March 19, 2020
An Update from Ursuline College President Sister Christine De Vinne, OSU, PhD
In our Ursuline College response over the past two weeks, you can mark the increasing steps we are taking, at the urging of Gov. DeWine and health agencies, to restrict social interaction and increase time students, faculty, and staff spend sheltered at home.
Today we encourage as many faculty and staff as possible to work from home, to avoid exposing themselves or others to coronavirus. Stay in touch with your dean or supervisor about your projects and progress. If you must come to campus, follow all guidelines for protection. Gov. DeWine strongly recommends taking your temperature before coming to work, to ensure that you do not have a fever; however, as he said in today’s press conference, he knows that thermometers are not readily available. If you have been exposed or have any symptoms, do not come to campus.
The Response Task Force and President’s Council are working to convert the College to an “Mandatory-Only Campus.” We will communicate this plan as soon as possible, with final details to be worked out.
In the meantime
- As of yesterday, Besse Library is operating virtually. See the library webpage and its social media for hours. Take full advantage of the library’s services; its staff stands ready to assist you. Likewise our IT staff offers a full range of virtual services and gladly responds to your requests for help.
- As of today, per the email from bookstore manager Kendra Coreno, the bookstore is now closed to foot traffic but you can reach her via the bookstore website for your needs and orders.
- Food service will end with the close of lunch (1 pm) tomorrow, Friday 20 March.
- A shout-out here to our partners at Metz Culinary, led by Tyler James and his crew, and our partners at Follett Bookstores, led by Kendra, for having served us so loyally through the start of this outbreak. Thank you for being part of our College family.
Prorating Housing & Meal Plans
The Business Office is working on decisions related to prorated housing and campus meal plans. These arrangements will be communicated by May 15, 2020.
Residence Halls
Resident students’ ID cards will give them access through Sunday, 22 March, to enter the residence halls. After Sunday students will need to contact Director of Residence Life Gina DeMart-Krause to schedule a day and time to have access to the halls. Belongings not gathered by Sunday will remain in rooms until we can arrange a later date and time that will be safe.
Wasmer Gallery
Wasmer Gallery is closed to the public. Students who had art work in the Community exhibition can begin picking up their work tomorrow, Friday, 20 March, from 11:00 a.m. -5:00 p.m. They can also pick up their work on Saturday, 21 March by appointment with Gallery Director Anna Arnold. We understand that some of our student artists are out of town and cannot return to campus. Their work will remain in the locked building until Governor DeWine and the Ohio Department of Health lift the current COVID-19-related restrictions.
Students! Hope your Day Two of virtual learning has gone well. Your faculty, advisors, and IT and library staffs are “at your service,” so please reach out if you have questions.
And to all: stay healthy, keep praying.
