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.
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.
May 8, 2020
President’s Update – Planning for the Fall 2020 Semester
Dear University Community,
In 1941, just after the attack on Pearl Harbor, there was a vote on whether to proceed with plans to open a new college in Rutherford, N.J., called Fairleigh Dickinson Junior College. The country was plunged into war, and the future was filled with fear and uncertainty. Many colleges were worried about closing and yet this new college was about to put a stake in the ground, led by its visionary founder Dr. Peter Sammartino, a man relentlessly driven by his dream of innovatively serving students.
The vote was approved, FDU opened its doors in the fall of 1942, and thus began an incredible success story in higher education. Naturally, there were challenges faced over the years, but that spirit of determination and resilience was forever forged in the DNA of FDU, as was the promise to transform lives that has led to an extraordinary legacy of achievement by our graduates, now more than 130,000 strong.
Propelled by and armed with that resolute spirit and determination, FDU is planning again to fulfill its promise and mission in a world that is challenged by uncertainty. As we have done for the last 78 years, we are fully committed to welcoming students in the fall and providing the high-quality educational programs that will lead to a lifetime of success and distinction.
Our faculty and staff have been working tirelessly on preparing plans for different scenarios in the fall, depending on the trajectory of the COVID-19 pandemic and potential directives from governmental and public health authorities. Throughout our planning process, we have been guided by a critically important priority—the health and welfare of our community. Because of the unprecedented nature of this challenge, we have to be prepared for the possibility that there will be adjustments to our normal operations in order to safeguard our health and well-being.
Our hope and intent is that our campuses will be able to welcome students for the fall semester. To ensure the safety of our community members, we are developing scenarios in which campus housing, dining and academic facilities, and extracurricular activities and events can operate consistently with public health requirements. We are also working with local health officials to have the best protocols in place for the prevention, testing, contact tracing and treatment of COVID-19 if necessary.
However, given the difficulties of predicting the status of the pandemic for the fall semester, we are also preparing for the possibility that some or all classes and activities may need to be conducted remotely. The faculty and staff have been intently focused on developing engaging, dynamic and interactive learning experiences for our students, and enhancing our technological capabilities to facilitate these new approaches.
In short, we will be prepared to do everything within our power to provide a learning environment that stimulates and inspires students, while at the same time keeping our community healthy and safe. Moreover, we will continue to keep you informed as the situation evolves.
For parents, families, and indeed all of our community members, we want you to know how deeply we value your commitment to FDU, and we are here to provide the nurturing and supportive environment that enables learning to flourish.
In this difficult time, the need for higher education has never been more obvious. The answers to our current challenges and so many others come from investments in higher education and the knowledge it advances to benefit humanity. Throughout this pandemic, the sacrifices and efforts of so many have been informed and guided by the training they received and the education they earned while in college. Education will always be our strongest weapon for any struggle we face.
For students in particular, please maintain your focus, find strength in solidarity with your peers and mentors, and keep improving. Your investments in education and your investments in yourself will bring great rewards.
No matter what the circumstances are this fall, we are determined to do everything possible to provide our students an extraordinary experience. In that respect, nothing has changed since those days of uncertainty in 1941 and 1942. We remain inspired by dreams and determined to deliver our promises no matter what challenges lie ahead.
Please stay safe and well. I look forward to when we can be together on campus.
Yours in FDU,
Christopher A. Capuano, Ph.D.
President
Fairleigh Dickinson University
Links to Updates
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.