person, hybrid, and online course delivery with safety concerns related to social distancing and classroom space. Here are key points of the scheduling plan and more information will be provided as the schedule takes shape
- The scheduling plan will mitigate exposure time for students and faculty, allow for social distancing in classrooms, and reduce congestion in academic buildings during peak hours (10 a.m., 11 a.m., and 1 p.m.).
- Current time slots will be maintained. Faculty are encouraged to dismiss students in staggered fashion to reduce congestion.
- The schedule calls for classrooms to “rest” between classes to allow the air to clear and for regular cleaning.
- Some large classes and some that meet during peak hours will likely be moved online or moved to an alternate time or space. However, the number of online classes, especially those taken by first-year students, should be limited relative to hybrid offerings.
- Synchronous online classes will be scheduled so as to avoid conflict with other classes.
- Hybrid classes must meet for a minimum of 1/3 of the assigned class time (12.5 hours). It is recommended that face-to-face instruction not extend beyond 90 minutes per class. If face-to-face instruction exceeds 90 minutes, mask use and social distancing must be strictly observed.
- Given that some classes will move online, every effort will be made to accommodate hybrid classes with respect to social distancing measures. Faculty will not be required to split classes up to meet with groups of students on different days of the week. However, if they choose to do so, faculty must designate which students attend on which day. Moreover, students will be assigned seats in all hybrid classes to facilitate contact tracing.
Another reminder of some arrival/return dates:
- Graduate Assistants in Student Development: July 20
- Resident Assistants: July 29
- Connection, LINK Leaders: Aug. 3
- Move-in Volunteers, University Ambassadors: Aug. 4
- First-year, Transfer Students: Aug. 5-8
- Upper-class Students: Aug. 8-10
- Hornet Days: Aug. 9-11
- Convocation: Aug. 11
- First Day of Classes: Aug. 12
Please note that these dates are subject to change.
While Virginia is reopening and soon moving to Phase 3 on July 1, COVID-19 cases are rising in many areas of the country. We continue to monitor the curve of COVID-19 and our planning efforts are guided by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the governor’s office, the American College Health Association (ACHA), and the Virginia Department of Health.
Please refer to the COVID-19 webpage and familiarize yourself with our opening plans. As always, the task force welcomes your questions and advice.
So, a final reminder: Wear your mask, wash your hands, and practice social distancing. Together, we can assure a safe Return to the Hive.
Sincerely,
Kenneth R. Garren, President
Alison Morrison-Shetlar, President-elect
We are pleased to report on the continuing work of the Openings Task Force as it works with staff and faculty across campus to ensure a safe return to on-campus classes on August 12.
As faculty and staff begin their gradual return over the coming days and weeks, we are requiring that all who come to campus wear a mask or face covering, practice social distancing, and perform a health verification via LiveSafe. All who plan to come on campus must monitor their temperature daily before reporting to campus, and use the LiveSafe app to answer screening questions. Those who do not have access to LiveSafe on their smartphones may access the app via the web here or download a printable form here.
A reminder that we continue to monitor the curve of COVID-19 in Virginia and around the country and that all of our planning efforts are guided by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the governor’s office, the American College Health Association (ACHA), and the Virginia Department of Health.
Last week, Governor Northam issued guidance for all colleges and universities in Virginia planning to reopen and resume in-person instruction for Fall 2020. The task force has a deadline of July 6 to submit our openings plan to the governor under the direction of the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV). Our plan must address four critical areas: repopulation, monitoring of health, containment, and shut-down considerations.
Again, we remain confident that our planning efforts meet, and in many instances, exceed the requirements set forth by the governor.
With the initial release of the University’s opening plan last week, we have received a number of questions. A new FAQ section specific to our reopening has been added to the COVID-19 web page and will be updated as questions arise.
Planning for major events on campus for the fall has been challenging, to say the least. We remain committed to holding the in-person Commencement for the Class of 2020 on Oct. 30-31 and a team of faculty, staff, and students is working to formalize a plan to stage this important event in the safest way possible. Please remember that all plans are subject to change.
Significant decisions were made this week in regard to Parents and Family Weekend and Homecoming, originally scheduled for Sept. 18-20 and Oct. 16-17, respectively.
Parents and Family Weekend has been postponed until the spring and will be held on April 9-11, 2021.
Homecoming for this fall is being re-envisioned by the Alumni Association and advancement teams and will be held virtually. Homecoming has grown in popularity in recent years and we anticipated another record attendance this fall. Due to the public health challenges posed by such a large social gathering, we’ve determined that holding an in-person event is not feasible. Plans are underway for an alternative, virtual event and alumni can expect to hear more in the coming days from Alumni Director Heather Garnett.
We know these postponements will come as a disappointment, but we must consider the safety and well-being of our community — students, faculty, staff, alumni, and families.
A reminder of some notable arrival/return dates:
- Graduate assistants in Student Development: July 20
- Resident Assistants: July 29
- Connection Leaders: July 31
- First-year students: Aug. 5-8
- Upper-class students: Aug. 8-10
Please note that these dates are subject to change.
Earlier this week, we sent students a reminder that University relief funds are still available and noted that graduate students, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), and international students, while not eligible for federal funds through the CARES Act, are encouraged to submit an application for the additional University resources. The application process is open through July 31, and application processing will begin on June 24. We expect all resources will be depleted before the end of the application period and distribution of these funds will begin on July 1.
Finally, the task force continues to review opening plans from all departments and units on campus with a goal of having all approved by Monday, June 22. With the University-wide plan in place, opening plans from individual units across campus have been coming in to the task force on a daily basis to meet today’s submission deadline. The task force is reviewing plans on a daily basis for presidential approval and implementation on June 22. Faculty and staff will be hearing from deans and supervisors about a gradual return to campus in the coming weeks, once all plans have been approved.
We urge you to refer to the COVID-19 web page for regular updates and to continue asking questions and offering advice to the task force. We value your input and we know we will open safely with your continued support.
As always, please stay safe.
Sincerely,
Kenneth R. Garren, President
Alison Morrison-Shetlar, President-elect
The Openings Task Force, faculty, and staff from all areas of the University continue their planning efforts toward our Aug. 12 opening of classes for the fall semester. With this week’s final decision on the fall calendar, much work has been done to adjust the summer calendar to manage the safe return of students, faculty, and staff.
As the state opens up and we move through phases, we must keep in mind that all precautions we take are designed to keep members of the Lynchburg community safe. This is a monumental task and we will be relying on every member of the community — students, faculty, staff, parents, alumni, and visitors — to do their part. Also, as you familiarize yourself with the opening plan, you will notice that we often are more cautious than the state as a whole. This is by design in that we have residential students who require additional important considerations and precautions.
Each summer, in the weeks prior to the first day of classes, student leaders, residence hall staff, orientation leaders, and faculty return early in anticipation of welcoming new and returning students. This summer is no different and the schedule for students’ arrival is coming together.
Some notable arrival/return dates:
- Graduate assistants in Student Development: July 20
- Resident Assistants: July 29
- Connection Leaders: July 31
- First-year students: Aug. 5-8
- Upper-class students: Aug. 8-10
Please note that these dates are subject to change.
Fall event planning, while challenging, also continues. Opening Convocation, the traditional opening of the academic year, is scheduled for Aug. 11, the day before classes begin. Homecoming weekend is scheduled for Oct. 16-17 and Commencement for the Class of 2020 has been rescheduled for the weekend of Oct. 30-31. Dates for Parents and Family Weekend and the annual Opening Breakfast for faculty and staff have yet to be determined.
Yesterday, Gov. Northam issued guidance for all colleges and universities in Virginia as they develop plans to reopen and resume in-person instruction. Developed by the secretary of education, the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV), and the Virginia Department of Health, the guidelines direct all colleges and universities to create detailed reopening plans that demonstrate compliance.
We are confident that our planning efforts meet, and in many instances, exceed the requirements set forth by the governor. For more information on the governor’s plans for higher education in Virginia, you may read the document here.
We have received a number of questions about screening and temperature checks. All students, faculty, and staff will be required to monitor their health on a daily basis, including daily temperature checks. The public health planning group is developing procedures that will include onsite kiosks and use of the LiveSafe app. LiveSafe recently introduced a new module designed to allow individual health screenings using a smartphone.
With the University-wide plan in place, opening plans from individual units across campus have been coming to the task force on a daily basis to meet today’s submission deadline. The task force is reviewing plans on a daily basis for presidential approval and implementation on June 22. Faculty and staff will be hearing from deans and supervisors about a gradual return to campus in the coming weeks, once all opening plans have been approved.
The faculty planning committee continues to work on course delivery for the fall and is looking very carefully at the balance of in-person, online, and blended classes. The committee has surveyed students and a survey of faculty is also being conducted. A summary of the student survey results is available here.
Details of the academic plan for this fall are available on the COVID-19 page. Some preliminary details:
- Hybrid classes will offer variable proportions of face-to-face and online instruction.
- Hybrid classes will meet face-to-face for a minimum of one-third of the semester.
- A minimum of 10% of 100-level classes will be online.
- 200-level classes and above will include 10-20% of offerings online.
- Upper-level classes should be hybrid whenever possible as they require more interaction and prioritize hands-on experience.
- First-year students should be enrolled in no more than six hours online.
- Students are encouraged to carry no more than nine hours of online classes.
- No departments’ offerings may be entirely online.
- Advisors will play a significant role in balancing the students’ schedules so that they adhere to guidelines.
As you can see, much has been done to reopen the University and return all safely. Still, there is much to do and it will be on all of us to ensure a safe opening. We continue to be guided by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the governor’s office, the American College Health Association (ACHA), and the Virginia Department of Health.
Planning for our opening this fall is a very serious endeavor and we are encouraged by the remarkable ways in which all members of our community have stayed connected and come together despite the distances imposed by the pandemic. “Sewcial” Hornets, a volunteer effort to produce 10,000 fabric masks for our community, was launched just this week and already has several hundred students, parents, faculty, and staff around the country busy sewing masks. And, we just learned this morning that this group of volunteers has already committed to nearly 5,000 masks — that’s half of our goal in only a few days. Be sure to join the Sewcial Hornets Facebook group — it’s sure to brighten your day.
Again, please refer to the COVID-19 web page for regular updates, and we hope that you will continue to ask questions and offer advice to the task force.
As always, please stay safe.
Sincerely,
Kenneth R. Garren, President
Alison Morrison-Shetlar, President-elect
This comprehensive plan addresses three key areas:
- Academic calendar, class scheduling, and course delivery;
- public health and safety;
- residential life and extracurricular activities
Working groups from across the University have been planning to ensure we bring all members of our community back to campus safely and maintain their safety while they are here.
The exhaustive planning effort has been informed and guided by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the governor’s office, the American College Health Association (ACHA), and the Virginia Department of Health. It provides safety measures and protocols in all areas and, as importantly, a great degree of flexibility should we experience coronavirus cases here on campus or a surge in cases in the state or region.
Academic calendar, class scheduling, and course delivery
The fall semester will begin early on Aug. 12 and conclude on Nov. 24 following a final exam period. The shortened calendar will eliminate the mid-semester break and end just prior to Thanksgiving, when students will leave campus for an extended winter break. Students will return to classes for the spring semester on Jan. 25, 2021. This calendar seeks to minimize travel and mitigate the possibility of students coming to and from campus and transmitting the virus.
The calendar does not apply to graduate health sciences programs that operate on a 12-month cycle, or to graduate programs that are normally offered online. Some students — those involved with clinical placements, student-teaching, internships, and athletics — will be permitted on campus after Thanksgiving.
Fall courses will be delivered using a variety of modalities to allow for the most flexibility. A split-delivery model (a combination of in-class and online) will be offered, some classes may be delivered in an online format and others will be delivered in a variety of hybrid formats. All classes will be designed with a contingency to move online quickly should the University need to curtail normal operations due to an increase/surge in COVID-19 cases. Hybrid models are being developed to suit the needs of different types of classes, with the nature of the class and pedagogy driving the hybrid format chosen for course delivery.
Public health and safety
The public health planning group has developed best practices for both reopening and sustaining a safe residential campus model. These best practices will be updated and communicated as information and additional guidelines are made available.
The plan is extensive and has been reviewed by our public health care partners at Centra Health. Details of the plan will be available on the COVID-19 web page in the Openings section and we are offering key components of the plan here.
The campus will reopen in a phased approach, as outlined in the COVID-19 Campus Impact, and we will follow CDC Guidelines for Institutions of Higher Ed, ACHA Considerations for Reopening, and the VDH document “COVID-19: Role of Public Health and Colleges/Universities in Preparedness and Response Efforts.”
Each department is responsible for developing and implementing an opening plan following the University-wide public health plan to mitigate risk of infection. The public health group will provide assistance and the Openings Task Force will approve plans. Departmental/unit plans are to be submitted to the task force by Friday, June 12, for implementation by Monday, June 22. Faculty and staff will return only after departmental plans are approved and with prior approval of direct supervisors.
PA Medicine, Nursing, and the Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) programs will begin classes during Phase II, starting in June. A return to campus for other students during Phase II is dependent upon current guidelines from the governor’s office.
The health and safety plan outlines a variety of monitoring protocols that include the completion of COVID-19 screening by all students, faculty, and staff; daily symptom screening, including temperature checks; and entrance and exit requirements for all campus facilities. In addition, the plan includes a multitude of mitigation strategies that include mandatory face coverings, social distancing, and personal, living, and workplace sanitation and hygiene. The plan also allows for employees to continue to work remotely, when appropriate, and ensures that adequate supplies — hand sanitizer, cleaning supplies, personal protection equipment (PPE), etc. — are readily available.
The health and safety plan also includes protocols for containment and surveillance, as well as recommendations for managing a local rebound of COVID-19.
Residence life and extracurricular activities
The behavior of individuals will be critical to our safe reopening, and modifications to student interactions and the student experience are important concerns. Student Development followed the higher education guidelines outlined by the CDC and ACHA in formulating its plan that addresses residential spaces, the possibility of quarantine and isolation, common spaces, access and egress to campus facilities, guests and gatherings, extracurricular activities, and programming.
The safety of students residing on campus is of vital importance. As such, housing assignments will be modified and additional opportunities for single-room occupancy will be created across campus.
Quarantine and isolation spaces are critical in the event of an infection on campus, and several areas have been designated to house students who contract the virus.
While common spaces (hallways, bathrooms, lounges, kitchens, laundry rooms) are designed for congregating and gathering, modifications to each of these spaces are necessary to reduce and manage social gatherings. Modifications include: maximum capacity for common spaces, masks or face coverings, social distancing, and the removal of lounge furniture to discourage gatherings within common spaces.
Access and egress modifications will be made in accordance to CDC guidelines, with doorways identified as entry- or exit-only. Elevators will be limited in use and residential students will only be permitted access to their individual residences.
Guidelines regarding guests and gatherings will be enforced to reduce the potential for congregation. They include: no more than 10 people gathered in one place and a limit of one guest per resident at any given time.
There will be specialized education of students and graduate staff to effectively communicate the new standards to residential students.
Extracurricular activities provide opportunities for students to develop outside of the classroom. These experiences are vital to student growth; therefore, they will be modified to promote safety.
The Drysdale Student Center is a hub for gatherings for all campus constituents. Modifications there will include: egress and elevator protocols, masks and face coverings, signage, hygiene, special guidelines for the fitness center, and guidelines for use of all common spaces, such as lounge areas and meeting rooms.
Programmatic experiences are opportunities for students to develop outside the classroom and remain critically important. Modifications in this area include: reservations of spaces for small-group gatherings, social distancing for all gatherings, additional livestream options for meetings and gatherings, and limited use of larger spaces. Guidelines for intramural sports, fitness activities, and outdoor leadership have been developed in collaboration with Athletics.
The complete University opening plan will be published to the COVID-19 web page and is subject to change. Here, we have attempted to provide you with the key points of the plan. We urge you to familiarize yourself with the plan as you anticipate your return to campus.
Additionally, guidelines for the phased return of faculty and staff will be forthcoming from supervisors.
Again, we hope you will refer to the COVID-19 web page for regular updates and that you will continue to ask questions and offer advice to the task force.
We remain confident in the work and diligence of our faculty and staff in ensuring the safe reopening of campus for the fall semester. As always, please stay safe.
Sincerely,
Kenneth R. Garren, President
Alison Morrison-Shetlar, President-elect
May 2020
As we close this trying semester and plan for our return in the fall, I wanted to share the University’s plan to provide financial relief to our students.
Utilizing funds provided by the federal government through the CARES Act and resources from the University’s Lynchburg Cares Fund, we will be distributing funds equally to all full-time undergraduates enrolled this spring. Additional funds will be distributed to our undergraduates with the most financial need; Pell Grant-eligible work-study students will be paid for all hours not worked due to the pandemic; and graduate assistants will also be paid the remainder of their cash stipends.
In addition to the direct financial support to students, the University’s Crisis Response Fund and funds from VFIC will provide urgent and necessary technology support, faculty and student support, and broader support to the greater Lynchburg area through University-community partnerships during this time of crisis.
All full-time undergraduate students will receive $350 while undergraduates who are Pell -Grant- eligible will receive an additional $450. Unpaid wages for all undergraduate work-study students and all graduate assistants will be administered by the Office of Student Employment and the dean of graduate studies, respectively. Please note that international and DACA students are not eligible for federal relief funds.
Checks will be mailed to all eligible students before June 30, 2020.
The CARES Act, passed by Congress and signed by the president on March 27, provides $987,990 in direct student relief. This amount will be supplemented by the Lynchburg Cares Fund and the Crisis Response Fund that was established by the Office of Advancement this spring. To date, the Lynchburg Crisis Response Fund has raised $32,000. In March, President Garren authorized a transfer of $50,000 in discretionary funds to the long-standing Lynchburg Cares Fund.
As part of these resources, a pool of $85,000 has been established for those students who can demonstrate need for additional financial relief. These need-based funds are available by application. Students who wish to apply for additional relief funds must complete this application by July 31, 2020. Applications will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. This additional pool is limited and applications will be considered until the fund is depleted. The first funds will be awarded June 2, with additional awards being made every two weeks.
Representatives from across the University worked with the Strategic Budget Group to develop this relief plan that I feel represents our best efforts to make our students whole. This pool of federal dollars is mandated to go directly to students. Our plan equitably fulfills this federal requirement and supports all of our undergraduate students as well as those graduate assistants impacted by the pandemic.
I do hope that this comes as welcome news and demonstrates our continued efforts to provide support in this unprecedented time. I look forward to seeing everyone again in the fall — returning students for resumption of in-person classes, and members of the Class of 2020 for our rescheduled Commencement Exercises on the weekend of October 30-31.
Stay safe and I will see you soon.
Sincerely,
Kenneth R. Garren, President
The COVID-19 task force continues its planning for our return to in-person instruction and the reopening of the campus for the fall semester. This is an update of the University’s ongoing efforts to achieve that goal in advance of a well-deserved long weekend to celebrate the Memorial Day holiday.
Since our last update, I had the pleasure of conferring degrees upon members of the Class of 2020 — by video message. Our state’s senior U.S. Senator Mark Warner also provided a video with his congratulations and a bit of advice. I look forward to seeing this year’s graduates and their families in October when we plan to hold the in-person commencement exercises on campus.
While the spring semester has come to a close, many faculty will continue teaching online as our Summer School sessions began this week with a full complement of course offerings.
Planning continues on all fronts and we are following the guidance of the Virginia Governor’s office and the CDC. Both issued reopening guidelines for colleges and universities this week. We are currently in Phase 1 of our planning initiative. Updated charts of our three-phase plan are posted to the COVID-19 web page. Initial University-wide reopening plans are due to the task force by June 1.
A committee of faculty from across the University continues to vet course delivery models and academic calendar options for the fall. This group has received a great deal of input from faculty colleagues and is reviewing all options to make the best recommendation to the task force in order to meet the educational needs of our students.
The committee developing the public health plan continues to meet and has added Dr. Christopher Lewis as a resource. A cardiologist, Dr. Lewis is vice president of medical affairs at Centra Health and has agreed to be our point of contact with the local health care establishment. He began his partnership with the University last week when he shared his expertise with the University’s board of trustees at its annual meeting.
Members of the task force held virtual open forum meetings on Wednesday with both staff and faculty. During these sessions, members of the University community learned more about our planning initiatives, posed questions, and were asked to begin developing individual unit plans for a safe return to campus. These unit plans are due to vice presidents soon after the University-wide plans for academics, public health, and residence life/extracurricular activity are received by the task force on June 1.
The University plans to provide financial relief to our students with funding from the federal government through the CARES Act, resources from the University’s Lynchburg Cares Fund, and donations to the Lynchburg Crisis Response Fund. We will distribute funds equally to full-time undergraduates enrolled this spring. Additional funds will be distributed to our undergraduates and undergraduate work- study students with the most financial need. Graduate assistants will also be paid the remainder of their cash stipends.
As always, I am confident in the talent and expertise of our faculty and staff, and I know they will have solid plans in place in the coming weeks. I continue to welcome your input and urge you to reach out to members of the task force with questions, concerns, or advice. Please also refer to the COVID-19 web page for updates as they become available.
Please stay safe and enjoy your Memorial Day.
Sincerely,
Kenneth R. Garren, President
The COVID-19 Task Force continues its planning for our return to in-person instruction and the reopening of the campus in August for the fall semester. This is my weekly update of the University’s efforts to achieve that goal.
There are five key elements to the planning effort and the task force has directed every office and department on campus to develop individual plans for the safe return of students, faculty, and staff. Our planning is based upon a phased reopening of the state as guided by the federal government, the Virginia Department of Health, the CDC, and Virginia Governor Ralph Northam. Once departmental plans are in place, they will be brought to the task force for approval and implementation.
Governor Northam is calling for a gradual reopening in Virginia beginning today. We are using this first phase as the beginning of our planning effort that includes:
- Public health plan
- Academic plan
- Residential life plan
- Extracurricular activity and event plan
- Educational campaign for Lynchburg campus
This chart represents the three-phase timeline to reopen for fall. We are planning in Phase 1; will begin a gradual return to campus for key faculty and staff in Phase 2; and expect a complete and controlled return of the community in Phase 3.
In addition to the departmental planning, a group is working on an overall public health plan for the University. This group is led by Dr. Jeremy Welsh, dean of PA Medicine. PA Medicine will serve as a model for our reopening as its new cohort of students and their faculty return to campus in the coming weeks. Protocols for their safe re-entry and in-person coursework are now being developed and will serve as the basis of the overall public health plan for the University.
Earlier today, Provost Allison Jablonski, co-chair of the task force, sent detailed instructions to supervisory staff so that they may begin their planning. The task force has scheduled town hall meetings for next Wednesday, May 20 for both staff and faculty. At these open forums, members of the task force will detail the planning effort and provide directions for all units to begin their planning.
I have every confidence in the work of the task force and of the faculty and staff who have come together over these past months. As always, you may reach members of the task force with questions, concerns, or advice and expertise. We welcome your continued feedback and support. Please also refer to the to the COVID-19 web page for updates as they become available.
Please stay safe and I hope to see you soon,
Sincerely,
Kenneth R. Garren, President
As you know, last week I shared the news that we fully intend to resume in-person classes at the University for the fall semester. There is much work to be done and many variables to consider as we plan for our reopening. I wanted to update you on our progress to date.
The task force meets every other day and is looking at all aspects of life and work at the University as we plan. Here is a representative, although certainly not exhaustive, list of the areas the group is examining:
- Health and safety issues such as testing, social distancing, and protective masks
- Academic implications such as course delivery, class size, daily and semester schedules
- Equity
- Technology and infrastructure
- Financial implications
- The student experience and residential life
- Athletics
The group is following the guidelines of the Virginia Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control in recommending various opening scenarios. Stay at home instructions issued by Governor Northam remain in effect until June 10. After that date, we expect to begin a phased return to campus of those employees most critical to our operations and to our opening efforts.
The task force is engaging members from across our community, and several area-specific subgroups are actively meeting to develop plans.
One group in particular is charged with making recommendations related to public health and safety. Led by Jeremy Welsh, dean of the School of PA Medicine, and Lisa Geier, clinical director of student health services, this group is following CDC guidelines and newly released guidance by the American College Health Association to make recommendations on how best to bring our community back to campus safely and, as importantly, how to keep all healthy once they are here. Additional members of this planning team include:
- Tonya Price, Health Promotion
- Michael Jones, Communications and Marketing
- Brittany Smith, Athletic Training Services
- Caroline Wesley Siler, Athletic Training Services
A faculty group led by Associate Provost Chip Walton is working on academic plans for curriculum and scheduling and will build on lessons learned this spring as we moved quickly to respond to the evolving pandemic. Members of the group include:
- Maria Nathan, College of Business
- Autumn Dodge, College of Education
- DuAnn Kremer and Price Blair, College of Health Sciences
- Amy Merrill-Willis, School of Humanities
- Jacinda Shin, School of Nursing
- Jenna Rolfs, School of PA Medicine
- Sue Barlow, School of Physical Therapy
- Christine Terry, School of Science
- David Richards, School of Social Sciences
- Cynthia Ramsey, School of Visual and Performing Arts
- Beth Savage, Westover Honors College
The crisis management team, which convened in January, continues to meet regularly to address immediate concerns posed by the pandemic. This group was critical in our initial decision-making process that allowed us to move our community safely away from campus and take our course delivery online so that our students could complete their semester coursework.
I will update you on our planning efforts each Friday and details will be published to the COVID-19 web page as they become available. Should you have questions, concerns, or advice, please reach out to members of the task force. Many of you have already shared your thoughts and we welcome your input.
I have great confidence in the many faculty and staff who are working tirelessly to bring our community back to campus for the fall semester. Please stay well and I hope to see you on campus soon.
Sincerely,
Kenneth R. Garren, President
Just six weeks ago I made the difficult decision to close the University. In a matter of days, the community came together to completely change the way we teach, learn, and work. As the semester comes to a close and we plan for the future, I want to again offer my thanks for your patience, flexibility, and resilience. I know that this time has not been easy.
As we anticipate the opening of our state and the country, we must prepare for another stage of transition with summer school moving online, faculty and staff returning to campus, and — most importantly — the upcoming fall semester.
Today I wish to inform you that the University plans to resume in-person teaching, learning, and residential life for the fall 2020 semester.
The task force I formed recently is meeting every other day to work through a variety of scenarios that will allow us to reopen the campus and resume operations for fall. The group is monitoring the curve of the pandemic in Virginia and nationwide and is consulting with local and state health officials, our crisis management team, as well as faculty and staff from all areas of the University.
The overarching theme in our planning, as you may imagine, has been one of uncertainty. It is important to note that this uncertainty will not allow for a “normal” resumption of life on campus. As experts across the nation and around the world pursue treatments and vaccines in the fight against for COVID-19, we must keep the health and safety of our community as our top priority in all of our planning and decision-making.
With that uncertainty in mind, we are preparing to adapt all academic, residential, and on-campus activities to protect our community while continuing to provide the Lynchburg experience for which we are known.
While we plan for a resumption of in-person classes, we continue to explore opportunities for remote teaching and learning including hybrid options, as well as alternate scheduling of classes. This scenario planning will allow for flexibility should the virus resurge in the coming months.
The campus we return to for the fall semester will be different by design as we implement critical health and safety protocols including, but not limited to:
- Continued social distancing for academic settings, residence halls, dining, offices, and events
- Screening, testing and tracing protocols
- Student and employee health and counseling services
- Continued deep cleaning of all facilities
- COVID-19 kits for students, faculty, and staff that would include such as masks, hand sanitizer, and other personal protective equipment and supplies
This is just a snapshot of what is involved in planning for our fall reopening. Please note that all planning is subject to change but that we remain committed to a full reopening of campus and a return to in-person instruction. The task force values your input and you may share your thoughts and ideas by visiting the COVID-19 web page.
These past weeks have been challenging for us all. I am confident that the planning and work we do together in the weeks and months ahead will lead to our successful return to campus. As always, I ask that you stay safe and I hope to see you on campus very soon.
Sincerely,
Kenneth R. Garren, PhD
April 2020
I write today with what I hope will be welcome news. We have decided to reschedule Commencement for the weekend of October 30, 2020. And, I have appointed a task force that is actively planning for the reopening of the University this fall.
Our decision to postpone Commencement, originally scheduled for May 15 and 16, was a difficult one, and I know how disappointing it was for graduates and their families. This milestone moment has been marked on your calendars for months, if not years. As you may know, this is to be my final Commencement, and I certainly share your disappointment that the pandemic forced us to change the date of our time-honored tradition on the Dell.
We have held extensive conversations and surveyed our degree candidates to arrive at the best possible date for on-campus exercises. While many favored summer dates, we found it necessary to choose the fall date because of the many unknowns that still exist regarding the pandemic. Please note that the October 30 date is still subject to change as we continue to monitor the pandemic and heed the guidance provided by the CDC, the Virginia Department of Health, and federal officials.
We will not let our original Commencement date of May 15 go by without acknowledging the hard work and sacrifice of our graduates. On that day, I plan to confer degrees upon all candidates, virtually. We know that there are many reasons, such as professional certifications, graduate school, and employment, for which our graduates may need their diplomas. Following the virtual conferring of degrees, the registrar will mail physical diplomas to all graduates.
I know that this is not how our graduates expected to celebrate their time at the University. It is my sincere hope that graduates and their families will be able to return to campus in October to celebrate their successes as intended — together as a community.
When the members of the Class of 2020 return in October, I am hopeful that they will be coming back to a campus abuzz with activity, and that the curve of the pandemic will have flattened sufficiently to allow some sense of normalcy. To that end, I have appointed a long-range planning task force and charged the group with developing various reopening scenarios.
This task force comprises Provost Allison Jablonski, Vice President for Business and Finance Steve Bright, Vice President for Student Development Aaron Smith, Vice President for Enrollment Rita Detwiler, Associate Provost Chip Walton, and Associate Vice President for Communications and Marketing Michael Jones.
The group will be making recommendations on when and how to best reopen the University this fall. In developing reopening scenarios, they will consider the safety of our community; financial implications of tuition, room, and board; daily and semester scheduling challenges; technological needs; student life; equity; athletics, and more. The group is involving faculty and staff from all areas of the institution for input, advice, and data collection.
I am confident that this planning team, with the help of their colleagues across the University, will soon provide us with a plan that will ensure our successful return to campus this fall.
Again, I am pleased to share this news of our on-campus Commencement date and our plans for the fall and beyond.
I hope this message finds you well and gives you hope for the future. Please know that we will continue to monitor the pandemic and will make decisions in the best interest of the health and well-being of all members of our learning community.
Please be safe and I hope to see you on campus soon.
Sincerely,
Kenneth R. Garren, PhD
President, University of Lynchburg
I must say that I miss our students immensely. They are the reason we’re here and I appreciate their spirit and energy more with each passing day. Their continued success, despite our separation, remains our primary focus. I’m so pleased by the efforts of our dedicated faculty and staff who are working tirelessly to ensure that success.
As you can imagine, it’s been a very busy time at the University. I can’t say it’s been business as usual, still our community continues to do what we do best — live our academic life to the fullest. Here are a few highlights:
- In an effort to ease the transition of our students from face-to-face instruction to the online format, the University will offer undergraduates more flexible grading options for the spring semester. Students may decide, up until May 1, to accept a traditional letter grade or a pass/fail assessment. Faculty voted overwhelmingly to support the plan at their April meeting, held remotely for the first time ever.
- Our closure on March 20 created a financial hardship for the University and the loss of a projected $4.5 million in revenue. The majority of our non-exempt employees, who are paid for the hours they work, became underemployed and unable to work a normal schedule. I’m pleased to report that no employees have been released and that all non-exempt (hourly) staff will continue to receive regular compensation and full benefits. Thanks to the diligence of Vice President for Business and Finance Steve Bright and his team, we are taking advantage of the Employee Retention Tax Credit, which is part of the federal legislation to address economic employment issues related to the pandemic.
- We are planning a full complement of courses for our Summer School sessions, beginning May 18 and running through August 7. All three summer sessions will be offered entirely online. A class of note is INTL 398: Navigating the Threat of Pandemics, taught by Professor Dave Richards. Dr. Richards recently spearheaded the creation of a new major, Intelligence Studies, that will begin in the fall.
- Our Model United Nations delegation recently won four Outstanding Position Paper Awards. Representing Iceland and advised by Dr. Sabita Manian, associate dean of the Lynchburg College of Arts and Sciences, our student delegation researched Icelandic policy and composed detailed position papers.
- Social distancing didn’t keep our history majors from participating in the Phi Alpha Theta National History Honor Society regional conference on March 27 — and it also didn’t keep one student from taking the virtual meeting’s top prize. During the conference, senior Teresa Gunter took first prize for her paper, “An American Story: Pierre Daura as a Refugee, Immigrant, and Naturalized Citizen.” Daura taught art at Lynchburg College in the 1940s and is the namesake of the University’s art gallery. Teresa is a Westover Honors fellow and Access student.
- Earlier this week, we held a virtual induction ceremony for new members of Omicron Delta Kappa, the University’s chapter of the national leadership honor society.
- The University has kept the safety of our family as a focus these past weeks while also keeping in mind the well-being of the greater Lynchburg community. We have partnered with the local health care establishment and stand ready to open our new Westover Hall to house overflow (non-COVID) patients or health care workers should the need arise. To date, health care providers in Lynchburg have been able to handle the increasing number of COVID-19 cases.
- Lynchburg Cares continues to provide financial support to members of our community and welcomes donations to support the fund. The Lynchburg Crisis Response Fund is offering support for online instruction, student, faculty, and staff support, and broader support for the greater Lynchburg community. The Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges (VFIC) has established the COVID-19 Emergency Assistance Fund to provide short-term relief for undergraduate students with financial need.
This is an unprecedented time — not just for the University of Lynchburg, but for the world. I know we will come out of this pandemic stronger than ever. In closing, I wish you well and hope you will stay in touch. Please take a moment to watch this video featuring our Senior Vice President for Advancement Mike Bonnette. His team continues to support our students through philanthropy and engagement. He will tell you a bit more about our relief efforts and our work to stay connected with alumni and friends around the country.
Be safe. Be well. And, thank you for your ongoing support.
Sincerely,
Kenneth R. Garren, PhD
President, University of Lynchburg
I hope you and your loved ones are well in the ongoing pandemic. We realize that this semester has been unlike any other with our move to exclusively online coursework. We recognize the stress that you might be experiencing. Thus, to ease the transition of students from face-to-face instruction to an online format, the University of Lynchburg will temporarily offer more flexible grading options to undergraduate students during the spring 2020 semester only. These students may decide, up until May 1, to accept a traditional letter grade or a pass/fail assessment.
Key aspects of this optional grading approach are as follows:
- Students may opt-into pass/fail grading on a course-by-course basis.
- Not all classes are eligible for this grading change (e.g. practicums, clinical, courses requiring a grade to advance to the next course level).
- Some undergraduate students (e.g., students using VA education benefits, students taking courses this semester to replace a grade from a previous semester, etc.) may not be allowed to opt-in for a pass-fail grade.
- Courses will count toward applicable program requirements or general education requirements if a passing grade is earned.
- A “passing” grade will require earning a letter grade of A, B, C or D.
- To qualify for Dean’s List honors (semester GPA at least 3.5) or Honorable Mention honors (semester GPA between 3.00 and 3.49), a student must obtain at least 9.0 hours of graded coursework (A, B, C, D, F). The remaining hours may have P grades. These honors will be awarded once all incomplete grades have been changed to a grade of A, B, C, D, F, or P, and the student has met the requirement of at least 9.0 hours of graded (not P) coursework.
- Students must communicate their decision to opt-into pass/fail grading to their academic advisors and submit the appropriate form to the registrar’s office with academic advisor approval. A link to the form will be forthcoming very soon.
- There will be no change in the current grading policies for graduate students.
Additional information and FAQs regarding grading options for the spring semester will be posted next week to the COVID-19 web page. Exempt courses are included in the attached document.
I encourage you to meet with your academic advisor to discuss this pass/fail option and to make the best decision for your success at Lynchburg. I wish you the best in the closing weeks of the semester.
Sincerely,
Allison B. Jablonski
Provost
The closure of the campus after Friday, March 20th created a financial hardship for the University, and the loss of a projected 4.5 million in revenue. The majority of non-exempt employees, who are paid for the hours they work, became underemployed, which means they were unable to work a normal schedule. Some of these employees were unable to work at all, and others had reduced functions due to the need to work from home, or the absence of students.
No non-exempt employees have been released from their employment from the University of Lynchburg. All non-exempt employees have continued to receive regular compensation and full benefits.
The Employee Retention Tax Credit, which is part of the federal legislation to address economic employment issues related to the pandemic, will be utilized by the University to continue the employment and compensation of its non-exempt employees through the summer of 2020. The following is specific guidance for non-exempt employees and their supervisors.
Guidance
- The use of the Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) applies for all full time, regular part time, and part time non-exempt employees.
- All non-exempt employees will continue to receive full compensation, but may be directed to work fewer hours by their supervisors in order for the University to benefit from the Employee Retention Tax Credit.
- All non-exempt employees will continue to receive full benefits, and with full continuity of compensation and benefits, the employee contribution to the cost of health insurance will continue without change.
- Non-exempt employees do not need to do anything for their employment continuance to occur.
- Non-exempt employees should expect to work fewer hours as directed by their supervisor. Targets will be identified with employees so that they understand the reduction of their schedule, and the length of time this is expected to continue. It should be expected that schedule changes will continue beyond the end of the executive order issued by the Governor.
- In some specific departments, regular employment may continue due to the needs of the institution, and due to the function performed by the employee.
- It is important that all non-exempt employees and their supervisors continue to utilize Time Clock Plus to track the hours actually worked. It is critical for the institution to know the actual hours worked in order to utilize the Employee Retention Tax Credit and insure continuity of compensation for all.
- All non-exempt employees can be called upon by their supervisors to perform work, both on and off campus that is considered necessary for the functioning of the institution during the time of their reduced work schedule. During these times they will receive compensation at their regular hourly rate, and these hours worked will be considered to be within their regular hours of employment. Employees are expected to respond to the needs of the institution as identified by their supervisor.
- Starting with the pay period beginning April 19th, the positions defined as essential and the related compensation for these employees will change. Non-exempt employees will only be identified as essential if working on campus for security or the health center, or performing the function of payroll or mail delivery. For this limited group of employees, one hour worked on campus will be considered one and one half hour for payroll purposes. This is due to the extended need to be on campus to perform these duties, and the associated exposure risk.
- Some non-exempt employees are normally off during the summer because they are employed on a 9, 10, or 11 month calendar. Another group of employees have reduced summer hours due to fewer students on campus (an example is the health center). The hours paid to make these employees whole will be based upon their regular summer work schedule, and not the hours typically worked during the academic year.
- It should be noted that non-exempt employees will experience different levels of reduction in their scheduled hours due to their job functions and the related underemployment due to the cessation of on campus operations. Whether hours are minimally or drastically changed, we expect all employees to recognize that these are exceptional times, and that the institution’s ability continue regular compensation for all non-exempt employees is its primary goal.
- This guidance contradicts and replaces the previous guidance for the pay period of April 5th through April 18th. Because the regular compensation for non-exempt employees will continue unchanged, the use of 5 sick days for compensation continuance will not be necessary or utilized during this period. Also, due to the continuance of regular compensation, the employee contribution toward the health plan will continue unchanged.
The University of Lynchburg is all about community. Students, faculty, staff, and alumni – living the Lynchburg ideal every day. This is evident as we continue to work and study through the pandemic. While the spread of the coronavirus around the country has yet to peak, we are looking to the day when the curve flattens and we can begin thinking about returning to campus.
Despite the many challenges we all face, there are a lot of good things happening. Here are just a few:
Vice President for Business and Finance, Steve Bright, held a town hall video call with staff yesterday where he announced the University’s plan to take advantage of the Employee Retention Tax Credit. This will allow us to continue to pay our non-exempt (hourly) staff. They will not experience a lapse in pay or benefit coverage while we await reopening and a return to normalcy.
This is particularly important for our staff who cannot work remotely such as housekeeping, food service, groundskeeping, and physical plant. The University does not contract for these services as many schools do. Rather, we maintain staff in these critical areas and all employees are valued members of the community.
We have a survey out now asking members of the Class of 2020 about possible dates as we plan to reschedule Commencement once it is safe to reopen campus. If you are in the graduating class, please look for another email and be sure to complete the survey.
Our Doctor of Medical Science Program (DMSc) held an early virtual graduation ceremony this week for students who have completed their degree requirements as of April 1.
Through video messages, President Ken Garren and Dr. Jeremy Welsh, who directs the program, conferred DMSc degrees upon 37 students. The students — and in many cases, their employers — requested an earlier graduation date so they can get to work during this time of crisis. Many are already treating patients with COVID-19, and the DMSc credential will help them make a greater, positive impact on patients and health care systems.
The Spiritual Life Center continues to offer support to the community. Lynchburg Cares provides financial assistance to students and staff in need and welcomes donations to support the fund. The Lynchburg Crisis Response Fund provides technology support for online instruction, student, faculty, and staff support, and broader support to the greater Lynchburg area. And, the Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges (VFIC) has created the COVID-19 Emergency Assistance Fund to provide short-term relief for undergraduate students impacted financially by the pandemic.
This is the time of year when we share student success stories, particularly about our graduating seniors as they prepare for careers and graduate school. Westover Honors Fellows are always among those success stories. 2019 Sommerville Scholar Hiatt O’Connor, a Westover Fellow and Bonner Leader, has done some great things in his time at Lynchburg.
There has also been a great deal of interaction through social media. Faculty and staff working at home with children and pets; lonely squirrels on the Dell and, just this morning, a command performance by our talented faculty and staff to celebrate Un-Give Day.
Of course, we know it’s not been easy. Remember that everyone at the University is here to help all members of our community. Please continue to reach out with questions and concerns. Stay connected, continue to support one another, and share your stories and experiences. A contact list of key offices is available on our COVID-19 web page.
President-elect Alison Morrison-Shetlar has some encouraging words from her home in North Carolina where she has been planning her move to Lynchburg.
A final reminder – practice social distancing, stay home, stay safe, and stay connected. Talk with one another and ask for help if you need it.
Sincerely,
Michael J. Jones
Associate Vice President, University Communications and Marketing
The emergency fund will help students at 15 VFIC member institutions, including the University of Lynchburg, “mitigate any adverse financial consequences resulting from the ongoing health care crisis,” according to a VFIC press release.
“As events unfolded, our presidents canceled athletic events, classes, graduation ceremonies; they wisely closed their schools for the academic year,” said Matt Shank, president of the VFIC, in the press release. “Their quick action helped protect students. The quick response of our executive committee and staff has done the same.”
In addition to the University of Lynchburg, VFIC members include Bridgewater College, Emory & Henry College, Hampden-Sydney College, Hollins University, Mary Baldwin University, Marymount University, Randolph College, Randolph-Macon College, Roanoke College, Shenandoah University, Sweet Briar College, University of Richmond, Virginia Wesleyan University, and Washington and Lee University. Together, these schools educate more than 29,000 students, 24,000 of whom are undergraduates.
After inviting proposals from all 15 schools that explained the financial needs of their students, the VFIC will provide $33,333 in emergency funding for each institution by April 15.
There are some caveats. The funding must be used to support undergraduate students impacted financially by the crisis. That could include covering the cost of shelter for foster, homeless, and international students, or facilitating transportation for students returning home. Funds may also help students pay for shipping personal belongings home, as well as providing storage.
Schools must use their funds by Aug. 15 and submit a report detailing how they allocated their funds, and the impact the money had on students.
“We believe that each day brings us closer to resolving the medical aspect of this crisis,” Shank said. “But the financial impact is another matter. Unexpected expenses, not to mention unanticipated unemployment, can have a long-term financial effect on students and their families, as well as the communities they call home.
“The VFIC intends to stand in the gap. Through this funding, we can create some financial stability in the lives of our students and encourage them to look to the future with hope.”
For more information, contact Shank at 804.288.6609 or shank@vfic.org.
For almost 20 years, the Spiritual Life Center has managed the Lynchburg Cares Fund, which offers financial support to faculty, staff, and students of the University community in times of emergency and crisis.
As you may know, this fund is supported by the generosity of our faculty and staff, and recently we received additional donations from Dr. Garren as well as the Virginia Foundation of Independent Colleges. These donations will allow us an opportunity to particularly help our staff who will not receive a paycheck or have reduced pay during this time.
IF YOU ARE A NON-EXEMPT STAFF MEMBER IN NEED OF ASSISTANCE, we would ask that you please complete THE LYNCHBURG CARES ASSISTANCE FORM and one of our chaplains will be in touch with you soon. Priority will be given to those non-exempt staff members who are not receiving paychecks and, secondarily, those who are receiving a reduced paycheck. At this time, all requests will be limited at $500 (some exceptions may be available).
FOR THOSE WHO WOULD LIKE TO DONATE TO THE LYNCHBURG CARES FUND, you can now DONATE ONLINE. We realize that for some people within our community, this is an opportunity to give back to our community. Although any amount donated is helpful, due to the circumstances facing our community, we are asking you to be radically generous during this time, if you are able.
Your donation will make a tangible difference in the lives of our staff and students. This is our time to care for the Hive, to be a community that takes care of one another, and 100% of your donation will go directly to our staff and students in need. Please donate today.
Finally, all of our chaplains are here (virtually) to support you in any way you might need. If you need a place to process, talk, or pray, you can schedule a time to meet with us and we can talk more.
From all of us in the Spiritual Life Center, may you have peace, may you have calm, and may you know it always is a great day to be a Hornet.
Spiritual Life Center
March 2020
I hope this message finds you well and that you are adjusting to studying from afar. This has been a challenging time with many unknowns and many unanswered questions. One question that I know has been top of mind is about refunds for room and board fees. President Garren has approved a 50% credit for room and board as well as the processing of the credit to students. I have outlined details of the credit below.
We were at the midpoint of the spring semester when the emerging pandemic led to our decision to have all residential students move home for the remainder of the academic year. We feel this credit is equitable and I do hope it proves to be helpful to students and families. What follows details a credit for those students who resided in University housing and/or purchased a meal plan.
University of Lynchburg Credit for Room and Board
The University of Lynchburg will provide a 50% credit for room and board for the Spring 2020 semester. Students on the Hornet declining balance meal plan will have their remaining balances credited to their account for use in the fall semester. Although the undergraduate handbook states that refunds will not be granted if there is a recess of classes due to a pandemic, the severity of the current crisis and the hardships placed upon students and families make the provision of an appropriate credit the correct action for the University.
Credits will be issued with the following guidelines:
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- Continuing students will have the 50% room and board cost credited to their account for Fall 20/21. The existing balance of the Hornet declining balance plan will be pushed to the fall.
- Seniors will have the 50% room and board cost credited to their account, and will receive a refund for any positive balance on their account after May 18, 2020. Existing Hornet meal plan balances will be part of the credit to their accounts.
- Students transferring or withdrawing from the institution after the Spring 2020 semester will be able to receive a refund for any positive balance on their account after May 18, 2020.
- The processing of credits or refunds will not occur until after May 18 or until the student accounts staff is able to return to campus, whichever is later. The University of Lynchburg will follow state and federal guidelines relative to gatherings and temporary business closures related to COVID-19, in order to protect its staff, the campus community, and the general public. Students should expect that processing the credits will take a few weeks.
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Please contact the University’s Business Office at 434.544.8606 or ochs@lynchburg.edu if you have questions about the room and board credit.
On behalf of President Garren and all of the faculty and staff at the University, I thank you for your patience and I look forward to the day when we will all be back on campus.
Regards,
Steve Bright
Vice President for Business and Finance
As we close out this first week of online classes, please consider a virtual fist bump or pat on the back to your fellow students, faculty, colleagues, and friends for a job well done. We made it through this first week apart and we’ll make it through the pandemic — together.
The University continues to work to ensure students’ success for the remainder of the semester and for a return to campus as the situation allows. Residential students were informed today that credits are forthcoming for unused room and board. The proposed pass-fail option for this semester’s courses is being considered now, as are possible dates for rescheduling Commencement. Information will be forthcoming.
Please remember that you may reach key offices by phone and email. A contact list has been published on the COVID-19 web page. Faculty and staff are working remotely but stand ready to help you in any way we can.
Dean of Students and Vice President for Student Development Aaron Smith has some encouraging words to end the week in this video.
Remember, practice social distancing, stay home, stay safe, and stay connected. Talk with one another and ask for help if you need it.
Sincerely,
Dean Aaron Smith
We continue to marvel at the patience, resilience, and compassion all have shown one another in these trying times. While the spread of the virus around the country remains a grave concern, we hope that your personal situations — working and studying from home — improve with each passing day.
In communicating about the many challenges we face as the pandemic continues, we have employed the phrase “new normal” to describe the situation. Professor Robin Bates, chair of the English Department, shared her students’ reaction to this phrase: “Nothing about this is normal” and “New normal? Like, forever? Noooooo.”
Thanks to Professor Bates and her students for pointing out the big impact a few small words can have in this difficult time. Moving forward, we’re dropping this phrase from our vocabulary.
As you reconnect with colleagues, professors, friends, and classmates, share your thoughts on how best to describe what we are going through as a learning community. We also want to hear about your feelings as you adjust to our temporary online life. Remember that you may reach key offices by phone and email. A contact list has been published on the COVID-19 web page.
A few updates: The Academic Achievement Center has compiled a growing list of resources that includes information for advising, students with disabilities, and mentoring — to name just a few. The University continues to discuss refunds for student room and board charges as well as possible dates for commencement. Information will be shared as decisions are made in the coming week.
A few reminders: The Spiritual Life Center is offering support to the community in a variety of ways. Lynchburg Cares provides financial assistance to students and staff in need and welcomes donations to support the fund. Spiritual Life has also published a Virtual Programming Schedule. Regular updates will be shared on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. Also, please continue to check the COVID-19 web page for updates and resource information.
Provost Allison Jablonski shares her thoughts and support in this video. Tomorrow, look for a message from Dean of Students Aaron Smith.
Remember, practice social distancing, stay home, stay safe, and stay connected. Talk with one another and ask for help if you need it.
Be well,
Provost Jablonski
As our students and faculty prepare to resume classes tomorrow, I wanted to reach out again to assure you that the University is doing all that we can to support our community in this trying time. It is my sincere hope that the “new normal” we begin experiencing tomorrow and in the coming weeks will be short-lived and that we will all be able to return to campus soon.
Faculty and staff have been working tirelessly to move instruction online and to provide support services to ensure our students’ success.
We have had to keep the University’s long-term well-being in the heart of making some incredibly difficult decisions in laying off some of our non-exempt staff. We are trying to support our colleagues in continuing to fully pay their healthcare, allowing them to continue with their degrees here free of charge, and encouraging them to seek additional support through the Lynchburg Cares Fund. We are also looking for additional ways to increase the support available through this fund. We hope when this crisis passes that they will be able to rejoin us.
Part of our financial discussions have been centered on the issue of refunds to students and families for room and board. We plan to have a decision on refunds within the next week.
Our Student Development and Residence Life teams continue to assist students as they transition home and I know that families appreciate their round-the-clock support in these difficult days.
Over the next few days, I will be reaching out to you with news and support as we continue to deal with the ongoing spread of the virus. You will also hear from Provost Allison Jablonski; Vice President for Business and Finance, Steve Bright; and Vice President for Student Development and Dean of Students, Aaron Smith.
I know they join me in wishing you and your families the very best in the days ahead.
I urge you to visit the COVID-19 page on the University’s web site where you will find daily updates, important contact information, and Frequently Asked Questions. The FAQ page also allows for additional questions that we will address as they are received.
In closing, please know that we are in this together and, by staying together as the Lynchburg Family, we will get through this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Kenneth R. Garren
President, University of Lynchburg
Service Window Extended Hours:
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- Friday, March 20: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Saturday, March 21: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Sunday, March 22: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Monday, March 23: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Tuesday, March 24: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
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Beginning Wednesday, March 25, 2020 Mail Services will begin to implement the following procedures:
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- First Class U.S.P.S. (United States Postal Service) mail will be redirected to the home address on file for each student
- First Class U.S.P.S. mail with Ancillary Service Endorsements:
- Address Service Requested provides forwarding and address correction services to the sender. If unable to redirect, this mail will be returned to the sender marked with the students address on file.
- Change Service Requested provides address correction services without forwarding or return. If unable to deliver, either the new address or the reason it is not able to be delivered is provided to the sender.
- Return Service Requested provides address correction services and always returned to sender.
- Standard / Non-profit U.S.P.S. mail (typically advertisements) per U.S.P.S. regulations are not eligible for redirection and will be discarded
- Packages delivered to the university via U.S.P.S., FedEx, and U.P.S. (United Parcel Service) will be redirected to the home address on file for each student.
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If you have any questions, please contact us at mailservices@lynchburg.edu.
United Way Resources: Call #211 for assistance
This is the best place to start. The list contains resources for:
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- Utility relief, housing, unemployment, internet, education, automotive
- Many utilities are delaying disconnections and not charging late fees.
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United Way Worldwide Launches COVID-19 Community Response and Recovery Fund
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- Unemployment
- Emergency housing for quarantine
- Local tax deferment
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- Groceries and emergency Food
- 2420 Memorial Ave., Lynchburg
- Call for an appointment 434.845.8468
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Lynchburg City School Lunch Distribution
Information About City Policy Changes
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- Water and sewer
- Parking meters
- Library waiving late fees
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Coronavirus Centra Information
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- Hotline: 434.200.1225
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Mortgage deferment (information coming)
After much deliberation, we have decided that classes will be conducted online for the remainder of the spring semester — there will be no resumption of in-person instruction on campus. The Commencement Exercises, scheduled for May 15 will be rescheduled at a later date.
Online classes will begin this Monday, March 23.
These difficult decisions are our only options as the rapid spread of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) poses such a tremendous risk to our students, faculty, and staff.
It is clear that the virus will not have abated by the end of the semester and we want to allow our community to prepare for the longer term. Thus, we are announcing our plans today, rather than waiting until the first week of April, as previously announced.
Discussions are ongoing regarding our eventual return to campus. Alternative plans for celebrating the Class of 2020’s commencement will be developed in consultation with the senior class officers. Commencement will likely occur at a dedicated time in early fall.
I know that this is a terribly difficult time for all of us. Please be assured that faculty and staff are doing everything we can to ensure our students’ successful completion of classes. Likewise, we are doing all that we can to support our dedicated staff and faculty in this trying time.
As you can clearly see, the situation here on campus and nationwide is very fluid. We will be reaching out regularly with updates. Please be sure to reference the COVID-19 web page for updated information.
Please know that we are all in this together. Be safe.
Sincerely,
Kenneth R. Garren
President, University of Lynchburg
As always, many library resources are available online self-service at any time of day or night using University of Lynchburg credentials to authenticate for access.
libraryguides.lynchburg.edu/knight-capron-library
The Knight-Capron Library building will be closed beginning on Saturday, March 21.
All library services will move online beginning at 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 22.
Available services will include:
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- Online chat assistance through our website during regular business hours
- Monday-Thursday: 8 a.m. – midnight
- Friday: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Saturday: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Sunday: 1 p.m. – midnight
- Online chat assistance through our website during regular business hours
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- Online Reference: Includes research assistance in real time and research appointments with screen share/Zoom capabilities. Schedule an appointment.
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- Online Instruction: Information literacy instruction will be available through request using our form. Professors, please include information about where your class will meet digitally, and remember to invite the librarian to your Google Hangout Meet or Zoom session.
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- Online Self-service: Resources include tutorials, research guides, and FAQ
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- Interlibrary Loan: Users may request articles as normal, using the online form at 3031.account.worldcat.org/profile. Library staff will attempt to fill book requests with ebook versions, but some titles will not be available. Requests for audiovisual material cannot be filled until further notice.
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How to contact us:
Library staff will be monitoring email during their regular work hours, please address questions to ask@lynchburg.libanswers.com.
In this email, there will be no link to the CDC or the WHO, but a simple reminder to breathe, rest, and avoid getting overwhelmed. In many ways, we are now all functioning in an odd place for Americans. Our heritage of being individualists and free to do what we choose is always balanced with the Common Good, but even more so in times of crisis and crisis preparation. Do you rush to get your share of supplies? Do you rush to protect what is yours? Do you isolate or check on your neighbors?
It’s plain hard. We are all worried… about almost everything. Nothing is normal. We also recognize this is quite a disruption and interruption to our lives as a campus community. The plans, hopes, and dreams we all had for the semester are now going to look different. And, let’s be honest, that’s a lot to process and it brings up a lot of emotions and thoughts.
Your Chaplains want to offer you a place to reflect and celebrate community even when we cannot be in large groups as well as provide you with a digital space to process everything that is going on in our world right now. We pride ourselves on being a family here so we need to continue to interact.
Wednesday morning at 11 a.m., we invite you to gather virtually to be with us for a time of prayer. You can join us by ZOOM or Instagram Live from wherever you are. If you would like to virtually chat with a Chaplain individually, please fill out this form to schedule an appointment and we will be in contact with you.
Finally, take a moment: Notice your breathing. Take a deep breath in and out. When everything swirls around in our minds and it seems like you can’t slow it down… take a breath, notice your breath, count your breathing. Breathe, enjoy this moment. Trust all will be well.
Blessings,
Your Chaplains: Katrina, Nathan, Jeremy, and Stephanie
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- Active Minds: Coping and Staying Emotionally Well During Covid-19-related School Closures
- CDC: Manage Anxiety and Stress
- Shine: Care for Your Coronavirus Anxiety
- The Conversation: 7 Science-based Strategies to Cope with Coronavirus Anxiety
- Verywell Mind: How to Cope with Anxiety About Coronavirus (COVID-19)
- Vox: What to do if you have OCD, anxiety, or depression during the coronavirus crisis.
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I hope you are doing well. I am writing to update you on mental health supports available to you while you are away. First, and foremost, if you feel you can not keep yourself safe or feel you are in danger of hurting someone else, please go directly to your nearest emergency room or call 911.
If you had a previously ongoing session scheduled (meaning you have already been seen by a counselor face to face and you and the counselor scheduled a follow up session currently on the calendar), your counselor will contact you at some point during the next seven days to work with you to determine your best available therapeutic support. If you did not have a session already scheduled, we will not be able to honor any new intakes until the University is back in session face to face. However, we do want to remind you of our online self-help option through TAO. Using this website you can complete various self assessments and, based on your responses, the program will recommend modules for you to complete.
The following is a list of mental health and virus update resources for you while you are away:
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- Virginia Department of Health (VDH): COVID-19 information
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): COVID-19 information
- Crisis Text Line: Text 741741
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1.800.273.8255
- National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline: 1.800.656.HOPE (4673) or online chat
- Sexual Assault Response Program (SARP) (Local to Lynchburg): 1.888.947.7273
- Domestic Violence Prevention Program (Lynchburg): 1.888.528.1041
- Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ+): 1.866.488.7386
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We encourage you to follow all recommendations for social distancing and personal hygiene. We look forward to seeing you again when you return.
Best wishes,
Tara Nunley, LPC
Clinical Director
Counseling Services
University of Lynchburg
O: 434.544.8616
Special COVID-19 Internet Connection Deals or Plans
Comcast Internet Essentials: Must qualify as “low income.” Other qualification criteria also apply, see website for details. First 2 months free, then may cancel or continue at regular cost (Currently $9.95/month + tax). May also qualify for low cost desktop or laptop computer (Currently $150).
AT&T Access: low-cost wireline home Internet service to qualifying households, $5-$10/month + tax
Cox Cable: Limited-time, first month free of Connect2Compete service, $9.95/month thereafter. Until May 12, 2020, we are providing phone and remote desktop support through Cox Complete Care at no charge. Resources for discounted, refurbished equipment through our association with PCs for People.
Charter Communications/Spectrum: will offer free Spectrum broadband and Wi-Fi access for 60 days to households with K-12 and/or college students who do not already have a Spectrum broadband subscription and at any service level up to 100 Mbps. To enroll call 1.844.488.8395. Installation fees will be waived for new student households.
Sprint: Coming soon, customers with metered data plans will receive unlimited data per month for 60 days (a minimum of two bill cycles) at no extra cost. Sprint will provide customers with an additional 20GB of mobile hotspot data per month for 60 days (a minimum of two bill cycles) at no extra cost. Customers with mobile hotspot-capable handsets who don’t have mobile hotspot today will now get 20GB as well per month for 60 days (a minimum of two bill cycles) at no extra cost.
Verizon: Although it appears at this time that Verizon is not making any concessions that will directly benefit the our community, the link has been included for convenience in the event that Verizon updates their COVID-19 response plans to include such concessions.
T-Mobile: Is removing smartphone data caps for all customers, adding more hotspot data, free calling to severely impacted countries, free shipping and more. They plan to expand capacity for customers with compatible devices for 60 days by deploying 600 MHz spectrum from multiple companies. They’re also expanding roaming access for Sprint customers to use the T-Mobile network.
On March 3, the University notified the campus community that all international University-sponsored travel and study abroad programs during spring break were canceled. Effective March 12, the University has canceled all international University-sponsored travel and study abroad programs during the summer. We have notified affected faculty program leaders and students. We are reassessing the global situation in early April. If travel restrictions have been removed, we will consider resuming programs later in the summer, if feasible.
This decision was made after careful analysis of the rapidly evolving situation, the recommendation issued by the Center for Disease Control on March 1st that universities should reconsider study abroad travel, and the U.S. Department of State Global Level 3 Health Advisory. Our main goal is to ensure the health and safety of our students, faculty, staff, and their families.
The University will refund all payments made towards University-sponsored international programs over spring break and summer. We assure you the Financial Aid Office will work to ensure that students’ 2019-20 financial aid is not negatively affected. The Office of the Provost is working with college deans and departments to make sure there are alternative options and accommodations made to ensure this does not affect students’ academic progress.
We have been in regular communication with students who are currently abroad on outside programs. Program providers are working to develop online learning solutions wherever possible so that students’ can continue their coursework in the event of program cancellation. Effective March 12, 2020 Lynchburg students studying abroad in France and Spain have been notified by their program providers that their programs have been canceled and they will return to the U.S. no later than March 19, 2020.
Please refer to a list of FAQs regarding this on the Lynchburg Study Abroad Webpage.
Kenneth R. Garren
President, University of Lynchburg
We have received inquiries and concerns from several faculty regarding next week’s training in preparation for delivering our courses online. These trainings are very important as we try and standardize the minimum experience expected for each student during this unique situation. But we do understand there are definite exceptions.
In response, here is the newest update.
Face to face sessions will still be offered at the 10 times:
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- Monday 16, 9-11 and 1-3
- Tuesday 17, 9-11 and 1-3
- Wednesday 18, 10-12 and 2-4
- Thursday 19, 9-11 and 1-3
- Friday 20, 9-11 and 1-3
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During these face-to-face trainings room capacity has been capped at 14. And Environmental services will be doing a deep clean in these three rooms every evening. If you have not signed up for the face to face training please click here.
We will also be offering on Wednesday and Thursday an online version of this training. This will be capped to 10 participants and should really be reserved for faculty at the highest risk (immunocompromised, self-isolating, etc..) and those with child care issues. If the need exceeds the 40 seats offered at this time we will reevaluate and offer an additional section.
The online training times will be:
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- Wednesday 18, 10-12 and 2-4
- Thursday 19, 9-11 and 1-3
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To sign up for the Online offering please click here.
Lastly, please understand that this is an extremely fluid situation and we are trying to ensure that we are meeting the needs of our students as best we can.
Charley Butcher
Director of Instructional Technology
Ext: 8017
The Knight-Capron Library building will be open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. March 16-20 and will be closed beginning Saturday, March 21. All library services will move online beginning at 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 22.
Available services will include:
Online chat assistance through our website during regular business hours
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- Monday – Thursday 8 a.m. – Midnight
- Friday 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Saturday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Sunday 1 p.m. – Midnight
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Online reference, including research assistance in real time and research appointments with screenshare/Zoom capabilities. Schedule an appointment.
Online instruction in information literacy will be available through request using our form. Professors, please include information about where your class will meet digitally, and remember to invite the librarian to your Google Hangout Meet or Zoom session.
Online self-service such as tutorials, research guides, and FAQ
Interlibrary loan:
Users may request articles as normal, using the online form at https://3031.account.worldcat.org/profile. Library staff will attempt to fill book requests with ebook versions, but some titles will not be available. Requests for audiovisual material cannot be filled until further notice.
How to contact us:
Library staff will be monitoring email during their regular work hours, please address questions to ask@lynchburg.libanswers.com.
I am writing with another important update and reminders about the University of Lynchburg’s ongoing response to COVID-19 (coronavirus).
A reminder of our current situation at the University:
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- Spring break has been extended by one week; we WILL NOT return for classes March 16. Classes currently offered online will continue as scheduled.
- As of Monday, March 16, students are not to return to campus and will continue their coursework remotely; faculty are prepared to deliver all instruction remotely.
- Faculty and staff are required to report as usual on Monday, March 16, to finalize planning to support online delivery of instruction and ensure students can continue to work toward completion of their current classes.
- On Monday, March 23, all spring classes will resume and be moved exclusively to online delivery for the foreseeable future.
- Faculty and staff are required to report as usual on Monday, March 16, to finalize planning to support online delivery of instruction and ensure students can continue to work toward completion of their current classes.
- Faculty and staff facing childcare challenges as a result of the statewide closing of K-12 schools should contact their chair or immediate supervisor.
- Beginning Monday, March 23, all faculty and staff — with the exception of essential personnel — will begin working remotely and should not report to campus.
- As of Monday, March 16, all scheduled events are canceled. This includes all athletic events.
- We will reassess in early April.
- Please monitor your email, text messaging, LiveSafe, and lynchburg.edu/covid-19 for information.
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Important travel guidelines:
At this time there is evidence that COVID-19 is spreading in most regions and has been characterized as a pandemic by the World Health Organization.
Members of the University community — students, faculty, and staff — must adhere to the following CDC recommendations. Anyone who has travelled to an area with a CDC Warning Level 3 (China, Iran, South Korea, and most of Europe) or domestic travel to an area of widespread community transmission (Santa Clara, California; Seattle, Washington; New Rochelle, New York) must:
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- Stay home for 14 days from the time you return from travel
- The CDC recommends that everyone:
- Monitor your health and practice social distancing. Social distancing means staying out of crowded places, avoiding group gatherings, and maintaining distance (approximately 6 feet or 2 meters) from others when possible.
- If you get sick with fever (100.4°F/38°C or higher), cough, or have trouble breathing:
- Seek medical advice. Call ahead before going to a doctor’s office or emergency room.
- Tell your doctor about your recent travel and your symptoms.
- Avoid contact with others.
- Faculty and staff should contact their chair or supervisor, should they become ill.
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A final reminder, if you have direct contact with anyone who has coronavirus, or if you develop any symptoms of respiratory illness, report your situation to your dean, supervisor, or the Student Health Center (434.544.8357) and seek medical treatment.
Please monitor your email, LiveSafe/text messages and lynchburg.edu/covid-19 for updates. We will be communicating regularly as plans are finalized.
This is a very trying time and I appreciate your many efforts to ensure the safety of all who call the University of Lynchburg home.
Sincerely,
Kenneth R. Garren
President, University of Lynchburg
Should you have any questions, please contact Kara Douglas, Career and Internship Counselor, at douglas_kn@lynchburg.edu or 434.544.8459 or your faculty supervisor.
Student Teaching Seminar: The Student Teaching Seminar scheduled for March 23 has been cancelled.
Students in Field Experience: Options and/or accommodations have been provided to students enrolled in field experiences. Each student engaged in a field experience has received an email outlining how credit will be obtained.
Students in Practicums (EDUC 440 and SPED 445): Options and/or accommodations have been provided for students enrolled in a practicum experience. Each student has received an email outlining requirements.
Teachers of Promise: This event scheduled to be held in Richmond has been cancelled.
Teachers for Tomorrow: Students in this dual enrollment course were scheduled to be on-campus for a lecture in March. The lecture has been cancelled, but this will not affect the student’s grade in the course.
Schewel Lecture and Related Events: The Schewel Lecture, scheduled for March 19, has been cancelled. All related events including the reception, dinner, meeting with science faculty and leaders, and the student activity have also been cancelled.
Teaching and Learning PLC for Teacher-Candidates: The Professional Learning Community event for teacher-candidates has been cancelled.
CVCC Transfer Fair: The CVCC Transfer Fair scheduled for March 24 has been cancelled.
Comprehensive Exams for Master’s Students: Comprehensive exams scheduled for March have been postponed. Additional information will be forthcoming.
Dissertation Defenses: Students scheduled to defend either their proposal or dissertation should contact their dissertation chair. All efforts will be made to conduct these events as scheduled. It may be necessary to change the location of the defense, but this will occur in consultation with the chair.
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- All University of Lynchburg undergraduate residential facilities are closed as of 9 a.m. on Monday, March 16, 2020, until further notice.
- All students currently approved to be on campus for spring break must vacate their residence and depart campus by 9 a.m. on Monday, March 16, 2020. This includes student-athletes currently on campus.
- Students that have been pre-approved to return early from spring break are no longer approved to be in their residence.
- Students who need to return to campus to pick up items related to their course work (text books, laptops, etc.) can do so Monday, March 16, Tuesday, March 17, and Wednesday, March 18, 2020 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Students who return to campus for this purpose must check in with Campus Safety and Security (1st floor, Hall Campus Center) or the Office of Housing and Residence Life (1st floor, Hundley Hall). Students will be escorted to gather essential items and will not be permitted to remain in their residence. No students will be able to remain on campus overnight.
- In the event a student requires campus housing during the time period that residential facilities are closed, the student must complete an Early Arrival / Late Departure Form through my.lynchburg.edu by Monday, March 16, 2020 at 9 a.m. All requests will be reviewed by a committee from the Office of the Dean of Students and the Office of Housing and Residence Life. Students should provide significant detail about why they must remain on campus. Only extenuating circumstances will be considered and approved.
- Students that are approved to remain on campus will be relocated to a consolidated location, which will result in temporary housing and roommate assignments.
- The Office of Housing and Residence Life will continue the Fall 2020 Housing Sign Up Processes online, based on the dates provided on the website. Students are expected to check emails from residencelife@lynchburg.edu for more information on these processes.
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Kristen N. Cooper
Associate Dean of Students
cooper.k@lynchburg.edu
434.544.8320
I am writing with an important update on our ongoing response to COVID-19 (coronavirus), which has now been elevated to a worldwide pandemic. As the situation unfolds nationwide, I recognize the uncertainties and the possible risks here in our own community. I have decided to err on the side of extreme caution to keep our campus safe. I know that many of you are worried as you prepare to resume classes next week and I want to share our immediate plans to ensure your health and well-being.
Effective immediately:
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- Spring break will be extended by one week; we WILL NOT return for classes March 16.
- On Monday, March 23, all spring classes will resume and be moved exclusively to online delivery for the foreseeable future.
- Students are not to return to campus and will continue their coursework remotely; faculty are prepared to deliver all instruction remotely.
- Faculty and staff are required to report as usual on Monday, March 16, to finalize planning to support online delivery of instruction and ensure students can continue to work toward completion of their current classes.
- Beginning Monday, March 23, all faculty and staff — with the exception of essential personnel — will begin working remotely and will not be required to be on campus.
- As of Monday, March 16, all scheduled events are canceled. Spring athletic events will be interrupted through at least April 3. For updates, follow lynchburgsports.com
- We will reassess in early April.
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Clearly, these decisions will cause disruption and challenges for us all. Given the current situation and the rapid progression of the virus, I feel we are taking the most prudent steps. There has not been a confirmed case of the virus on campus or in the Lynchburg region, and the risk to our community remains low. Medical authorities have noted that it’s best to work on prevention in our community before the first case is recorded.
As we’ve prepared for all possible scenarios, we’ve been focused on a few key priorities: ensuring the health and well-being of our students, faculty, staff, and community-at-large; helping to stem the spread of the virus; and continuing our ongoing teaching, learning, and scholarship. We’ll advance our priorities by limiting the number of people who gather on campus each day.
Some specific information for members of our community:
Students:
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- You are not permitted to return to campus until further notice. The University will make accommodations for students who must retrieve important belongings from campus such as computers, books, and other course materials. Details about how to do so will be forthcoming.
- We understand that a small number of students will find it impossible to go home, whether for financial reasons or because they reside in a country where the virus has resulted in unsafe travel. Additional information will be provided in follow-up email to residential students.
- Faculty and staff are working diligently to ensure that you can meet all of your academic requirements remotely. You will be hearing from deans and professors over the next several days with details about your classes, including any clinical, experiential, performance-based, or studio learning that may require alternative arrangements.
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Faculty:
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- All faculty will be hearing from the provost and deans soon with more details about moving classes online.
- The Teaching and Learning Center (T&LC) and Information Technology & Resources (ITR) have been working together on the necessary resources to allow you to deliver all of your instructional materials online.
- Faculty are asked to return to campus next week to prepare for the transition to online delivery of classes.
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Staff:
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- At present, staff should report to work as usual.
- Staff with questions or concerns about their workplaces and the possibility of working remotely should speak with their supervisors. Should you become ill, please be cautious and stay home.
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Events:
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- Effective Monday, March 16, and until further notice, all university-sponsored events are canceled. This includes intercollegiate athletic events.
- Spring athletic events will be interrupted through at least April 3. For updates, follow lynchburgsports.com
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You can expect regular updates from the University via email, LiveSafe/Text, and the University’s website: lynchburg.edu. Currently, all information related to COVID-19 is on the Student Health Center web page. As plans for the coming days and weeks come together, the pages will be updated regularly.
Finally, and very importantly, if you have direct contact with anyone who has coronavirus, or if you develop any symptoms of respiratory illness, report your situation to your dean, supervisor, or the Student Health Center (434.544.8357) and seek medical treatment.
I thank you all for your support in this challenging time and I know that we will get through this together.
Sincerely,
Kenneth R. Garren
President, University of Lynchburg
I am writing to share the most current information available on COVID-19 (coronavirus) and its potential impact on the members of our community and their families. The health and well-being of our community — students, faculty, and staff — is of the utmost importance and we will continue to monitor the situation and update you as necessary. Please know that officials on campus are meeting daily to stay on top of this quickly evolving situation.
As of this afternoon, there has not been a reported case of COVID-19 at the University or in the Lynchburg region. The Virginia Department of Health has confirmed three cases in northern Virginia. The immediate risk here at the University remains low, but we are being vigilant to prepare for an outbreak.
A team with representation from all areas of the University is meeting regularly to share the latest information, discuss protocols to ensure the health of our community, and plan for various scenarios.
I am in constant contact with this team and we will continue to update you via email, text message, the LiveSafe app, and the University website.
The University, in taking guidance from the CDC, the United States Department of State and the Virginia Department of Health, has put in place the following restrictions for University-related travel:
University-related travel to countries where the CDC has enacted level 2 or 3, or where the State Department has enacted levels 3 or 4, is prohibited without exception. CDC travel guidance related to COVID-19 is available here.
If you travel or have recently traveled to one of these regions, you must follow CDC guidance about self-isolation: stay home for a period of 14 days upon your return to the U.S. and seek medical attention if you experience fever, coughs, or difficulty breathing. Students, if you become ill during break, you must remain at home and monitor for signs of infection (fever, cough, shortness of breath) for a period of 14 days. If this situation applies to you, and you are not returning to campus on time, please notify the Health Center at healthservices@lynchburg.edu or 434.544.8357 to discuss your situation.
University-related domestic travel is currently permitted, but we strongly discourage all University travel (both domestic and international) for non-essential purposes, particularly air travel to large gatherings, and to areas experiencing high numbers of COVID-19 cases, as documented by the CDC. If you must travel, it is your responsibility to take all necessary precautions, including staying abreast of the latest spread of the virus, and considering difficulties you may encounter in returning home, especially when traveling internationally.
These guidelines will be effective immediately and, as we continue to meet, we will re-assess and determine whether these policies will continue.
While these guidelines apply to University-related travel, we ask all members of the community to apply similar judgment in considering personal travel commitments, both internationally and domestically.
With much of our community away on spring break, we are planning for all scenarios upon resuming classes on March 16. In the meantime, all University-sponsored events, will continue as planned during spring break — this is subject to change as the situation demands.
We will write again later in the week with additional updates. At this point in time, we are planning for students to return from break as normal, but we will be implementing protocols to mitigate against the risk of exposure and transmission of the virus, which we will explain in more detail in our next update.
Please know that the University of Lynchburg is doing all in our power to ensure the health and well-being of our community in this uncertain time. We will continue to update you as appropriate.
Sincerely,
Kenneth R. Garren
President, University of Lynchburg
This email provides an update on the University’s ongoing efforts regarding the COVID-19 virus (Novel Coronavirus or 2019-nCoV) and details important information for members of our community as they travel for spring break.
Due to the outbreak of the virus, the University is recommending that you avoid all non-essential travel over spring break. If you must travel during spring break, you are encouraged to monitor travel advisories from the Department of State and the CDC.
If you travel to a country with a CDC Level 2 or 3 travel health advisory (currently China, South Korea, Italy, Japan, and Iran) or are in close contact with someone with a confirmed case of COVID-19, you may not return to the University of Lynchburg campus or facilities for 14 days.
During that time, you must remain at home and monitor for signs of infection (fever, cough, shortness of breath) for a period of 14 days. If this situation applies to you, and you are not returning to campus after spring break, please notify the Health Center at healthservices@lynchburg.edu or 434.544.8357 to discuss your situation.
Please refer to the CDC’s travel information card for additional information. For the most up-to-date travel information, please refer to the CDC website.
This email provides an update on the University’s ongoing efforts regarding the COVID-19 virus (Novel Coronavirus or 2019-nCoV). To date, there are no confirmed cases of the virus in Virginia, and the risk to our campus community remains low.
Due to the outbreak of the virus, the University is recommending that you avoid all non-essential travel over spring break. If you must travel during spring break, you are encouraged to monitor travel advisories from the Department of State and the CDC. As for the University of Lynchburg-sponsored trips over spring break, we have examined the risks of international and domestic travel and decided to cancel the trip to Germany and Switzerland out of an abundance of caution. The trips to Guatemala and Colorado will go as planned.
The global coronavirus outbreak is a major concern for anyone considering international travel at this time. As of March 3, the CDC has issued a Level 3, Avoid Nonessential Travel notice for China, Iran, Italy, and South Korea. A Level 2, Practice Enhanced Precautions notice has been issued for Japan, and a Watch Level 1 has been issued for Hong Kong. The CDC also recommends that all travelers reconsider cruise ship voyages to or within Asia. This is a rapidly evolving situation, so please refer to the CDC website for the most up-to-date travel information.
Traveling abroad carries a number of potential risks. A country not currently experiencing an outbreak could suddenly be declared a high-risk area, resulting in heightened exposure to the virus, difficulty with departure, immigration barriers in returning to the U.S., and possibly a 14-day self-isolation upon returning. The University strongly recommends not traveling to locations with CDC or State Department Level 3 alerts or higher.
In many countries, there may be new entry and exit control measures, and even quarantines implemented with very little notice during the coming weeks. These actions could severely impact your plans and/or delay your return home with personal cost.
The number of cases in the United States is also increasing. Depending on your destination, you may have to reach difficult decisions to change or even cancel plans to ensure your own well-being and timely return to campus.
The University has canceled summer study abroad trips to Japan and South Korea, and we decided today to cancel the trip to Italy based on travel recommendations from the CDC. If you travel abroad, you may be screened at the airport upon returning to the U.S. and instructed to self-isolate based on your exposure risk. Preferably, we ask that you self-isolate at home. If you are told to self-isolate and plan to return to campus, you must notify campus security prior to your arrival so that appropriate housing can be arranged.
If you are not in an area where COVID-19 is spreading, or if you have not traveled from one of those areas or have not been in close contact with someone who has and is feeling unwell, your chances of getting it are currently low. However, it’s a good idea to get the facts to help you accurately determine your risks so that you can take reasonable precautions. Please visit the following links for more information:
Currently, there is no basis for changing business as usual regarding housing, campus events, and other circumstances under which large groups of people will be gathering. There is no indication for the use of masks by the general public at this time.
The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus. As a reminder, the CDC recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including:
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- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- Get a flu vaccine.
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Students, if you become ill during break, please stay at home until you are symptom free and notify your professors of your absence. If you will be late in returning to campus, please contact the Dean of Students at 434.544.8226.
The University has plans in place to respond to an infectious disease incident. We will continue to monitor and collaborate closely with the Department of Health should there be an occurrence of COVID-19 here on campus. Information and updates will be shared regularly with the campus community.
February 2020
This email provides an update on the University’s ongoing efforts regarding the COVID-19 virus (Novel Coronavirus or 2019-nCoV). To date, there are no confirmed cases of the virus in Virginia, and the risk to our campus community remains low.
If you are not in an area where COVID-19 is spreading, or if you have not traveled from one of those areas or have not been in close contact with someone who has and is feeling unwell, your chances of getting it are currently low. However, it’s understandable that you may feel stressed and anxious about the situation. It’s a good idea to get the facts to help you accurately determine your risks so that you can take reasonable precautions. Please visit the following links for more information:
Currently, there is no basis for changing business as usual regarding housing, campus events, and other circumstances under which large groups of people will be gathering. There is no indication for the use of masks by the general public at this time.
The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, the CDC recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including:
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- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- Get a flu vaccine.
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The global coronavirus outbreak is a major concern for anyone considering international travel at this time. As of February 25, CDC issued a Level 3, Avoid Nonessential Travel notice for China and South Korea. A Level 2, Practice Enhanced Precautions notice has been issued for Japan, Iran, and Italy, and a Watch Level 1 has been issued for Hong Kong. The CDC also recommends that all travelers reconsider cruise ship voyages to or within Asia. This is a rapidly evolving situation, so please refer to the CDC website for the most up-to-date travel information.
Traveling abroad carries a number of potential risks. A country not currently experiencing an outbreak could suddenly be declared a high-risk area, resulting in heightened exposure to the virus, difficulty with departure, immigration barriers in returning to the U.S., and possibly a 14-day self-isolation upon returning. The University strongly recommends not traveling to locations with CDC or State Department Level 3 alerts or higher.
The University has canceled study abroad trips to Japan and South Korea, and we are monitoring the situation in Italy closely. If you travel abroad, you may be screened at the airport upon returning to the U.S. and instructed to self-isolate based on your exposure risk. Preferably, we ask that you self-isolate at home. If you are told to self-isolate and plan to return to campus, you must notify campus security prior to your arrival so that appropriate housing can be arranged.
The University has plans in place to respond to an infectious disease incident. We will continue to monitor and collaborate closely with the Department of Health should there be an occurrence of COVID-19. Information and updates will be shared regularly with the campus community.
This is an update regarding how the University is responding to the coronavirus outbreak. While the risk to our University remains low, the Health Center and administrators throughout the University continue to monitor this evolving situation. We are following recommendations issued by the Virginia Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
To date, there are no suspected cases in the Southwest Health Region of Virginia, which includes Lynchburg, and there are no “confirmed” cases of the virus in Virginia. The Virginia Department of Health has developed a web page to provide updates to Virginians about the Novel Coronavirus. Also, we advise you to check the CDC website for the most up-to-date details and guidance about the virus. Please note the CDC recommends that travelers avoid all nonessential travel to the People’s Republic of China.
Symptoms of the coronavirus are similar to the flu: fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. The best preventative steps for any communicable disease include simple but important measures to practice as part of your daily routine, but especially during flu season.
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- Wash your hands for 20 seconds or more with soapy water.
- Avoid sharing anything that has come in contact with saliva, whether in your living or social environments.
- Cough and sneeze into your elbow or a tissue.
- Get adequate sleep and eat well-balanced meals to ensure a healthy immune system.
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While this is an evolving situation, unless someone has traveled to or from China in the past 14 days or has come in contact with someone infected with the virus, there is little cause for concern. The University will continue to communicate with the community by email if new information becomes available or conditions change.
Sincerely,
Lisa Geier, NP
Director of Health Services
January 2020
In recent days, you’ve likely seen many news reports on the new coronavirus that originated in Wuhan, China. To date, no members of the University community have presented with symptoms of the coronavirus. Also, there are no suspected cases in the Southwest Health Region of Virginia, which includes Lynchburg. However, because the University encourages international travel, we need to be vigilant in case any members of our community may have come into contact with infected individuals in their travels.
The Health Center and administrators throughout the University continue to work closely with partners at the Virginia Department of Health to prepare for, screen, and prevent the spread of illness and keep our community safe. If the situation warrants, we will follow up with additional communication.
The Virginia Department of Health has developed a new web page to provide updates to Virginians about the Novel Coronavirus. Also, we advise you to check the CDC website for the most up-to-date details and guidance about the virus if you are planning international travel.
If you are a student who has recently traveled to Wuhan, or who has possibly come in contact with an infected individual, AND you exhibit any of the following symptoms, please contact the Health Center at 434.544.8357. After hours, contact the security desk at 434.544.5555.
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- Fever
- Shortness of Breath
- Cough
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Also, flu masks are being placed in residence hall lobbies, and we encourage anyone experiencing flu-like symptoms to wear these masks until evaluated by a medical professional.
Similarly, if you are a faculty or staff member with these symptoms and you have traveled to Wuhan, or may have come in contact with an infected individual, you should seek medical assistance through your primary care provider. The best preventative steps for any communicable disease include simple but important measures to practice as part of your daily routine, but especially during flu season.
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- Wash your hands for 20 seconds or more with soapy water.
- Avoid sharing anything that has come in contact with saliva, whether in your living or social environments.
- Cough and sneeze into your elbow or a tissue.
- Get adequate sleep and eat well-balanced meals to ensure a healthy immune system.
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Sincerely,
Dr. Kenneth R. Garren, president
