Update - March 11, 2020
Important Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update
To Members of the Campus Community,
I write to update you on our decision to address how the University of Evansville is responding to the escalating Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. Importantly, let me report that there are no known cases of COVID-19 at the University of Evansville or our study abroad center north of London at Harlaxton College. Our decision is based on the safety and well-being of our students, the University of Evansville community, and our neighbors in the Evansville community.
Over the course of the last few weeks, we have implemented a variety of measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. We have determined that further proactive steps are necessary. We understand that these measures will undoubtedly cause inconvenience and disruption, but the inconvenience and disruption are outweighed by the risks of inaction by the University. I wish to thank our campus community for their patience and collaboration in keeping our campus and community safe.
Face-to-Face Classroom Teaching Temporarily Suspended
We are extending spring break through March 17, 2020. The University will move all courses to online instruction effective Wednesday, March 18. Online instruction will continue at least through Friday, March 27. The University will actively review the situation during this time to determine if and when in-person classes may resume. If necessary, we may extend this alternative learning approach.
The timing of this decision is significant because the University of Evansville is currently on spring break with classes scheduled to resume next week. This decision means that we will not be resuming in-person classes next week at UE. If you are NOT currently at the University, we ask that you please DO NOT RETURN TO CAMPUS. We trust that a decision at this time will provide sufficient time for students and their families to make necessary changes in travel plans.
The University will provide future updates, including how academic instruction will be delivered, and communicate any changes as early as circumstances permit. Students who are participating at practicum sites, student teaching, or clinical rotations should continue until further guidance is provided by their dean’s office.
The University will provide an update by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 13, unless circumstances warrant additional communication.
The University will be providing a separate message regarding operations at Harlaxton College.
Residence Life
All residential students, including those living in fraternity houses and village units, are required to vacate University housing and return to their homes by Monday, March 16. Students should take all textbooks, laptops, and necessary personal belongings, as they will not have access to their residential unit until in-person classes resume.
Students who cannot return home (e.g., international students) will be allowed to remain housed in their assigned residence hall, but must register with the Office of Residence Life.
Food Service
For those residential students who have registered with the Office of Residence Life, indicating they are unable to travel home and will remain in their residence hall, limited dining service will be provided in Café Court. Hours and food options will be limited. Chick-fil-A, Rademacher’s Café, and the Koch Market will be closed until further notice. Ace’s Place will be open during designated dining hours. Papa John’s will still accept AceBucks.
Visitors and Events
In addition, effective immediately and until further notice, we are suspending all University-sponsored non-athletics events and gatherings, including events sponsored by any registered student organizations. Event organizers are responsible for informing guests and attendees that their event has been canceled. This includes outside organizers renting space. We will seek opportunities to enable certain events through live-streaming or other platforms.
This policy is based on current best-practices regarding social distancing as a prevention strategy for disease transmission. We are also reviewing NCAA and conference policies for fan attendance at athletics events and will provide updates as necessary.
We currently plan to celebrate Commencement on May 9, and will continue to keep you informed of any changes.
Other Campus Services
- Advising and registration is open and available online and through remote services.
- All University buildings, including the fitness center and library, will remain closed to students.
- Ridgway University Center will only be open during designated dining hours.
- The Health Center will be open for staff and students on campus who have registered with the Office of Residence Life. Students seeking medical attention for flu-like symptoms should contact their primary care physician or urgent care facility.
International Travel
- University-sponsored or affiliated international travel is suspended until further notice. Personal international travel is strongly discouraged given the associated risks of the inability to return to the United States. Travelers returning from countries designated Level 2 or 3 by the CDC are subject to 14-day self-quarantine off campus upon return.
Domestic Travel
- University-affiliated domestic travel outside Indiana is suspended until further notice. We encourage all members of the campus community to consider using video conferencing or other methods of communication, rather than traveling campus-to-campus or elsewhere to meet in person.
Other than for students returning home, personal travel outside Indiana is also discouraged.
Additional Information
The University has set up this web page to post communications and up-to-date information regarding preventive measures to ensure the health and safety of the members of our community. New information about the COVID-19 is being updated by the CDC website.
All student concerns and questions regarding COVID-19 and potential cases should be directed to the Dean of Students at 812-488-2500 or deanofstudents@evansville.edu. If necessary, the University will work with the Vanderburgh County Health Department and the Indiana State Department of Health to take appropriate action.
We also remind our campus community to follow self-care habits to stay well:
- Wash your hands.
- Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer when you cannot use soap and water.
- Cover your cough.
- Keep your hands away from your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Do not share food or drinks.
- If you get sick, stay home and rest.
We recognize that these actions create significant challenges for students, faculty, staff, and families, and we ask for your understanding as we respond to this unprecedented public health issue. The University will be providing a separate message to all employees regarding continuing University operations.
Together we will collaborate, find solutions, and move forward. Thank you to our teams, including our Coronavirus Task Force, for your support as we highlight the importance of our role in public health and in the community.
Sincerely,
Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz
President
University of Evansville
