Coronavirus Updates
Fairleigh Dickinson University continues to take measures to reduce the risks concerning COVID-19, also known as the coronavirus. We are planning in line with recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), U.S. Department of State and the State of New Jersey Department of Health, as well as Canadian federal and British Columbia health authorities for our Vancouver Campus, and the Department of Health and Social Care in the United Kingdom for Wroxton College. In accordance with state guidelines, on July 17, 2020, FDU submitted to the New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education its Plan for Reopening Its New Jersey Campuses.
The University’s notifications regarding the coronavirus will be posted here in reverse chronological order so that all messages are available and the most recent appear first. Related information for reference is also provided as links shown on this page. Members of the University community who are feeling ill or who are aware of someone who is feeling ill should review the Student, Faculty and Staff Health sections of Coronavirus Information from HR.
March 23, 2021
President’s Update – Planning for Fall 2021
Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,
I want to thank everyone for their diligence and dedication to keeping our campuses as safe as possible during the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s hard to believe that it has been more than a year since the pandemic first impacted us, and so many have worked hard to help our students continue their studies and provide them the support they need.
I know that many of our faculty and staff have endured difficult days, and I am deeply grateful for their commitment and good work. Our students likewise have faced tremendous challenges but continue to take the necessary precautions for themselves and others, while remaining focused on their studies and continuing to complete their degree requirements.
As we reach the second half of the spring semester, our plans for fall 2021 are starting to take shape. I know many students are wondering what they can expect next fall. Certainly, we have made important strides as a nation in the fight against COVID-19, particularly with the growing distribution of vaccines. At the same time, though, many people continue to suffer from the virus and the risk of infection remains high, so we must continue to be safe and follow the guidance that public health officials provide.
As we move closer to fall 2021, all signs indicate that the growing distribution of vaccines will allow us to resume many activities. Therefore, we are planning to welcome all students back to our New Jersey campuses in the fall and return to a mostly in-person student experience for courses, residential living, co-curricular activities, and services throughout the new academic year.
Fall registration will begin April 13 and course offerings in Webadvisor will indicate the format of a particular course. While most courses will be scheduled as in person, some may be listed as hybrid. Please check Webadvisor regularly for updates for the status of courses.
In the fall, we also are planning to accommodate significantly more residential students than we did this year. While details on housing are still being formulated, we hope to restore double-room occupancy in all dormitories. However, at this time it is safe to assume that in our residence halls and throughout the campuses, we likely will need to continue many of the safety and health protocols implemented this year, including wearing face coverings, physical distancing, and surveillance testing. Enhanced cleaning protocols will continue to be in effect as well. We will continue to keep you posted on the status of these measures as information becomes available.
Our specific plans will be guided by federal and state regulations and the status of the pandemic. Safety remains paramount for everything we do, and we will of course continue to monitor the pandemic and coordinate with public health authorities in safeguarding the FDU community. While no one can guarantee that a return to normalcy will be substantial or even sustainable, the pandemic has taught us that the FDU community comes together to meet any challenges that are thrown our way. I remain optimistic about the course of the pandemic, and I am absolutely confident in our community’s dedication, strengths, and resilience.
While some faculty and staff are on campus now, with more in-person courses and activities resuming, more faculty and staff will be returning to campus as fall 2021 approaches. The Office of Human Resources will provide further information as we expect to have staff return on a gradual basis prior to the start of the fall term.
Before the fall term begins, however, we have summer sessions ahead. Many summer courses will be delivered remotely but there are a number of in-person courses available as well. Summer registration began March 15, and we want to encourage all students to consider these options. As we did last summer, we are providing generous discounts. Undergraduate tuition will be at the standard rate for the first three-credit course a student enrolls in; however, subsequent courses may be taken at half the tuition rate. For graduate students, tuition will be at the standard rate for the first three credits, and then subsequent credits may be taken at a $100 reduction. (A few exceptions apply, so please check the website for more information.)
I am, again, very proud of how much everyone has done to overcome the challenges of the pandemic. We have learned many lessons in the past year, especially lessons about overcoming adversity. In addition, we also have learned important lessons on using technology to enhance our instructional capabilities and support services. In every way possible, we will take what we have learned this past year to make our University better than ever before.
In the upcoming months, we will continue to develop plans while monitoring developments in our region. As community members become eligible for vaccinations, we strongly encourage you to make appointments as soon as you can. Having as many members of our community vaccinated as possible will help us return to a more normal state of affairs more quickly.
However, at this time, please remain vigilant and continue to practice the recommended safety measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Wear a face covering, practice social distancing, wash your hands often, and, again, please make an appointment for a vaccination as soon as you can.
We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available. Thank you, as always, for your support and understanding.
Yours in FDU,
Christopher A. Capuano, Ph.D.
President
Links to Updates
April 7: New Jersey Campuses Health and Safety Update
March 31: New Jersey Campuses Health and Safety Update
March 24: New Jersey Campuses Health and Safety Update
March 23: President’s Update – Planning for Fall 2021
March 17: New Jersey Campuses Health and Safety Update
March 10: New Jersey Campuses Health and Safety Update
March 3: New Jersey Campuses Health and Safety Update
February 24: New Jersey Campuses Health and Safety Update
February 17: New Jersey Campuses Health and Safety Update
February 15: President’s Update – Start of In-Person Classes
February 10: New Jersey Campuses Health and Safety Update
February 3: New Jersey Campuses Health and Safety Update
January 27: New Jersey Campuses Health and Safety Update
January 7, 2021: President’s Update – Start of Spring 2021 Term
November 25: New Jersey Campuses Health and Safety Update
November 25: President’s Update – Giving Thanks
November 18: New Jersey Campuses Health and Safety Update
November 11: New Jersey Campuses Health and Safety Update
November 4: New Jersey Campuses Health and Safety Update
October 28: New Jersey Campuses Health and Safety Update
October 21: New Jersey Campuses Health and Safety Update
October 16: President’s Update – Spring 2021 Semester
October 14: New Jersey Campuses Health and Safety Update
October 7: New Jersey Campuses Health and Safety Update
September 30: New Jersey Campuses Health and Safety Update
September 23: New Jersey Campuses Health and Safety Update
September 21: Study Abroad and Wroxton College
September 16: New Jersey Campuses Health and Safety Update
September 9: New Jersey Campuses Health and Safety Update
September 2: New Jersey Campuses Health and Safety Update
September 1: President’s Update – United for Our Students
August 17: President’s Update – Welcome to Fall 2020
August 10: President’s Update – Fall 2020 Semester
July 31: President’s Update – Returning to Campus
July 20: President’s Update – Fall 2020 Semester Reopening Plan
July 7: President’s Update – Preparing for Fall 2020 Semester
June 12: President’s Update – Supporting Our Students
June 4: Task Force for Campus Re-occupancy and Operations.
May 29: President’s Update – The Fall 2020 Semester.
May 8: President’s Update – Planning for the Fall 2020 Semester.
April 20: President’s Update – Important Cost-Saving Measures.
April 9: President’s Update – A Note of Appreciation.
April 9: Deadline Extension for Student Withdrawal from Classes.
April 7: All Summer Sessions for 2020.
April 3: Update on Pass/Fail Option for Spring Semester 2020.
April 2: Graduate Summer Sessions 2020.
March 30: Undergraduate Summer Sessions 2020.
March 25: President’s Update – Commencement.
March 25: Pass/Fail Option for Undergraduate Students for Spring Semester 2020.
March 20: President’s Update – Remote Learning Extended for Remainder of Spring Semester.
March 20: Pass/Fail Option for Undergraduate Students for Spring Semester 2020.
March 15: President’s Update – Latest Actions Related to COVID-19 Pandemic.
March 13: Wroxton College Students to Return Home.
March 10: President’s Update on Moving to Remote Learning.
March 9: Working together as a community and an update on potential self-isolation.
March 6: Update on travel restrictions and recommendations, and a travel registry for faculty and staff.
March 2: Update on University-sponsored international trips as well as more travel-related news.
February 28: Update on international travel, study abroad, our international campuses and necessary precautions.