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:
- 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.
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:
- 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.
Beginning Wednesday, March 25, 2020 Mail Services will begin to implement the following procedures:
- 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.
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:
- Utility relief, housing, unemployment, internet, education, automotive
- Many utilities are delaying disconnections and not charging late fees.
United Way Worldwide Launches COVID-19 Community Response and Recovery Fund
- Unemployment
- Emergency housing for quarantine
- Local tax deferment
- Groceries and emergency Food
- 2420 Memorial Ave., Lynchburg
- Call for an appointment 434.845.8468
Lynchburg City School Lunch Distribution
Information About City Policy Changes
- Water and sewer
- Parking meters
- Library waiving late fees
Coronavirus Centra Information
- Hotline: 434.200.1225
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:
- 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 Reference: Includes research assistance in real time and research appointments with screen share/Zoom capabilities. Schedule an appointment.
- 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.
- Online Self-service: Resources include tutorials, research guides, and FAQ
- 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.
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
- 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.
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:
- 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
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:
- 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
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:
- Wednesday 18, 10-12 and 2-4
- Thursday 19, 9-11 and 1-3
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
- 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 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:
- 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.
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:
- 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.
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.
- 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.
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:
- 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.
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:
- 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.
Faculty:
- 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.
Staff:
- 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.
Events:
- 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
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:
- Frequently Asked Questions (World Health Organization)
- Virginia Department of Health
- CDC-Coronavirus Disease 2019
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:
- 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.
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:
- World Health Organization: Q&A on Coronaviruses (COVID-19)
- Virginia Department of Health: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
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:
- 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.
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.
- 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.
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.
- Fever
- Shortness of Breath
- Cough
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.
- 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.
Sincerely,
Dr. Kenneth R. Garren, president
