University of Saint Francis President Sister M. Elise Kriss, OSF, sent an update to students, faculty and staff today about the latest plans to deal with COVID-19.
Her letter outlines the details:
Dear students, faculty and staff,
As the COVID-19 situation continues to change, USF has made the following decisions in response to this continuing crisis:
• We are extending the online format for classes and labs through the end of the semester. The online format has been very well executed so far. I appreciate how the faculty and students have adjusted so quickly to this change in learning modality. While not easy, this success is due to our dedicated and talented students and to the creativity and flexibility of our faculty. The decision to extend our remote learning for the rest of the semester allows faculty and students to plan how to successfully complete the semester with less interruption.
• We will now close the residence halls. Students will have until 5 p.m. Sunday, March 22, to move out of the residence halls. Those who did not return after spring break may come back during this timeframe and retrieve their belongings. Please contact the residence life staff, if you have any questions.
• In place of the scheduled May 2 Commencement, we will establish an alternative recognition for our graduates. Unfortunately, due to the CDC recommendations related to large gatherings, we will not hold Commencement at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum as scheduled for May 2. We are looking into alternative and meaningful ways to recognize and honor our graduates.
I know these changes are difficult, disruptive and disappointing, but these decisions are in the best interest of the health and welfare of the entire USF community. I ask for your continued support and cooperation as we implement these additional measures to lessen the spread of this virus.
Our campus offices remain open at this time. Staff will continue to conduct our other business operations as usual. We will continue to monitor this situation in connection with local and state agencies.
Please continue to practice the CDC guidelines for social distancing and the other health measures we should all be taking to stay healthy.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers as well as the prayers of all the sisters. Let’s all pray for one another, as well.
Peace, Sister Elise
Sister M. Elise Kriss, OSF
President, University of Saint Francis
More information from USF can be found on the University News page under Coronavirus.
This article was edited March 18 for clarification about Commencement.