Coronavirus Update Archive

August 15, 2022 

New Jersey Campuses Health and Safety Update

To: New Jersey Campus Communities 

From: Robert Pignatello, Senior Vice President for University Operations  

I hope everyone continues to enjoy a great summer. As we approach the start of the fall term, I want to provide the latest information on key health and safety issues including our COVID-19 protocols and policies for the upcoming semester and some information about the global outbreak of monkeypox.  

COVID-19 Protocols 

While we all wish COVID-19 was no longer with us, it unfortunately remains a challenge. The good news, though, is that most community members are vaccinated and the current variants of the virus are typically less severe. The even better news is that we know our community members are committed to taking personal responsibility and caring for one another to help keep each other safe. That has been the case throughout the pandemic and I know it will continue to be so this year.  

Our vaccination requirement remains in effect and has been a big part of our success in combatting the virus. If you are new to the University this semester and have not submitted your documentation to Medicat, please do so as soon as possible. We also encourage you to get a booster shot. Requests for medical and religious exemptions are reviewed individually. Please note that medical exemptions must be renewed annually.  

Masks are not mandatory but they are encouraged indoors and in high-density areas outside, particularly — as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises — when the area transmission rates are high. Everyone should feel free to wear a mask if they choose to do so. (Masks are still required in health care settings and should be worn in public by those who are following COVID-19 protocols after testing positive or being exposed to the virus.) 

Like many institutions have decided, FDU will not require entry testing or surveillance testing this semester. There also will be no contact tracing or social distancing requirements. These measures align with the latest CDC guidance issued last week. Student Health Services will of course continue to provide testing for symptomatic students.  

If you are feeling ill, please get tested. Students who need to be tested should call Student Health Services to make an appointment (contact numbers appear below). If you test positive you must notify the University immediately (students must notify Student Health Services and faculty and staff must notify Human Resources). More information for students can be found here. More information for faculty and staff can be found here.  

• Florham Campus – Student Health Services – 973-443-8535. After hours, call Florham Campus Public Safety – 973-443-8888.  
• Metropolitan Campus – Student Health Services – 201-692-2437. After hours, call Metropolitan Campus Public Safety – 201-692-2222.
  

Please check the COVID-19 section of the website for more information.  

Monkeypox 

We also want to share information with the campus community related to the spread and prevention of monkeypox as the University prepares for the start of the Fall 2022 term. Guidance from the CDC and the New Jersey Department of Health continues to emerge as we learn more about this virus and its spread, and we will continuously update our community as we learn more. 

As of mid-August, the United States has recorded more than 10,000 cases of monkeypox and has declared it a public health emergency. Monkeypox is a viral illness that causes flu-like symptoms and a painful pimple or blister-like rash, which appears within 1-2 weeks of exposure. Once the rash appears, the virus becomes contagious. Monkeypox most commonly spreads through very close, intimate contact (kissing, cuddling or sex) or direct contact with an infected person’s body fluids, rash or scabs. Monkeypox is far less contagious than COVID-19, which primarily spreads through respiratory or airborne droplets. Monkeypox generally requires direct contact to spread, which means much closer and more prolonged contact is necessary to spread monkeypox.  

While monkeypox remains uncommon, it is important for students to know how to avoid contracting the virus, identify the signs and symptoms it causes, and know what to do if they are exposed. To prevent monkeypox, students should avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like monkeypox and avoid contact with objects and materials that a person with monkeypox has frequently used. Similar to preventing other viruses, individuals should regularly wash their hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially before eating or touching one’s face and after using the bathroom. 

Anyone can get monkeypox. If a student experiences symptoms or has direct contact with someone who has developed monkeypox, they should contact Student Health Services immediately to be tested and directed to a nearby healthcare facility for vaccination and/or treatment, if they are eligible. Those who are experiencing any symptoms should stay away from others, cover any rash or lesions, and wear a mask until they see a healthcare provider. Symptoms generally resolve within 2-4 weeks, when the monkeypox rash or blisters heal.  

For more information about monkeypox see the CDC website or the New Jersey Department of Health website.  

Monitor the Website 

We will provide further communications as needed throughout the semester and the FDU website will be updated on a continuing basis with information on key health and safety issues. As always, our policies and practices for safeguarding the University community are subject to change. As we head into the new academic year, we thank you in advance for your patience and your understanding. With your cooperation, I am confident we will enjoy an excellent year.  

May 25, 2022

President’s Note — A Wonderful Year

Dear Members of the University Community, 

When we began the academic year last August and returned to in-person classes and activities, we were very excited but also a little uncertain about how the year would go. We had safety measures in place, and we had an incredibly resilient group of faculty, staff, and students who were ready to come back to campus—so we were confident. However, we were also dealing with an ongoing pandemic that for the most part was beyond our control. 

Certainly there were challenges this past year, and some ups and downs, but overall this was the most satisfying year I can remember, for several major reasons. First, the joy from being together in person again was palpable and abundantly clear, and I believe that we all appreciated the togetherness and sense of cohesiveness that makes our community so special. Second, we took care of one another, adapting when necessary but always taking preventative and precautionary measures to keep infection rates on our campuses as low as possible. Finally and most importantly, we were able to continue uninterrupted throughout the year with in-person classes and the extracurricular activities that best define the FDU experience. 

I could point to many highlights this year, from new programs to new facilities and from new leaders making strong contributions to new organizational changes directed at enhancing student services. Moreover, what’s very impressive about FDU is that the University didn’t just get by during this crisis; we continued to pursue ambitious goals and achieved important milestones. I especially appreciated seeing student-led and collaborative initiatives such as the creation of Career Closets on both New Jersey campuses, the opening of Mansion Munchies at the Florham Campus, the inaugural career fair in Vancouver which garnered more than 500 attendees, and so many more. But beyond any particular achievements, for me the most special part of this year was the community’s efforts to reunite together, work together, and look out for one another. Thank you everyone for your flexibility, your perseverance, and your commitment to FDU and to each other. 

Our devoted efforts this year culminated with a wonderful Commencement ceremony at MetLife Stadium for our New Jersey campuses and an equally outstanding Commencement ceremony at the Westside Church in Vancouver for our Vancouver Campus graduates. Every year, it is wonderful to see our hard-working students recognized for their outstanding success, but this year was even sweeter, knowing how much has occurred during the last two years and what these students in particular had to overcome to reach this point. Congratulations again to the Class of 2022! And congratulations to all our students, faculty, and staff, for all that you have overcome and achieved. I applaud and admire all of you. 

We hope fewer challenges await next year, but I also know that we will be ready for whatever comes next. Concerning COVID-19, at FDU we have removed many restrictions recently and we hope to begin the fall that way. As always, however, we will be guided by the health authorities and the conditions in our region. The vaccination requirement for faculty, staff, and students on our New Jersey campuses, which has played a major factor in our success and in our country’s success in combating the virus, will remain in effect. We also continue to urge community members to get a booster shot. 

Beyond COVID-19, there are other challenges facing FDU and higher education, from the intense competition among institutions due to the demographic decline in high school graduates, from the changing needs and preferences among students to the rising importance of demonstrating real-world value in what they study, and from mounting public pressure to scrutinize each move that institutions make to the overwhelming financial imperative to keep tuition and costs as low as possible. There is no doubt that the pressure on higher education today is intense. 

But with the strength of our community, we will meet all of these challenges. The next phase of strategic planning is now moving thoughtfully but earnestly, and we thank the many community members who have shared ideas that are guiding the development of our next strategic plan. The University is poised for many prominent highlights ahead. These accomplishments again are only possible because of your remarkable efforts. 

We are fortunate that we have many strengths at FDU, but, by far, the most critical asset is our people. You have carried us through this crisis, and upon your shoulders FDU can see further now than before, and we are able to look ahead with optimism and excitement. 

Thank you as always for all your contributions to the success of the University and to the culture of caring that was so vividly shown this year at FDU. I hope you all enjoy a restful, healthy, and productive summer ahead. 

Thank you all! 

Yours in FDU, 

Christopher A. Capuano, Ph.D.
President

April 19, 2022

New Jersey Campuses Health and Safety Update

To: New Jersey Campus Communities

From: Robert Pignatello, Senior Vice President for University Operations

As we approach the end of the spring term, I want to again thank everyone for their diligence and cooperation with our health and safety protocols. It takes a team effort to take care of one another and withstand the challenges of the pandemic, and that is exactly what we have had this semester. Thank you all!

As a result of your help and support, we have been able to safely be together in person and we have been able to gradually relax several major protocols including the mask requirement and surveillance testing. While there have been some cases reported since those protocols were removed, the illnesses typically have been less severe than earlier in the pandemic. This coincides with the regional and national trends we are seeing. The current surge in cases locally and across the nation is a result of the spread of the BA.2 variant, which is more infectious than previous variants but has resulted in a low number of hospitalizations at the local and national level, perhaps because the variants are less severe and certainly because so many people have now been vaccinated (and even received their booster). Please remember, though, that those who have underlying conditions or are immunocompromised remain at greater risk.

We also are seeing mask requirements now being lifted in more and more places, from the airlines to Uber. Still, many people consider it prudent to continue wearing face coverings. Many are among the more vulnerable populations and/or may have loved ones in these categories and want to err on the side of caution. That is understandable and I again want to emphasize that anyone who wishes to continue to wear a mask may certainly do so anywhere on campus.

While most cases may be mild, please do not ignore symptoms if you are feeling ill, and please get tested. As noted previously, FDU will continue symptomatic testing and those students who need to be tested should call Student Health Services to make an appointment (contact numbers appear below). If you test positive or are exposed to the virus, you should follow the isolation and quarantine guidelines developed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Also, if you test positive you must notify the University immediately (students must notify Student Health Services and faculty and staff must notify Human Resources).

Florham Campus – Student Health Services – 973-443-8535. After hours, call Florham Campus Public Safety – 973-443-8888.

Metropolitan Campus – Student Health Services – 201-692-2437. After hours, call Metropolitan Campus Public Safety – 201-692-2222.

As we move forward, we know we can continue to rely on the community to exercise personal responsibility, practice good hygiene and look out for one another. Thank you again everyone for helping us to reach this point. We will continue to provide updates as necessary, and if conditions warrant changes to the health and safety protocols we will inform you immediately.

March 31, 2022

New Jersey Campuses Health and Safety Update 

To: New Jersey Campus Communities 

From: Robert Pignatello, Senior Vice President for University Operations 

As we announced last week, effective this Monday, April 4, the use of face coverings throughout the New Jersey campuses — in classrooms and elsewhere — will be optional for all individuals. (Face coverings will still be required in health-care settings and any other settings mandated by law.) While the face covering requirement will be lifted on April 4, I again want to emphasize that anyone who wishes to continue to wear a mask may certainly do so.  

Also beginning on Monday, the University will not be conducting surveillance testing or contact tracing any longer. We will continue symptomatic testing as needed and those students who need to be tested should call Student Health Services to make an appointment (contact numbers appear below).  

As we move forward, we know we can continue to rely on the community to exercise personal responsibility, practice good hygiene and look out for one another. Please stay home or in your dorm if you are sick, and get tested if you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. And please notify the University immediately if you test positive (students should notify Student Health Services and faculty and staff should notify Human Resources).  

Thank you again everyone for helping us to reach this point. We will continue to provide updates as necessary during the remainder of the semester, and if conditions warrant changes to the health and safety protocols we will inform you immediately.  

Here are the numbers of on-campus COVID-19 test results thus far this semester.  

Students
Positive Tests: 56 (36 Florham, 20 Metro)
Negative Tests: 4,263 

Faculty and Staff
Positive Tests: 2
Negative Tests: 152 

In addition to those positive cases this semester, there have been 43 student cases (30 Florham and 13 Metro) and 8 faculty/staff cases this semester reported to the University following tests conducted offsite.  

Again, students who become ill should contact the appropriate health service on campus (see below) and should not come to classes or participate in campus activities unless otherwise directed by Student Health Services. As noted above, all students who test positive for COVID-19 must immediately notify Student Health Services. 

• Florham Campus – Student Health Services – 973-443-8535. After hours, call Florham Campus Public Safety – 973-443-8888.  

• Metropolitan Campus – Student Health Services – 201-692-2437. After hours, call Metropolitan Campus Public Safety – 201-692-2222. 

Faculty and staff members who are ill should seek medical assistance through their primary care providers and notify FDU’s Office of Human Resources as soon as possible. Faculty and staff who become aware of a student testing positive should make sure that Student Health Services is immediately notified. For more information, please contact Vice President for Human Resources Rose D’Ambrosio at 201-692-2706 or via email at dambrosi@fdu.edu. 

For more information and updates about COVID-19, see the COVID-19 section of the FDU website.

March 25, 2022

Health and Safety Update — Face Covering Policy Update

To: New Jersey Campus Communities

From: Robert Pignatello, Senior Vice President for University Operations

I hope everyone enjoyed a wonderful spring break. As I noted before the break, your efforts in following protocols and taking precautions have helped us to effectively limit the number of COVID-19 cases while enabling us to be together and enjoy a successful semester. Because of that fact and because of the low community levels as measured by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — and aligned with what many colleges and school districts have done — we are once again ready to further adjust some of the protocols that have been in place for quite some time.

Effective April 4, the use of face coverings throughout the New Jersey campuses — in classrooms and elsewhere — will be optional for all individuals. (Please note that face coverings will still be required in health-care settings and any other settings mandated by law, as will be posted.) While the face covering requirement will be lifted on April 4, I again want to emphasize that anyone who wishes to continue to wear a mask may certainly do so.

In addition, beginning that same date of April 4, FDU will no longer conduct surveillance testing or contact tracing; however, symptomatic testing will continue when necessary, and those on campus who feel ill are urged to contact Student Health Services immediately.

Thank you to all our community members for your support and commitment to keeping each other safe. We know COVID-19 has not gone away and it remains a challenge, but because of the measures we have taken together and the current conditions on campus and in our region, we believe it is safe to adjust our policies. We will continue to monitor conditions closely, and should the need arise for any further changes, we will inform you immediately.

While you may begin to see campus building signs regarding masking being removed, I want to remind everyone that until April 4, face coverings are still required in all academic spaces and instructional settings. Also, individuals who are not fully vaccinated or who have a vaccination exemption are still required to wear a well-fitting face mask in all indoor spaces until April 4. In addition, surveillance testing will also take place until April 4. Please continue to comply with these policies until then. As an additional reminder, we also continue to urge community members to get a booster shot, which can help to continue to reduce the number of cases.

Thank you so much for your continued cooperation. Spring is here and we are looking forward to a great second half of the semester and a resurgence of an even more robust campus life and related activities. 

Here are the numbers of on-campus COVID-19 test results thus far this semester.

Students
Positive Tests: 52 (33 Florham, 19 Metro)
Negative Tests: 4,034

Faculty and Staff
Positive Tests: 2
Negative Tests: 131

In addition to those positive cases this semester, there have been 37 student cases (25 Florham and 12 Metro) and 5 faculty/staff cases this semester reported to the University following tests conducted offsite.

Students who become ill or may have been exposed to the virus should contact the appropriate health service on campus (see below) and should not come to classes or participate in campus activities unless otherwise directed by Student Health Services. All students who test positive must immediately notify Student Health Services.

• Florham Campus – Student Health Services – 973-443-8535. After hours, call Florham Campus Public Safety – 973-443-8888.
• Metropolitan Campus – Student Health Services – 201-692-2437. After hours, call Metropolitan Campus Public Safety – 201-692-2222.

Faculty and staff members who are ill or may have been exposed to the virus should seek medical assistance through their primary care providers and notify FDU’s Office of Human Resources as soon as possible. Faculty and staff who become aware of a student testing positive should make sure that Student Health Services is immediately notified. For more information, please contact Vice President for Human Resources Rose D’Ambrosio at 201-692-2706 or via email at dambrosi@fdu.edu.

For more information and updates, see the COVID-19 section of the FDU website.

March 10, 2022

New Jersey Campuses Health and Safety Update

To: New Jersey Campus Communities

From: Robert Pignatello, Senior Vice President for University Operations

As we approach some very well-earned time off, I want to thank everyone for your continued support, patience, and understanding. Throughout the pandemic, the precautions we have taken have been very successful in limiting the number of COVID-19 cases, and we are enjoying a great semester together. We also have been able to relax some restrictions recently, and we are optimistic that we will be able to continue to do more as the semester resumes.

I want to also remind everyone that, for now, while face coverings are optional in all non-academic spaces they are still required in all academic spaces and instructional settings. Also, individuals who are not fully vaccinated or who have a vaccination exemption are still required to wear a well-fitting face mask in all indoor spaces.

Again, we hope to make some more policy adjustments soon after the break, but until then we appreciate your continued cooperation. In the meantime, it has been gratifying to see smiling faces around our campuses.

Here are the numbers of on-campus COVID-19 test results thus far this semester and I am very pleased to note that there were no positive results from on-campus tests this week.

Students
Positive Tests: 38 (20 Florham, 18 Metro)
Negative Tests: 3,625

Faculty and Staff
Positive Tests: 0
Negative Tests: 110

In addition to those positive cases this semester, there have been 34 student cases (22 Florham and 12 Metro) and 2 faculty/staff cases this semester reported to the University following tests conducted offsite.

As a reminder, students who become ill or may have been exposed to the virus should contact the appropriate health service on campus (see below) and should not come to classes or participate in campus activities unless otherwise directed by Student Health Services. All students who test positive must immediately notify Student Health Services.

Florham Campus – Student Health Services – 973-443-8535. After hours, call Florham Campus Public Safety – 973-443-8888.

Metropolitan Campus – Student Health Services – 201-692-2437. After hours, call Metropolitan Campus Public Safety – 201-692-2222.

Faculty and staff members who are ill or may have been exposed to the virus should seek medical assistance through their primary care providers and notify FDU’s Office of Human Resources as soon as possible. Faculty and staff who become aware of a student testing positive should make sure that Student Health Services is immediately notified. For more information, please contact Vice President for Human Resources Rose D’Ambrosio at 201-692-2706 or via email at dambrosi@fdu.edu.

For more information and updates, see the COVID-19 section of the FDU website.

I want to wish everyone a wonderful and relaxing spring break. Please enjoy yourself and stay safe.

March 3, 2022

Health and Safety Update — Revised Face Covering Policy

To: New Jersey Campus Communities

From: Robert Pignatello, Senior Vice President for University Operation

As I noted last week, we have continued to explore possible changes to our COVID-19 protocols to align with improving conditions on campus and throughout our region. I am pleased to notify you today that, informed by the latest guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the status of the virus in New Jersey, we are updating our policy on face coverings.

Effective Monday, March 7, fully vaccinated individuals (those who have received a full series of vaccination shots, regardless of booster status) now have the option of not wearing face coverings in all non-academic spaces. (This includes residence halls, dining facilities, athletic events and all other building spaces that are not used for instructional purposes.) Face coverings are still required in all academic spaces: classrooms, labs, tutoring spaces, etc.

Individuals who are not fully vaccinated or have a vaccination exemption are still required to wear a well-fitting face mask in all indoor spaces.

In summary, the key points of the new policy that takes effect on Monday include the following:

• Face coverings are still required in all academic spaces: classrooms, labs, tutoring spaces, etc., regardless of vaccination status.
• Face coverings are optional in non-academic spaces for individuals who are fully vaccinated.
• Face coverings are still required in all Student Health and Counseling Centers, regardless of vaccination status.
• Face coverings are still required during University-sponsored/related travel in planes, buses and other vehicles, regardless of vaccination status.
• Face coverings are required for all indoor spaces by individuals who are not fully vaccinated.

Please bear in mind that many individuals who are fully vaccinated may elect to continue wearing face masks while indoors and otherwise while on campus. Everyone who wishes to continue to wear a face mask in these settings is welcome to do so. And no one should make any assumptions about anyone’s vaccination (or exempt) status based on whether they are wearing a face mask.

We also encourage sensitivity to those persons who may request that others wear a mask in their presence, particularly in small spaces such as offices and meeting rooms. Please comply with courtesy and respect when requested to wear a mask. 

As conditions continue to improve in our region and on our campuses, we may be able to further modify our COVID-19 policies. We need your cooperation on surveillance testing as one tool to gauge risk factors. If you are called upon for surveillance testing, please cooperate and show up for the tests. If the positivity rates continue to remain low, further policy modifications may occur in the weeks ahead; however, if the positivity rates rise, the University may need to reinstate the requirement of face coverings in all buildings. We also will continue to be informed by the guidance from the CDC.

We again thank everyone for their efforts so far this semester, which are successfully keeping our campuses safe. I am hopeful and confident that we will continue this progress and be in a position to make other adjustments soon.

Here are the numbers of on-campus COVID-19 test results thus far this semester.

Students
Positive Tests: 36 (18 Florham, 18 Metro)
Negative Tests: 3,2

Faculty and Staff
Positive Tests: 0
Negative Tests: 92

In addition to those positive cases this semester, there have been 25 student cases (14 Florham and 11 Metro) and 2 faculty/staff cases this semester reported to the University following tests conducted offsite.

As a reminder, students who become ill or may have been exposed to the virus should contact the appropriate health service on campus (see below) and should not come to classes or participate in campus activities unless otherwise directed by Student Health Services. All students who test positive must immediately notify Student Health Services.

• Florham Campus – Student Health Services – 973-443-8535. After hours, call Florham Campus Public Safety – 973-443-8888.
• Metropolitan Campus – Student Health Services – 201-692-2437. After hours, call Metropolitan Campus Public Safety – 201-692-2222.

Faculty and staff members who are ill or may have been exposed to the virus should seek medical assistance through their primary care providers and notify FDU’s Office of Human Resources as soon as possible. Faculty and staff who become aware of a student testing positive should make sure that Student Health Services is immediately notified. For more information, please contact Vice President for Human Resources Rose D’Ambrosio at 201-692-2706 or via email at dambrosi@fdu.edu.

For more information and updates, see the COVID-19 section of the FDU website.

February 24, 2022

New Jersey Campuses Health and Safety Update

To: New Jersey Campus Communities

From: Robert Pignatello, Senior Vice President for University Operations

I am pleased to report that this semester the number of positive cases and the positivity rate have been very low, particularly in the last three weeks, so thank you again everyone for your cooperation with our health and safety policies — they are working. One factor in our success is the high number of students — 981 — who have received COVID-19 booster shots. We continue to urge everyone to get a booster shot.

Other factors include our surveillance testing program and contact tracing efforts. So, I also want to continue to urge everyone to cooperate with both. It is imperative for our understanding of the current campus caseloads and future policy decisions that students show up for surveillance testing when requested and get tested.

We are doing very well and, as noted last week, we are reviewing our mask policy to see if we can update that in accordance with improved conditions in the near future. While we also expect updated guidance soon from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on indoor masking, for now, we ask that everyone continue to follow the existing policy. Face masks remain mandatory indoors, except when actively eating or drinking or within a private office with the door closed.

In another sign that we are achieving progress, we are pleased to report that we are beginning the process of restoring drinking fountains for everyone’s use. Again, with continued low numbers and rates, we will be able to reduce or remove other types of precautions.

Here are the numbers of on-campus COVID-19 test results thus far this semester.

Students
Positive Tests: 36 (18 Florham, 18 Metro)
Negative Tests: 3,004

Faculty and Staff
Positive Tests: 0
Negative Tests: 72

In addition to those positive cases this semester, there have been 23 student cases (12 Florham and 11 Metro) and 2 faculty/staff cases this semester reported to the University following tests conducted offsite.

As a reminder, students who become ill or may have been exposed to the virus should contact the appropriate health service on campus (see below) and should not come to classes or participate in campus activities unless otherwise directed by Student Health Services. All students who test positive must immediately notify Student Health Services.

• Florham Campus – Student Health Services – 973-443-8535. After hours, call Florham Campus Public Safety – 973-443-8888.
• Metropolitan Campus – Student Health Services – 201-692-2437. After hours, call Metropolitan Campus Public Safety – 201-692-2222.

Faculty and staff members who are ill or may have been exposed to the virus should seek medical assistance through their primary care providers and notify FDU’s Office of Human Resources as soon as possible. Faculty and staff who become aware of a student testing positive should make sure that Student Health Services is immediately notified. For more information, please contact Vice President for Human Resources Rose D’Ambrosio at 201-692-2706 or via email at dambrosi@fdu.edu.

For more information and updates, see the COVID-19 section of the FDU website.

February 17, 2022

New Jersey Campuses Health and Safety Update

To: New Jersey Campus Communities

From: Robert Pignatello, Senior Vice President for University Operations

Continued thanks to all as we move quickly through the early part of the semester and continue to do a good job keeping the number of positive cases low. I want to repeat one key message from last week’s update. The recent state decision to lift the universal K-12 school mask mandate beginning March 7 does not affect universities. Our mask policy for indoor activities remains in place and we appreciate your continued cooperation and understanding. As stated last week, we will continue to monitor the situation closely but for now our requirement remains in place.

In addition, I want to again stress the importance of surveillance testing as a critical piece of our efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Unfortunately, we are seeing that many students are not responding and cooperating with surveillance testing. If we want to continue to have success in mitigating transmission, this is an important measure and one that will help us move forward and lift other restrictions. Please show up when you are called upon.

One additional note: the University next week will move from antigen testing to PCR testing and therefore results will take a bit longer to be revealed (48-72 hours). We again appreciate your patience and cooperation.

Here are the numbers of on-campus COVID-19 test results thus far this semester.

Students
Positive Tests: 36 (18 Florham, 18 Metro)
Negative Tests: 2,691

Faculty and Staff
Positive Tests: 0
Negative Tests: 58

In addition to those positive cases this semester, there have been 18 student cases (9 Florham and 9 Metro) and 2 faculty/staff cases this semester reported to the University following tests conducted offsite.

As a reminder, students who become ill or may have been exposed to the virus should contact the appropriate health service on campus (see below) and should not come to classes or participate in campus activities unless otherwise directed by Student Health Services. All students who test positive must immediately notify Student Health Services.

• Florham Campus – Student Health Services – 973-443-8535. After hours, call Florham Campus Public Safety – 973-443-8888.
• Metropolitan Campus – Student Health Services – 201-692-2437. After hours, call Metropolitan Campus Public Safety – 201-692-2222.

Faculty and staff members who are ill or may have been exposed to the virus should seek medical assistance through their primary care providers and notify FDU’s Office of Human Resources as soon as possible. Faculty and staff who become aware of a student testing positive should make sure that Student Health Services is immediately notified. For more information, please contact Vice President for Human Resources Rose D’Ambrosio at 201-692-2706 or via email at dambrosi@fdu.edu.

For more information and updates, see the COVID-19 section of the FDU website.

February 10, 2022 

New Jersey Campuses Health and Safety Update

To: New Jersey Campus Communities 

From: Robert Pignatello, Senior Vice President for University Operations 

I want to thank everyone again for their cooperation in following our health and safety protocols and helping us get off to a great start this semester. The policies in place are working well thus far by keeping the number of positive cases low and helping us mitigate transmission. I know we can count on your continued cooperation to help us enjoy a wonderful and safe semester together.  

Many of you have heard the news that New Jersey will lift the universal school mask mandate, beginning March 7, for K-12 schools and childcare facilities, leaving the decision on whether to require face masks to each school district. While this does not directly affect universities — and for the time being our face mask policy for indoor activities remains in place — we will continue to monitor the situation closely and reevaluate our mask protocols in the weeks ahead. Our approach aligns with the recommendation of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which continues to encourage indoor masks as one tool to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Everyone on campus is required to wear masks indoors, except when actively eating or within a private office with the door closed. We greatly appreciate your understanding and compliance.  

Also, I want to remind everyone that we will lift the restriction on University-approved, indoor in-person events in time for Super Bowl Sunday! We thank you again for your patience.  

Here are the numbers of on-campus COVID-19 test results thus far this semester.  

Students
Positive Tests: 35 (18 Florham, 17 Metro) 
Negative Tests: 2,287 

Faculty and Staff
Positive Tests: 0
Negative Tests: 31 

In addition to those positive cases this semester, there have been 16 student cases (9 Florham and 7 Metro) and 2 faculty/staff cases this semester reported to the University following tests conducted offsite.  

As a reminder, students who become ill or may have been exposed to the virus should contact the appropriate health service on campus (see below) and should not come to classes or participate in campus activities unless otherwise directed by Student Health Services. All students who test positive must immediately notify Student Health Services. 

Florham Campus – Student Health Services – 973-443-8535. After hours, call Florham Campus Public Safety – 973-443-8888.  

Metropolitan Campus – Student Health Services – 201-692-2437. After hours, call Metropolitan Campus Public Safety – 201-692-2222.

Faculty and staff members who are ill or may have been exposed to the virus should seek medical assistance through their primary care providers and notify FDU’s Office of Human Resources as soon as possible. Faculty and staff who become aware of a student testing positive should make sure that Student Health Services is immediately notified. For more information, please contact Vice President for Human Resources Rose D’Ambrosio at 201-692-2706 or via email at dambrosi@fdu.edu. 

For more information and updates, see the COVID-19 section of the FDU website. 

February 3, 2022 

New Jersey Campuses Health and Safety Update

To: New Jersey Campus Communities 

From: Robert Pignatello, Senior Vice President for University Operations  

I hope the transition this week to returning to in-person courses has gone well for our students and faculty. It certainly has been great to see everyone back on campus. With your cooperation and commitment to following just a few basic precautionary measures, we are confident we will enjoy a safe and successful semester. 

The good news is that we continue to see COVID-19 indicators in New Jersey and the region declining. We do expect, however, that, because of the highly contagious Omicron variant, we could see a number of positive cases, at least early this semester. We certainly want to do everything we can to keep the number of positive cases as low as possible. We have an effective multi-layered approach to managing the threat and keeping the number of cases low and, as a result of your cooperation, it continues to work. Helping us to track and manage cases also involves contact tracing and surveillance testing. If you are called upon for either, please continue this cooperation.  

In addition, students who do not comply with the vaccination protocols (vaccination or exemption) cannot take classes in person and participate in activities on campus. We have also seen voluntary COVID-19 booster shots increase, but still hope more individuals will get a booster shot to gain added protection that will help counter waning immunity. Those who get a booster shot are relieved of surveillance testing and quarantine requirements if exposed. (When you have received your booster shot, please upload your documentation to Medicat.)  

The University also has a strong program in place for managing and caring for students who become ill. As a reminder, students who become ill or may have been exposed to the virus should contact the appropriate health service on campus (see below) and should not come to classes or participate in campus activities unless otherwise directed by Student Health Services. All students who test positive must immediately notify Student Health Services. 

We also have a couple of important updates to our policies. As you recall, due to the surge of the Omicron variant at the end of the fall semester, we imposed a restriction on large indoor gatherings. As the surge is subsiding, we believe it will soon be prudent to lift this restriction. Therefore, beginning on February 13 (Super Bowl Sunday), University-approved, indoor in-person events will once again be allowed. Another restriction caused by the Omicron surge was including a COVID-19 vaccine requirement as part of the athletics spectator policy. Effective immediately, we have removed that requirement for spectators at our athletics events. We urge everyone, however, to take prudent steps to reduce the risk of transmission while indoors, including wearing masks as required by our continuing policies.  

We thank you for your patience in following the protocols as we adapt our policies to the changing landscape around us. Again, please remember that the indoor mask requirement remains in effect at this time and we strongly recommend a high-quality mask (such as a certified KN-95 mask; or a tightly fitting, multiple-layer cloth mask with a nose wire; or a three-ply disposable surgical mask, perhaps covered by a cloth mask). The University has KN-95 masks available at the Public Safety offices if you forgot to bring yours.  

As we conclude the first week of in-person courses, here are the numbers of on-campus COVID-19 test results thus far this semester.  

Students 
Positive Tests: 30 (14 Florham, 16 Metro) 
Negative Tests: 1,666 

Faculty and Staff
Positive Tests: 0 
Negative Tests: 21 

In addition to those positive cases this semester, there have been 11 student cases (7 Florham and 4 Metro) and one faculty/staff case this semester reported to the University following tests conducted offsite.  

Here are some important phone numbers:  

Florham Campus – Student Health Services – 973-443-8535. After hours, call Florham Campus Public Safety – 973-443-8888.  

Metropolitan Campus – Student Health Services – 201-692-2437. After hours, call Metropolitan Campus Public Safety – 201-692-2222. 

Faculty and staff members who are ill or may have been exposed to the virus should seek medical assistance through their primary care providers and notify FDU’s Office of Human Resources as soon as possible. Faculty and staff who become aware of a student testing positive should make sure that Student Health Services is immediately notified. For more information, please contact Vice President for Human Resources Rose D’Ambrosio at 201-692-2706 or via email at dambrosi@fdu.edu. 

For more information and updates, see the COVID-19 section of the FDU website. 

January 28, 2022

Spring Semester Begins 

To: New Jersey Campus Communities 

From: Robert Pignatello, Senior Vice President for University Operations 

I hope everyone is having a great start to the spring semester. We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we began the semester with a week of remote learning, and we are very excited to welcome everyone back to campus in person next week.  

As we did in the fall, we will provide regular updates throughout the semester on the number of positive COVID-19 cases and other details relating to health and safety protocols and policies. While the surge of the Omicron variant appears to be slowing down in our region, the spread of the virus remains at a very high level, and so we again ask all our community members to take the necessary precautions to help keep everyone safe.  

While in-person classes start on Monday, resident students began moving in on Sunday, January 23. Here are the outcomes of the entry testing for those students as well as some commuter athletes:

Florham Campus 
Positive Tests: 6 
Negative Tests: 787 

Metropolitan Campus 
Positive Tests:15

Negative Tests: 305 

Students who tested positive were either moved to on-campus isolation or returned home. During the semester, FDU will again have a robust testing program in place, and designated areas for isolation and quarantine when necessary.  

Despite the fact that the spread of the Omicron variant is now declining in our region, we still expect to see higher numbers of positive cases than the fall, particularly in the beginning of the semester. To help counter this challenge, we strongly encourage eligible community members to keep their vaccinations up-to-date with a booster shot. The effectiveness of the vaccines decreases over time, so boosters are critical to preventing infections and transmissions. Remember, per the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), those who have received their boosters will not need to quarantine if they are exposed to the virus and are exempt from surveillance testing as well.  

To help our community members, the University has arranged with Holy Name Medical Center to offer booster shots at University Plaza 3 in Hackensack through February 4 (Monday–Friday), from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. An appointment must be made using https://vaccine.holyname.org/C19VACFDUT, and community members must present their FDU ID.

FDU also arranged with Atlantic Health System to have booster clinics on the Florham Campus. The next one is Thursday, February 3, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Orangerie. While walk-ins will be welcomed, students, faculty and staff are strongly encouraged to pre-register and schedule an appointment via the following link: COVID-19 Vaccine – Coronavirus – Atlantic Health. All three types of vaccines will be available.

When you have received your booster shot, please upload your documentation to Medicat.

As in the fall, everyone is required to wear masks indoors, except when actively eating or within a private office with the door closed. We strongly recommend a high-quality mask (a tightly fitting, multiple-layer cloth mask with a nose wire, or a three-ply disposable surgical mask, perhaps covered by a cloth mask, or an authentic, KN-95 mask). For those who forgot theirs, masks are available at the Public Safety offices on both campuses.  

Please avoid large gatherings indoors, on or off campus, particularly when you do not know the vaccination status of others. There remains a restriction against large indoor gatherings on campus when social distancing and masking cannot be maintained, but we hope to be able to lift that restriction very soon.  

Finally, please continue to practice good hygiene and wash your hands frequently. And please stay home and possibly get tested when you feel sick, as common cold symptoms are similar to COVID-19 symptoms and should not be ignored.  

 Students who become ill or may have been exposed to the virus should contact the appropriate health service on campus (see below) and should not come to classes or participate in campus activities unless otherwise directed by Student Health Services. All students who test positive must immediately notify Student Health Services. 

Florham Campus – Student Health Services – 973-443-8535. After hours, call Florham Campus Public Safety – 973-443-8888.  

Metropolitan Campus – Student Health Services – 201-692-2437. After hours, call Metropolitan Campus Public Safety – 201-692-2222. 

Faculty and staff members who are ill or may have been exposed to the virus should seek medical assistance through their primary care providers and notify FDU’s Office of Human Resources as soon as possible. Faculty and staff who become aware of a student testing positive should make sure that Student Health Services is immediately notified. For more information, please contact Vice President for Human Resources Rose D’Ambrosio at 201-692-2706 or via email at dambrosi@fdu.edu. 

For more information and updates, see the COVID-19 section of the FDU website. 

January 21, 2022  

Booster Shots Available

To: New Jersey Campus Communities   

From: Robert Pignatello, Senior Vice President for University Operations   

As mentioned in my previous update, we strongly encourage eligible community members to keep their vaccinations up-to-date with a booster shot. Also as previously noted, in alignment with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), those who have received their boosters will not need to quarantine if they are exposed to the virus.

We have now arranged with Atlantic Health System to have a booster clinic on the Florham Campus on Thursday, January 27, and Thursday, February 3, from 10 AM to 3 PM in the Orangerie. Students, faculty and staff are strongly encouraged to pre-register and schedule an appointment via the following link: COVID-19 Vaccine – Coronavirus – Atlantic Health.

In addition, as earlier announced, the University has arranged with Holy Name Medical Center to offer booster shots at University Plaza 3 in Hackensack from January 17 – February 4 (Monday–Friday), from 9 AM to 3 PM. An appointment must be made using vaccine.holyname.org/C19VACFDUT and community members must present their FDU ID.  

When you have received your booster shot, please upload your documentation to Medicat.  

Thank you. 

January 13, 2022 

Spring Semester Update

To: New Jersey Campus Communities 

From: Robert Pignatello, Senior Vice President for University Operations 

As announced by President Capuano, the spring semester will start on Monday, January 24, as scheduled, but the first week of classes will be remote, with the exception of select labs that will be in person. Following that week, in-person classes will begin on Monday, January 31.  

While the Omicron variant remains a significant threat in our region, with the cooperation of our students, faculty and staff, we believe we will be able to have a very successful and enriching semester. While we will need to follow some precautions and continue to be patient as guidelines may change during the semester, we have proven we can operate safely during the pandemic, and I am confident we will prove that once again.  

With the new semester rapidly approaching, and the change to remote for the first week, we wanted to take a moment to provide a few important updates, details and reminders.

Move In and Testing 

Resident students may begin moving in on Sunday, January 23, or could opt to move in during that first week. All residential students, all students who have an FDU approved exemption from the vaccine, and in-season student athletes must be tested as a condition for their return to campus. FDU will provide the tests on campus as soon as students arrive for their move in or for their first in-person courses. Students will be notified where to test and must report on the date and time indicated.  

More information about move-in week and entry testing will be sent to students from Housing and Residence Life. 

While we understand that it is difficult to get access to tests, we also strongly encourage all other students, as well as faculty and staff, to test before their return to FDU.  

During the semester, surveillance testing will once again be an important part of our health and safety protocols. The details are still being finalized, but we again urge your cooperation when you are asked to report for testing.  

Booster Shots 

As in the fall, FDU requires all students to be immunized against COVID-19. We also strongly encourage eligible community members to keep their vaccinations up to date with a booster shot. The effectiveness of the vaccines decreases over time, so boosters are critical to preventing infections and transmissions. Per the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), those who have received their boosters will not need to quarantine if they are exposed to the virus.  

To help our community members, the University has arranged with Holy Name Medical Center to offer booster shots at University Plaza 3 in Hackensack from January 17 – February 4 (Monday–Friday), from 9 AM to 3 PM. An appointment must be made using vaccine.holyname.org/C19VACFDUT and community members must present their FDU ID.  

We are still working on identifying a booster option closer to the Florham Campus. 

When you have received your booster shot, please upload your documentation to Medicat. 

In-Person Events 

At the end of the fall semester, when the surge began, the University prohibited large indoor social gatherings where social distancing and masking cannot be maintained. Unfortunately, we need to continue this practice for the first remote week of the new semester. We are sorry for this inconvenience and will modify this as soon as prudent. Please plan accordingly.  

Dining Locations/Cafeteria  

Dining locations will be carry-out only for the first week of the semester. Eating in the dining halls is scheduled to begin Saturday, January 29. More details will be announced soon.  

Bookstores 

Bookstores will remain open under normal operations, following all indoor masking and social distancing guidelines. 

Isolation and Quarantine

Following the new guidelines from the CDC, the University this semester has updated the protocols for isolation and quarantine.  

Isolation is required for individuals with or without symptoms who test positive for the virus. The isolation period will last for five days, as long as there are no symptoms by the end of that time. Isolation can then end, but a high-quality mask must be worn properly for an additional five days when around others to minimize the risk of transmission of the virus. This only applies to individuals who have a positive test but do not experience symptoms; individuals who have symptoms of illness must continue to isolate in line with advice from their health care providers or Student Health Services.  

Quarantine is required for community members who are identified as close contacts of a person with COVID-19 and (1) have an exemption from vaccination, (2) do not have a verified positive PCR test within 90 days, or (3) are eligible for, but have not received a booster shot. Quarantine will be for five days followed by strict mask use for an additional five days. Individuals who have received their full primary vaccination series and have received a booster, if they are eligible for one, and do not have symptoms do not need to quarantine following exposure but should wear a mask for 10 days after the exposure. For all individuals who are identified as close contacts, best practice would also include a test for the virus at day 5 after exposure, if practical. If symptoms occur, individuals should immediately quarantine until a negative test confirms symptoms are not attributable to COVID-19. 

Masking

As in the fall, everyone is required to wear masks indoors except when actively eating or within a private office with the door closed. Due to the more contagious Omicron variant, we strongly recommend a high-quality mask (a tightly fitting, multiple-layer cloth mask with a nose wire, or a three-ply disposable surgical mask, perhaps covered by a cloth mask, or an authentic, KN-95 mask). While they are readily available for purchase, masks are also available at the Public Safety offices on both campuses for those who forgot theirs.  

The beginning of the semester in particular is likely to present us with significant challenges and the potential for many positive cases, so we also ask everyone to continue taking other precautionary steps. Please avoid large gatherings indoors, on or off campus, particularly when you do not know the vaccination status of others. Wear a high-quality mask indoors and even outside when social distancing cannot be maintained. Wash your hands frequently. And please stay home and possibly get tested when you feel sick, as common cold symptoms are similar to COVID-19 symptoms and should not be ignored.  

If You Become Sick 

Students who become ill or may have been exposed to the virus should contact the appropriate health service on campus (see below) and should not come to classes or participate in campus activities unless otherwise directed by Student Health Services. All students who test positive must immediately notify Student Health Services. 

Florham Campus – Student Health Services – 973-443-8535. After hours, call Florham Campus Public Safety – 973-443-8888.  

Metropolitan Campus – Student Health Services – 201-692-2437. After hours, call Metropolitan Campus Public Safety – 201-692-2222. 

Faculty and staff members who are ill or may have been exposed to the virus should seek medical assistance through their primary care providers and notify FDU’s Office of Human Resources as soon as possible. Faculty and staff who become aware of a student testing positive should make sure that Student Health Services is immediately notified. For more information, please contact Vice President for Human Resources Rose D’Ambrosio at 201-692-2706 or via email at dambrosi@fdu.edu. 

The pandemic has often forced us to adjust rapidly to new realities, so we will continue to closely monitor new developments and guidelines as the semester proceeds. As I did in the fall, I will provide regular updates throughout the semester. Please also continue to monitor the COVID-19 section of the FDU website.

Thank you for your cooperation.  

January 12, 2022

President’s Update – Start of the Spring Semester

Dear University Community,

I hope everyone enjoyed a wonderful winter break! The University is excited to begin the spring semester and welcome students back on campus. We have a lot to look forward to this semester, and with your help and cooperation we are confident the semester will be a productive and deeply rewarding one for everyone

As you know, the Omicron variant has unfortunately caused a massive spike in COVID-19 cases in our region and throughout the nation. Thankfully, the effects of this variant are often milder in most individuals, but the strain on our health care system and the threat to those most vulnerable remain very significant, so we must continue to do what we can to mitigate the risk of infection and transmission, particularly in the upcoming weeks. Therefore, FDU’s New Jersey campuses will begin the semester as scheduled on January 24, but, as many other colleges have done in our area, FDU will delay the start of in-person classes for one week—until January 31. The first week of classes will be delivered remotely (with possibly some exceptions such as lab courses). Faculty will provide students with information on how to attend classes remotely during the first week of the spring semester.

The one week of remote learning will help us gradually bring the community back to campus, beginning with the return of resident students. The residence halls will open as scheduled. Resident students may still begin moving in on Sunday, January 23, or they can move in later during the week if they wish. Resident students must be tested on campus upon arrival so this extra time also will enable us to better manage the process. More details about the move-in process and testing will be shared shortly.

This remote week also provides our community members with more opportunities to receive booster shots, which are becoming increasingly important as the effectiveness of the initial vaccination declines over time. We strongly encourage everyone eligible to get a booster shot and we are working with health care providers locally to make that process as convenient as possible for all FDU community members.

During the first week of remote learning, we will ask students to refrain from large gatherings, and the University will not hold in-person events except for athletic contests already scheduled. Beginning January 31, we plan to resume normal events with appropriate precautions in place depending on the current circumstances and guidelines.

In the fall, we were very successful in working together and looking out for one another. While I wish the pandemic was behind us, the reality is that we continue to face significant challenges. To keep each other safe and to enjoy a rich educational experience, we once again will need your cooperation and commitment this semester. I am confident we again will rise to the challenge, and I look forward to seeing everyone on campus soon.

Yours in FDU,

Christopher A. Capuano, Ph.D.
President

December 31, 2021 

Returning to Campus and Updated CDC Guidance on Isolation and Quarantine 

To: New Jersey Campus Communities

From: Robert Pignatello, Senior Vice President for University Operations

We hope everyone is enjoying this holiday break and doing their best to stay safe and healthy. As the new year approaches and we continue to monitor the surge of the Delta and Omicron coronavirus variants, we wanted to check in and provide some updates. At this time, we have no major changes to plans for the opening of the spring semester on January 24. Our winter session has predominantly online course offerings, and special precautions are in place for the limited number of in-person classes.  

We are continuing to keep a close watch on evolving recommendations regarding vaccination, testing, face masks, and contact tracing.  

At this time, we strongly encourage, but are not requiring, vaccine boosters for students, faculty, and staff as soon as they become eligible to receive them (generally, six months after completing the primary COVID-19 vaccination series with Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or two months after receiving the Johnson & Johnson vaccine). We will soon send out instructions about uploading your booster record to the Medicat system.  

Testing for the virus will continue to be an essential part of our mitigation measures. We will require residential students and live-in staff, students who have an exemption from vaccination or have not completed their vaccination series, and in-season student-athletes and coaches to get tested on campus as a condition for their return to campus. We strongly encourage everyone else to test before returning to FDU – to the fullest extent possible (recognizing the current limited test availability in many areas).    

We are examining how we can best and most conveniently provide required testing for employees who have an exemption from vaccination and surveillance testing for employees who are returning to campus next week. In the meantime, as a precaution, we strongly encourage employees to obtain a negative test prior to returning to work if they are able. One option is a free at-home service offered by the State of New Jersey: a saliva test that can be ordered for home delivery. For more information, see https://learn.vaulthealth.com/nj/. 

We are also reviewing our protocols for surveillance testing in the spring semester, and we will share more information concerning that as soon as possible.   

As I am sure many of you have heard, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) this week updated its guidance on the time required for isolation and quarantine. Isolation is required for individuals with or without symptoms who test positive for the virus. The recommended time for isolation is now 5 days, as long as there are no symptoms by the end of the five days. Isolation can then end but a high-quality mask must be worn properly for an additional 5 days when around others to minimize the risk of transmission of the virus. This only applies to individuals who have a positive test but do not experience symptoms; individuals who have symptoms of illness must continue to isolate in line with advice from their health care providers or Student Health Services. 

In accordance with revised guidance from the CDC, we will require quarantine for students living on campus who (1) have an exemption from vaccination, (2) have not completed their primary vaccination series, or (3) are eligible for, but have not received, a booster shot and are identified as close contacts of a person with COVID-19. Quarantine will be for 5 days followed by strict mask use for an additional 5 days. Individuals who have received their full primary vaccination series and have received a booster, if they are eligible for one (as noted, we are not requiring boosters at this time) and do not have symptoms do not need to quarantine following exposure, but should wear a mask for 10 days after the exposure. For all individuals who are identified as close contacts, best practice would also include a test for the virus at day 5 after exposure, if practical. If symptoms occur, individuals should immediately quarantine until a negative test confirms symptoms are not attributable to COVID-19. 

We encourage the use of a high-quality mask (a tightly-fitting, multiple-layer cloth mask with a nose wire, or a three-ply disposable surgical mask, perhaps covered by a cloth mask, or an authentic, non-counterfeit KN95 mask) to help prevent the spread of the virus. At this writing high-quality masks appear to be readily available for purchase. As a backup, we are also making masks available at the public safety departments at both campuses and at the Madison Avenue entrance at the Florham Campus.  

We continue to revise and modify aspects of our protocols as needed. For example, please note that until further notice any business travel, international or domestic, must be approved in advance by the University Provost (for faculty) or the Senior Vice President for Finance & Administration (for staff) (unless previously approved).   

As an additional precaution, all spectators at our athletic events are now required to show proof of full vaccination.  

We will update these policies further as conditions evolve – hopefully in a more positive direction if we see the current spike of the Omicron virus trend downward, as many public health officials expect will occur. Of course, we will also align our operations with governmental requirements and regulations, which we also closely monitor.  

In the meantime, please exercise extra caution in the days and weeks ahead as we are facing the considerable challenge of protecting ourselves and those around us from this very contagious Omicron variant. Avoid large gatherings and even smaller ones, especially indoors, where the vaccine status of others is not known. Wear a high-quality mask indoors (this remains an FDU requirement when on campus) and wash your hands frequently. Be aware of your health status; note that the symptoms of COVID-19 and the flu or a bad cold can be very similar. Although Omicron seems to lead to mild illness in most fully vaccinated people, some individuals are at higher risk because of age or underlying health problems, and not everyone is vaccinated – so we must take it seriously. Cases in New Jersey and across the country are breaking records. It is straining the health care system and disrupting our economy. Collectively, we must all do our part to reduce infection and transmission.  

If you are an employee and have questions about COVID-19 protocols, please contact Vice President for Human Resources Rose D’Ambrosio at 201-692-2706 or dambrosi@fdu.edu. If you are a student who has questions, please contact Student Health Services (Florham Campus, 973-443-8535, and Metropolitan Campus, 201-692-2437). 

We will be in touch with you again as more updates become available. A Happy and Healthy New Year to all!  

December 17, 2021 

New Jersey Campuses Health and Safety Update 

To: New Jersey Campus Communities 

From: Robert Pignatello, Senior Vice President for University Operations 

Good morning. I hope everyone did well on their finals and concluded the semester successfully. It was a challenging semester in many respects, but it was also a very satisfying semester, as we were able to be together on our campuses and participate in many of the activities we normally do. While there was a significant uptick in cases at the end of the semester (50 percent of positive cases occurred after Thanksgiving), this coincides with similar trends throughout our region and country. In response, we ramped up on-campus testing for any close contacts and for anyone who wanted an exit test. The results that have come in this week produced few positives. Overall, we have a lot to be thankful for. Together we have done an outstanding job keeping each other safe, and I want to again thank and applaud everyone for their commitment and cooperation. It worked.  

We will provide health and safety updates on an as-needed basis during the break, (so please look for them) and we will resume weekly updates once the spring semester begins. We are optimistic that our protocols will continue to be effective and enable us to once again enjoy a successful semester in person this spring. But, due to the rapidly changing nature of this pandemic, there will be precautions and policies that we will need to once again emphasize, and there could be some updates and new requirements to our protocols. For example, many if not all students will be either asked to test upon their return or to provide proof of a negative test. More details will follow on this and more.  

As we prepare for the spring semester, we again ask that you please check your email regularly and the FDU website for updated guidelines, protocols, notices and alerts. Please continue to take the necessary precautions while off campus and please get a booster shot as soon as you are eligible. As the more contagious Omicron variant spreads throughout the country, the booster appears to be an increasingly necessary precaution. Many experts say it is an absolute necessity. Please stay safe and enjoy a wonderful holiday break and a Happy New Year. You well deserve it!  

The following are the final numbers of on-campus COVID-19 test results this semester. 

Students 
Positive Tests: 63 (54 Florham, 9 Metro) 
Negative Tests: 7,685 

Faculty and Staff
Positive Tests: 5
Negative Tests: 442 

The following are the final numbers of positive cases reported to the University following tests conducted offsite. 

Students: 77 Positive Cases (48 Florham, 29 Metro) 
Faculty and Staff: 17 Positive Cases 

The following are the final cumulative numbers for all positive cases reported from both onsite and offsite testing this semester. 

Students: 140 Positive Cases (102 Florham, 38 Metro) 
Faculty and Staff: 22 Positive Cases 

Once again, thank you everyone for all your cooperation and support this semester. Happy holidays! 

December 10, 2021 

New Jersey Campuses Health and Safety Update

To: New Jersey Campus Communities 

From: Robert Pignatello, Senior Vice President for University Operations 

As I wrote yesterday, unfortunately we have seen a surge of cases over the past few days, which follows the trends we are seeing in our region since the Thanksgiving holiday and the arrival of the colder weather. Since last week’s update, there have been 37 student positive cases on the Florham Campus, seven student positive cases on the Metropolitan Campus and five faculty and staff cases on the two campuses (these include both on-campus and off-campus test results).  

As with all positive results, these cases are being managed in accordance with our protocols. Testing and contact tracing is being done, and those impacted are being assigned to quarantine or isolation on campus if necessary. Close contacts are being notified with instructions on what to do. Those who are not identified as close contacts may continue normal activities.  

Many of these cases are related to large student social gatherings held indoors both on and off campus. If you believe you were at one of these gatherings or exposed to the virus in another way, especially if you are experiencing symptoms, please notify Student Health Services for further guidance about testing as soon as possible. We are also working to provide increased testing services on both campuses next week. In these remaining days of the semester be extra aware of the impact of social gatherings indoors where masking and social distancing cannot be maintained both on and off campus. As announced previously, larger on-campus gatherings are no longer permitted for the remainder of the semester. 

Overall, we have had a very successful semester, but this increase demonstrates how important it is that we not let our guard down. Again, please follow the health and safety protocols in place. In particular, please keep wearing masks that fully cover the nose and mouth indoors. Mask wearing is highly effective, and there is an extremely low risk of transmission in classrooms when everyone is masked. In addition, please report any illness or potential exposure immediately and please get booster shots as soon as you are eligible. Primary vaccine immunity decreases over time and the booster will increase protection now against the Delta variant and in the months ahead as the Omicron variant spreads. Please also note that you should take the same precautions while off campus. This will help prevent a future uptick in cases when people return to campus.   

The following are the total numbers of on-campus COVID-19 test results this semester. 

Students 
Positive Tests: 48 (41 Florham, 7 Metro) 
Negative Tests: 7,193 

Faculty and Staff
Positive Tests: 3
Negative Tests: 407 

In addition to those positive cases this semester, there have been 65 student cases (38 Florham and 27 Metro) and 14 faculty/staff cases this semester reported to the University following tests conducted offsite. The University will continue to report the number of positive cases among FDU community members confirmed by tests taken both on and off campus.  

As a reminder, students who become ill or may have been exposed to the virus should contact the appropriate health service on campus (see below) and should not come to classes or participate in campus activities unless otherwise directed by Student Health Services. All students who test positive must immediately notify Student Health Services. 

• Florham Campus – Student Health Services – 973-443-8535. After hours, call Florham Campus Public Safety – 973-443-8888.
• Metropolitan Campus – Student Health Services – 201-692-2437. After hours, call Metropolitan Campus Public Safety – 201-692-2222.

 Faculty and staff members who are ill or may have been exposed to the virus should seek medical assistance through their primary care providers and notify FDU’s Office of Human Resources as soon as possible. Faculty and staff who become aware of a student testing positive should make sure that Student Health Services is immediately notified. For more information, please contact Vice President for Human Resources Rose D’Ambrosio at 201-692-2706 or via email at dambrosi@fdu.edu. 

For more information on FDU’s policies and protocols relating to COVID-19 and for an archive of updates go to the COVID-19 section of the FDU website.  

December 9, 2021

New Jersey Campuses Health and Safety Update

To: New Jersey Campus Communities

From: Robert Pignatello, Senior Vice President for University Operations

I’m writing to inform you that the recent surge of COVID-19 cases in our region from holiday gatherings over Thanksgiving and from more people being indoors has impacted our community as well. Over the last couple of days we have experienced a sudden increase in positive cases on our campuses. I will provide the latest recent and semester numbers in a subsequent note. While we have had tremendous success thus far thanks to our community’s cooperation with health and safety protocols, we need to be especially vigilant in this final stage of the semester, and so we again implore everyone to take the necessary precautions and adhere to the guidelines in place to help protect themselves and others.

This includes the requirement for wearing indoor masks fully covering the nose and mouth. While this does not apply when actively eating, that exception should not be used as a way to circumvent this requirement and common sense should be used. Please also wash your hands frequently and be aware of your physical proximity to others.

You are strongly encouraged to get a booster shot as soon as you are eligible, which has now been expanded to anyone over 18 years of age, six months after completing your primary vaccine. Any type of vaccine can be adopted as a booster no matter the type you used as your primary vaccine, and boosters can be obtained at your local pharmacy. This is fast becoming a necessity with the emergence of more contagious variants. Once you get a booster, please upload that information to Medicat.

Students who are ill or believe they may have been exposed to the virus must seek medical assistance by calling Student Health Services immediately (Florham Campus – 973-443-8535, Metropolitan Campus – 201-692-2437) and they should not come to classes or participate in on-campus activities. Faculty and staff who are ill should contact their medical providers and notify FDU’s Office of Human Resources (201-692-2706). And we ask all those who are notified as part of our contact tracing protocols to please fully cooperate so that we can help mitigate any further risk to the community.  

In addition, I regret to inform you that due to the recent surge, we must prohibit large indoor social gatherings of students, faculty and staff on campus, where social distancing and masking cannot be maintained, effective immediately for a limited time in order to contain transmission. If you live on campus you also must comply with the visitor policy. We understand it’s been a tough semester and the burdens already have been challenging, but we are close to the end of the term and we want everyone to be safe and well for the holiday season. We need full compliance to prevent any further spread of the virus.

With the pandemic continuing to evolve on a regular basis, it is important that everyone regularly monitor their emails and the FDU website for future developments and policy changes, particularly as we approach the spring semester and community members prepare to return after the break.

As always, we appreciate your patience and understanding. We wish everyone a safe and successful conclusion to the fall semester.

Thank you

December 2, 2021

New Jersey Campuses Health and Safety Update

To: New Jersey Campus Communities
From: Robert Pignatello, Senior Vice President for University Operations

I hope everyone enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. It’s hard to believe it’s December
already. We only have a couple more weeks remaining in this semester, so we again ask for
everyone’s continued patience, diligence and cooperation in following the health and safety
protocols in place to get us to the finish line. You should know that the University is increasing
surveillance testing this week in order to better track any virus spread after our break. Please
comply if you are asked to be tested. It is extremely important. Please also continue to wear
masks indoors (fully covering your mouth and nose), wash hands frequently and practice social
distancing when possible.

This is especially necessary in light of the concerns resulting from the discovery of yet another
COVID-19 variant that is spreading in other countries and has now been reported in the United
States too. While there is still much to learn about Omicron, we want to strongly encourage all
those who are eligible to get their booster shots as soon as possible. Doing so will strengthen
your immunity for the holidays when we will be indoors and around others. This will help you
develop enhanced protection against COVID-19 and its variants. In fact, the CDC now
recommends booster shots for all adults ages 18 and older at least six months after they
received the second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or at least two months after they
received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Please note that the booster shot can be any one of
the three available vaccines.

The safety measures we have employed have worked thus far. Let’s continue to adhere to them
and together be the safest community we can be.

The following are the latest numbers of on-campus COVID-19 test results this semester.

Students
Positive Tests: 26 (22 Florham, 4 Metro)
Negative Tests: 6,895

Faculty and Staff
Positive Tests: 2
Negative Tests: 381

In addition to the positive cases noted above so far this semester, there have been 43 student
cases (20 Florham and 23 Metro) and 10 faculty/staff cases this semester reported to the
University following tests conducted offsite. The University will continue to report the number
of positive cases among FDU community members confirmed by tests taken both on and off
campus. (Individuals who are working or studying entirely from a remote location without
regular access to campus are not included in these reports.)

As a reminder, students who become ill or may have been exposed to the virus should contact
the appropriate health service on campus (see below) and should not come to classes or
participate in campus activities unless otherwise directed by Student Health Services. All
students who test positive must immediately notify Student Health Services.

Florham Campus – Student Health Services – 973-443-8535. After hours, call Florham Campus
Public Safety – 973-443-8888.

Metropolitan Campus – Student Health Services – 201-692-2437. After hours, call Metropolitan
Campus Public Safety – 201-692-2222.

Faculty and staff members who are ill or may have been exposed to the virus should seek
medical assistance through their primary care providers and notify FDU’s Office of Human
Resources as soon as possible. Faculty and staff who become aware of a student testing
positive should make sure that Student Health Services is immediately notified. For more
information, please contact Vice President for Human Resources Rose D’Ambrosio at 201-692-
2706 or via email at dambrosi@fdu.edu.

For more information on FDU’s policies and protocols relating to COVID-19 and for an archive of
updates go to the COVID-19 section of the FDU website. 

November 19, 2021

New Jersey Campuses Health and Safety Update

To: New Jersey Campus Communities

From: Robert Pignatello, Senior Vice President for University Operations

Good morning, 

As we approach the break, let me take this opportunity to wish our students, faculty and staff a very happy and healthy Thanksgiving. Please enjoy the celebration and please continue to take precautions to keep you and your loved ones safe, especially if you are doing any traveling next week or later in the holiday season. We are also approaching the end of a challenging semester but because of the collective and ongoing commitment all have shown we have been able to continue in-person classes and activities. We salute you and thank you for that and we need that continued high level of cooperation.

Despite our vigilance at FDU, we have seen signs of ongoing risk for the spread of COVID-19 in the greater community and society. In addition to getting the COVID-19 vaccine, those eligible for a COVID-19 booster shot should get one as soon as possible. They are readily available and highly recommended. Remember to keep masks on in indoor spaces, especially crowded indoor spaces. If you feel sick, please stay home, and get a COVID-19 test if you have symptoms or are a close contact to someone who has tested positive. By taking care of yourselves and looking out for one another, we can continue to enjoy in-person events on campus and in-person holiday gatherings while keeping everyone as safe as possible.  

The following are the latest numbers of on-campus COVID-19 test results this semester.

Students
Positive Tests: 22 (19 Florham, 3 Metro)
Negative Tests: 6,074

Faculty and Staff
Positive Tests: 1
Negative Tests: 317

In addition to the positive cases noted above so far this semester, there have been 36 student cases (17 Florham and 19 Metro) and eight faculty/staff cases this semester reported to the University following tests conducted offsite. The University will continue to report the number of positive cases among FDU community members confirmed by tests taken both on and off campus. (Individuals who are working or studying entirely from a remote location without regular access to campus are not included in these reports.)

As a reminder, students who become ill or may have been exposed to the virus should contact the appropriate health service on campus (see below) and should not come to classes or participate in campus activities unless otherwise directed by Student Health Services. All students who test positive must immediately notify Student Health Services.

• Florham Campus – Student Health Services – 973-443-8535. After hours, call Florham Campus Public Safety – 973-443-8888.
• Metropolitan Campus – Student Health Services – 201-692-2437. After hours, call Metropolitan Campus Public Safety – 201-692-2222.

Faculty and staff members who are ill or may have been exposed to the virus should seek medical assistance through their primary care providers and notify FDU’s Office of Human Resources as soon as possible. Faculty and staff who become aware of a student testing positive should make sure that Student Health Services is immediately notified. For more information, please contact Vice President for Human Resources Rose D’Ambrosio at 201-692-2706 or via email at dambrosi@fdu.edu.

For more information on FDU’s policies and protocols relating to COVID-19 and for an archive of updates go to the COVID-19 section of the FDU website.

November 12, 2021

New Jersey Campuses Health and Safety Update

To: New Jersey Campus Communities

From: Robert Pignatello, Senior Vice President for University Operations

Good morning,

The following are the latest numbers of on-campus COVID-19 test results this semester.

Students
Positive Tests: 20 (17 Florham, 3 Metro)
Negative Tests: 5,009

Faculty and Staff
Positive Tests: 1
Negative Tests: 285

In addition to the positive cases noted above so far this semester, there have been 32 student cases (15 Florham and 17 Metro) and seven faculty/staff cases this semester reported to the University following tests conducted offsite. The University will continue to report the number of positive cases among FDU community members confirmed by tests taken both on and off campus. (Individuals who are working or studying entirely from a remote location without regular access to campus are not included in these reports.)

As a reminder, students who become ill or may have been exposed to the virus should contact the appropriate health service on campus (see below) and should not come to classes or participate in campus activities unless otherwise directed by Student Health Services. All students who test positive must immediately notify Student Health Services.

• Florham Campus – Student Health Services – 973-443-8535. After hours, call Florham Campus Public Safety – 973-443-8888.
• Metropolitan Campus – Student Health Services – 201-692-2437. After hours, call Metropolitan Campus Public Safety – 201-692-2222.

Faculty and staff members who are ill or may have been exposed to the virus should seek medical assistance through their primary care providers and notify FDU’s Office of Human Resources as soon as possible. Faculty and staff who become aware of a student testing positive should make sure that Student Health Services is immediately notified. For more information, please contact Vice President for Human Resources Rose D’Ambrosio at 201-692-2706 or via email at dambrosi@fdu.edu.

For more information on FDU’s policies and protocols relating to COVID-19 and for an archive of updates go to the COVID-19 section of the FDU website.

November 5, 2021

New Jersey Campuses Health and Safety Update

To: New Jersey Campus Communities

From: Robert Pignatello, Senior Vice President for University Operations

Good morning,

As we move now into the month of November, I want to remind students that one of the reasons we have been able to continue to enjoy the in-person experience is our surveillance testing program, which helps us monitor and track the positive infection rate. To be successful, though, we must continue to have students respond and show up for testing when they are designated. With low rates of participation, we would not have information that is accurate or reliable. So please respond and show up when you are called upon and do your part to continue to keep us all safe. It’s quick, easy, and painless.

The following are the latest numbers of on-campus COVID-19 test results this semester. I am very happy to report that there have been no positive test results on campus since last week.

Students
Positive Tests: 19 (16 Florham, 3 Metro)
Negative Tests: 4,680

Faculty and Staff
Positive Tests: 1
Negative Tests: 254

In addition to the positive cases noted above so far this semester, there have been 29 student cases (13 Florham and 16 Metro) and five faculty/staff cases this semester reported to the University following tests conducted offsite. The University will continue to report the number of positive cases among FDU community members confirmed by tests taken both on and off campus. (Individuals who are working or studying entirely from a remote location without regular access to campus are not included in these reports.)

As a reminder, students who become ill or may have been exposed to the virus should contact the appropriate health service on campus (see below) and should not come to classes or participate in campus activities unless otherwise directed by Student Health Services. All students who test positive must immediately notify Student Health Services.

• Florham Campus – Student Health Services – 973-443-8535. After hours, call Florham Campus Public Safety – 973-443-8888.
• Metropolitan Campus – Student Health Services – 201-692-2437. After hours, call Metropolitan Campus Public Safety – 201-692-2222.

Faculty and staff members who are ill or may have been exposed to the virus should seek medical assistance through their primary care providers and notify FDU’s Office of Human Resources as soon as possible. Faculty and staff who become aware of a student testing positive should make sure that Student Health Services is immediately notified. For more information, please contact Vice President for Human Resources Rose D’Ambrosio at 201-692-2706 or via email at dambrosi@fdu.edu.

For more information on FDU’s policies and protocols relating to COVID-19 and for an archive of updates go to the COVID-19 section of the FDU website.

November 2, 2021

President’s Update – Looking Ahead to the Spring

Dear University Community,

I hope everyone is enjoying a healthy and productive fall semester. It has been wonderful to see us all back on campus, taking courses and engaging in extracurricular activities. I want to echo what other administrators have been saying and thank everyone for working so hard to ensure a smooth transition back to in-person courses and activities, and especially for consistently cooperating with our safety protocols and doing everything possible to reduce the risk of community members becoming infected with COVID-19. Your efforts truly have made a difference, and thanks to all of you we have been very successful in keeping the number of cases low.

It is a very exciting time at FDU, and the semester has been eventful so far with many highlights, including our rise in the U.S. News & World Report college rankings. After reaching the top 50 last year for the first time in FDU’s history, this year the University climbed another six spots to number 44 among regional universities in the north. Perhaps even more impressive is the fact that we are ranked number 21 among Best Value Schools. We also were ranked among the “Best for Vets” and “Best in Social Mobility” — and several programs were named among the best of their kind nationwide.

As we move into the second half of the fall semester, our sights are beginning to focus on the spring. As much as we were optimistic heading into the fall, we are even more optimistic looking ahead to the spring. We plan again on offering a full selection of in-person courses, a dynamic residence hall experience, and many on-campus programs and events. Priority registration began yesterday, and we are ready to support our students as they plan their course schedules.

We continue to encourage all students to “Go for 4” — to commit to taking 15 credits each semester to graduate in four years. Not only will you start your career sooner, but finishing in four years means reducing education expenses. We also encourage students to consider winter term classes, a fast and convenient way to move ahead or catch up on degree requirements. Winter session begins January 3 and ends January 19.

While we are excited for the spring and winter terms, that doesn’t mean that the pandemic is behind us. With the winter months ahead and people congregating indoors more frequently, it is possible that another surge of cases lies ahead. But we have proven that if we consistently follow the guidelines in place and take a few essential precautions, we will be able to be together on campus.

This means, of course, continuing to follow our COVID-19 protocols, including the indoor mask policy. Particularly with winter approaching and more events occurring indoors, we cannot let our guard down. Once again, the only exceptions to indoor masking can be when you are alone in an office, or alone in a dorm suite or with roommates, or when actively eating and drinking.

While faculty, staff, and students are required to be fully vaccinated, there are individuals who have been granted exemptions and, in any event, we know that vaccination is not a guarantee against infection or transmission. So we also need everyone to cooperate with our surveillance testing program.

Finally, as more and more people become eligible for booster shots that provide an added level of protection, we urge community members to get a booster as soon as you are able to do so.

I have been impressed by how the community has come together during this pandemic, and I am grateful for everything you have done. We certainly hope that the positive trends we have been seeing continue. Eventually this pandemic will be behind us, but until then let’s remain vigilant, let’s maintain the practices that have kept our infection rates low, and let’s move forward with consideration for our safety and the safety of others.

I know our community will continue to rise to the challenge, and I know we will continue to look out for one another.

Yours in FDU,

Christopher A. Capuano, Ph.D.
President

October 29, 2021

New Jersey Campuses Health and Safety Update

To: New Jersey Campus Communities

From: Robert Pignatello, Senior Vice President for University Operations

The following are the latest numbers of on-campus COVID-19 test results this semester.

Students
Positive Tests: 19 (16 Florham, 3 Metro)
Negative Tests: 4,305

Faculty and Staff
Positive Tests: 1
Negative Tests: 225

In addition to the positive cases noted above, there have been 26 student cases (12 Florham and 14 Metro) and five faculty/staff cases this semester reported to the University following tests conducted offsite. The University will continue to report the number of positive cases among FDU community members confirmed by tests taken both on and off campus. (Individuals who are working or studying entirely from a remote location without regular access to campus are not included in these reports.)

As a reminder, students who become ill or may have been exposed to the virus should contact the appropriate health service on campus (see below) and should not come to classes or participate in campus activities unless otherwise directed by Student Health Services. All students who test positive must immediately notify Student Health Services.

• Florham Campus – Student Health Services – 973-443-8535. After hours, call Florham Campus Public Safety – 973-443-8888.
• Metropolitan Campus – Student Health Services – 201-692-2437. After hours, call Metropolitan Campus Public Safety – 201-692-2222.

Faculty and staff members who are ill or may have been exposed to the virus should seek medical assistance through their primary care providers and notify FDU’s Office of Human Resources as soon as possible. Faculty and staff who become aware of a student testing positive should make sure that Student Health Services is immediately notified. For more information, please contact Vice President for Human Resources Rose D’Ambrosio at 201-692-2706 or via email at dambrosi@fdu.edu.

October 22, 2021

New Jersey Campuses Health and Safety Update

To: New Jersey Campus Communities

From: Robert Pignatello, Senior Vice President for University Operations

I want to remind everyone that it remains critically important that we continue to comply with all University health and safety protocols. We have begun to receive reports of violations of the indoor masking policy. Student violators will face disciplinary measures as determined by the Office of Student Affairs. Faculty and staff members who violate the policy will face disciplinary action in accordance with their respective handbook.

Please remember that COVID-19 continues to pose a significant threat. To continue our success operating safely in person and to keep the number of positive cases and transmission very low, it is vital that everyone complies with the indoor mask policy, especially as the weather gets colder and more indoor events are held. Masks must be worn properly and must cover the mouth and nose at all times, particularly when an individual is speaking. Masks must be worn at all in-person meetings. Masks can only be removed when alone in an office or a dorm suite or with roommates, or when actively eating and drinking.

We greatly appreciate your continued cooperation. Your efforts have made a huge difference this semester so far, and we need to maintain the highest levels of compliance to keep it that way.   

I also want to alert everyone about a policy adjustment made this week. The CDC recently adjusted its guideline for when fully vaccinated close contacts to someone with COVID-19 should get tested from 3-5 days after exposure to 5-7 days, even if you don’t have symptoms. FDU’s policies now incorporate this change. Thank you as always for your patience when guidelines are adjusted.

The following are the latest numbers of on-campus COVID-19 test results this semester.

Students
Positive Tests: 17 (14 Florham, 3 Metro)
Negative Tests: 4,200

Faculty and Staff
Positive Tests: 1
Negative Tests: 210

In addition to the positive cases noted above, there have been 22 student cases (11 Florham and 11 Metro) and three faculty/staff cases this semester reported to the University following tests conducted offsite. The University will continue to report the number of positive cases among FDU community members confirmed by tests taken both on and off campus. (Individuals who are working or studying entirely from a remote location without regular access to campus are not included in these reports.)

As a reminder, students who become ill or may have been exposed to the virus should contact the appropriate health service on campus (see below) and should not come to classes or participate in campus activities unless otherwise directed by Student Health Services. All students who test positive must immediately notify Student Health Services.

• Florham Campus – Student Health Services – 973-443-8535. After hours, call Florham Campus Public Safety – 973-443-8888.
• Metropolitan Campus – Student Health Services – 201-692-2437. After hours, call Metropolitan Campus Public Safety – 201-692-2222.

Faculty and staff members who are ill or may have been exposed to the virus should seek medical assistance through their primary care providers and notify FDU’s Office of Human Resources as soon as possible. Faculty and staff who become aware of a student testing positive should make sure that Student Health Services is immediately notified. For more information, please contact Vice President for Human Resources Rose D’Ambrosio at 201-692-2706 or via email at dambrosi@fdu.edu.

October 15, 2021

New Jersey Campuses Health and Safety Update

To: New Jersey Campus Communities

From: Robert Pignatello, Senior Vice President for University Operations

I hope everyone enjoyed a wonderful fall recess! I want to notify students that in response to your requests for additional testing times, we have added a second day for regularly scheduled COVID-19 surveillance testing. Testing is now taking place on Mondays and Tuesdays.

As we continue with the fall semester, the following are the latest numbers of on-campus COVID-19 test results this semester.

Students
Positive Tests: 15 (12 Florham, 3 Metro)
Negative Tests: 3,802

Faculty and Staff
Positive Tests: 1
Negative Tests: 182

In addition to the positive cases noted above, there have been 21 student cases (11 Florham and 10 Metro) and two faculty/staff cases this semester reported to the University following tests conducted offsite. The University will continue to report the number of positive cases among FDU community members confirmed by tests taken both on and off campus. (Individuals who are working or studying entirely from a remote location without regular access to campus are not included in these reports.)

As a reminder, students who become ill or may have been exposed to the virus should contact the appropriate health service on campus (see below) and should not come to classes or participate in campus activities unless otherwise directed by Student Health Services. All students who test positive must immediately notify Student Health Services.

• Florham Campus – Student Health Services – 973-443-8535. After hours, call Florham Campus Public Safety – 973-443-8888.
• Metropolitan Campus – Student Health Services – 201-692-2437. After hours, call Metropolitan Campus Public Safety – 201-692-2222.

Faculty and staff members who are ill or may have been exposed to the virus should seek medical assistance through their primary care providers and notify FDU’s Office of Human Resources as soon as possible. Faculty and staff who become aware of a student testing positive should make sure that Student Health Services is immediately notified. For more information, please contact Vice President for Human Resources Rose D’Ambrosio at 201-692-2706 or via email at dambrosi@fdu.edu.

October 8, 2021

New Jersey Campuses Health and Safety Update

To: New Jersey Campus Communities

From: Robert Pignatello, Senior Vice President for University Operations

As we move toward the mid-point of the semester, the number of positive COVID-19 cases on our campuses remains relatively small, and that again is a credit to the community’s great work in looking out for one another and following the vital safety measures in place. The various mitigation efforts implemented to contain the virus are working thus far. Thank you all!

While it has been a warm October, we know the cold weather will soon be upon us, and more events will take place indoors. At the same time unfortunately, the Delta variant continues to pose a significant risk in our region. Therefore, it remains critically important that we continue to comply with health and safety protocols, especially the indoor masking requirement. Please remember that masks must be worn properly and must cover the mouth and nose at all times, particularly when an individual is speaking. Masks can only be removed when alone in an office or a dorm suite or with roommates, or when actively eating and drinking. We greatly appreciate your continued cooperation. As I said, it is making all the difference.

I hope all our students enjoy a well-deserved break for our fall recess on Monday and Tuesday. Please note that due to the fall recess, COVID-19 testing will take place on Wednesday next week instead of Tuesday. As usual, students will be notified in advance if they are scheduled for testing.

The following are the latest numbers of on-campus COVID-19 test results this semester.

Students
Positive Tests: 14 (12 Florham, 2 Metro)
Negative Tests: 3,565

Faculty and Staff
Positive Tests: 1
Negative Tests: 151

In addition to the positive cases noted above, there have been 14 student cases (8 Florham and 6 Metro) and one faculty/staff case this semester reported to the University following tests conducted offsite. The University will continue to report the number of positive cases among FDU community members confirmed by tests taken both on and off campus. (Individuals who are working or studying entirely from a remote location without regular access to campus are not included in these reports.)

As a reminder, students who become ill or may have been exposed to the virus should contact the appropriate health service on campus (see below) and should not come to classes or participate in campus activities unless otherwise directed by Student Health Services. All students who test positive must immediately notify Student Health Services.

• Florham Campus – Student Health Services – 973-443-8535. After hours, call Florham Campus Public Safety – 973-443-8888.
• Metropolitan Campus – Student Health Services – 201-692-2437. After hours, call Metropolitan Campus Public Safety – 201-692-2222.

Faculty and staff members who are ill or may have been exposed to the virus should seek medical assistance through their primary care providers and notify FDU’s Office of Human Resources as soon as possible. Faculty and staff who become aware of a student testing positive should make sure that Student Health Services is immediately notified. For more information, please contact Vice President for Human Resources Rose D’Ambrosio at 201-692-2706 or via email at dambrosi@fdu.edu.

October 1, 2021

New Jersey Campuses Health and Safety Update

To: New Jersey Campus Communities

From: Robert Pignatello, Senior Vice President for University Operations

As we enter the month of October, I want to thank all our students, faculty and staff for your cooperation with our health and safety protocols including our vaccine requirement. Our success this semester depends on all of you, and thanks to you we have enjoyed a productive and safe semester so far. The number of positive cases has been small, and we have been able to successfully and safely hold in-person classes and many wonderful on-campus activities. Thank you!

The Delta variant remains a significant risk in our region so we urge everyone to please continue to follow the protocols in place. We greatly appreciate your understanding and your assistance.

The following are the latest numbers of on-campus COVID-19 test results this semester.

Students
Positive Tests: 14 (12 Florham, 2 Metro)
Negative Tests: 3,203

Faculty and Staff
Positive Tests: 0
Negative Tests: 121

In addition to the positive cases noted above, there have been 12 student cases (6 Florham and 6 Metro) and one faculty/staff case this semester confirmed by tests conducted offsite. The University will continue to report the number of positive cases among FDU community members confirmed by tests taken both on and off campus. (Individuals who are working or studying entirely from a remote location without regular access to campus are not included in these reports.)

Once again, as a reminder, students who become ill or may have been exposed to the virus should contact the appropriate health service on campus (see below) and should not come to classes or participate in campus activities unless otherwise directed by Student Health Services. All students who test positive must immediately notify Student Health Services.

• Florham Campus – Student Health Services – 973-443-8535. After hours, call Florham Campus Public Safety – 973-443-8888.
• Metropolitan Campus – Student Health Services – 201-692-2437. After hours, call Metropolitan Campus Public Safety – 201-692-2222.

Faculty and staff members who are ill or may have been exposed to the virus should seek medical assistance through their primary care providers and notify FDU’s Office of Human Resources as soon as possible. Faculty and staff who become aware of a student testing positive should make sure that Student Health Services is immediately notified. For more information, please contact Vice President for Human Resources Rose D’Ambrosio at 201-692-2706 or via email at dambrosi@fdu.edu.

September 24, 2021

New Jersey Campuses Health and Safety Update

To: New Jersey Campus Communities

From: Robert Pignatello, Senior Vice President for University Operations

The following are the latest numbers of on-campus COVID-19 test results this semester.

Students
Positive Tests: 10 (8 Florham, 2 Metro)
Negative Tests: 2,922

Faculty and Staff
Positive Tests: 0
Negative Tests: 96

In addition to the positive cases noted above, there have been 10 student cases (5 Florham and 5 Metro) and one faculty/staff case this semester confirmed by tests conducted offsite. The University will continue to report the number of positive cases among FDU community members confirmed by tests taken both on and off campus. (Individuals who are working or studying entirely from a remote location without regular access to campus are not included in these reports.)

As a reminder, students who become ill or may have been exposed to the virus should contact the appropriate health service on campus (see below) and should not come to classes or participate in campus activities unless otherwise directed by Student Health Services. All students who test positive must immediately notify Student Health Services.

• Florham Campus – Student Health Services – 973-443-8535. After hours, call Florham Campus Public Safety – 973-443-8888.
• Metropolitan Campus – Student Health Services – 201-692-2437. After hours, call Metropolitan Campus Public Safety – 201-692-2222.

Faculty and staff members who are ill or may have been exposed to the virus should seek medical assistance through their primary care providers and notify FDU’s Office of Human Resources as soon as possible. Faculty and staff who become aware of a student testing positive should make sure that Student Health Services is immediately notified. For more information, please contact Vice President for Human Resources Rose D’Ambrosio at 201-692-2706 or via email at dambrosi@fdu.edu.

September 17, 2021

New Jersey Campuses Health and Safety Update

To: New Jersey Campus Communities

From: Robert Pignatello, Senior Vice President for University Operations

The following are the latest numbers of on-campus COVID-19 test results this semester.

Students
Positive Tests: 8 (7 Florham, 1 Metro)
Negative Tests: 2,619

Faculty and Staff
Positive Tests: 0
Negative Tests: 62

In addition to the positive cases noted above, there have been six student cases (3 Florham and 3 Metro) this semester confirmed by tests conducted offsite. The University will continue to report the number of positive cases among FDU community members confirmed by tests taken both on and off campus. (Individuals who are working or studying entirely from a remote location without regular access to campus are not included in these reports.)

As a reminder, to comply with FDU’s vaccine requirement, you must have uploaded your vaccination records by now. Faculty and staff and non-residential students must have received at least their first vaccination shot (if a vaccine requiring a two-dose regimen is selected) by the start of the semester and the second by this Monday, September 20. If you have not yet done so, please upload your vaccination record immediately. Each vaccination record should be uploaded to Medicat.

Students, faculty and staff who are not yet fully vaccinated (two weeks after receiving the second dose in a two-dose series or after receiving a single-dose vaccine) or who have an approved exemption from vaccination will be subject to weekly PCR testing as a condition to their attendance on campus. Please note that the deadline for submitting an exemption request has passed unless there is a new medical development that requires consideration.

We appreciate the community’s tremendous cooperation with our vaccine requirement, and the rate of compliance is very high among students, faculty and staff. We need those who still have not uploaded their records to do so immediately.

As a reminder, students who become ill or may have been exposed to the virus should contact the appropriate health service on campus (see below) and should not come to classes or participate in campus activities unless otherwise directed by Student Health Services. All students who test positive must immediately notify Student Health Services.

• Florham Campus – Student Health Services – 973-443-8535. After hours, call Florham Campus Public Safety – 973-443-8888.
• Metropolitan Campus – Student Health Services – 201-692-2437. After hours, call Metropolitan Campus Public Safety – 201-692-2222.

Faculty and staff members who are ill or may have been exposed to the virus should seek medical assistance through their primary care providers and notify FDU’s Office of Human Resources as soon as possible. Faculty and staff who become aware of a student testing positive should make sure that Student Health Services is immediately notified. For more information, please contact Vice President for Human Resources Rose D’Ambrosio at 201-692-2706 or via email at dambrosi@fdu.edu.

September 9, 2021

New Jersey Campuses Health and Safety Update

To: New Jersey Campus Communities

From: Robert Pignatello, Senior Vice President for University Operations

 

The following are the latest numbers of COVID-19 test results this semester.

Students
Positive Tests: 7 (6 Florham, 1 Metro)
Negative Tests: 2,106

Faculty and Staff
Positive Tests: 0
Negative Tests: 35

In addition to reporting the results of tests taken on campus, the University will regularly report the number of positive cases among FDU community members confirmed by tests taken off campus. Individuals who are working or studying entirely from a remote location without regular access to campus are not included in these reports. Of the positive cases listed above, one was confirmed this week by a test conducted offsite.

As a reminder, students who become ill or may have been exposed to the virus should contact the appropriate health service on campus (see below) and should not come to classes or participate in campus activities unless otherwise directed by Student Health Services. All students who test positive must immediately notify Student Health Services.

• Florham Campus – Student Health Services – 973-443-8535. After hours, call Florham Campus Public Safety – 973-443-8888.
• Metropolitan Campus – Student Health Services – 201-692-2437. After hours, call Metropolitan Campus Public Safety – 201-692-2222.

Faculty and staff members who are ill or may have been exposed to the virus should seek medical assistance through their primary care providers and notify FDU’s Office of Human Resources as soon as possible. Faculty and staff who become aware of a student testing positive should make sure that Student Health Services is immediately notified. For more information, please contact Vice President for Human Resources Rose D’Ambrosio at 201-692-2706 or via email at dambrosi@fdu.edu.

September 3, 2021

New Jersey Campuses Health and Safety Update

To: New Jersey Campus Communities

From: Robert Pignatello, Senior Vice President for University Operations

Subject: New Jersey Campuses Health and Safety Update

As we begin the semester, I want to thank everyone for their cooperation and compliance with FDU’s health and safety protocols and policies. Thanks to your help we are off to a great start.

As noted last week, we have a strong testing program in place that includes surveillance testing; regular testing for all community members who received an exemption from the vaccination requirement or who are still completing full vaccination; and, of course, testing of students who have COVID-19 symptoms or are close contacts of those who have COVID-19. In addition, the University conducted many tests as part of residence hall move-in and the start of athletic activities. As a result, you will note a very high number of tests taken at the beginning of the semester.

As we approach the holiday weekend, the following are the latest numbers of COVID-19 test results this semester.

Students
Positive Tests: 3 (2 Florham, 1 Metro)
Negative Tests: 1,455

In addition to reporting the results of tests taken on campus, the University will regularly report the number of positive cases among FDU community members confirmed by tests taken off campus. Individuals who are working or studying entirely from a remote location without regular access to campus are not included in these reports. As of now, there are no reported cases this semester of students, faculty or staff testing positive for COVID-19 at an off-campus testing location.

As a reminder, to comply with FDU’s vaccine requirement, you must have uploaded your vaccination records by now. Faculty and staff and non-residential students must have received at least their first vaccination shot (if a vaccine requiring a two-dose regimen is selected) by the start of the semester and the second by September 20. If you have not yet done so, please upload your vaccination record immediately. Residential students were required to be fully vaccinated before they could move in.

Students, faculty and staff who are not yet fully vaccinated (two weeks after receiving the second dose in a two-dose series or after receiving a single-dose vaccine) or who have an approved exemption from vaccination will be subject to weekly PCR testing as a condition to their attendance on campus. Please note that the deadline for submitting an exemption request has passed unless there is a new medical development that requires consideration.

Students who become ill or may have been exposed to the virus should contact the appropriate health service on campus (see below) and should not come to classes or participate in campus activities unless otherwise directed by Student Health Services. All students who test positive must immediately notify Student Health Services.

Florham Campus – Student Health Services – 973-443-8535. After hours, call Florham Campus Public Safety – 973-443-8888.

Metropolitan Campus – Student Health Services – 201-692-2437. After hours, call Metropolitan Campus Public Safety – 201-692-2222.

Faculty and staff members who are ill or may have been exposed to the virus should seek medical assistance through their primary care providers and notify FDU’s Office of Human Resources as soon as possible. Faculty and staff who become aware of a student testing positive should make sure that Student Health Services is immediately notified. For more information, please contact Vice President for Human Resources Rose D’Ambrosio at 201-692-2706 or via email at dambrosi@fdu.edu.

Have a wonderful Labor Day weekend!

August 27, 2021

New Jersey Campuses Health and Safety Update

To: New Jersey Campus Communities

From: Robert Pignatello, Senior Vice President for University Operations

Subject: New Jersey Campuses Health and Safety Update

Welcome to the 2021 academic year! We are very excited to see our students back on campus, and I know our faculty and staff are committed to doing everything possible to provide our students with an extraordinary education and a transformative experience.

To help ensure a successful academic year and to help safeguard the health and safety of our community members, we have taken many important measures. These include the COVID-19 vaccination requirement for students, faculty and staff; updated policies for masking; a strong on-campus regimen for testing and contact tracing; comprehensive cleaning procedures; and the reservation of isolation and quarantine spaces if necessary. Unfortunately, due to the Delta variant, COVID-19 remains a serious risk in our region, and we will need everyone’s cooperation to conduct our mission safely and to help keep each other as safe as possible. I know we can count on all of you to do your part.

Throughout the semester, we will provide regular updates on health and safety issues, statistics on test results and positive cases, and reminders on important policies in place. Please watch your email and check the website for the latest news and information.

As we reach the end of the first week of the semester, the following are the initial numbers and results of COVID-19 tests taken on campus thus far.

Students
Positive Tests: 1 (Florham resident)
Negative Tests: 919

In addition to the results of tests taken on campus, the University will regularly report the number of positive cases among campus community members confirmed by tests taken off campus. As of now, there are no reported cases of students, faculty or staff testing positive for COVID-19 at an off-campus testing location.

As a reminder, to comply with FDU’s vaccine requirement, you must have uploaded your vaccination record by now. Faculty and staff and non-residential students must have received at least their first vaccination shot (if a vaccine requiring a two-dose regimen is selected) by the start of the semester on Monday. If you have not yet done so, please upload your vaccination record immediately. Residential students were required to be fully vaccinated before they could move in.

Students, faculty and staff who are not yet fully vaccinated (two weeks after receiving the second dose in a two-dose series or after receiving a single-dose vaccine) or who have an approved exemption from vaccination will be subject to weekly PCR testing as a condition to their attendance on campus. Students were required to submit their requests for religious or medical exemption requests by August 5. For faculty and staff, the deadline is September 1.

Students who become ill or may have been exposed to the virus should contact the appropriate health service on campus (see below). All students who test positive must immediately notify Student Health Services.

• Florham Campus – Student Health Services – 973-443-8535. After hours, call Florham Campus Public Safety – 973-443-8888.

• Metropolitan Campus – Student Health Services – 201-692-2437. After hours, call Metropolitan Campus Public Safety – 201-692-2222.

Faculty and staff members who are ill or may have been exposed to the virus should seek medical assistance through their primary care providers and notify FDU’s Office of Human Resources as soon as possible. Faculty and staff who become aware of a student testing positive should make sure that Student Health Services is immediately notified. For more information, please contact Vice President for Human Resources Rose D’Ambrosio at 201-692-2706 or via email at dambrosi@fdu.edu.

Thank you.

August 23, 2021

President’s Note – Welcome to the New Academic Year

Dear Members of the University Community,

Welcome to the start of the new academic year! After the challenges of the last 18 months, we are incredibly excited to welcome everyone back to our campuses, and to enjoy a year that will once again feature in-person classes and activities.

During these difficult times, the driving imperative for the University has been to do all that we can to ensure the safety of our students, faculty, and staff. And that will remain our top priority throughout the coming year. A number of measures are in place to help keep the community safe. The most significant measure is, of course, the vaccination requirement for students, faculty, and staff. We also will continue to wear masks indoors, conduct frequent surveillance testing and contact tracing when necessary, as well as provide quarantine and isolation spaces if necessary. As the Delta variant has increased the number of cases in our region, we have to remain vigilant and take reasonable precautions to safeguard our community.

We will continue to closely monitor developments relating to the virus and carefully follow the direction of state and federal authorities as the year progresses. There will certainly be challenges for us to overcome, and we will likely have to adapt at times. But with your cooperation, we are confident that we will be able to overcome such challenges and safely enjoy in-person classes and activities. The key to a successful year is in our hands, and we all must take responsibility for each other. So please adhere to the guidelines in place at all times.

Despite the ongoing challenges, this truly promises to be a special year, and there is so much to look forward to. Throughout the pandemic, we have been kept apart, and that has been frustrating. However, I know this year we will cherish the opportunity to be together again, to collaborate together, to support each other, and, most of all, to see each other and speak together in person.

I am excited about many things this semester. I am looking forward to the continued development of our academic programs. As many of you know, we recently underwent an important reorganization of our academic structure, and the faculty have been busy collaborating across campuses to help update and enhance the curricula. This change alone is producing exciting synergies within our departments, schools, and colleges, and I believe we will continue to expand our offerings and develop new and innovative programs that will inspire students for many years to come.

I also am looking forward to contributions from our new leaders. We recently welcomed several new members to our community who bring valuable skills and insights to the leadership team. These include our new Senior Vice President for University Operations Dr. Robert Pignatello, our new Senior Vice President for University Advancement Jason Amore, and our new Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Dr. Uchenna Baker. They join a very dedicated and talented team and are quickly developing new programs to help benefit our students.

I am looking forward to once again celebrating important events together on campus as well. We enjoyed wonderful candle lighting and illumination ceremonies last week, and the move-in days went very smoothly. Looking ahead, we have many exciting events planned, including the Academic Convocation on September 22 and, of course, Family Day (September 18) and Homecoming (September 25) at the Florham Campus, and Family Weekend (October 16 and 17) at the Metropolitan Campus, along with numerous athletic events and club activities.

Most of all, though, I am looking forward to watching our students enjoy their time here and prosper. I can’t wait to see students studying and relaxing on our wonderful, award-winning footbridge on the Metropolitan Campus; to see student-athletes competing on our new athletic fields on the Florham Campus; to see students learning at our new location (89 West Georgia St.) at our Vancouver Campus; and to once again see students immersed in the Wroxton Experience in England.

Throughout the challenges of the pandemic, the one constant has been the devotion of our community to our students and to our mission. Once again, your commitment and your accomplishments have been truly inspiring: your commitment to your roles, to your goals, and, most of all, to each other. It’s that spirit of caring that defines the FDU community, and that spirit has propelled us through trying times and indeed has only strengthened and grown through those times. We are a better and stronger University today than we were two years ago. And we are poised to continue moving forward together and enjoying many accomplishments this year and in the future.

I thank you all for your dedication, and I wish all of you a healthy and prosperous academic year!

Yours in FDU,

Christopher A. Capuano, Ph.D.
President

August 11, 2021

President’s Note – Updated Masking and Vaccination Requirements – August 11, 2021

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,

We remain very optimistic about the fall semester, and we are looking forward to welcoming our students to campus for in-person courses, an active residence hall experience, and an exciting calendar of events.

At the same time, as we all know by now, the Delta variant – a very contagious strain of COVID-19 – has caused a rise in cases, as well as an increase in the rate of transmission in our state and throughout the nation. We also have seen that younger individuals are increasingly contracting the virus and that, while not common, transmission is possible from and between vaccinated individuals.

While the rise in cases is concerning, the good news is that the percentage of people in New Jersey who are vaccinated is above the national average and, largely for that reason, the numbers of people hospitalized and severely ill remains well below the numbers we were seeing during prior surges.

With the fall semester less than two weeks away, and due to the surge of cases caused by the Delta variant, we are making several important changes relating to vaccine and masking requirements for students, faculty, and staff, which are noted below. These changes involve the vaccination deadline, expansion of the masking policy, and a new University requirement of vaccinations for faculty and staff.

Vaccination Deadlines and New Masking Policy

For months, we have been urging all members of the FDU community to get vaccinated as soon as possible. We appreciate all those who have been vaccinated and have uploaded their proof of vaccination in a timely manner. Getting vaccinated remains the number-one measure you can take to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community. Once again, if you haven’t already done so, we remind all students, faculty, and staff to upload their vaccination records to Medicat as soon as possible.

In general, people who have been fully vaccinated can resume activities that they did prior to the pandemic. However, some increased precautions even for fully vaccinated persons are recommended in light of the recent surge. As a result of the guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the State of New Jersey, effective immediately FDU is requiring the use of masks inside all buildings for both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals. Masks are not required when alone in an office or alone in a dorm suite or with roommates, or when actively eating and drinking. (Student athletes will follow NCAA masking guidance as communicated by their coaches.) While this policy will remain in effect until further notice, this will not limit any of the plans we have for in-person events and experiences this coming semester. We again will closely monitor ongoing developments, and we hope to be able to relax this provision as soon as the situation improves and the health and governmental authorities deem it advisable to do so. However, if we are able to soon lift this provision for vaccinated individuals, it will remain in effect for unvaccinated individuals if they have an approved exemption.

The University earlier announced that face coverings will continue to be required in classrooms and instructional settings for both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals. Plastic shields are also in place in most classrooms for faculty to use. FDU has purchased an extensive amount of face coverings and these will be made available for community members shortly.

Once again, the new indoor masking requirement is effective immediately.

Special Measures for Unvaccinated Students, Faculty, and Staff

In addition, we are determined to implement appropriate safeguards for those persons who are not vaccinated. Our goal is to help protect the health and safety of all members of our community, including those persons who might not receive the vaccination because of a medical or religious exemption. As outlined above, everyone must wear a face mask while indoors. We also strongly encourage unvaccinated persons to wear a mask outdoors when social distancing cannot be maintained.

To reiterate our existing policy: residential students who do not have an exemption must be vaccinated prior to their move-in date.

Thus far, approximately 85 percent of residential students and student-athletes have provided proof of vaccination, which we are very pleased about. However, the number of commuter students who have provided proof of vaccination is not as high yet, so we need all commuter students to upload their vaccination information as soon as possible.

We are mindful that commuter students may need additional time to become fully vaccinated. Therefore, for commuter students only, the University is extending the deadline for being fully vaccinated. Commuter students without an exemption must receive at least their first vaccination shot by the first day of classes on August 23, and, if a vaccine requiring a two-dose regimen is selected, they must receive their second vaccination shot by September 20. Please upload your vaccination record to Medicat as soon as your first shot is received. You can then update your record after your second shot.

Unvaccinated students who have an approved medical or religious exemption from the vaccine requirement will be subject to weekly PCR testing in order to be allowed on campus. (Other measures communicated to exempt students also will apply.)

In addition, COVID-19 surveillance testing will be in place this semester and will particularly focus on residential students and high-risk populations, including those participating in intercollegiate athletics, those not yet fully vaccinated, and those who have exemptions from the vaccine requirement. (Note: surveillance testing may include some fully vaccinated individuals depending on circumstances and conditions in our region.)

Faculty and Staff Vaccination Requirement

As noted earlier, due to the current challenges caused by the Delta variant, the University now requires faculty and staff who are assigned to be on campus to get vaccinated. Faculty and staff who have not yet been vaccinated must receive at least their first vaccination shot before the start of the semester on August 23 and their second shot by September 20. If you have not yet done so, please upload your proof of vaccination. If you selected a vaccine requiring a two-dose regimen, you can upload your vaccination record as soon as you receive your first shot. You can then update your record after your second shot.

As with students, a process to apply for medical and religious exemptions will be provided. Those who are granted exemptions will be subject to weekly PCR testing in order to be allowed on campus. Details regarding applying for exemptions will be forthcoming.

As the situation no doubt will evolve further, the University will continue to take important precautions to counter the spread of the virus and help keep everyone safe. At the same time, we are optimistic that these provisions will enable us to provide an exciting and in-person educational and extracurricular experience for all of our students.

Those students who have any questions about the policies referenced above should contact the Office of Student Affairs at studentaffairs@fdu.edu.

We appreciate your patience, understanding, and cooperation, and we cannot wait to see you on campus!

Yours in FDU,

Christopher A. Capuano, Ph.D.
President

July 29, 2021

Updated Mask Guidelines and Vaccination Confirmation

To: New Jersey Campus Communities

From: Robert Pignatello, Senior Vice President for University Operations

The surge of the Delta variant has contributed to a significant increase in COVID-19 cases and transmission levels in our region. Following new guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) earlier this week, Governor Murphy and the New Jersey Department of Health have strongly recommended that both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals wear masks indoors when there is increased risk.

FDU already requires that individuals who are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 use face masks in most indoor settings on campus. As a result of the CDC’s and the governor’s guidance, effective immediately FDU is now strongly recommending the use of face coverings indoors for vaccinated individuals in situations where there is an increased risk. These situations include crowded indoor settings; indoor settings involving activities with close contact with unvaccinated individuals or those whose vaccine status is unknown; and situations involving individuals with compromised immune systems or who are at greater risk of severe disease. All visitors to health care settings and other specifically designated areas are required to wear face masks in accordance with posted instructions.

Please also note that community members have the right to ask you to wear a mask when in close contact with them. We ask that everyone be considerate to such requests.

The University will continue this fall, as has been the case this summer, to require face coverings in classrooms and instructional settings for both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals.

These latest developments further demonstrate the importance of getting vaccinated as quickly as possible to help combat the growing spread of COVID-19. Students, faculty and staff who have been vaccinated but have not yet uploaded  their vaccination records to Medicat should do so as soon as possible. Medicat is a secure system and limited only to staff in Human Resources (for employees) or Student Health Services (for students), who will have access to these records. This documentation is critical to demonstrating our commitment to reaching herd immunity and to ensuring that a significant percentage of our community is vaccinated. And those individuals who have not yet been vaccinated should get the vaccine as soon as possible (subject to limited exemptions as previously communicated), to protect themselves, their families, and the community-at-large. 

As noted, faculty and staff on campus now who are not vaccinated must wear face masks at all times indoors and may soon face additional requirements. 

For those who still have not been vaccinated there are many options available. In addition, as noted previously, regional health facilities (Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck, N.J., and Atlantic Health System in Morristown, N.J.) are providing  vaccinations for students, faculty and staff. You can register directly for either option. Go to the Holy Name Vaccine Registration Portal or for Atlantic Health System, go to COVID-19 Vaccine – FDU – Atlantic Health. 

The Delta variant has added new complexity and fluidity to an already difficult environment. We appreciate everyone’s efforts to help safeguard our community and support one another through these challenging times. Please watch for updates as we approach the start of the fall semester.

Thank you.

June 10, 2021

President’s Update – Return to Campus

Dear Faculty and Staff,

As you know, Governor Murphy has recently issued a series of Executive Orders that have relaxed many of the restrictions in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19. And in fact, on June 4, the Governor issued an order terminating the Public Health Emergency for COVID-19. That doesn’t mean the virus has gone away, but it does mean the vaccinations are doing a very effective job of curtailing the spread of the virus and that we can begin resuming many normal activities.

This is truly a wonderful development, and I am excited to welcome back all faculty and staff to our New Jersey campuses as soon as possible. It is time for us to once again convene together as a community, transition back to our on-campus activities, and demonstrate to students that we are there for them in person.

Therefore, effective Monday, June 21, we will begin a phased return of employees to both New Jersey campuses, in order to achieve a full resumption of on-campus operations in keeping with pre-COVID 19 schedules by Tuesday, July 6.

Your supervisors/direct reports will have detailed return plans shortly and will be communicating these to you. Specific return dates for employees will take into account the readiness of buildings and offices for occupancy. Faculty will return depending on their course schedules.

As always, limited exceptions will apply, such as for those employees who have medical conditions, or other special circumstances requiring an accommodation. Those who need a medical accommodation should confer with Rose D’Ambrosio, Vice President for Human Resources, and other requests for accommodations should be directed to your supervisor/direct report.

In addition, we recognize that earlier, the Office of Human Resources provided supervisors planning documents for the resumption of on-campus operations. If you and your supervisor made plans predicated on those initial return dates, please speak to your supervisor who may be able to be flexible.

Our goal is to resume full on-campus operations as soon as reasonably practical, consistent with individualized special circumstances.

To facilitate the return to campus, there are some policies and protocols that are changing and that you need to follow. One thing that has not changed is the fact that we strongly urge everyone to get fully vaccinated as soon as possible. Recent surveys we took indicate that the overwhelming majority of faculty and staff are either vaccinated or plan to become so soon. This is outstanding and enables us to proceed with confidence. We hope to encourage the remaining few to also get vaccinated as soon as possible. Those who are vaccinated will need to show proof by uploading their documentation to a secure website portal. Instructions for this and other information will be sent by the Office of Human Resources shortly. Please do not provide information regarding your vaccination status to your supervisors/direct report or other administrators, as Human Resources will be coordinating handling of this information.

Further, as previously announced, face coverings are no longer required while outdoors on the campuses. And now we can announce that if you’re fully vaccinated, you are no longer required to wear a face mask indoors. For the time being, however, face masks and social distancing are required in classrooms where instruction is taking place.

Those persons who are not vaccinated must continue to wear masks indoors, except when alone inside a walled office or when eating or drinking in a manner that maintains at least six-feet social distancing. Non-vaccinated persons should also practice social distancing and other precautions in accordance with guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Many of us will choose to continue to wear face masks in various settings, even if we have been fully vaccinated. Wearing or not wearing a mask is not an indication of vaccination status. In no event should anyone be ostracized or criticized if they choose to wear a face mask even when not compelled to do so.

Other safeguards to help mitigate the possible spread of COVID-19 will continue, including cleaning and sanitizing of high-touch areas in accordance with New Jersey Department of Health guidelines. Also, for the time being, please continue to use the Campus Clear application on a daily basis to monitor your health before coming to work. Persons who have symptoms of COVID-19 or other illnesses (whether or not they are vaccinated) should follow routine practices about sick time and should not report to work.

As noted above, at least during the summer, masks will continue to be required, as will social distancing, in all classrooms. We will keep you updated as protocols change, and more direction for the fall will follow. And, again, the Office of Human Resources will shortly send out more detailed information concerning the return to campus.

This guidance applies to the summer only. We will be issuing updated protocols for the fall. And, as always, all our practices will be amended as may be appropriate to accord with evolving guidance from state and federal agencies.

As I’ve communicated on many occasions, and want to emphasize again, I am incredibly proud and appreciative of the dedication that FDU employees have demonstrated throughout the pandemic in meeting the needs of our students and our great institution. I am confident we will make a smooth transition back to campus, and I look forward to seeing everyone here.

Yours in FDU,

Christopher A. Capuano, Ph.D.
President

May 27, 2021

Mask Policy Update

To: New Jersey Campus Communities

From: Hania Ferrara, Senior Vice President for Finance & Administration

As most of you know, Governor Murphy has relaxed and removed several restrictions that were in place to reduce the spread of COVID-19. This is great news and indicates that we are making significant progress in New Jersey.

FDU is continually reviewing the guidance from federal and state authorities and we will update our policies and plans as appropriate as we move toward more normal operations this fall.

At this time, we can announce that effective immediately community members and guests on the New Jersey campuses will no longer be required to wear face coverings while outdoors.

Please note that face coverings remain mandatory indoors. Outdoor youth summer camps may be subject to special restrictions. 

Again, we will continue to monitor developments and announce major policy changes as they are finalized.

Thank you

May 27, 2021

President’s Update – A Year We Will Never Forget

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,

As we conclude the 2020-2021 academic year, I want to express my deepest appreciation and gratitude for your extraordinary efforts to support our mission, to continue your studies, and to help each other through a year we will never forget.

The academic year ended in a very memorable way last week as we were able to be in person at MetLife Stadium and celebrate both the Class of 2021 and finally the Class of 2020. The ceremonies were a little different but the pride we felt for the graduates and the joy we all felt in being together were incredible. The smiles were clearly shining through the masks as the graduates walked across the stage and took their next steps to success. Commencement reminded us in a powerful way that while we have endured so much, together we have the strength to persevere and together we will enjoy many good times ahead.

At the same time, we cannot forget all that we have been through. So many people have suffered greatly. Many community members, friends, and loved ones were infected with COVID-19, many became ill, and some unfortunately did not recover. Our hearts first and foremost go out to all those who lost loved ones during the pandemic. We are grieving with you.

Others and their friends and families suffered significant financial hardships because of the economic impact of the pandemic. We again are very sorry so many were affected and continue to struggle with financial crises, and we hope some of the measures we instituted for students have helped in some small way. As we announced earlier, there will no tuition increase for our continuing students on the New Jersey campuses for the second consecutive year. And we reduced tuition for incoming students. Other measures have included the distribution of CARES Act funds, our scholarship campaign, our generous financial aid packages, and winter and summer course discounts.

Just as significant as the financial hardships that many experienced were the incredible stress and anxiety that the pandemic caused for just about everyone. While our physical health has clearly been at risk, so has our mental health, which for many was just as debilitating, if not worse.

Having to drastically alter our behaviors, having to physically distance ourselves from friends and loved ones, and having to constantly worry about what will happen next have all taken a huge toll on our community members. However, I do hope the University has helped to reduce some of your darkest fears. I know many of our students, faculty, and staff have leaned on each other and supported each other during this difficult period.

While there are many horrible things that occurred over the past year and that we indeed will never forget, there are other things that we need to remember and will always hold closely. I will most remember what I just mentioned—the way we have supported each other through the pandemic. The community came together in profound ways to continue our educational programs, to adjust courses and convey important lessons, to provide support services for students, to collaborate and continue important University functions, and, as noted earlier, to just be there for one another as we handled extra loads, multiple scenarios, and intense uncertainty. I am so proud of all of you and so grateful for everything you have done.

Your courage and your determination to conquer the most difficult challenges have been tremendous. I will cherish and be forever inspired by what you have done over the past year and a half. And we must always remember what we can accomplish together when we work together. These are the ultimate lessons from the pandemic, and these are the lessons we must carry forward.

The proliferation of effective vaccines now has us very hopeful that some sense of normalcy can return shortly. As you know, FDU is planning for a fall semester that will return to a mostly in-person experience for courses, extracurricular activities, and support services. We are optimistic and expect that the Fall 2021 semester will be much more like Fall 2019 than Fall 2020. With everyone’s cooperation, I am sure that will be the case. Of course, there likely will continue to be some preventative measures and safety protocols in place when we return in the fall. We will keep you posted on the exact measures required for health and safety as we get closer to the fall term.

We have much work ahead, much still to plan, and much to be excited about. The pandemic may have slowed everyone’s momentum, but we remain in a strong position for the future, with important signs of progress everywhere.

Our academic programs continue to gain recognition far and wide. We started the year with a major highlight being named in the Top 50 schools in the north region for the first time by U.S. News & World Report, and numerous individual programs have again been recognized for their excellence. The debut of a new academic structure this year was a great success as many programs have already begun to benefit from the merger of curricula and the collaboration of faculty across campuses.

Despite the budgetary problems posed by the pandemic, we have continued to take important measures to continue to improve our living and learning environment, as we unveiled our new athletic fields and new animation lab at the Florham Campus, and completed work on the exterior lighting of the new pedestrian bridge at the Metropolitan Campus, which has received two awards recently for its innovative design.

Our historic capital campaign, One University Many Dreams, pivoted this year in response to the pressing needs of the pandemic and raised nearly $2 million for scholarships to help students in need. Thus far, the campaign has raised more than $75 million, and we are very optimistic about reaching our overall goal of $125 million.

This was certainly a difficult year at our international campuses as well. The Vancouver Campus, which features international students, provided fully remote instruction as it was unable to accommodate in-person programs. And, of course, students were unable to travel to Wroxton College. However, both campuses are excited about resuming in-person activities in the fall. The Vancouver Campus will open a second location in August, which will allow the campus to grow to approximately 1,300 students. At Wroxton, we hope travel restrictions can be lifted so students can again discover the magic of the Abbey.

Indeed, we have much to look forward to. Although the past year tested us in so many ways, I know we have emerged even stronger than before. The reason for that is because of each of you. Our ultimate strength rests in your collective efforts and passion, and in your character, determination, and resolve to perform your roles magnificently and to distinguish yourselves and our University.

Unfortunately, we know we still have challenges ahead, but we should be assured of our ability to overcome them just as we have overcome other challenges, and we should be confident that we will continue to do an outstanding job helping our students realize their dreams and transform their lives. As the summer approaches one other thing is clear to me—we all need and have earned a respite. Please take some time this summer to enjoy your families and friends. Please take time to remember and be proud of all you have overcome. And please continue to take care of yourselves and stay safe and well.

Thank you, everyone, for your extraordinary efforts this past year!

Yours in FDU,

Christopher A. Capuano, Ph.D.
President

May 17, 2021

New Jersey Campuses Health and Safety Update

To: New Jersey Campus Communities

From: Hania Ferrara, Senior Vice President for Finance & Administration

Congratulations to all as we conclude the spring semester! I want to especially commend and thank all our students who have endured so much this last year but who remained committed to their degree programs and who were so cooperative and understanding as we dealt with the challenges of COVID-19. Thank you!

I also want to congratulate and thank our faculty and staff for their success this year and their devotion to our students. In the face of so many challenges, you were all relentless in the pursuit of your professions and passions, and you have made a significant difference for our students during a very difficult time. Thank you!

With the conclusion of the spring semester, we will also conclude our weekly updates. We will, though, continue to provide timely updates when necessary and when more information about the fall becomes available. Before the fall arrives, I hope many of our students will take advantage of the summer sessions coming up.

Thank you again to everyone and please enjoy a safe and wonderful summer! And, if you have yet to do so, please get vaccinated as soon as you can.

The following are the final numbers of COVID-19 test results this semester.

Resident Students

Positive Tests: 95 (Florham 65, Metro 30)

Negative Tests: 8,165

Faculty and Staff

Positive Tests: 25

Commuter Students

Positive Tests: 45

Thank you all!

May 12, 2021

New Jersey Campuses Health and Safety Update

To: New Jersey Campus Communities

From: Hania Ferrara, Senior Vice President for Finance & Administration

I hope everyone is doing well on their final exams! As we approach the end of the semester, the following are the latest numbers of COVID-19 test results. There have been no additional positive test results since last week’s update.

Resident Students

Positive Tests: 95 (Florham 65, Metro 30)

Negative Tests: 8,165

Faculty and Staff

Positive Tests: 25

Commuter Students

Positive Tests: 45

Thank you.

May 5, 2021

New Jersey Campuses Health and Safety Update

To: New Jersey Campus Communities

From: Hania Ferrara, Senior Vice President for Finance & Administration

We are nearing the end of the spring semester and I want to continue to thank all our community members for their cooperation and support throughout this academic year. The entire community has done a fantastic job following the safety measures in place, and I am sure that will continue for the remainder of the semester. Thank you and good luck to all our students in their final exams!

We continue to urge our community members to get vaccinated as soon as possible. As you know, FDU community members are eligible to schedule vaccine appointments with both Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck, N.J., and Atlantic Health System in Morristown, N.J. Go to the Holy Name Vaccine Registration Portal and, in the category of “Eligibility Information,” faculty, staff, and students should select “Educator/Childcare,” and then list Fairleigh Dickinson University as the organization. For Atlantic Health System, go to COVID-19 Vaccine – FDU – Atlantic Health.

In addition, we have provided access through RWJBarnabas Health, and vaccines are administered at the Middlesex County Megasite, located at the New Jersey Convention and Expo Center in Edison, N.J. Students, faculty, and staff can fill out the RWJBarnabas Health vaccine registration form. 

Thank you all again.

The following are the updated numbers of COVID-19 test results this semester.

Resident Students

Positive Tests: 95 (Florham 65, Metro 30)

Negative Tests: 7,978

Faculty and Staff

Positive Tests: 25

Commuter Students

Positive Tests: 45

(Note: Commuter students are only counted if they live in the county in which the campus is based or if they are taking on-campus classes.)

As a reminder, students who become ill or may have been exposed to the virus should contact the appropriate health service on campus (see below). All students who test positive must immediately notify Student Health Services.

Florham Campus – Student Health Services – 973-443-8535. After hours, call Florham Campus Public Safety – 973-443-8888.

Metropolitan Campus – Student Health Services – 201-692-2437. After hours, call Metropolitan Campus Public Safety – 201-692-2222.

Faculty and staff members who are ill or may have been exposed to the virus should seek medical assistance through their primary care physicians and notify FDU’s Office of Human Resources as soon as possible. Those who have been off campus for more than 14 days do not need to alert FDU if they become ill, but are requested to coordinate with Human Resources before returning to campus. Faculty and staff who become aware of a student testing positive should make sure that Student Health Services is immediately notified. For more information, please contact Vice President for Human Resources Rose D’Ambrosio at 201-692-2706 or via email at dambrosi@fdu.edu.

Thank you.

April 28, 2021

New Jersey Campuses Health and Safety Update

To: New Jersey Campus Communities

From: Hania Ferrara, Senior Vice President for Finance & Administration

As a reminder, FDU community members are eligible to schedule vaccine appointments with both Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck, N.J., and Atlantic Health System in Morristown, N.J. Go to the Holy Name Vaccine Registration Portal and, in the category of “Eligibility Information,” faculty, staff, and students should select “Educator/Childcare,” and then list Fairleigh Dickinson University as the organization. For Atlantic Health System, go to COVID-19 Vaccine – FDU – Atlantic Health.

The following are the updated numbers of COVID-19 test results this semester.

Resident Students

Positive Tests: 93 (Florham 64, Metro 29)

Negative Tests: 7,803

Faculty and Staff

Positive Tests: 25

Commuter Students

Positive Tests: 45

(Note: Commuter students are only counted if they live in the county in which the campus is based or if they are taking on-campus classes.)

As a reminder, students who become ill or may have been exposed to the virus should contact the appropriate health service on campus (see below). All students who test positive must immediately notify Student Health Services.

Florham Campus – Student Health Services – 973-443-8535. After hours, call Florham Campus Public Safety – 973-443-8888.

Metropolitan Campus – Student Health Services – 201-692-2437. After hours, call Metropolitan Campus Public Safety – 201-692-2222.

Faculty and staff members who are ill or may have been exposed to the virus should seek medical assistance through their primary care physicians and notify FDU’s Office of Human Resources as soon as possible. Those who have been off campus for more than 14 days do not need to alert FDU if they become ill, but are requested to coordinate with Human Resources before returning to campus. Faculty and staff who become aware of a student testing positive should make sure that Student Health Services is immediately notified. For more information, please contact Vice President for Human Resources Rose D’Ambrosio at 201-692-2706 or via email at dambrosi@fdu.edu.

Thank you.

 

April 21, 2021

New Jersey Campuses Health and Safety Update

To: New Jersey Campus Communities

From: Hania Ferrara, Senior Vice President for Finance & Administration

As a reminder, everyone 16 and older became eligible for vaccinations in New Jersey on Monday. We strongly urge our community members to schedule appointments as soon as possible. Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck, N.J., and Atlantic Health System in Morristown, N.J., have agreed to help provide vaccinations for students, faculty, and staff. 

You can now register directly for either option. Go to the Holy Name Vaccine Registration Portal and, in the category of “Eligibility Information,” faculty, staff, and students should select “Educator/Childcare,” and then list Fairleigh Dickinson University as the organization. For Atlantic Health System, go to COVID-19 Vaccine – FDU – Atlantic Health.

The following are the updated numbers of COVID-19 test results this semester.

Resident Students

Positive Tests: 91 (Florham 62, Metro 29)

Negative Tests: 7,339

Faculty and Staff

Positive Tests: 23

Commuter Students

Positive Tests: 44

(Note: Commuter students are only counted if they live in the county in which the campus is based or if they are taking on-campus classes.)

As a reminder, students who become ill or may have been exposed to the virus should contact the appropriate health service on campus (see below). All students who test positive must immediately notify Student Health Services.

Florham Campus – Student Health Services – 973-443-8535. After hours, call Florham Campus Public Safety – 973-443-8888.

Metropolitan Campus – Student Health Services – 201-692-2437. After hours, call Metropolitan Campus Public Safety – 201-692-2222.

Faculty and staff members who are ill or may have been exposed to the virus should seek medical assistance through their primary care physicians and notify FDU’s Office of Human Resources as soon as possible. Those who have been off campus for more than 14 days do not need to alert FDU if they become ill, but are requested to coordinate with Human Resources before returning to campus. Faculty and staff who become aware of a student testing positive should make sure that Student Health Services is immediately notified. For more information, please contact Vice President for Human Resources Rose D’Ambrosio at 201-692-2706 or via email at dambrosi@fdu.edu.

Thank you.

April 15, 2021

President’s Update – Fall 2021 Semester

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,

Last month, I wrote that we are planning to welcome all students back to our New Jersey campuses this fall and return to in-person student experiences for courses, residential living, co-curricular activities, and related services.

Course registration for the fall began on Tuesday, April 13, and I know many of you want to learn more about what the semester will look like. The pandemic remains a challenge in our region, but as more and more people are vaccinated, we are optimistic that we can plan for a fall semester that will be much closer to the normal daily in-person exchanges and interactions that we are used to.

Vaccination Requirement

The key to returning to something close to normal is vaccinations. As more colleges and universities are announcing, FDU will require all students who attend either the Metropolitan or Florham campus to be fully vaccinated before the fall semester begins (“fully vaccinated” means that two weeks have elapsed after the final injection of a vaccine). This will include all students who will be on campus to live, attend classes, or engage in any in-person activities.

We are also considering this requirement for faculty and staff and will make that determination shortly. While we will of course allow exemptions for medical and religious reasons when warranted, we expect that the vast majority of students, faculty, and staff will be fully vaccinated by the time we open in the fall, and that our campuses will have reached herd immunity by then, which may allow us to relax space restrictions in classrooms, residence halls, and other areas in accordance with prevailing guidelines.

Students may register for courses now as scheduled but will be required to upload a copy of their vaccination card to Medicat, the University’s health information portal, verifying that they are fully vaccinated before the start of the fall semester. A form will be provided in Medicat for those who wish to request an exemption. These processes in Medicat will be available shortly.

We continue to urge everyone, including faculty and staff, to get vaccinated as soon as possible. In New Jersey, everyone over 16 years of age is eligible for a vaccination beginning Monday, April 19. We are currently working with regional health facilities (namely, Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck, N.J., and the Atlantic Health System in Morristown, N.J.) to facilitate vaccinations for students, faculty, and staff who might need assistance. We expect to make further announcements about additional assistance soon.

I cannot stress strongly enough the importance of getting vaccinated. This represents the essential step needed to substantially reduce the risk of infection on our campuses. Moreover, doing so will enable us to return to the in-person experiences in the fall that we all wish to have, and will provide a level of confidence that we are taking all steps necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone in our community.

Fall Calendar

The vaccines are proving very effective, and with continued distribution we can continue to plan with confidence for the fall. Our plan is that the majority of classes and academic activities will be in person and only limited courses will be offered remotely (with the exception of our normal online programs). You should consult Self-Service for specific course modalities as some have been recently updated. Fall classes will begin August 23. We have restored the fall recess (October 11 and 12) and will once again have Thanksgiving break (November 24-26). Classes will resume after Thanksgiving break, and final exams are scheduled for December 9 to 15.

In the residence halls, our plan is to restore double occupancy, remove visitation restrictions between halls, and permit access to shared kitchens and other common areas, all in keeping with evolving public health guidelines. Dining capacities will be increased as well, and many additional student activities will be permitted. Athletics teams should once again be engaged with their respective league rivals in the appropriate season.

We anticipate that by fall, student support services in areas like admissions, financial aid, registrar, counseling, and health services will be available in person. At the same time, we plan to continue to offer our students many of the online services that we developed over the course of the past year.

Wroxton College in England is looking forward to once again welcoming FDU students to the Abbey. That extraordinary study abroad experience is expected to resume this fall, and we may be able to soon offer other travel opportunities for our students.

Our goal and expectation is that Fall 2021 will look and feel much more like Fall 2019 than Fall 2020. We will develop specific protocols, as needed, that help safeguard our students while enabling a return to in-person experiences. We will likely need to continue certain safety and health protocols, including wearing face coverings, physical distancing, and surveillance testing. Enhanced cleaning protocols will continue to be in effect as well. We will keep you posted on the status of these measures as information becomes available.

As noted earlier, our plans are predicated on having the vast majority of our students fully vaccinated by the fall and on compliance with evolving standards and guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), New Jersey public health authorities, and our own health and safety resources. We will remain nimble to address new conditions and challenges, and we will make any appropriate changes in our plans to align with public health guidance.

At this time, the vaccination requirement does not apply to the Vancouver Campus, but we of course urge all our students attending Vancouver to be fully vaccinated. We will work with our international students who attend any FDU campus to help facilitate their meeting vaccination requirements in keeping with then-recommended protocols.

In addition, as also noted earlier, we strongly urge all faculty and staff on all campuses to get vaccinated as soon as possible. While the vaccination requirement applies only to students at this time, a working group will assess whether vaccination against COVID-19 should be required for all FDU faculty and staff as well, with a decision to be made later this spring. Our primary goal, again, is to take whatever measures best help achieve herd immunity on the FDU campuses.

As we have said and shown time and time again, your safety is our number one priority. So we will closely monitor developments in our region and update plans in accordance with federal and state guidelines.

Because there are still many uncertainties about the pandemic, there are some decisions that we must defer until later in the summer. These include decisions regarding the frequency and manner for testing for COVID-19. We will provide updates as this information becomes available, and we will include additional FAQs on our website that will address these and other issues.

Summer Sessions

I also want to take this opportunity to remind our students to consider summer sessions. There are still courses open and we are providing significant discounts. Undergraduate tuition will be the standard rate for the first three-credit course taken, but subsequent courses will be half the tuition rate. For graduate students, tuition will be 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.)

As vaccinations increase and the weather warms up, some may be tempted to drop their guard and ignore the key risk reduction protocols that have worked so well to keep so many safe during this pandemic. Please do not do this. The pandemic remains a significant threat, particularly in New Jersey at this time. Until further notice, our current COVID-19 protocols will remain in place through the summer. Please remain responsible and continue to follow the recommended health and safety guidelines.

As always, we are grateful for all your patience and understanding, and of course your devoted efforts to keep everyone safe while continuing to complete your degree programs, teach your courses, and serve our students. Thank you everyone! Working together we have done a great job keeping the infection rates on our campuses low throughout this incredibly challenging year. We are confident that with your continued cooperation and assistance we can once again soon operate fully and safely in person.

Yours in FDU,

Christopher A. Capuano, Ph.D.
President

April 14, 2021

New Jersey Campuses Health and Safety Update

To: New Jersey Campus Communities

From: Hania Ferrara, Senior Vice President for Finance & Administration

 

As a reminder, everyone 16 and older in New Jersey will be eligible for vaccinations beginning Monday. We strongly urge our community members to schedule appointments as soon as possible. To register with the state scheduling system and to learn more about making vaccine appointments, you can visit the state’s website.

We are pleased to announce that FDU has partnered with Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck to provide vaccinations. Faculty and staff were notified last week, and students are now also eligible to register. Faculty, staff, and students should register directly at the Holy Name Vaccine Registration Portal. In the category of “Eligibility Information,” faculty and staff should select “Educators,” while students should select “Other.” Then, in the comment section of the registration form please type “Fairleigh Dickinson University student” or “Fairleigh Dickinson University employee.”

We are also working to add other partners to provide vaccinations, and we will provide further updates as details emerge. Getting many people vaccinated quickly is the critical step needed to move forward and return to a sense of normalcy. Please get vaccinated as soon as you can.

The following are the updated numbers of COVID-19 test results this semester.

Resident Students

Positive Tests: 84 (Florham 55, Metro 29)

Negative Tests: 6,724

Faculty and Staff

Positive Tests: 22

Commuter Students

Positive Tests: 42

(Note: Commuter students are only counted if they live in the county in which the campus is based or if they are taking on-campus classes.)

As a reminder, students who become ill or may have been exposed to the virus should contact the appropriate health service on campus (see below). All students who test positive must immediately notify Student Health Services.

Florham Campus – Student Health Services – 973-443-8535. After hours, call Florham Campus Public Safety – 973-443-8888.

Metropolitan Campus – Student Health Services – 201-692-2437. After hours, call Metropolitan Campus Public Safety – 201-692-2222.

Faculty and staff members who are ill or may have been exposed to the virus should seek medical assistance through their primary care physicians and notify FDU’s Office of Human Resources as soon as possible. Those who have been off campus for more than 14 days do not need to alert FDU if they become ill, but are requested to coordinate with Human Resources before returning to campus. Faculty and staff who become aware of a student testing positive should make sure that Student Health Services is immediately notified. For more information, please contact Vice President for Human Resources Rose D’Ambrosio at 201-692-2706 or via email at dambrosi@fdu.edu.

Thank you.

April 7, 2021

New Jersey Campuses Health and Safety Update

To: New Jersey Campus Communities

From: Hania Ferrara, Senior Vice President for Finance & Administration

 

This week, state officials announced that New Jersey will expand eligibility for vaccinations on April 19 to those who live, work, or study in New Jersey and who are 16 or older. We continue to urge our community members to schedule appointments as soon as possible.

The rate of infection in New Jersey remains high so please continue to follow the health and safety regulations on campus and elsewhere.

The following are the updated numbers of COVID-19 test results this semester.

Resident Students

Positive Tests: 80 (Florham 52, Metro 28)

Negative Tests: 5,995

Faculty and Staff

Positive Tests: 21

Commuter Students

Positive Tests: 41

(Note: Commuter students are only counted if they live in the county in which the campus is based or if they are taking on-campus classes.)

As a reminder, students who become ill or may have been exposed to the virus should contact the appropriate health service on campus (see below). All students who test positive must immediately notify Student Health Services.

Florham Campus – Student Health Services – 973-443-8535. After hours, call Florham Campus Public Safety – 973-443-8888.

Metropolitan Campus – Student Health Services – 201-692-2437. After hours, call Metropolitan Campus Public Safety – 201-692-2222.

Faculty and staff members who are ill or may have been exposed to the virus should seek medical assistance through their primary care physicians and notify FDU’s Office of Human Resources as soon as possible. Those who have been off campus for more than 14 days do not need to alert FDU if they become ill, but are requested to coordinate with Human Resources before returning to campus. Faculty and staff who become aware of a student testing positive should make sure that Student Health Services is immediately notified. For more information, please contact Vice President for Human Resources Rose D’Ambrosio at 201-692-2706 or via email at dambrosi@fdu.edu.

Thank you.

March 31, 2021

New Jersey Campuses Health and Safety Update

To: New Jersey Campus Communities

From: Hania Ferrara, Senior Vice President for Finance & Administration

With the warmer weather approaching and with the Easter holiday and the conclusion of Passover this weekend, we want to remind everyone that New Jersey continues to have a travel advisory in effect that strongly discourages travel out of the immediate region (New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Delaware). Students, faculty and staff who choose to travel will need to follow New Jersey’s travel advisory when they return.

We also want to urge all community members to register for vaccinations. To register, determine eligibility and learn more about making vaccine appointments, go here. We are pleased to note that beginning Monday, April 5, college educators and support staff are included in the groups of individuals eligible for vaccinations.

We are optimistic that we are making progress in the battle against COVID-19, and we are certainly looking forward to more normal days. Still, we continue to see more cases proliferate throughout our region. So please continue to take the necessary precautions and help keep each other safe.

The following are the updated numbers of COVID-19 test results this semester.

Resident Students

Positive Tests: 64 (Florham 40, Metro 24)

Negative Tests: 5,326

Faculty and Staff

Positive Tests: 19

Commuter Students

Positive Tests: 38

(Note: Commuter students are only counted if they live in the county in which the campus is based or if they are taking on-campus classes.)

As a reminder, students who become ill or may have been exposed to the virus should contact the appropriate health service on campus (see below). All students who test positive must immediately notify Student Health Services.

Florham Campus – Student Health Services – 973-443-8535. After hours, call Florham Campus Public Safety – 973-443-8888.

Metropolitan Campus – Student Health Services – 201-692-2437. After hours, call Metropolitan Campus Public Safety – 201-692-2222.

Faculty and staff members who are ill or may have been exposed to the virus should seek medical assistance through their primary care physicians and notify FDU’s Office of Human Resources as soon as possible. Those who have been off campus for more than 14 days do not need to alert FDU if they become ill, but are requested to coordinate with Human Resources before returning to campus. Faculty and staff who become aware of a student testing positive should make sure that Student Health Services is immediately notified. For more information, please contact Vice President for Human Resources Rose D’Ambrosio at 201-692-2706 or via email at dambrosi@fdu.edu.

Thank you.

March 24, 2021

New Jersey Campuses Health and Safety Update

To: New Jersey Campus Communities

From: Hania Ferrara, Senior Vice President for Finance & Administration

The following are the updated numbers of COVID-19 test results this semester.

Resident Students

Positive Tests: 54 (Florham 32, Metro 22)

Negative Tests: 4,728

Faculty and Staff

Positive Tests: 17

Commuter Students

Positive Tests: 33

(Note: Commuter students are only counted if they live in the county in which the campus is based or if they are taking on-campus classes.)

As a reminder, students who become ill or may have been exposed to the virus should contact the appropriate health service on campus (see below). All students who test positive must immediately notify Student Health Services.

Florham Campus – Student Health Services – 973-443-8535. After hours, call Florham Campus Public Safety – 973-443-8888.

Metropolitan Campus – Student Health Services – 201-692-2437. After hours, call Metropolitan Campus Public Safety – 201-692-2222.

Faculty and staff members who are ill or may have been exposed to the virus should seek medical assistance through their primary care physicians and notify FDU’s Office of Human Resources as soon as possible. Those who have been off campus for more than 14 days do not need to alert FDU if they become ill, but are requested to coordinate with Human Resources before returning to campus. Faculty and staff who become aware of a student testing positive should make sure that Student Health Services is immediately notified. For more information, please contact Vice President for Human Resources Rose D’Ambrosio at 201-692-2706 or via email at dambrosi@fdu.edu.

Thank you.

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 Self-Service 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 Self-Service 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

March 17, 2021

New Jersey Campuses Health and Safety Update

To: New Jersey Campus Communities

From: Hania Ferrara, Senior Vice President for Finance & Administration

The following are the updated numbers of COVID-19 test results this semester.

Resident Students

Positive Tests: 47 (Florham 27, Metro 20)

Negative Tests: 4,394

Faculty and Staff

Positive Tests: 14

Commuter Students

Positive Tests: 27

(Note: Commuter students are only counted if they live in the county in which the campus is based or if they are taking on-campus classes.)

As a reminder, students who become ill or may have been exposed to the virus should contact the appropriate health service on campus (see below). All students who test positive must immediately notify Student Health Services.

Florham Campus – Student Health Services – 973-443-8535. After hours, call Florham Campus Public Safety – 973-443-8888.

Metropolitan Campus – Student Health Services – 201-692-2437. After hours, call Metropolitan Campus Public Safety – 201-692-2222.

Faculty and staff members who are ill or may have been exposed to the virus should seek medical assistance through their primary care physicians and notify FDU’s Office of Human Resources as soon as possible. Those who have been off campus for more than 14 days do not need to alert FDU if they become ill, but are requested to coordinate with Human Resources before returning to campus. Faculty and staff who become aware of a student testing positive should make sure that Student Health Services is immediately notified. For more information, please contact Vice President for Human Resources Rose D’Ambrosio at 201-692-2706 or via email at dambrosi@fdu.edu.

Thank you.

March 10, 2021

New Jersey Campuses Health and Safety Update

To: New Jersey Campus Communities

From: Hania Ferrara, Senior Vice President for Finance & Administration

The following are the updated numbers of COVID-19 test results this semester.

Resident Students

Positive Tests: 37 (Florham 23, Metro 14)

Negative Tests: 3,633

Faculty and Staff

Positive Tests: 11

Commuter Students

Positive Tests: 24

(Note: Commuter students are only counted if they live in the county in which the campus is based or if they are taking on-campus classes.)

As a reminder, students who become ill or may have been exposed to the virus should contact the appropriate health service on campus (see below). All students who test positive must immediately notify Student Health Services.

Florham Campus – Student Health Services – 973-443-8535. After hours, call Florham Campus Public Safety – 973-443-8888.

Metropolitan Campus – Student Health Services – 201-692-2437. After hours, call Metropolitan Campus Public Safety – 201-692-2222.

Faculty and staff members who are ill or may have been exposed to the virus should seek medical assistance through their primary care physicians and notify FDU’s Office of Human Resources as soon as possible. Those who have been off campus for more than 14 days do not need to alert FDU if they become ill but are requested to coordinate with Human Resources before returning to campus. Faculty and staff who become aware of a student testing positive should make sure that Student Health Services is immediately notified. For more information, please contact Vice President for Human Resources Rose D’Ambrosio at 201-692-2706 or via email at dambrosi@fdu.edu.

Thank you.

March 3, 2021

New Jersey Campuses Health and Safety Update

To: New Jersey Campus Communities

From: Hania Ferrara, Senior Vice President for Finance & Administration

As many of you know, there was an uptick in cases last week, particularly within the Florham Campus community, and those numbers have been added to our semester totals below. As the Campus Executive pointed out last week though, the cases do not appear related in any way to in-person courses, but instead can be traced to social settings. These cases resulted in the temporary closure of the Recreation Center and the suspension of the Division III athletics program. We have thoroughly cleaned our facilities; taken the necessary measures regarding isolation, quarantine and contact tracing; and increased surveillance testing. I am pleased to report that the Recreation Center reopened yesterday, and most athletics teams have now resumed practices.

With vaccinations increasing and with cases in our region decreasing, we are hopeful we are heading in the right direction, but we cannot become complacent. We still are fighting our way through this pandemic and variants have emerged that may be more contagious. Please continue to adhere to the health and safety regulations on campus and everywhere you go. Wear you mask inside and outside, on campus and off campus, and make sure it fits snugly. Maintain social distancing inside and outside. Please continue to wash your hands often and for at least 20 seconds. And please complete the CampusClear app every day. Stay safe everyone!

The following are the updated numbers of COVID-19 test results this semester.

Resident Students

Positive Tests: 31 (Florham 19, Metro 12)

Negative Tests: 3,053

Faculty and Staff

Positive Tests: 10

Commuter Students

Positive Tests: 21

(Note: Commuter students are only counted if they live in the county in which the campus is based or if they are taking on-campus classes.)

As a reminder, students who become ill or may have been exposed to the virus should contact the appropriate health service on campus (see below). All students who test positive must immediately notify Student Health Services.

Florham Campus – Student Health Services – 973-443-8535. After hours, call Florham Campus Public Safety – 973-443-8888.

Metropolitan Campus – Student Health Services – 201-692-2437. After hours, call Metropolitan Campus Public Safety – 201-692-2222.

Faculty and staff members who are ill or may have been exposed to the virus should seek medical assistance through their primary care physicians and notify FDU’s Office of Human Resources as soon as possible. Those who have been off campus for more than 14 days do not need to alert FDU if they become ill, but are requested to coordinate with Human Resources before returning to campus. Faculty and staff who become aware of a student testing positive should make sure that Student Health Services is immediately notified. For more information, please contact Vice President for Human Resources Rose D’Ambrosio at 201-692-2706 or via email at dambrosi@fdu.edu.

Thank you.

February 24, 2021

New Jersey Campuses Health and Safety Update

To: New Jersey Campus Communities

From: Hania Ferrara, Senior Vice President for Finance & Administration

The following are the updated numbers of COVID-19 test results this semester.

Resident Students

Positive Tests: 29 (Florham 17, Metro 12)

Negative Tests: 2,715

Faculty and Staff

Positive Tests: 6

Commuter Students

Positive Tests: 8

(Note: Commuter students are only counted if they live in the county in which the campus is based or if they are taking on-campus classes.)

As a reminder, students who become ill or may have been exposed to the virus should contact the appropriate health service on campus (see below). All students who test positive must immediately notify Student Health Services.

Florham Campus – Student Health Services – 973-443-8535. After hours, call Florham Campus Public Safety – 973-443-8888.

Metropolitan Campus – Student Health Services – 201-692-2437. After hours, call Metropolitan Campus Public Safety – 201-692-2222.

Faculty and staff members who are ill or may have been exposed to the virus should seek medical assistance through their primary care physicians and notify FDU’s Office of Human Resources as soon as possible. Those who have been off campus for more than 14 days do not need to alert FDU if they become ill, but are requested to coordinate with Human Resources before returning to campus. Faculty and staff who become aware of a student testing positive should make sure that Student Health Services is immediately notified. For more information, please contact Vice President for Human Resources Rose D’Ambrosio at 201-692-2706 or via email at dambrosi@fdu.edu.

Thank you.

February 17, 2021

New Jersey Campuses Health and Safety Update

To: New Jersey Campus Communities

From: Hania Ferrara, Senior Vice President for Finance & Administration

The following are the updated numbers of COVID-19 test results this semester.

Resident Students

Positive Tests: 28 (Florham 17, Metro 11)

Negative Tests: 2,269

Faculty and Staff

Positive Tests: 4

Commuter Students

Positive Tests: 6

(Note: Commuter students are only counted if they live in the county in which the campus is based or if they are taking on-campus classes.)

As a reminder, students who become ill or may have been exposed to the virus should contact the appropriate health service on campus (see below). All students who test positive must immediately notify Student Health Services.

Florham Campus – Student Health Services – 973-443-8535. After hours, call Florham Campus Public Safety – 973-443-8888.

Metropolitan Campus – Student Health Services – 201-692-2437. After hours, call Metropolitan Campus Public Safety – 201-692-2222.

Faculty and staff members who are ill or may have been exposed to the virus should seek medical assistance through their primary care physicians and notify FDU’s Office of Human Resources as soon as possible. Those who have been off campus for more than 14 days do not need to alert FDU if they become ill, but are requested to coordinate with Human Resources before returning to campus. Faculty and staff who become aware of a student testing positive should make sure that Student Health Services is immediately notified. For more information, please contact Vice President for Human Resources Rose D’Ambrosio at 201-692-2706 or via email at dambrosi@fdu.edu.

Thank you.

February 15, 2021

President’s Update – Start of In-Person Classes

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,

I hope everyone has enjoyed a safe and productive start to the spring semester. While it surely doesn’t feel like spring yet, this semester will see the weather warm up soon enough, and we are hopeful other positive changes will emerge as well.

Today and throughout this week, more students will return to campus for in-person/hybrid courses, and I know faculty and students are anxious to see one another again. We are happy to have more in-person courses this semester than last, and, as I previously announced, if and as conditions permit, we hope to have more in-person activities on campus as the semester progresses.

However, doing more on campus is far from certain at this point. The pandemic continues to cause hardship and suffering for many, and so we must continue to do all we can to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and to help keep each other safe. We must continue to follow health and safety guidelines and take responsibility for the welfare of our campus communities. Even with our best efforts, circumstances can change and a pivot back to fully remote learning may be necessary. We certainly hope, though, that this will not be the case.

As I have noted on numerous occasions, I am very proud of all our community members who have acted so responsibly throughout this ordeal. I know how hard it has been, and I know the sacrifices so many have made. We are very grateful for everything everyone has done.

With the development of vaccines and more people becoming vaccinated, we have great hopes that life can begin to return to normal soon, although normal may not be the normal we remember. There’s a strong likelihood that even with the vaccines, we may need to practice many precautionary measures for a while longer, perhaps even through the fall semester when we certainly hope to be able to be together on campus again as a full community.

Once again, thank you to everyone for your continued support and understanding. Together we will continue to overcome these challenges and move forward to achieve our personal and institutional goals.

Good luck to all our faculty and students who are returning to campus for classes. I will be on campus often, and I hope to see many of you there.

Yours in FDU,

Christopher A. Capuano, Ph.D.
President

February 10, 2021

New Jersey Campuses Health and Safety Update

To: New Jersey Campus Communities
From: Hania Ferrara, Senior Vice President for Finance & Administration

Good morning. With the start of in-person/hybrid courses next week, I want to remind you of the many precautions we are taking to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 on our campuses. As you know, FDU formed a University Steering Committee last year to oversee the University’s reopening plan. In addition, various committees have been charged with implementing particular aspects of the plan, including health and safety issues, academic planning, facilities, student experience, and athletics. We are working hard to make this semester run smoothly, but we again will need everyone’s cooperation to be successful. Below are a few important reminders.

Vaccinations

The state continues to distribute the vaccine, but supplies are limited. As more supplies become available, we encourage you to get vaccinated when you are eligible. To register, go to: https://covidvaccine.nj.gov/.

Coming to Campus

• Before arriving on campus, everyone must complete the COVID-19 safety training. To begin training, go to https://learn.ue.org/Login2.aspx and use your FDU email address. The temporary password is your student ID or employee ID preceded by FDu! (for example: FDu!1234567). If you have any questions, students should contact the Dean of Students and employees should contact Human Resources.  
• Complete the CampusClear checklist on a daily basis. Be prepared to show your “Good to Go” screen on the CampusClear app if asked by a faculty or staff member.
• Masks must be worn at all times on campus – before, during and after class (indoors and outdoors).
• Masks must be at least two-ply and must cover your mouth and nose.
• Follow proper hygiene practices – hand sanitizer stations are available inside all open building main entrances, in addition to other locations. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds and sanitize your classroom possessions.  

In the Classrooms

• Classrooms have been modified as necessary. Desks, tables, workstations, and fixed seating have been arranged for social distancing, and signs mark compliant areas.
• Most classrooms in use this semester have newly added Zoom equipment to enhance the hybrid experience.
• When entering a classroom, please grab a disinfectant wipe and clean your desk.
• No eating or drinking within a classroom.
• Maintain social distance – a minimum of six feet.
• No congregating in hallways before and after class.
• Only sit at desks with a “Sit Here” sticker.
• All open common areas and classrooms in use will be cleaned on a daily basis by the University’s cleaning contractor. The cleaning will include the use of an EPA-registered disinfectant.

For more information on FDU’s reopening plan and other COVID-19 policies and procedures, see www.fdu.edu/coronavirus.

For faculty and staff, a memo will soon go out to supervisors, directors, and department heads reminding them of policies and procedures for setting up and maintaining office spaces.

While we are striving to ensure the smooth transition to in-person/hybrid courses, please keep in mind that should circumstances require, we may have to pivot back to fully remote learning or continue remote learning. We will notify you immediately should that be necessary.

Good luck to everyone in their courses and for the remainder of the semester!

The following are the updated numbers of COVID-19 test results this semester.

Resident Students

Positive Tests: 22 (Florham 12, Metro 10)
Negative Tests: 1,716

Faculty and Staff

Positive Tests: 3

Commuter Students

Positive Tests: 4

(Note: Commuter students are only counted if they live in the county in which the campus is based or if they are taking on-campus classes.)

Also, to again remind everyone, students who become ill or may have been exposed to the virus should contact the appropriate health service on campus (see below). All students who test positive must immediately notify Student Health Services.

Florham Campus – Student Health Services – 973-443-8535. After hours, call Florham Campus Public Safety – 973-443-8888.

Metropolitan Campus – Student Health Services – 201-692-2437. After hours, call Metropolitan Campus Public Safety – 201-692-2222.

Faculty and staff members who are ill or may have been exposed to the virus should seek medical assistance through their primary care physicians and notify FDU’s Office of Human Resources as soon as possible. Those who have been off campus for more than 14 days do not need to alert FDU if they become ill, but are requested to coordinate with Human Resources before returning to campus. Faculty and staff who become aware of a student testing positive should make sure that Student Health Services is immediately notified. For more information, please contact Vice President for Human Resources Rose D’Ambrosio at 201-692-2706 or via email at dambrosi@fdu.edu.

Thank you.

February 3, 2021

Subject: New Jersey Campuses Health and Safety Update

To: New Jersey Campus Communities

From: Hania Ferrara, Senior Vice President for Finance & Administration

Good morning. The following are the updated numbers of COVID-19 test results this semester. Again, the numbers date from January 14, when students began moving back to campus.

Resident Students

Positive Tests: 15 (Florham 8, Metro 7)

Negative Tests: 1,254

Faculty and Staff

Positive Tests: 3

Commuter Students

Positive Tests: 2

(Note: Commuter students are only counted if they live in the county in which the campus is based or if they are taking on-campus classes.)

As a reminder, resident students who become ill or may have been exposed to the virus should contact the appropriate health service on campus (see below). Commuters should contact their primary care physicians. All students who test positive must immediately notify Student Health Services.

Florham Campus – Student Health Services – 973-443-8535. After hours, call Florham Campus Public Safety – 973-443-8888.

Metropolitan Campus – Student Health Services – 201-692-2437. After hours, call Metropolitan Campus Public Safety – 201-692-2222.

Faculty and staff members who are ill or may have been exposed to the virus should seek medical assistance through their primary care physicians and notify FDU’s Office of Human Resources as soon as possible. Those who have been off campus for more than 14 days do not need to alert FDU if they become ill, but are requested to coordinate with Human Resources before returning to campus. Faculty and staff who become aware of a student testing positive should make sure that Student Health Services is immediately notified. For more information, please contact Vice President for Human Resources Rose D’Ambrosio at 201-692-2706 or via email at dambrosi@fdu.edu.

Please continue to take all preventative measures possible, including wearing face coverings, maintaining social-distancing measures, and washing your hands often.  

Thank you.

January 27, 2021

New Jersey Campuses Health and Safety Update

To: New Jersey Campus Communities

From: Hania Ferrara, Senior Vice President for Finance & Administration

I hope everyone had a healthy and productive winter break, and that you are as excited as we are to start the new semester. There are reasons to be optimistic with the development of vaccines, and we are hopeful conditions will improve soon. At the same time, however, the COVID pandemic continues to take a heavy toll on our region and our nation. And so, we must continue to be as vigilant and cautious as possible to help protect all members of our community.

We are grateful to all of you who did such a great job acting wisely and responsibly in the fall. We all need to do exactly the same thing this spring. We must closely follow the health and safety protocols, and we will again rely on your cooperation and support.

As in the fall, we will keep the community notified about the number of cases and the number of tests being conducted on a weekly basis. Should other updates be necessary, we will quickly share them. You should be aware the number of tests is high in comparison to early last semester because we are doing more testing now, including entrance testing for resident students, testing for student-athletes, and increased surveillance testing.

The following initial numbers for the spring semester started being tallied on January 14, when students began moving back to campus.

Resident Students

Positive Tests: 11 (Florham 5, Metro 6)

Negative Tests: 817

Faculty and Staff

Positive Tests: 1

Commuter Students

Positive Tests: 0

(Note: Commuter students are only counted if they live in the county in which the campus is based or if they are taking on-campus classes.)

As a reminder, resident students who become ill or may have been exposed to the virus should contact the appropriate health service on campus (see below). Commuters should contact their primary care physicians. All students who test positive must immediately notify Student Health Services.

Florham Campus – Student Health Services – 973-443-8535. After hours, call Florham Campus Public Safety – 973-443-8888.

Metropolitan Campus – Student Health Services Safety – 201-692-2437. After hours, call Metropolitan Campus Public Safety – 201-692-2222.

Faculty and staff members who are ill or may have been exposed to the virus should seek medical assistance through their primary care physicians and notify FDU’s Office of Human Resources as soon as possible. Those who have been off campus for more than 14 days do not need to alert FDU if they become ill, but are requested to coordinate with Human Resources before returning to campus. Faculty and staff who become aware of a student testing positive should make sure that Student Health Services is immediately notified. For more information, please contact Vice President for Human Resources Rose D’Ambrosio at 201-692-2706 or via email at dambrosi@fdu.edu

Please continue this semester to take all preventative measures possible, including wearing face coverings, maintaining social-distancing measures, and washing your hands often.  

I wish everyone a successful, safe and healthy spring semester!

Thank you.

January 7, 2021

President’s Update – Start of Spring 2021 Term

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,

Happy New Year to you all! I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday break and continued to take precautions to ensure your health and safety and that of your loved ones.

After such a difficult year in 2020, I know we are all looking forward to a much better year in 2021. I am optimistic that 2021 will indeed be a better year, and that soon we will be able to resume many activities that we were not able to engage in over the past 10 months and may have taken for granted.

As you know, we have been preparing for the Spring 2021 semester mindful that we may have to alter our plans, depending on the circumstances. We have hopes that many in-person activities and courses can take place this spring, but we recognize that January and February especially could be difficult months as the COVID-19 outbreak continues to take its toll on our region and the nation.

There have been incredible developments with vaccines, and that certainly is welcome news. However, while vaccines will eventually help us return to normal, the distribution of vaccines will take time. Moreover, with the surge that is now occurring, and with colder winter months still ahead, we must continue to do all that we can to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and to safeguard our campus communities. Therefore, the University has decided that all courses on both New Jersey campuses will be conducted remotely (fully online) for the first three weeks of the Spring 2021 semester. Those courses that were scheduled to be in person beginning January 25 will now begin remotely, and we expect will move to in-person instruction on Monday, February 15.

We are taking this action out of an abundance of caution and to help minimize the impact of COVID-19 on our community and region. We again have high hopes that such measures are temporary, and that, as the Spring 2021 semester moves forward, we will be able to welcome more and more students back to our campuses and classrooms.

While instruction will begin remotely, those students who wish to reside on campus are still welcome to return to campus as planned, and before the semester begins on January 25. Resident students will return on a staggered basis, and appointments must be made in advance. For move-in appointments and further questions on housing, please contact metrohousing@fdu.edu (Metropolitan Campus) or fduhousing@fdu.edu (Florham Campus).

Given the ongoing uncertainty, we will continue to monitor the situation closely and make adjustments if necessary to help safeguard our community. We will provide additional updates as appropriate. Thank you everyone for your continued patience and understanding. I do hope to see you on campus again soon.

Yours in FDU,

Christopher A. Capuano, Ph.D.
President

November 25, 2020

New Jersey Campuses Health and Safety Update

To: New Jersey Campus Communities

From: Hania Ferrara, Senior Vice President for Finance & Administration

I hope everyone finished the semester on a strong note! I want to wish everybody a Happy Thanksgiving, and I particularly want to send best wishes to our students for a wonderful break. I hope many of you will take advantage of the expanded winter sessions coming up.

Everyone has worked so hard to reduce the impact of COVID-19 on our campuses, and the University is very grateful for your many efforts and sacrifices during this difficult time. With your cooperation and dedication, we have been able to continue our mission while taking many measures to safeguard our community. Thank you all!

There are still some tests pending, but the following numbers are close to our final numbers for the fall semester:

Resident Students

Positive Tests: 17 (Florham 11, Metro 6)

Negative Tests: 1,143

Faculty and Staff

Positive Tests: 6

Off-Campus Students

Positive Tests: 17 (Florham 7, Metro 10)

As President Capuano has noted, we remain hopeful we can do more on-campus courses and activities in the spring but that is dependent on the circumstances at the time. We will keep everyone posted as new updates emerge. We know that we will still need to follow stringent health and safety protocols, and so we will continue to rely on your cooperation and understanding to help protect the campus communities.

In the meantime, I urge everyone, wherever they may be during the next couple of months, to continue to take all preventative measures possible, including wearing face coverings, maintaining social-distancing measures, and washing your hands often.

Thank you and Happy Thanksgiving!

November 25, 2020

November 18, 2020

New Jersey Campuses Health and Safety Update

To: New Jersey Campus Communities

From: Hania Ferrara, Senior Vice President for Finance & Administration

 

Good morning,

Less than one week remains in the fall semester! Thank you again to everyone for their tremendous efforts to help keep the community safe. And best of luck students on your finals!

The following are the updated numbers for the fall semester

Resident Students

Positive Tests: 15 (Florham 11, Metro 4)

Negative Tests: 1,007

Faculty and Staff

Positive Tests: 4

Off-Campus Students

Positive Tests: 16 (Florham 7, Metro 9)

(Note: We are reporting those students who reside off campus in the county in which the campus is based or who live outside the county but are known to have been on campus for classes, athletics or other campus activities.)

As a reminder, resident students who become ill or may have been exposed to the virus should contact the appropriate health service on campus (see below). Commuters should contact their primary care physicians. All students who test positive must immediately notify Student Health Services.

Florham Campus – Contact Nancy Moran, Interim Director of Student Health Services, at 973-443-8535 or nancylm@fdu.edu. After hours, call Florham Campus Public Safety – 973-443-8888.

Metropolitan Campus – Contact Carol Brown Taylor, Interim Director of Student Health Services, at 201-692-2437 or cbtaylor@fdu.edu. After hours, call Metropolitan Campus Public Safety – 201-692-2222.

Faculty and staff members who are ill or may have been exposed to the virus should seek medical assistance through their primary care physicians and notify FDU’s Office of Human Resources as soon as possible. Those who have been off campus for more than 14 days do not need to alert FDU if they become ill, but are requested to coordinate with Human Resources before returning to campus. Faculty and staff who become aware of a student testing positive should make sure that Student Health Services is immediately notified. For more information, please contact Vice President for Human Resources Rose D’Ambrosio at 201-692-2706 or via email at dambrosi@fdu.edu

Please continue to take all preventative measures possible, including wearing face coverings, maintaining social-distancing measures, and washing your hands often.  

Thank you.

November 11, 2020

New Jersey Campuses Health and Safety Update

To: New Jersey Campus Communities

From: Hania Ferrara, Senior Vice President for Finance & Administration

 

Good morning,

As we approach the end of the semester, I want to thank everyone for their cooperation in helping to keep our campus communities as safe as possible this fall. With cases of COVID-19 rising in our state, we want to be especially careful in these last two weeks, so please continue to take the necessary precautions and stay safe. Best of luck to all our students as they prepare for finals!

Here are the updated numbers for the semester:

Resident Students

Positive Tests: 13 (Florham 9, Metro 4)

Negative Tests: 869

Faculty and Staff

Positive Tests: 3

Off-Campus Students

Positive Tests: 14 (Florham 7, Metro 7)

(Note: We are reporting those students who reside off campus in the county in which the campus is based or who live outside the county but are known to have been on campus for classes, athletics or other campus activities.)

As a reminder, resident students who become ill or may have been exposed to the virus should contact the appropriate health service on campus (see below). Commuters should contact their primary care physicians. All students who test positive must immediately notify Student Health Services.

Florham Campus – Contact Nancy Moran, Interim Director of Student Health Services, at 973-443-8535 or nancylm@fdu.edu. After hours, call Florham Campus Public Safety – 973-443-8888.

Metropolitan Campus – Contact Carol Brown Taylor, Interim Director of Student Health Services, at 201-692-2437 or cbtaylor@fdu.edu. After hours, call Metropolitan Campus Public Safety – 201-692-2222.

Faculty and staff members who are ill or may have been exposed to the virus should seek medical assistance through their primary care physicians and notify FDU’s Office of Human Resources as soon as possible. Those who have been off campus for more than 14 days do not need to alert FDU if they become ill, but are requested to coordinate with Human Resources before returning to campus. Faculty and staff who become aware of a student testing positive should make sure that Student Health Services is immediately notified. For more information, please contact Vice President for Human Resources Rose D’Ambrosio at 201-692-2706 or via email at dambrosi@fdu.edu

Thank you.

November 4, 2020

New Jersey Campuses Health and Safety Update

To: New Jersey Campus Communities

From: Hania Ferrara, Senior Vice President for Finance & Administration

Good morning,

The following are the updated numbers for the fall semester:

Resident Students

Positive Tests: 12 (Florham 8, Metro 4)

Negative Tests: 791

Faculty and Staff

Positive Tests: 2

Off-Campus Students

Positive Tests: 14 (Florham 7, Metro 7)

(Note: We are reporting those students who reside off campus in the county in which the campus is based or who live outside the county but are known to have been on campus for classes, athletics or other campus activities.)

As a reminder, resident students who become ill or may have been exposed to the virus should contact the appropriate health service on campus (see below). Commuters should contact their primary care physicians. All students who test positive must immediately notify Student Health Services.

Florham Campus – Contact Nancy Moran, Interim Director of Student Health Services, at 973-443-8535 or nancylm@fdu.edu. After hours, call Florham Campus Public Safety – 973-443-8888.

Metropolitan Campus – Contact Carol Brown Taylor, Interim Director of Student Health Services, at 201-692-2437 or cbtaylor@fdu.edu. After hours, call Metropolitan Campus Public Safety – 201-692-2222.

Faculty and staff members who are ill or may have been exposed to the virus should seek medical assistance through their primary care physicians and notify FDU’s Office of Human Resources as soon as possible. Those who have been off campus for more than 14 days do not need to alert FDU if they become ill, but are requested to coordinate with Human Resources before returning to campus. Faculty and staff who become aware of a student testing positive should make sure that Student Health Services is immediately notified. For more information, please contact Vice President for Human Resources Rose D’Ambrosio at 201-692-2706 or via email at dambrosi@fdu.edu

Please continue to take all preventative measures possible, including wearing face coverings, maintaining social-distancing measures, and washing your hands often.  

Thank you.

October 28, 2020

New Jersey Campuses Health and Safety Update

To: New Jersey Campus Communities

From: Hania Ferrara, Senior Vice President for Finance & Administration

 

Good morning. The following are the updated numbers for the fall semester:

Resident Students

Positive Tests: 11 (Florham 7, Metro 4)

Negative Tests: 652

Faculty and Staff

Positive Tests: 2

Off-Campus Students

Positive Tests: 13 (Florham 7, Metro 6)

October 21, 2020

New Jersey Campuses Health and Safety Update

To: New Jersey Campus Communities

From: Hania Ferrara, Senior Vice President for Finance & Administration

Good morning,

The following are the updated numbers for the fall semester:

Resident Students

Positive Tests: 8 (Florham 4, Metro 4)

Negative Tests: 563

Faculty and Staff

Positive Tests: 1

Off-Campus Students

Positive Tests: 11 (Florham 6, Metro 5)

(Note: We are reporting those students who reside off campus in the county in which the campus is based or who live outside the county but are known to have been on campus for classes, athletics or other campus activities.)

FDU continues to follow strict protocols for isolation, quarantine, contact tracing and testing. Those who have been in close contact with someone who tests positive are individually notified.

Resident students who become ill or may have been exposed to the virus should contact the appropriate health service on campus (see below). Commuters should contact their primary care physicians. All students who test positive must immediately notify Student Health Services.

Florham Campus – Contact Nancy Moran, Interim Director of Student Health Services, at 973-443-8535 or nancylm@fdu.edu. After hours, call Florham Campus Public Safety – 973-443-8888.

Metropolitan Campus – Contact Carol Brown Taylor, Interim Director of Student Health Services, at 201-692-2437 or cbtaylor@fdu.edu. After hours, call Metropolitan Campus Public Safety – 201-692-2222.

Faculty and staff members who are ill or may have been exposed to the virus should seek medical assistance through their primary care physicians and notify FDU’s Office of Human Resources as soon as possible. Those who have been off campus for more than 14 days do not need to alert FDU if they become ill, but are requested to coordinate with Human Resources before returning to campus. Faculty and staff who become aware of a student testing positive should make sure that Student Health Services is immediately notified. For more information, please contact Vice President for Human Resources Rose D’Ambrosio at 201-692-2706 or via email at dambrosi@fdu.edu

Please continue to take all preventative measures possible, including wearing face coverings, maintaining social-distancing measures, and washing your hands often.  

Thank you.

October 16, 2020

President’s Update – Spring 2021 Semester

Dear University Community, 

I hope this note finds everyone well as we approach the homestretch of the fall semester. We all know how challenging the semester has been, but I must tell you how proud I am of everyone – students, faculty, and staff – for adapting so quickly and incredibly well. The entire community has come together to help protect one another and help each other succeed like never before. Moreover, through your collective efforts, FDU has done a remarkable job continuing its educational mission while taking many preventative measures to keep our community safe. Kudos to all of you! 

Still, as many of us feared, the coronavirus continues to be a major threat and risk as we plan for the spring semester. As hard as it is to believe, priority registration for the spring begins October 26, and I understand that many are anxious to know how the University will approach the spring. In this communication, I will provide an update on our plans, with the understanding that as conditions continue to evolve, we may have to make changes. 

Unfortunately, the coronavirus has taught us that we cannot be too comfortable with any plan, and that we must be prepared for alternatives. FDU continues to be ready to adjust at any time to safeguard our community. Throughout all our planning, we continue to move forward with an abundance of caution, and with the health and safety of our community as our number one priority. 

As we did in the fall, we will offer in the spring a hybrid approach to our educational offerings, with courses taught both remotely and in person. In the spring, however, we hope to be able to offer more in-person courses than we did in the fall, if circumstances permit. 

The semester will begin as scheduled on Monday, January 25. Unfortunately, there will be no study abroad in the spring and no University-sponsored travel. We also unfortunately must cancel the spring recess week. This must be done to minimize travel during the semester, which could pose a risk for our students and other community members. Instead, the University will provide several break days during the semester. These will be Tuesday, February 16; Wednesday, March 17; and Monday, April 12. In addition, a reading day has been scheduled for Thursday, May 6. Finals will begin on Friday, May 7, and the semester will end on Friday, May 14. 

As we did in the fall, we will welcome resident students to live on campus, and we will continue to provide them as many on-campus services and activities as we possibly can. The exact number of on-campus services and activities will again be dependent on the prevailing circumstances. Students will be able to start moving into the residence halls in a phased-in process, beginning two weeks prior to the start of the spring semester if necessary. 

In addition, I want to remind students that the University will offer an expanded range of online courses during the two winter sessions with generous discounts. Undergraduate students will receive a 50 percent discount from regular published rates on each course they take, and graduate students can save $100 per credit on winter session courses (excluding courses in doctoral programs). This is a great way to take advantage of the extended break and advance your degree at a reduced cost. I encourage students to seize this opportunity. The first winter session begins on November 30, and the second winter session starts on January 4. 

I know everyone is anxious to return to more normal times, and I know we will get there. In the meantime, we will continue to display the traits that have embodied FDU for 78 years: resilience, character, and, most of all, a passionate commitment to each other and our community. 

Once again, thank you all for your patience, cooperation, and understanding, and best wishes for continued success and good health as we conclude the fall semester. 

Yours in FDU, 

Christopher A. Capuano, Ph.D.
President 
Fairleigh Dickinson University 

October 14, 2020

New Jersey Campuses Health and Safety Update

To: New Jersey Campus Communities

From: Hania Ferrara, Senior Vice President for Finance & Administration

Good morning,

The following are the updated coronavirus numbers for the fall semester:

Resident Students

Positive Tests: 6 (Florham 2, Metro 4)

Negative Tests: 405

Faculty and Staff

Positive Tests: 1

Off-Campus Students

Positive Tests: 11 (Florham 6, Metro 5)

(Note: We are reporting cases of off-campus students for those who reside in the county in which the campus is based or who live outside the county but have been on campus.)

You will note an increase in numbers, particularly on the Metropolitan Campus. This stems from an off-campus party that was held on Saturday night involving a group of FDU students. Because the group included numerous student-athletes, we conducted additional testing this week of athletic teams. More than 100 tests were taken on the Metropolitan Campus, and there were four positive results.

As we have noted before, FDU has strong protocols in place for isolation, quarantine, contact tracing and testing. Those are being followed in this and every instance.  Those who have been in close contact with someone who tests positive are individually notified and given instructions. In addition to those measures, our facilities personnel conduct a deep cleaning of all common areas and high touch points where these students may have been on campus. (This has resulted in the closing of the Rothman Center on the Metropolitan Campus for 36 hours.)

We are fortunate that in this case the vast majority of students tested negative, but we need to remain very vigilant to safeguard the health of everyone on our campuses. Please continue to take all precautions possible including wearing masks and practicing social distancing, and please remember we are all responsible for each other.

As a reminder, resident students who become ill or may have been exposed to the virus should contact the appropriate health service on campus (see below). Commuters should contact their primary care physicians. All students who test positive must immediately notify Student Health Services.

Florham Campus – Contact Nancy Moran, Interim Director of Student Health Services, at 973-443-8535 or nancylm@fdu.edu. After hours, call Florham Campus Public Safety – 973-443-8888.

Metropolitan Campus – Contact Carol Brown Taylor, Interim Director of Student Health Services, at 201-692-2437 or cbtaylor@fdu.edu. After hours, call Metropolitan Campus Public Safety – 201-692-2222.

Faculty and staff members who are ill or may have been exposed to the virus should seek medical assistance through their primary care physicians and notify FDU’s Office of Human Resources as soon as possible. Those who have been off campus for more than 14 days do not need to alert FDU if they become ill, but are requested to coordinate with Human Resources before their return. Faculty and staff who become aware of a student testing positive should make sure that campus health services is immediately notified. For more information, please contact Vice President for Human Resources Rose D’Ambrosio at 201-692-2706 or via email at dambrosi@fdu.edu

Thank you.

October 7, 2020

New Jersey Campuses Health and Safety Update

To: New Jersey Campus Communities

From: Hania Ferrara, Senior Vice President for Finance & Administration

Good morning,

The following are the updated numbers for the fall semester:

Resident Students

Positive Tests: 2 (Florham 2, Metro 0)

Negative Tests: 214

Faculty and Staff

Positive Tests: 1

Off-Campus Students

Positive Tests: 10 (Florham 6, Metro 4)

(Note: We are reporting those students who reside off campus in the county in which the campus is based or who live outside the county but are known to have been on campus for classes, athletics or other campus activities.)

FDU has protocols in place for resident students including isolation for those who test positive, and quarantine for those who have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19. Close contacts are individually notified by Student Health Services (for students) or Human Resources (for faculty and staff) and given instructions. In addition, for those who reside off campus, but were on campus for class or other activities, we are likewise following protocols for isolation, contact tracing and testing.

Resident students who become ill or may have been exposed to the virus should contact the appropriate health service on campus (see below). Commuters should contact their primary care physicians. All students who test positive must immediately notify Student Health Services.

Florham Campus – Contact Nancy Moran, Interim Director of Student Health Services, at 973-443-8535 or nancylm@fdu.edu. After hours, call Florham Campus Public Safety – 973-443-8888.

Metropolitan Campus – Contact Carol Brown Taylor, Interim Director of Student Health Services, at 201-692-2437 or cbtaylor@fdu.edu. After hours, call Metropolitan Campus Public Safety – 201-692-2222.

Faculty and staff members who are ill or may have been exposed to the virus should seek medical assistance through their primary care physicians and notify FDU’s Office of Human Resources as soon as possible. Those who have been off campus for more than 14 days do not need to alert FDU if they become ill, but are requested to coordinate with Human Resources before their return. Faculty and staff who become aware of a student testing positive should make sure that campus health services is immediately notified. For more information, please contact Vice President for Human Resources Rose D’Ambrosio at 201-692-2706 or via email at dambrosi@fdu.edu

Please continue to take all preventative measures possible, like wearing face coverings, maintaining social-distancing measures, and washing your hands often.  

Thank you.

September 30, 2020

New Jersey Campuses Health and Safety Update

To: New Jersey Campus Communities

From: Hania Ferrara, Senior Vice President for Finance & Administration

The University continues to focus first and foremost on the safety and health of our community members. Everyone has a key role to play, and we are very pleased and proud of our students, faculty and staff for their cooperation and assistance to help reduce the impact and spread of COVID-19. Thank you all!

I am pleased to report that since my update last week, there have been no additional cases. We need to continue to be vigilant, and I am confident everyone will continue to take responsibility to protect each other.

The following are the updated numbers for the fall semester, and the reminders that we will continue to issue regularly.

Resident Students

Positive Tests: 2 (Florham 2, Metro 0)

Negative Tests: 188

Faculty and Staff

Positive Tests: 1

FDU is conducting both surveillance testing of random students on campus as well as symptomatic testing when necessary. Students who test positive are required to isolate. Those who have been in direct contact with someone who has tested positive are directly notified and required to quarantine per CDC guidelines. FDU is now also testing roommates and those students who have been in close contact with those who have tested positive.

As noted last week, we also are closely monitoring those students who are residing off campus; however, we will confine our reporting to those students who live in the county in which the campus is based or those who are taking courses on campus. When positive cases emerge involving off-campus students who may have been on campus, we are following up with contact tracing. Here is the number thus far this semester:

Off-Campus Students

Positive Tests: 7 (Florham 5, Metro 2)

Students who think they have been exposed to COVID-19 or experience symptoms of the virus, which include fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches and/or cough, should either contact their primary care physician if they are commuters or the appropriate health service on campus (see below) if they are residents. All students who test positive must immediately notify campus health services.

Florham Campus – Contact Nancy Moran, Interim Director of Student Health Services, at 973-443-8535 or nancylm@fdu.edu. After hours, call Florham Campus Public Safety – 973-443-8888.

Metropolitan Campus – Contact Carol Brown Taylor, Interim Director of Student Health Services, at 201-692-2437 or cbtaylor@fdu.edu. After hours, call Metropolitan Campus Public Safety – 201-692-2222.

If you are a faculty or staff member and you feel ill or believe you may have been exposed to the virus, you should seek medical assistance through your primary care physician and notify FDU’s Office of Human Resources as soon as possible. If you have been off campus for more than 14 days, there is no requirement to alert FDU if you become ill, but please coordinate with us before your return. (If an illness prevents you from working remotely, please follow routine practices to notify your supervisor.) And faculty and staff who become aware of a student testing positive should make sure that campus health services is immediately notified. For more information, please contact Vice President for Human Resources Rose D’Ambrosio at 201-692-2706 or via email at dambrosi@fdu.edu

Please continue to take all preventative measures possible, like wearing face coverings, maintaining social-distancing measures, and washing your hands often.  

Thank you.

September 23, 2020

New Jersey Campuses Health and Safety Update

To: New Jersey Campus Communities

From: Hania Ferrara, Senior Vice President for Finance & Administration

As FDU continues to closely monitor and test for COVID-19 on our campuses, the following are the latest numbers for the semester:

Resident Students

Positive Tests: 2 (Florham 2, Metro 0)

Negative Tests: 131

Faculty and Staff

Positive Cases: 1

FDU is conducting both surveillance testing of random students on campus as well as symptomatic testing when necessary. Students who test positive are required to isolate. Those who have been in direct contact with someone who has tested positive are directly notified and required to quarantine per CDC guidelines.

We also are closely monitoring those students who are residing off campus; however, we will mostly confine our reporting to those students who live in the county in which the campus is based. When positive cases emerge involving off-campus students who may have been on campus, we are following up with contact tracing. Here is the number thus far this semester:

Off-Campus Students

Positive Tests: 7 (Florham 5, Metro 2)

As a reminder, students who think they have been exposed to COVID-19 or experience symptoms of the virus, which include fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches and/or cough, should either contact their primary care physician if they are commuters or the appropriate health service on campus (see below) if they are residents. As noted earlier this week, all students who test positive must immediately notify campus health services.

Florham Campus – Contact Nancy Moran, Interim Director of Student Health Services, at 973-443-8535 or nancylm@fdu.edu. After hours, call Florham Campus Public Safety – 973-443-8888.

Metropolitan Campus – Contact Carol Brown Taylor, Interim Director of Student Health Services, at 201-692-2437 or cbtaylor@fdu.edu. After hours, call Metropolitan Campus Public Safety – 201-692-2222.

If you are a faculty or staff member and you feel ill or believe you may have been exposed to the virus, you should seek medical assistance through your primary care physician and notify FDU’s Office of Human Resources as soon as possible. If you have been off campus for more than 14 days, there is no requirement to alert FDU if you become ill, but please coordinate with us before your return. (If an illness prevents you from working remotely, please follow routine practices to notify your supervisor.) And, again as noted earlier this week, faculty and staff who become aware of a student testing positive should make sure that campus health services is immediately notified. For more information, please contact Vice President for Human Resources Rose D’Ambrosio at 201-692-2706 or via email at dambrosi@fdu.edu

As always, we remind everyone to take all preventative measures possible, like wearing face coverings, maintaining social-distancing measures, and washing your hands often.   

Thank you.

September 21, 2020

Study Abroad and Wroxton College

To: The New Jersey Campuses

From: Gillian Small, University Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs

Dear Faculty, Staff and Students,

I hope the semester is off to a great start and that everyone is navigating the challenges as best as possible. We know this is not a normal semester, but we continue to be determined to serve our students well, and I know our students are equally determined to pursue their academic goals. Together we will be successful.

The challenges, though, do continue, and it is becoming clear that some restrictions may need to be in place for a while longer. Overseas travel, for example, remains an uncertain proposition as we look ahead to the spring. Therefore, we have made the decision to suspend study abroad programs, including our programs at Wroxton College, for the spring semester. We are very sorry that we cannot offer students these opportunities, but I hope that you all understand that our first priority is always the safety and well-being of our community, and there simply remain too many restrictions and risks to plan such travel programs. While we cannot offer study abroad at this time, our faculty and staff will continue to create valuable and meaningful experiences for our students throughout the year.

Thank you as always for your understanding and consideration. Best of luck for continued success this semester.

September 16, 2020

New Jersey Campuses Health and Safety Update

To: New Jersey Campus Communities

From: Hania Ferrara, Senior Vice President for Finance & Administration

Since our update last week, there has been one confirmed case of COVID-19 among our New Jersey resident students, a student on the Florham Campus. That student is no longer in the residence hall and is currently in isolation. Any individual known to have been in direct contact with this student has been contacted by Student Health Services and has been instructed to quarantine per CDC guidelines. The residence hall in which the student resided has undergone additional cleaning in public areas to reduce the potential risk of transmission of COVID-19.

As you know, surveillance testing of resident students began last week. Testing is continuing, with a number of test results still pending. Symptomatic testing of resident students is being performed as necessary. The semester totals are currently as follows:

Student positive tests this semester: 1

Student negative tests this semester: 68

In addition, we earlier had one confirmed case of COVID-19 among our faculty and staff during the first week of the semester in August.

As a reminder, students who think they have been exposed to COVID-19 or experience symptoms of the virus, which include fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches and/or cough, should either contact their primary care physician if they are commuters or the appropriate health service on campus (see below) if they are residents. For more information, please refer to the CDC website.

Florham Campus Department of Student Health Services – 973-443-8535. After hours, call Florham Public Safety – 973-443-8888.

Metropolitan Campus Department of Student Health Services – 201-692-2437. After hours, call Metropolitan Campus Public Safety – 201-692-2222.

If you are a faculty or staff member and you feel ill or believe you may have been exposed to the virus, you should seek medical assistance through your primary care physician and notify FDU’s Office of Human Resources as soon as possible. If you have been off campus for more than 14 days, there is no requirement to alert FDU if you become ill, but please coordinate with us before your return. (If an illness prevents you from working remotely, please follow routine practices to notify your supervisor.) For more information, please contact Vice President for Human Resources Rose D’Ambrosio at 201-692-2706 or via email at dambrosi@fdu.edu

As always, we remind everyone to take all preventative measures possible, like wearing face coverings, maintaining social-distancing measures, and washing your hands often.   

Thank you.

September 9, 2020

New Jersey Campuses Health and Safety Update

To: New Jersey Campus Communities

From: Hania Ferrara, Senior Vice President for Finance & Administration

I hope everyone enjoyed the Labor Day weekend. Since my last update on September 2, there have been no confirmed COVID-19 cases among our students or our faculty and staff on our New Jersey campuses. This is great news, but it is early in the semester, and we must continue to be vigilant.

Surveillance testing of students began this week, and those results are pending. As cases emerge, we will work with local health departments to complete contact tracing. Those who have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19 will be individually notified by Human Resources (for employees) or Student Health Services (for students) and given appropriate instruction.

Students who think they have been exposed to COVID-19 or experience symptoms of the virus, which include fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches and/or cough, should either contact their primary care physician if they are commuters or the appropriate health service on campus (see below) if they are residents. For more information, please refer to the CDC website.

Florham Campus Department of Student Health Services – 973-443-8535. After hours, call Florham Public Safety – 973-443-8888.

Metropolitan Campus Department of Student Health Services – 201-692-2437. After hours, call Metropolitan  Campus Public Safety – 201-692-2222.

If you are a faculty or staff member and you feel ill or believe you may have been exposed to the virus, you should seek medical assistance through your primary care physician and notify FDU’s Office of Human Resources as soon as possible. If you have been of campus for more than 14 days, there is no requirement to alert FDU if you become ill, but please coordinate with us before your return. (If an illness prevents you from working remotely, please follow routine practices to notify your supervisor.) For more information, please contact Vice President for Human Resources Rose D’Ambrosio at 201-692-2706 or via email at dambrosi@fdu.edu

We remind everyone to continue to take all preventative measures possible, like wearing face coverings, maintaining social-distancing measures, and washing your hands often.   

Thank you.

September 2, 2020

New Jersey Campuses Health and Safety Update

To: New Jersey Campus Communities

From: Hania Ferrara, Senior Vice President for Finance & Administration

I hope everyone is well. As FDU continues to monitor COVID-19 on our campuses, we will send e-mails regularly this semester to students, faculty and staff to provide updates on confirmed cases, as well as any additional measures or changes that FDU is making to help keep the community safe. This information will also be available at www.fdu.edu in the section on coronavirus updates.

FDU will continue to closely assess reports on cases and health concerns, and should these concerns represent a more immediate safety threat, a separate notification will be sent to community members. Those who have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19 will be individually notified by FDU’s Office of Human Resources (for employees) or Student Health Services (for students) and given appropriate instruction. We will be working with the local health departments to complete contact tracing for all confirmed cases.

As you are aware, we are taking many precautions to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 on our campuses. Information and awareness are critical, and we will continue to act with an abundance of caution to protect the community. Each FDU campus has created a Campus Case Management Team to manage contact tracing, support services and coordination of quarantine and isolation.

Since the semester began on August 17, there has been one confirmed case of COVID-19 on our New Jersey campuses (a staff member at the Florham Campus). While we cannot provide details on cases due to privacy concerns, we will regularly report the numbers of cases that may occur on the New Jersey campuses this semester.

We remind everyone to continue to take all preventative measures possible, like wearing face coverings, maintaining social-distancing measures and washing your hands often. We also emphasize that all students are required to comply with FDU’s and governmental safety measures, including limitations on social gatherings, when both on campus and off campus.

We also want to remind everyone to complete the mandatory online training program and to complete the daily screening using the Campus Clear app. You will not be able to return to campus if you are not cleared using this app. For questions on the training or the app, contact Human Resources or the Dean of Students offices.

Students who think they have been exposed to COVID-19 or experience symptoms of the virus, which include fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches and/or cough, should either contact their primary care physician if they are commuters or the appropriate health service on campus if they are residents. For more information, please refer to the CDC website.

Florham Campus Department of Student Health Services – 973-443-8535. After hours, call Florham Public Safety – 973-443-8888.

Metropolitan Campus Department of Student Health Services – 201-692-2437. After hours, call Metropolitan Campus Public Safety – 201-692-2222.

If you are a faculty or staff member and you feel ill or believe you may have been exposed to the virus, you should seek medical assistance through your primary care physician and notify Human Resources as soon as possible. If you have been off campus for more than 14 days, there is no requirement to alert FDU if you become ill, but please coordinate with us before your return. (If an illness prevents you from working remotely, please follow routine practices to notify your supervisor.) For more information, please contact Vice President for Human Resources Rose D’Ambrosio at 201-692-2706 or via email at dambrosi@fdu.edu

As always, the health and safety of our community is the most important priority and we will continue to do all we can to safeguard our students, faculty and staff. Your cooperation is essential, and we are counting on all community members to do their part and take responsibility for preventative measures to keep the community safe.

Thank you.

September 1, 2020

President’s Update – United for Our Students

Dear Faculty and Staff,

Like many colleges across the country, FDU has faced significant challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. At each moment, however, our faculty and staff have helped answer those challenges by stepping up for the University and our students. And I cannot thank everyone enough for everything you have done—time and time again.

Unfortunately, the challenges keep coming, and we will have a fall semester that will be different than anything we have experienced before. The pandemic continues to create significant financial challenges for the University, both on the expense and revenue sides of the ledger. In addition, many operational costs have risen as we have invested in instructional technology, virtual platforms, and safety measures to support instruction and students returning to our campuses this fall.

As many of you know, FDU relies heavily on tuition dollars to fund our mission. Throughout the crisis, our enrollment team has done a remarkable job recruiting and retaining students at the University; however, in this climate we have to understand that our numbers will not be at normal levels. At the same time, in recognizing the hardships that many of our students and families are facing, we decided to freeze tuition at last year’s level. While this was certainly the right thing to do, it has added further to our financial challenges.

In addition, because most of our operations will be conducted remotely this fall, significantly fewer students will be returning to our campuses beginning this weekend. This will contribute even further to what will be a large revenue decline for the coming year.

The end result is that the University is facing a significant budget deficit this fiscal year, which must be addressed in multiple ways and as quickly as possible.

After careful thought and consideration, we have decided to move ahead on an initiative that will enable all of us, in an equitable manner, to support the University in this time of great need. FDU will institute an across-the-board reduction in contributions to individual non-union faculty and staff retirement plans. Effective September 1, 2020, the University will reduce its contribution to individual employee retirement plans by 6 percentage points. (The University’s contribution for certain faculty and staff will be lowered from 11 percent to 5 percent; and for others, from 8 percent to 2 percent.)

My hope is that this will be a temporary reduction, with normal contributions to retirement plans resuming on July 1, 2021. Moreover, while this reduction will provide considerable savings that will help us move closer to balancing the FY21 budget, this reduction alone will not resolve all our financial challenges. Additional cost-saving measures will be necessary, and we will communicate those measures as we go forward.

As I said earlier, I very much appreciate all the sacrifices you are making on behalf of the University and our students, and it pains me to ask for more. I would not do so if it were not necessary for our future success. Thank you all for everything you have done and continue to do for our institution and students. With your continued dedication and commitment, we will emerge stronger and more united than ever.

Yours in FDU,

Christopher A. Capuano, Ph.D.
President
Fairleigh Dickinson University

August 17, 2020

President’s Update – Welcome to Fall 2020

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,

Welcome to the start of FDU’s 79th academic year and perhaps the most unique and challenging year we have ever begun. Therefore, this welcome will be unlike others I have done in the past.

Last year certainly offered its share of challenges, and I want to begin by repeating what I have said many times. I am very proud of everyone for adjusting so quickly to the crisis that emerged. Thank you to our faculty for switching gears to online instruction, and producing their special brand of magic in virtual learning spaces. Thank you to our staff for moving to remote operations, and spending countless hours supporting our students. And, perhaps most importantly, thank you to our students for their cooperation and understanding, for their creativity in finding virtual avenues to connect with each other, and for not letting any of the external disruptions derail their academic progress and goals. Again, I can’t express in words how proud I am of everyone.

This pandemic has taken a heartbreaking toll, but the silver lining remains the collective commitment of many communities like ours to come together, overcome obstacles, and help each other. FDU is an extraordinary community with incredible people, and vivid illustrations of that can be seen everywhere.

Those same very special people at the University have planned intensely, preparing for this new and atypical semester. Many faculty underwent training in remote instruction over the summer months. Many staff developed on-campus safety measures and more robust virtual platforms to support student life activities. Obviously, we have had to make many adjustments in how we do things, and we are all too aware we may need to make even more adjustments as the year proceeds.

It is precisely that element of uncertainty that makes this year even more challenging than last year. Inevitably, we must plan for multiple contingencies and monitor events to determine what we are able to do. It can be easy to lose focus, and natural to become anxious. I understand the frustration and feel it myself. I will not pretend to know exactly what lies ahead. While I am hopeful things will improve, I know we have to be realistic and as prudent as possible considering the dangers still present with COVID-19.

I can tell you, however, that there are some very reliable constants that you can count on. First, we will continue to make the safety of our community the first, second, and third priority in all our decision-making. We are an educational institution, but we can’t teach, learn, or reach our potential if we are not well, so nothing matters more than the health and well-being of our community. We will work as hard as possible to safeguard everyone.

Second, while safety will always be paramount, the importance of our mission only grows in value when a crisis emerges. The most effective responses to the pandemic have been informed by education, and those in the front lines have relied on their training and expertise to care for those stricken by illness, anxiety, and loss. Education will always be our best weapon in the struggles we face today and those looming ahead. And so we are firmly resolved to continue our critical mission, and prepare our students to make a difference in a world that so desperately needs them.

Finally, I can tell you this for certain. While we don’t know what comes next, we know we are strong enough and flexible enough to adjust when we must. The answers we need may vary depending on what happens, but the blueprint for success is clear. Working together and united by common goals and values, we will move forward and be successful. We will forge a better path by joining hands together, albeit figuratively for now but nevertheless together in spirit, resolve, and commitment.

I wish you all good health and great success this fall and academic year!

Yours in FDU,

Christopher A. Capuano, Ph.D.
President
Fairleigh Dickinson University

August 10, 2020

President’s Update – Fall 2020 Semester

Dear University Community,

As promised in my last update on July 31, I am writing to you now to provide additional information concerning the Fall 2020 semester. First, several of our key dates remain unchanged, and I want to open this update by noting those dates again:

August 17: The Fall 2020 semester begins with remote course instruction for all courses on both New Jersey campuses.

September 4: Residence hall move-in begins on both New Jersey campuses for students who wish to return to campus.

September 14: A limited number of in-person classes will begin.

Changes to Course Instruction

On July 31, I noted that in-person classes would begin on September 14. However, in New Jersey, the number of COVID-19 cases and the transmission rate continue to be a concern, and the state remains in Stage 2 of its recovery plan and will likely remain in Stage 2 for most of August if not longer. Therefore, in keeping with the state’s guidelines for reopening colleges and universities, only a limited number of courses will be offered in person beginning on September 14. These include some labs, a few clinical courses in health sciences and psychology, and possibly a few additional courses that require hands-on programming — all of which must follow health and safety guidelines provided by the state. More information concerning such courses will be provided soon.

As I have emphasized in each update, our plans to return to full in-person instruction have been based on Governor Murphy advancing the state to Stage 3 in the state’s recovery plan. Clearly we are not there yet and may not get there soon. Therefore, most of our courses will be delivered remotely or fully online for the entirety of the Fall 2020 semester, with the exception of those courses noted above.

While I regret having to make this decision, especially knowing how hard so many members of our community have worked all summer long to prepare to fully reopen our campuses, I believe that making this decision now is in the best interests of the entire University community. With classes beginning remotely next week, faculty and students need clarity on how we will proceed. In addition, offering most of our courses remotely this fall will help our state recover more quickly, which is a goal that we must play a role in.

In the event New Jersey is able to advance to Stage 3 before September 14 or shortly thereafter, the University’s senior administration will assess the situation at that time and determine whether to offer more in-person classes than the limited number of courses permitted under Stage 2. However, at this time, it is my expectation that even if New Jersey moves to Stage 3 later this month or in early September, most of our courses will continue to be delivered only through remote platforms for the remainder of the fall semester.

While many of our community members were looking forward to returning to the classroom and the workplace, many also have expressed concerns. In fact, the University received a very high number of requests from faculty, staff, and students to make accommodations so that they could perform their roles remotely. We understand and sympathize with their concerns. As always, the health and well-being of our community members remain the driving imperative determining each step of our path forward.

We remain very excited for the opportunity to continue our mission, and we are fully prepared to engage and serve our students. Unlike the spring, when we were forced to adjust without warning, we have prepared for months for the possibility that many operations might need to be delivered remotely.

Academic Calendar and Advising

As noted, the academic calendar in place has not changed. The New Jersey campuses will begin the semester on August 17, and the semester will continue through November 24. Many of our faculty have been very busy this summer taking online instructional workshops and tailoring their lessons to remote instruction in preparation for the possibility that remote instruction could be necessary. In addition, we have made significant investments in educational technology that will enhance all course offerings. Advising services, as noted previously, will be offered remotely as well.

Housing and Dining

Despite the move to fully remote instruction for most courses, we know many students remain interested in returning to live on campus, and so I am pleased to announce that we will continue to offer students a resident life experience in accordance with state guidelines, which will be strictly enforced and will include immediate dismissal from the residence halls should a violation occur. Our top priority will be the health and safety of our community, so a zero-tolerance policy will be in effect when it comes to COVID-19 violations. Moreover, while we will be testing symptomatic and asymptomatic students on a regular basis, and setting aside dormitory space for students to quarantine or self-isolate should they become infected or if they are suspected to be infected, it may be necessary for students to return home to quarantine or self-isolate if the space we have set aside on campus is fully utilized.

We are planning on reduced capacity in the residence halls this fall to comply with Stage 2 restrictions. Students who desire to return to the residence halls must apply for new room assignments and enter into an Amendment to their Housing & Meal Plan Contract with special COVID-19 provisions. Students who elect to return will receive a 15% discount on the housing fees that were previously announced. You should know too that no outside visitors will be permitted in the residence halls during the fall semester.

Food services and dining will be provided and will be aligned with state regulations as well, which during Stage 2 exclude the use of indoor dining facilities. Therefore, student meals will be provided on a grab-and-go basis, and students will be able eat outside or in their residence hall rooms. In addition, we are working on a delivery service so that students can order food from their favorite restaurants as part of their meal plan option. More information on new meal plans and related financial terms, including a 15% discount on current meal plan rates, will be announced shortly.

Students who do not wish to return to the residence halls will be entitled to a full refund (including any deposit) of the fees paid under their Housing & Meal Plan Contract. The Office of Housing & Residence Life will be in touch shortly with students who previously applied for housing with more information on new arrangements.

Student Life

Student activities also will be permitted as again directed by current state guidelines. While the experience may not be exactly what we are all used to, we are determined to offer engaging programs and a wide range of support services for students to the fullest extent practical. For example, both club and group activities for all students will be provided virtually. These will include opportunities for students to schedule their own get-togethers using a new virtual platform. In addition, students will be able to participate in discussions, games, and other extracurricular activities on a virtual basis. While in-person interaction will be significantly reduced, students will be able to enjoy the camaraderie of their peers regardless of their location. And, for student-athletes, it is anticipated at this time that coaches will arrange practices and activities to keep their teams fit and engaged.

Other Services and Policies

In addition, the Offices of Financial Aid, Admissions, and Enrollment Services will be providing remote services, details for which can be found on their webpages. Those residing on campus can also make appointments for in-person services if necessary.

As I’ve noted in earlier communications, we are working in unprecedented circumstances but we remain committed to fulfilling our core mission of providing a high-value education for our students. Regardless of the modality of instruction, tuition and associated charges will remain the same for the fall semester.

We are now in the process of updating our website to reflect these latest changes and will continue to provide more information as it becomes available, so please check www.fdu.edu soon for further details.

I understand how anxious many members of our community are, and I hope this decision now provides the certainty we need to move forward. I again so appreciate your understanding and patience as we navigate our way through these challenges. Together we will continue to do great things, distinguish our institution, and help our students transform their lives.

Yours in FDU,

Christopher A. Capuano, Ph.D.
President
Fairleigh Dickinson University

July 31, 2020

President’s Update – Returning to Campus

Dear University Community Members,

I hope everyone is staying safe and well during this difficult time and still able to enjoy some rest and relaxation this summer. With the fall semester quickly approaching, I want to provide a quick update and announce a change in the move-in schedule for our resident students, as well as a short extension of the remote instruction period for our New Jersey campuses.

As you know, the fall semester will start on August 17, with all courses offered through remote instruction for the first few weeks. Although we earlier planned that resident students could begin moving back to campus on August 17, we have decided to delay the start of residence hall move-in until Friday, September 4.

In addition, we are extending the period of fully remote instruction by one week. In-person classes will now begin on Monday, September 14, so that resident hall students will have sufficient time (10 days) to move in. As previously noted, the semester will continue through November 24.

In summary, the updated plan is as follows:

August 17 to September 13: fully remote instruction;

September 4: start of move-in for residence hall students; and

September 14 to November 24: mix of in-person classes and remote instruction, and continuation of fully online courses.

A major factor in these changes is that our restart plan is predicated on the State of New Jersey reaching Stage 3 of its phased recovery plan, which has not yet happened and may not happen for several more weeks. Therefore, the delay in reopening the residence halls will provide additional flexibility to address any new directives coming from the State in the weeks ahead.

As always, our paramount concern is the health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff, and the additional time before students return to campus will be used to further prepare our COVID-19 testing infrastructure and other necessary arrangements, which are proceeding as planned.

We will be adjusting our residence hall and meal plans for the fall semester in light of these changes, either through a reduction in fees or other appropriate measures. These plans are being finalized now and we will notify students shortly.

Please also note that students who are returning to the residence halls will still be expected to be tested for COVID-19 prior to their return or quarantine for 14 days (either on or off campus) before they begin in-person classes.

While I am very sorry for this delay, I believe these changes are warranted given the current situation with COVID-19 in New Jersey and neighboring states, which remains fluid. I know many of you are eager to return to campus as soon as possible, but your safety and well-being is and will always remain our top priority. I can assure you that we do not take any of these changes lightly, and we considered many options before deciding on these changes.

I also understand that the uncertainty and shifting landscape can be very frustrating. We are dealing with an unprecedented pandemic and unprecedented times. All our plans are unfortunately subject to change in keeping with updates in science, regional health conditions, and governmental directives, but our goal remains to offer our students an on-campus experience, to the extent we can.

We will continue to monitor the situation carefully and keep you updated as we make final decisions concerning the fall semester. You can expect to hear from me again on or before the start of the fall semester on August 17.

Thank you very much for your patience and flexibility as we finalize our plans. I know the FDU community will continue to overcome the many challenges ahead as we move forward together.

Yours in FDU,

Christopher A. Capuano, Ph.D.
President
Fairleigh Dickinson University

July 20, 2020

President’s Update – Fall 2020 Semester Reopening Plan

Dear University Community,

As I mentioned in my last update, the State of New Jersey has directed colleges and universities to submit their plans for reopening this fall to the Secretary of Higher Education at least 14 days prior to the start of the semester. Thanks to the incredible efforts of our task forces, we have produced a very thorough and comprehensive plan that was approved by the University’s leadership team and then submitted to the Secretary on Friday.

The full plan is available on our website and can be found at https://www.fdu.edu/reopening-report.

I urge everyone to read it carefully and become familiar with the policies and procedures that will be in place this fall. We are holding town halls for community members, and we invite you to join these events, ask questions, and provide further input.

As I emphasized earlier, our plan to reopen our New Jersey campuses in the fall and return to in-person instruction cannot go forward until Governor Murphy determines that New Jersey can move to Stage 3 in the State’s reopening plan. Therefore, our plans are subject to change, pending new guidelines from federal, state or local authorities.

In FDU’s report to the Secretary, we have provided policies and procedures in the following categories: general safeguarding; screening, testing, and contact tracing; instruction; on-campus residential housing; libraries and computer labs; research/science labs; student services; transportation; dining; study abroad and international travel; and athletics.

As you know, the New Jersey campuses will begin the semester on August 17, with remote learning in place for the first three weeks of the term. In-person classes will begin after Labor Day on September 8, and the semester will continue until November 24. FDU’s hybrid model of instruction will provide an opportunity to incorporate online instruction once in-person classes begin.

The full plan expands upon the protocols and procedures outlined in my earlier update, including robust screening, testing, and physical distancing requirements. For example, the plan requires student-athletes and resident students to take at least one of the following measures before returning to campus: (1) showing proof of a negative test for COVID-19 performed no more than 72 hours before their return; (2) self-quarantining at home for 14 days before returning to campus (certified by a signed pledge); or (3) quarantining on campus in their assigned residence hall room for 14 days before in-person classes begin. We will continue to monitor the COVID-19 landscape and will adjust these and other policies should conditions change.

I want to thank the dedicated members of our task forces who have worked so intensely to develop such strong measures that will enable FDU to fulfill its educational mission while also placing the highest priority on the health and safety of our students, faculty, staff, and the entire University community. The task forces and their various subcommittees were comprised of faculty, staff, and administrators. These groups collected feedback from students and the broader community while developing their analysis and recommendations. They have done an incredible job and were supported by Keeling & Associates, LLC, a higher education consulting firm with expertise in public health.

FDU has now formed a University Steering Committee to oversee implementation of its plan, monitor compliance, and help respond to changing conditions. The Steering Committee will operate within the University’s Emergency Management Team (UEMT) reporting structure. The UEMT will be charged with responding to and mitigating any spread of the virus that may occur on our campuses. In addition, the University formed the following plan implementation committees, which will inform and advise the Steering Committee: Academic Planning, Health and Safety, Facilities, Student Experience and Residential Housing, and Athletics.

As I know you are aware, COVID-19 creates unprecedented challenges, and while the faculty and staff are working tirelessly over the summer to prepare for the fall, there remain challenges ahead. COVID-19 is highly contagious, and until a vaccine is available, any in-person activity involves risks. Our plans and initiatives are only as strong as our collective commitment to each other. We have to work together, and we will be dependent on each other to do all that is possible to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 on our campuses. We will provide training on best practices to reduce risk, and we are asking everyone to take responsibility to keep the campuses as safe as possible.

I know we can count on all of you, and I remain hopeful we can be together soon.

Yours in FDU,

Christopher A. Capuano, Ph.D.
President
Fairleigh Dickinson University

July 7, 2020

President’s Update – Preparing for Fall 2020 Semester

Dear University Community,

I hope everyone is well, staying safe, and enjoying some rest and relaxation this summer. At FDU, we are working hard to prepare for the Fall 2020 semester. We know you have many questions and concerns, and I hope this update addresses some of those issues.

The University’s task forces on academic affairs and campus operations have been focused intently on developing detailed plans for the opening of the Fall 2020 semester, as well as considering different contingencies if we are forced to modify our plans. I want to begin by emphasizing that our plans to re-open our campuses in the fall and return to in-person instruction are predicated on Governor Murphy’s determination that New Jersey is ready to move from our current Stage 2 classification to Stage 3, as detailed in “The Road Back” plan for re-opening the state. There remain some uncertainties ahead, so we are preparing for different scenarios and, more importantly, we are depending on federal, state and other public health directives to guide us while anticipating that some of those directives may change as conditions warrant.

Our task forces have been relying heavily on guidance and directives provided by the Office of the New Jersey Secretary of Higher Education, namely directives provided in the June 18 “Restart Standards for all New Jersey Institutions of Higher Education,” which were further detailed on June 26. These standards of course are contingent upon what stage of recovery the state is in at any given moment. These standards also require colleges to submit their plans to the Secretary of Higher Education for review 14 days prior to implementation.

I want to stress again, as I have all along, that our number one concern remains the health and safety of our community. However, although we will take many precautions, we know we cannot entirely eliminate the risk of transmission of the virus on and off our campuses. Still, we are determined to take reasonable and responsible measures to safeguard our community and, to the extent possible, limit the adverse impact of COVID-19 on the quality of the educational experience at FDU.

Until a vaccine and effective therapies are developed, plans and protocols that balance college life with what’s best for the health and safety of our community, and that follow federal, state and local government guidelines, must be in place by the day we re-open. At the moment, those will include among other things:

• Physical (or social) distancing;
• Screening, self-monitoring, and surveillance;
• Reduced density in classrooms, residence halls, dining halls, and workplaces;
• Personal protective gear such as protective masks in social and public settings, and maintaining appropriate personal hygiene;
• Newly configured spaces and use protocols;
• Training for students, staff, and faculty regarding COVID-19 measures and safeguards.

As announced in my update on May 29, we will begin the semester on August 17 with remote learning for the first three weeks of the Fall 2020 term. This will allow for a phased residential student move-in period, which is necessary to maintain physical distancing. In-person classes will begin after Labor Day, on September 8, and the semester will continue until November 24. In addition, FDU’s hybrid model of instruction will provide an opportunity to incorporate remote or online instruction once in-person classes begin.

While our desire is that all can be back on campus and enjoying in-person classroom instruction, we must be prepared for the possibility that courses could transition from one mode of instruction to another on short notice. Therefore, we need to be prepared, and we will be flexible if necessary.

Below are some of the additional details we can share at this time regarding our plans for the Fall 2020 semester.

Health and Safety

FDU is implementing health protocols including requirements for wearing face coverings, physical distancing, use of personal protective equipment when applicable, and health screenings.

The University will require all students, faculty, and staff to complete and report a self-screening before arriving back on campus and every day during the fall semester. If symptoms suggesting COVID-19 are detected, students must immediately contact Student Health Services, and faculty and staff must immediately contact Human Resources. Protocols will be in place for required quarantining and testing, and the University will be prepared to isolate infected students who are living on campus if necessary.

Subject to guidance from health authorities, our plans currently call for testing of students who have symptoms suggesting COVID-19, students who are identified as close contacts of a person who has COVID-19, and possibly students in selected populations identified as being at higher risk of infection. We may also conduct ongoing random testing of students in higher risk categories. The University will refer members of the faculty and staff who have symptoms of COVID-19 or are close contacts of a person with COVID-19 to their personal healthcare provider for assessment and testing.

In coordination with our local municipal health departments, the University will also have in place a strong system of communications and contact tracing protocols to alert individuals who may have been in contact with those persons suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19. These individuals will be interviewed and assessed by contact tracing personnel, and some may need testing and may be required to self-quarantine. As noted above, for those residing on campus, there will be dedicated spaces for these purposes.

In addition to these measures, physical distancing protocols will be in place in our classrooms and throughout the campuses. Signage will clearly mark points of entry and exit, while also marking safe distances when necessary. Hand sanitizer dispensers and plexiglass shields will be strategically placed around the campuses. In addition, our facilities teams will conduct increased cleaning throughout the campuses on a frequent basis, especially in highly trafficked areas including the residence halls. As noted earlier, all faculty, staff, and students will be required to wear face coverings, and an FDU reusable cloth mask that meets CDC guidelines will be distributed to everyone at no cost.

Personal Responsibility

Community members will be asked to be very diligent in maintaining personal hygiene including washing their hands often and cleaning their living, study and personal workspaces frequently. All faculty, staff, and students will receive training on best practices to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Furthermore, all community members will be asked to pledge to take responsibility for preventative measures to keep our campuses as safe as possible. Our successful return to campus relies not only on University initiatives, but also on the support and cooperation of each community member. We must all take responsibility for protecting one another.

Academics

Once again, at the New Jersey campuses, the Fall 2020 semester will start on Monday, August 17, a week earlier than originally planned, and end on Tuesday, November 24, before the Thanksgiving holiday. Final exams will be November 18-24. There will be no October break. This schedule will help community members avoid the need to travel back and forth for breaks and will reduce the time that community members need to be on campus during the colder months that may bring a potential risk of resurgence in COVID-19 cases. In addition, ending the fall semester earlier will enable us to offer a more robust winter session, allowing students to complete more meaningful internships, get ahead in their degree programs, and save money in the process.

Those who have special circumstances that prevent them from beginning classes a week early should contact the dean of their college or school director. Every effort will be made to work with those individuals to get caught up once they begin classes.

As also mentioned earlier, we will start the semester online, with face-to-face instruction beginning no sooner than September 8. Courses will be offered via remote instruction or via combined in-person and remote instruction (a flex model). Many classrooms and teaching spaces are being outfitted with new technology to enable high-quality remote access to on-campus instruction. Again, different modalities for learning may continue in certain circumstances to reduce density in classrooms. And although it is possible that a resurgence of the virus will make it necessary to pivot to remote instruction, FDU is committed to providing our students with an outstanding and transforming educational experience no matter the mode of instruction.

While we plan for classes being conducted in person and in keeping with physical distancing guidelines, academic advising will be conducted remotely, as will faculty office hours, whenever possible. Libraries and computer labs will be open with physical distancing guidelines in place, as well as extensive and frequent cleaning procedures and other safety measures, all in accordance with state guidelines.

Study Abroad

We very much regret that we must cancel all study abroad for the Fall 2020 semester, including all study at Wroxton College. However, we have not yet made a decision for the Spring 2021 semester. FDU has long valued the importance of immersion in another culture, and we will certainly do all that is possible to resume these journeys as soon as possible.

Student Life

Living

In the residence halls, we will make every effort to reduce the density of living spaces by converting all triple rooms to double rooms and increasing the number of single rooms available, particularly for students who are among higher risk populations. Common areas including kitchens, game rooms, and fitness rooms will be closed, and laundry rooms will have a restricted maximum occupancy. As mentioned, protocols will be in place for screening, testing, isolation if necessary, contact tracing, and maintaining personal responsibility.

There will be restrictions on visitors and room capacity. When not in their rooms, all dormitory students must comply with physical distancing guidelines, wear face masks, and take other appropriate measures to safeguard their personal health and the health of the overall campus community.

Students can begin moving into dormitories when classes begin on August 17, as long as that is permissible under state and local directives at that time. Moving in will be conducted on an appointment basis, the details for which are forthcoming.

Dining

Dining operations will include physical distancing for lines and seating with full use of sneeze guards and plexiglass barriers. Appropriate cleaning procedures will be in place. Food handlers and managers will wear masks and gloves, and must pass a safety training program. FDU will have expanded options for delivery and pick-up of food, as well as more prepackaged offerings and Grab-n-Go options with extended hours. However, there will be no self-service options. At this time, only take-out and outdoor dining is permitted in New Jersey, but hopefully indoor dining will be permissible by the start of the semester.

Activities

Provisions are being made for student activities to be held according to directives in effect at the time. Features such as use of recreation centers will be available as long as students and community members are able to practice physical distancing. Recreational programs likewise can be held but should be limited based on such distancing guidelines. All recreational activities and in fact all student, faculty, and staff events must be reviewed and approved by the campus executives, the deans of students, or a designated senior officer of the University. Unfortunately, due to the changing nature of this pandemic, safety could dictate the suspension of in-person campus events and activities. If that occurs, we will explore the possibility of holding alternative activities on a case-by-case basis.

In addition, and in anticipation of needing to provide more activities online, we will be introducing some very exciting activities via new online platforms to help students remain engaged with one another.

Athletics

Intercollegiate athletics have long been an integral component of campus life, and we are working hard to enable our student-athletes to resume their schedules. We are planning to re-open athletic facilities and for teams to compete in the fall, but this must be permitted by the NCAA and conference and local authorities, and in accordance with regulations imposed by those authorities.

Tuition and Finances

We understand and sympathize with our students and their families who may be struggling during these difficult times. To help make an FDU education accessible and affordable to more students, the University froze the undergraduate tuition rate for the coming academic year (2020-21). Therefore, there will be no tuition increase this year. In addition, the University simplified and reduced the costs of many of its graduate programs effective this coming fall. We hope these measures provide some relief and aid to our students and their families.

Return to the Workplace

While many of my comments in this communication are directed to students and families, I know many of our faculty and staff members who have been working remotely have many questions about returning to campus. Task forces are working through these complex issues including the process for addressing accommodations and otherwise meeting the needs of our faculty and staff. For staff in particular, we will ensure that workspaces also follow physical distancing guidelines, and the return of most units will be phased in or staggered, with some employees continuing to work remotely to a significant degree. We have previously asked faculty who might need special accommodations to reach out to Human Resources through a simple online form, and we are following up to address the responses we are receiving.

I know there is a lot to digest in this update and even more issues that have yet to be fully addressed. We appreciate your continuing patience as we work through more details and submit our plans to the state. As we finalize the details of our plan, we certainly will keep you posted via email and/or on our website.

Above all, I want to thank and extend my gratitude to all of those in our community who are persevering through these challenging times, and particularly all those working so hard to serve our students and plan and prepare for them to have the best educational experience possible and the greatest support possible, all while keeping them as safe as possible. Thank you all for everything you are doing.

I often conclude my notes by telling you how much I look forward to seeing everyone on campus again soon. It’s not just a closing line; it’s what motivates me on a daily basis. With continued diligence, we will emerge from this stronger and more united than ever before, and we will enjoy many wonderful days alongside each other. Until then, please stay safe and enjoy the summer.

Yours in FDU,

Christopher A. Capuano, Ph.D.
President
Fairleigh Dickinson University

June 12, 2020

President’s Update – Supporting Our Students

Dear FDU Students, Families and Friends,

We know that many of you have been hit hard by the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. We understand and truly empathize with all those who are experiencing significant stress and financial hardship during this difficult time.

While the University also is facing financial challenges due to the pandemic, we are committed now more than ever, and in every way that we can, to helping our students afford an FDU education and to providing the most value we can for your hard-earned dollars.

In particular, we have done several things recently to support many of our students financially. First, we issued pro-rated refunds and credits for those who were forced to leave their dormitory rooms during the spring semester. These credits and refunds totaled nearly $6.5 million.

In addition, FDU applied for and received a CARES act stimulus award that provided support for the University and nearly $3 million for students directly as emergency aid grants. These grants were distributed to more than 1,600 students who completed an application process to qualify.

The University also created its own special Student Emergency Fund, and we are very grateful to all our friends and donors who are stepping forward to help our students deal with this crisis. Those who wish to contribute may go to https://support.fdu.edu/giving/students.

We also provided discounts for students taking multiple summer courses this year so that more students could advance their degree programs in a convenient manner. And we are pleased that many students have taken advantage of these discounts, which will continue through the remainder of the summer term (https://www.fdu.edu/admissions/summer/).

All of these efforts have made a real difference for many students and we want to do more to help further. Therefore, the University has decided to freeze its undergraduate tuition rate at this year’s level for the 2020-21 academic year. There will be no tuition increase for the coming year. In addition, the University has simplified the structure of its graduate tuition rates and reduced the costs of many of its graduate programs. Furthermore, we have kept fee increases as low as possible, understanding that increases in fees can be challenging to many students and families as well.

We hope these measures provide some aid and relief for our students and families, and most importantly we hope such measures enable our students to focus first and foremost on excelling in their educational programs and seizing all of the benefits that an FDU education provides.

I hope everyone enjoys the summer break, and I look forward to seeing everyone back on campus in the fall.

Sincerely yours,

Christopher A. Capuano, Ph.D.
President
Fairleigh Dickinson University

June 4, 2020

Re: Task Force for Campus Re-occupancy and Operations

From: Hania Ferrara, Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration

As you know from President Capuano’s e-mail on May 29, several task forces have been formed to focus on the coming academic year. The Task Force for Academics is focusing on educational issues, such as the academic calendar and modes of instruction; another task force will focus on fiscal planning and budgetary issues; while the Task Force for Campus Re-occupancy and Operations is focusing on the operations that will enable us all to perform our jobs and best serve our students going forward — both in and outside the classroom.

The Campus Re-occupancy and Operations Task Force’s charge is to develop, continuously refine, and implement a comprehensive plan and policies to safely re-occupy and operate the New Jersey campuses, which, among other things:

• conforms to current regulatory and best practices guidance;
• includes classrooms, laboratories, libraries, residence halls, dining venues, athletic and recreational facilities, offices, restrooms and all common areas — interior and exterior;
• includes physical, service and behavioral changes; and
• procures and monitors necessary testing and contact tracing resources, as well as personal protective equipment (PPE).

There is a diverse range of areas to address, and the following are the main ones identified to date:

1. COVID-19 screening and monitoring;
2. COVID-19 testing;
3. COVID-19 contact tracing;
4. building/site preparations, including classrooms and labs, residence halls, dining and other auxiliary services, isolation and quarantine space, athletic facilities, hygiene stations, security checkpoints, and signage and communication;
5. hygiene guidelines;
6. operational changes including enhanced cleaning procedures, social-distancing policy, and dining and other auxiliary service procedures;
7. athletic and fitness program policies;
8. faculty and staff healthy workplace policy;
9. student experience; and          
10. policy and procedure real-time evaluation and monitoring.

The Task Force for Campus Re-occupancy and Operations members include: Pete Bonasia (co-chair), director of facilities, Metropolitan Campus; Rose D’Ambrosio, vice president for human resources; James Dougherty, professor of chemistry and physics; Hania Ferrara, senior vice president for finance and administration; Heidi Fichtenbaum (co-chair), senior project manager, facilities and auxiliary services; Richard Frick, vice president for facilities and auxiliary services; Gail Lemaire, University risk manager; Brian Mauro, Florham Campus executive; Steve Nelson, Metropolitan Campus executive; David Rosen, professor of anthropology; Neal Sturm, vice president and chief information officer; and Robert Valenti, associate vice president for auxiliary services. The task force is working closely with the Task Force for Academics to ensure that the concerns of faculty and students are a priority in all plans and policies to be established. The task force is also working closely with the directors of student health services; Michael Avaltroni, dean of the School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences; and the deans of students.

We know that you will all support the important work of our task forces, and we appreciate your help and patience as we tackle these difficult and critical issues for the health and safety of us all. We will regularly update the community through e-mail and on the coronavirus section of the website as particular plans for the fall are finalized.

Thank you.

May 29, 2020

President’s Update – The Fall 2020 Semester

Dear University Community,

I hope all of you were able to watch our virtual conferral of degrees broadcast on May 18 and enjoyed the heartwarming greetings of many graduates who, like all our students this semester, triumphed over adversity and overcame unprecedented challenges. Conferring degrees typically marks the end of the academic year, and this year has been like no other.

Like our students, our faculty and staff were equally amazing in dealing with very difficult circumstances this past semester. Not once did they let any obstacles deter them from serving our students. I applaud the entire University community for their commitment and dedication to our students and to one another. Thank you, everyone, for your patience, perseverance, and for staying the course during an incredibly difficult period.

And now it is time to look forward to new beginnings with hope and determination, knowing that many of the challenges we have been facing will likely continue. Our experiences to date, however, have shown that there are no challenges we can’t overcome when we work together.

As I wrote recently, FDU is preparing carefully for the Fall 2020 semester. We are developing multiple plans that will enable us to open our campuses safely while operating consistently with public health and governmental guidelines. In fact, several key task forces within the University have been formed to focus on different aspects of operating our campuses in the fall, and I want to thank the faculty and staff who are participating and helping us navigate the challenges and critical tasks that lie ahead.

After reviewing the recommendations of our task force on academics, which included input from students, we have made several decisions concerning the Fall 2020 semester. First and foremost, please understand that while it is our intent to open our campuses as soon as possible, we will do so only when we believe it is safe for our students, faculty, and staff. Therefore, our return to campus will depend on the guidance provided by public health and government officials, and our readiness to operate our campuses safely.

Schedule Changes for Fall 2020

At both New Jersey campuses, the Fall 2020 semester will start on Monday, August 17, a week earlier than originally planned, and end on Tuesday, November 24, before the Thanksgiving holiday. We will eliminate the October break and one of the two reading days to condense the semester into this new schedule. This will help community members avoid the need to travel back and forth for breaks and will reduce the time that community members need to be on campus during the colder months that may bring a potential risk of resurgence in COVID-19 cases.

The first three weeks of the semester will be taught online, with face-to-face instruction beginning no earlier than September 8, the day after Labor Day. This gradual and blended approach of returning to face-to-face instruction and incorporating online instruction can be easily modified should situations arise for an extended period of remote learning at any point.

Moreover, in finishing the fall semester by Thanksgiving, our new academic calendar also enables us to offer a more robust set of online winter courses during December and January that will benefit students and help them complete their degree requirements sooner, as well as participate in longer and more meaningful internship experiences if so desired.

Returning to Campus

We are hopeful that students who intend to live on campus will be allowed to start returning to campus beginning August 17 if they wish, but only if permitted by local, state and federal guidelines at that time. We will be updating our plans as these guidelines are issued. Nevertheless, regardless of when students are able to be on campus again, campus operations will be aligned with recommendations provided by public health and governmental authorities. And, we certainly expect that there will need to be adjustments to certain aspects of campus life, as well as protocols and routines established to help ensure the ongoing safety and well-being of our entire University community. A second task force is working on developing such protocols and routines, which will be critical to the operation of our campuses.

Enhanced Online Instruction

Our faculty did an outstanding job this past semester transitioning to online instruction. Moreover, most of our full-time faculty will spend significant time this summer preparing courses with online dimensions for the fall, with the goal of making the virtual learning experience even better for our students.

Safety and Health

I would like to emphasize again that as the fall approaches and throughout our planning, we will continue to be guided by one overwhelming priority—the health and safety of our community members. This is a collaborative challenge for many sectors of our society, and we are closely cooperating with others so that our community has the resources we need.

We will have protocols in place for testing, contact tracing, and isolation if necessary. Residence life and campus activities will be guided by public health requirements, such as physical distancing and reduced density if warranted. We will modify campus environments like dining halls as needed. While it is too early to know the particular details for many of these operations, we will update everyone as we learn more information and tailor our programs and environments to these requirements accordingly.

Closing Remarks

I know there are many questions remaining but, with still months to go before the semester begins, we cannot predict yet the complete landscape for our campuses in the fall. We are operating in uncharted waters and so we will have to be prepared to adjust as time goes on. Again, though, we will be ready to adjust, and we will do whatever is possible to provide our students not just a transformative education but a transformative experience that will prepare them well for careers and lifetimes of success.

Please stay safe and well, and stay tuned for more updates as the fall semester takes shape.

I look forward to seeing everyone on campus again soon.

Sincerely yours,

Christopher A. Capuano, Ph.D.
President
Fairleigh Dickinson University

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

April 20, 2020

President’s Update – Important Cost-Saving Measures

Dear Faculty and Staff,

Across our country and around the globe, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused massive suffering, hardships, and the need for unprecedented changes in how we live and work. At FDU, we have come together as a community to adjust our operations, to offer our educational programs online, and to support our students as best we can. The incredible efforts of our faculty and staff to adapt to this new environment in such a short time are extraordinary and demonstrate dedication to FDU and our students like never seen before.

As we move forward, we also must respond to the significant financial impact of this crisis. Most notably, we have experienced increases in certain operational expenses, refunds to our students for room and board costs, and a decrease in revenue from a variety of sources, not the least of which will be our upcoming summer program tuition.

This new financial reality, combined with the uncertainty of when we can resume normal operations, means that we have to consider all options to address these challenges, while ensuring that we do not compromise the quality of an FDU education. Our focus for the immediate future is on those operations that directly impact the educational experience of our students.

Like many colleges, we have taken some basic steps already, such as enacting a hiring freeze and only proceeding with a limited number of capital projects. But we will have to do more to help the University overcome the financial challenges we face. Before we ask our faithful employees to make sacrifices, I think it’s important that our leadership demonstrate our commitment to the University and all of you in this struggle, and that is why I have decided to take a 20% pay cut. At the same time, the senior leadership team has unanimously agreed to reduce their salaries by 10%, and remaining members of the President’s Cabinet will reduce their salaries by 8%. These salary reductions will last as long as necessary and will be used to establish a special relief fund for students and families in need and to support the University’s budget.

Unfortunately, we have to take some other measures as well. As you know, we moved nearly all our operations remotely beginning March 16. Many employees have since continued their responsibilities, but many others cannot do all the previous work they had been doing. Additionally, the impact of COVID-19 has significantly limited the need for various University functions in at least the short term.

For these reasons, the University will be instituting a furlough program, effective April 27. A furlough is a temporary unpaid leave of absence, with the expectation that the employee will be recalled within a specific period of time. With students off campus until at least late August, we project that most employees furloughed will return on August 10, but this date may change. We have consulted with supervisors, deans, and directors to determine how best to identify employees to furlough. If you are among those who were identified, you will soon receive a notification from Vice President of Human Resources Rose D’Ambrosio.

Furloughed employees are individuals who cannot fully perform their job remotely, or the need for their job has been substantially reduced due to the COVID-19 pandemic and a change in business operations. Please note that the University will continue to offer and make its normal contributions toward medical/dental coverage for furloughed employees and eligible dependents. In addition, furloughed employees may be eligible for state unemployment benefits, as well as federal pandemic unemployment benefits provided under the CARES Act. Furloughed employees are not expected to work during the furlough period—in fact, they are not permitted to engage in any University-related business, including e-mails, phone calls, or meetings, until their duties resume.

I’m sure there will be other questions concerning this program, and those who are notified will be provided with more details and support as they cope with this transition. For questions concerning furloughs, please contact Rose D’Ambrosio at dambrosi@fdu.edu. Again, it is our hope and expectation that many employees who are furloughed will be recalled on August 10, but of course we will have to re-evaluate this as the situation evolves.

I want everyone to understand how difficult a decision this is. I assure you that we evaluated all our options before coming to this decision. We deeply value all our employees, and so many of you have played such important roles at the University. And we also understand that while many of the employees furloughed haven’t had full workloads since we moved to remote business operations, they were still making contributions that now will have to be handled by others with full workloads. We are very sorry for this and continue to appreciate all the efforts that so many of you are making in this very trying time.

Despite these challenges, we remain fully committed to ensuring that the quality of education remains at the level our students have come to expect. And we will continue to do everything possible to enable our students to pursue their studies and attain their goals.

As I wrote to you earlier, I wish I could accurately predict the future and tell you when this will be over, but until then we must plan and prepare for as many scenarios as possible. With your help and sacrifices, we will continue to position ourselves in the best possible manner for today and tomorrow, and we will continue to be there for our students like we always have been.

I thank each and every one of you for your resiliency, your determination, and your resolve. Thanks to you, I know we will meet these challenges with continued courage and strength, and I know we will enjoy brighter days ahead.

With great appreciation and admiration,

Christopher A. Capuano, Ph.D.
President
Fairleigh Dickinson University

April 9, 2020

President’s Update – A Note of Appreciation

Dear University Community Members,

We are living in troubled times that few could have anticipated or imagined. We all feel the stress, anxiety, and uncertainty seemingly surrounding us on all sides. But there also are many reasons for hope and examples of inspiration, particularly in our own community, that should provide comfort and strength amid all the challenges.

I want to thank all of you for your many extraordinary efforts, from faculty creatively becoming engaged with new online tools, to students patiently adapting to online instruction and collaborating together in virtual communities, to staff members transitioning to remote operations to support us all.

I’ve been very heartened, for example, to see so many students, faculty, and staff supporting each other as we learn, teach, and work a bit differently. And then there’s efforts that have been particularly special, like our faculty, staff, and students personally reaching out to prospective students who cannot physically come to campus, to help them get a sense of what the FDU experience is all about.

I’ve been heartened as well to see what you’ve done in your local communities. So many efforts have meant so much, whether it’s shopping for someone who cannot go out because of an underlying condition, delivering food or comfort to someone, or just calling or contacting others in need of camaraderie during a time of physical isolation.

And then there’s our alumni and friends who have been serving others. Many have been in the front lines as healthcare workers and volunteers, while others have made important contributions and sacrifices in other ways. We are so proud of all of you. And many of you have also asked how you can help the University and our students who face financial struggles during this challenging period. In response, we have established emergency funds for our students that anyone can support. Please go to FDU’s Student Emergency Funds to learn more. Every donation is so appreciated, and every bit makes a difference. Your contributions not only support students today, but also provide the foundation for a better tomorrow.

We will continue working as hard as possible to anticipate next steps, and plan and prepare for how we can stay true to our mission. Please continue to be patient, understanding, and supportive of each other. And please do all you can to follow the directives of health and governmental authorities, and keep yourselves and your loved ones safe and well.

Sometimes life provides the most meaningful educational experiences possible, and we can all take some important lessons to heart. Maybe the most meaningful of all is the reality that all of humanity is deeply interconnected. The most critical challenges of our times can only be solved by cooperation and collaboration with each other, the exact kind we see every day at FDU, and the kind we are seeing now on a state, regional, national, and global level.

Thank you again for all your many efforts for our students. Many of you will hold religious and family celebrations this week that may be celebrated a little differently than usual, but I still hope everyone can take special time to be with their loved ones in some way.

Please stay well. I look forward to seeing all of you in person as soon as possible.

Yours in FDU,

Christopher A. Capuano, Ph.D.
President
Fairleigh Dickinson University

April 9, 2020

Deadline Extension for Student Withdrawal from Classes

To: The University Community

From: Gillian Small, University Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs

As recently announced, in order to give students additional time in their online/remote classes before deciding whether they wish to take the pass/fail option for any or all of their classes for this semester, we extended the deadline to April 24, 2020.  For the same reasons, we are also extending the deadline for withdrawal from classes.  Thus, the last day for student withdrawal from classes is Friday, April 24, 2020.

For those celebrating holidays at this time, we wish you a safe and happy Passover or Easter.

April 7, 2020

All Summer Sessions for 2020

To: FDU Community in New Jersey

From: Gillian Small, University Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs         

With the coronavirus pandemic causing continued uncertainty regarding when we will be able to resume our normal operating procedures and in-person instruction, we have decided at this time that classes offered for all Summer Sessions (I, II and III) will be offered through remote learning (online) only. Online registration for Summer 2020 classes begins Monday, April 20. 

I would also remind you that we are making every effort to enable our students to continue their studies during the summer by allowing all undergraduate students to take one summer course at regular tuition cost and a second or subsequent summer course(s) at 50% tuition. In addition, we are allowing most graduate students (with exceptions outlined below) to take three credits at regular tuition cost and any subsequent summer credits at 50% tuition. 

Please note, the following programs are exempted from this policy:

PharmD, Five-year PsyD in School Psychology.

April 3, 2020

Update on Pass/Fail Option for Spring Semester 2020

To: The University Community

From: Gillian Small, University Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs

In order to give students additional time in their online/remote classes before deciding whether they wish to take the Pass/Fail option for any or all of their classes for this semester, we are extending the deadline by which they need to make this decision.

Students now have until April 24 to switch some or all of their spring courses to a Pass/Fail grading system or remain with the traditional grading system. This includes all undergraduates, and those graduate students who are not in programs exempted from this policy. Students must inform the respective instructor in writing by this deadline for each course they decide to elect the Pass/Fail option, otherwise they will continue to be graded by the traditional system.

April 2, 2020

Graduate Summer Sessions 2020

To: FDU Community in New Jersey

From: Gillian Small, University Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs

As you are aware, we recently made the decision that all classes for Summer Sessions I and II will be offered through remote learning (online) only. A decision regarding Summer Session III will be made at a later date. Online registration for Summer 2020 classes begins Monday, April 20.

We also recognize that the current situation is causing financial hardships for many people. Therefore, in an effort to enable graduate students in many programs to continue their studies during the summer and enhance their efforts to graduate in a timely fashion, we are allowing graduate students in most programs (see below for exceptions) on our New Jersey campuses to take three credits at regular tuition cost and any subsequent summer credits at 50% tuition. This will apply to any of the summer 2020 sessions.

Please note, the following programs are exempted from this policy:

PharmD, Five-year PsyD in School Psychology.

March 30, 2020

Undergraduate Summer Sessions 2020

To:   FDU Community in New Jersey

From: Gillian Small, University Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs

As you are well aware, we continue to face unprecedented challenges related to the Coronavirus pandemic and thus have adjusted several dates and policies in order to provide flexibility and support for our students. With continued uncertainty as to when we will be able to resume our normal operating procedures, including in-person instruction, we have decided at this time that all classes for Summer Sessions I and II will be offered through remote learning (online) only. A decision regarding Summer Session III will be made at a later date. Online registration for Summer 2020 classes begins Monday, April 20. 

We also understand that for many the current situation is causing some financial hardship. Therefore, in an effort to enable undergraduate students to continue their studies during the summer and enhance their efforts to graduate in a timely fashion, we are allowing all undergraduate students currently enrolled at one of our New Jersey campuses to take one summer course at regular tuition cost and a second or subsequent summer course(s) at 50% tuition. This will apply to any of the summer 2020 sessions.

March 25, 2020

President’s Update – Commencement

Last week, I wrote to all of you that unfortunately we must cancel the May 18 Commencement ceremony at MetLife Stadium due to ongoing health concerns related to the COVID-19 global pandemic. These are unprecedented times and unfortunately huge sacrifices are necessary. As I wrote, this was one of the most painful decisions we have had to make thus far because we know how hard our graduates have worked and we know how much this day means to them and their families.

While we are very disappointed that commencement at MetLife Stadium cannot go forward as planned, rest assured that all students will receive their diplomas on time and that we are considering alternative ways that we can celebrate together and recognize the amazing achievements of our graduates. We are currently considering a brief virtual ceremony for the May 18 date, during which I will confer degrees upon our graduates. This is an important ritual, and we want to mark the occasion in the traditional and timely manner we have always done for our graduates. Keep an eye out for more details on how you can tune in and participate in the virtual ceremony. 

In addition, I have listened to your comments and suggestions and we will indeed plan for a full in-person ceremony at a later date, as circumstances permit. If we can have an in-person ceremony soon after the originally scheduled date, then perhaps we will not need to confer degrees virtually on May 18. However, if we are not able to schedule something soon after May 18, then we will consider other dates in 2020, and certainly we also have the option of inviting all 2020 graduates to join next year’s commencement ceremony in May 2021 if necessary.

While we know these alternatives may not be desirable to all, we are doing the best we can to honor and applaud our graduates’ efforts and accomplishments, while keeping our community safe and healthy.

Details on specific plans for May 18 will be provided as soon as possible, and the possibility of a future event will be determined based on evolving state and national health guidelines and with input from our graduates themselves.

Thank you all for your patience and understanding as we consider the best plan possible, and please know there is nothing I look forward to more than actually seeing in person all of our graduates walking across the stage.

Sincerely,

Christopher A. Capuano, Ph.D.
President
Fairleigh Dickinson University

March 25, 2020

Pass/Fail Option for Graduate Students for Spring Semester 2020

To: The University Community

From: Gillian Small, University Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs

Given the unprecedented challenges that COVID-19 (coronavirus) has created in our community, and specifically in causing the University to move to fully remote learning in an accelerated fashion, we have decided it is appropriate to allow graduate students in many programs (see below for exceptions) to elect whether any or all of their classes for this current semester will be graded on a pass/fail scale, or on the regular graduate grading scale (A-C or F). Whatever the choice, all classes will still count for their respective requirements. We need to emphasize that a “P” grade does not affect a student’s GPA, but any grade of “F” will be calculated into a GPA.

Please note, the following programs are exempted from this policy:

Doctor of Nursing Practice, Master’s of Science in Nursing, Ph.D in Clinical Psychology, Psy.D. in School Psychology.

Students have until April 10 to switch some or all of their spring courses to a Pass/Fail grading system or remain with the traditional grading system. Students must inform the respective instructor in writing by this deadline for each course they decide to elect the Pass/Fail option, otherwise they will continue to be graded by the regular graduate grading system.

Faculty will indicate on their rosters for each class whether the student has elected the Pass/Fail option or the traditional A-F grading system. In the Pass/Fail option, any work deemed worthy of any pass grade (A-D) will be given a “P” and only work deemed worthy of a failing grade will be given an “F”.

Students who are trying to improve their current GPA, or who need a certain grade in order to move forward in their program, should strongly consider electing the traditional graduate grading. If a student is unsure, they should seek the guidance of an academic advisor, department chair or director to help make their decision.

Please note that the last day for student withdrawal from classes has also been extended to April 10, 2020.

Graduate Repeat Policy

If a student is repeating a course, it is strongly recommended that they do not select the pass-fail option, as the repeated course grade will not replace the first course grade issued to the student. If a student has been found guilty of academic dishonesty, an F grade for this course is not to be removed from the student’s transcript or from the cumulative grade point ratio calculation when the course is repeated, as per the graduate academic integrity policy.

March 20, 2020

President’s Update — Remote Learning Extended for Remainder of Spring Semester

Dear University Community,

As you know, we have been working hard to plan and respond to all the challenges posed by the outbreak of COVID-19. Our switch to remote learning was the most significant step taken, and I want to thank all the faculty, staff and students for their devotion, understanding and cooperation as we made the transition. While I know this was a difficult and unexpected change, I understand that the vast majority of courses are proceeding well. At the same time, we have moved nearly all of our business operations remotely, and staff are doing as much as possible to support students. It’s true that campuses remain open for some resident students and some essential operations, but we have asked students, faculty and most staff to not come to campus. All campus events have been cancelled or postponed and social distancing measures need to be followed for those remaining on campus.

When we implemented these measures we did so based on the best guidance from health and government authorities, and of course with the hope that this would be temporary and that we could resume operations soon. Unfortunately, it has become clear that we need to maintain these measures for some time. On March 15, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended that all events with 50 or more people scheduled in the next 8 weeks be canceled or postponed. And national and state authorities have gone even further since then urging that even fewer numbers congregate.

Due to the extended nature of the outbreak and with such guidance in mind, we have made the difficult decision to continue the suspension of campus activities and all face-to-face instruction for the remainder of the spring semester. We are extremely sorry for this inconvenience and we know how much everyone will miss the campus experiences we all cherish. We regret this disruption but we have no choice but to continue to do all that we can to reduce the risk to our community members. We will continue remote (online) learning and remote business operations, and I can assure you that students will have the opportunity to continue earning their credits and proceeding with their degree plans.

While students have adjusted well to courses being delivered remotely, we understand the need for flexibility and so we are expanding our grading policy for the spring semester to include a pass/fail option, which will allow undergraduate students more latitude in how they are evaluated this semester. More information concerning this option will be provided by the University Provost shortly.

Now that we know we won’t have students returning for courses on campus this semester, we again ask that those students remaining in the residence halls please move to other locations if possible. However, those who do not have an alternative housing accommodation may remain for the duration of the spring semester. For those who still have their belongings in the residence halls, we will lock your rooms and secure your belongings until social distancing measures are relaxed and it is safe to return to campus to collect your belongings and move out of your rooms fully. I also want to assure everyone that we are committed to providing prorated refunds for spring semester room and board. We still need to determine the details and will share more information concerning refunds as soon as possible.

Unfortunately, the continuing nature of this outbreak means that our University Commencement cannot take place as scheduled. This is a particularly painful decision for me. I know very well how much this event means to all our graduates who have worked so hard to fulfill their goals and dreams. At the same time, considering the situation and considering the need for people to plan accordingly, we must make a decision based on what we know now and so, unfortunately, we will have to cancel the live Commencement event scheduled to take place at MetLife Stadium on May 18. However, this doesn’t mean we will not celebrate our graduates. We are considering various options now for a virtual ceremony that will feature the appropriate pomp and circumstance and recognize all graduates individually.

To our graduates, I know the ceremony may not be exactly the same and, again, we regret that you have been hurt by this situation. At the same time, I want you to remember that nothing can take away from your incredible accomplishment, and we remain ready and able to confer your degrees. You will graduate and you will receive your diplomas on time. The ceremony is indeed an important symbol and, while the applause won’t be heard by all, rest assured we will applaud you. More details on the ceremony will be available soon.

Given the seriousness of the pandemic at this time and the likelihood that international travel will continue to be restricted for the foreseeable future, we are also canceling all study abroad trips through the end of July 2020. We regret having to make this decision now but believe this decision is in the best interests of our community.

I know our students and parents will have some questions, and we promise to try to continue to update you as best as possible. We will continue to offer summer programs and, if those have to be online as well, we are prepared to do that. Our fall registration will take place soon and all selections and advising can be done online. The thought of fall and a new academic year with students busily engaged and active on campus brings with it great promise, and we continue to work toward that end with hope and courage.

My sincere heartfelt thanks to our students for your positive approach amid all the challenges you’re facing, and my deepest appreciation to the entire University community for all your incredible efforts on behalf of our students and each other. I am very proud and thankful to be a part of this incredible community, and I want to continue to express my deepest wish that all of you remain healthy and well.

Sincerely,

Christopher A. Capuano, Ph.D.
President
Fairleigh Dickinson University

March 20, 2020

Pass/Fail Option for Undergraduate Students for Spring Semester 2020

To: The University Community

From: Gillian Small, University Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs

Given the unprecedented circumstances that COVID-19 (coronavirus) has created in our community, and specifically in causing the University to move to fully remote learning in an accelerated fashion, we have decided it is appropriate to allow undergraduate students to elect whether any or all of their classes for this current semester will be graded on a pass/fail scale, or on the regular A-F grading scale. Whatever the choice, all classes will still count for their respective requirements. We need to emphasize that a ‘P’ grade does not affect a student’s GPA, but any grade of ‘F’ will be calculated into a GPA, except for grades excluded by the Undergraduate Repeat Policy (included below).

Students have until April 10 to switch some or all of their spring courses to a Pass/Fail grading system or remain with the traditional A-F grading system. Students must inform the respective instructor in writing by this deadline for each course they decide to elect the Pass/Fail option, otherwise they will continue to be graded by the A-F system.

Faculty will indicate on their rosters for each class whether the student has elected the Pass/Fail option or the traditional A-F grading system. In the Pass/Fail option, any work deemed worthy of any pass grade (A-D) will be given a ‘P’ and only work deemed worthy of a failing grade will be given an ‘F’.

Students who are trying to improve their current GPA, or who need a certain grade in order to move forward in their program, should strongly consider electing the A-F grading. If a student is unsure, they should seek the guidance of an academic advisor, department chair or director to help make their decision.

Please note that the last day for student withdrawal from classes has also been extended to April 10, 2020.

Undergraduate Repeat Policy

If a student repeats a course, both the first and second (third, etc.) grades will remain on the transcript, but only the last earned grade will be computed in the cumulative grade point ratio (CGPR). (Note: weighted NC, W, I and AU are not considered earned grades.) Any repeated course taken to remove the credits attempted and any grade points earned from a lesser previous grade must originally have been taken at Fairleigh Dickinson University and must also be repeated at Fairleigh Dickinson University. If a student has been found guilty of academic dishonesty, the F grade for this course is not to be removed from the student’s transcript or from the cumulative grade point ratio calculation when the course is repeated.

 

March 15, 2020

President’s Update – Latest Actions Related to COVID-19 Pandemic – March 15, 2020

Dear University Community,

I am writing to summarize some of the actions we are taking at FDU to protect our students, faculty, staff and neighbors in response to the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic.

To date, there remains no confirmed case of COVID-19 at FDU. However, we are mindful of the seriousness of this pandemic and are acting accordingly. Since this outbreak began, we have continuously monitored guidance from health authorities and government officials, and we have worked closely with peer institutions and, of course, with those within our own community to ensure that we are doing all we can to protect the health and welfare of our community while staying true to our mission and purpose.

Our key actions include the following:

• As previously communicated, tomorrow (March 16) we will begin offering courses remotely (online). We ask that our students and faculty understand that this is an ambitious undertaking, and that there may be difficulties as we transition to a virtual classroom environment. We are providing training resources for faculty. [Please see the link for faculty resources on our coronavirus website (www.fdu.edu/coronavirus) and note that the Provost will be providing more information and updates on that site as we move forward.] Students, please work closely with your professors for support and contact the University Technical Assistance Center at 973-443-8822 for any technical help you might need.
• As also communicated previously, we strongly recommend that residence students return home if possible and as soon as possible. Students with special circumstances will be permitted to remain on campus (for example, students with no alternative housing). However, students who remain on campus should be aware that campus services will be limited, and that their freedom of movement will be limited as well. Students remaining on campus must exercise “social distancing” and may not gather in groups. There will be a computer lab open on each campus that will have very limited hours. The main dining hall will be open, but food will be grab and go only. Other specific instructions will be provided by campus executives.
• The University remains open. However, to mitigate the risk of virus transmission, supervisors are directed to implement their business continuity plans to enable employees to work at home to the fullest extent practical. We will continue to take steps to assure a safe working environment for those employees who work on campus. We understand that questions may arise given that we are operating under unique and extraordinary circumstances. Supervisors should reach out to Rose D’Ambrosio, Vice President for Human Resources, if they have questions or concerns.
• As you know, we expanded our travel restrictions and no University-related travel can take place without permission from a senior officer of the University. We also urge everyone to reconsider any personal travel plans they may have. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently issued a new Travel Notice elevating almost all countries in Europe to a Warning Level 3 – Avoid Non-Essential Travel Designation. As a reminder, faculty, students, staff and other visitors to FDU who have traveled to a country with a Level 3 Warning may not come to campus until 14 days from the date of departure from that country, and only then if they are symptom-free since their return.

The University needs to be informed should you or someone close to you become ill or potentially exposed. Those who do so may be required to self-isolate. Students should contact the following health services:

• Metropolitan Campus Department of Student Health Services – 201-692-2437. After hours, call Metropolitan Campus Public Safety – 201-692-2222.
• Florham Campus Department of Student Health Services – 973-443-8535. After hours, call Florham Public Safety – 973-443-8888.
• Vancouver Campus: Call your health-care provider or the provincial health line 8-1-1 to discuss any need for testing and follow up. FDU Vancouver student services can be reached at 604-648-8112.
• Wroxton College: The Wroxton College Reception Office, which is staffed 24/7, will coordinate with local medical services and can be reached at 011-44-1295-730551.

If you are a faculty or staff member who is worried that you have come in contact with someone with the virus or you are feeling ill, seek medical assistance through your primary care physician. Please also notify Rose D’Ambrosio at 201-692-2706 or via email at dambrosi@fdu.edu. Remember to call ahead to your healthcare provider if you suspect that you have COVID-19 so that they can advise you on appropriate steps before you arrive at the office.

The COVID-19 crisis is unlike any we have seen in our lifetimes, and we need to remain nimble and responsive as conditions evolve. Just this weekend, Teaneck officials asked residents to self-quarantine to help reduce the spread of the virus within the community. Things may continue to change and so we continue preparing and planning to protect you and contribute as best we can to society’s response to this worldwide pandemic.

As things develop, we will continue to keep you closely informed. Please also continue to keep an eye on www.fdu.edu/coronavirus for future updates.

I wish I could tell you when we can resume our routine lives, but no one knows how long this will last. I do know the more everyone does their part, the more quickly the crisis will subside. In the meantime, I again ask everyone for your patience and consideration. While we want to continue to pursue our normal goals, this situation is a crucial reminder to all of us about what matters most. While we aspire to prepare our students for tomorrow, sometimes we need to make adjustments to deal with challenges we face today, and so we all must learn from this life lesson and take care of each other the best way we can. I have no doubt we will and that we will emerge more united as a community and stronger as a University.

Thank you and be well.

Sincerely,

Christopher A. Capuano, Ph.D.
President

March 13, 2020

Wroxton College – Students to Return Home – March 13, 2020

March 10, 2020

President’s Update — Moving Courses Online — March 10, 2020

Dear University Community,

As the coronavirus has spread, so too have concerns and anxiety among all who could be potentially impacted. As of today, there are no known cases of any individual with coronavirus on any FDU campus. However, we understand the concerns and continue to do all that we can to support our students and our entire community during this challenging time. At FDU, based on guidance from federal, state and local health authorities, we have taken measures to reduce the risk of transmission of the virus, such as restricting travel.

To further reduce the risk, we have decided to suspend face-to-face instruction on our New Jersey and Vancouver campuses and switch to remote (online) learning for all classes, effective Monday, March 16, which is the scheduled resumption of classes following spring break for our New Jersey students. We are closely monitoring conditions at FDU’s Wroxton College in England, where students are studying abroad, but until otherwise announced, in-person classes can continue there.

In addition, as many FDU events and meetings as possible will be conducted through virtual means, and most campus events will be postponed until we are more confident that the spread of the virus is contained in our region. Potential exceptions will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. At this time, athletic events may continue to be held.

I want to emphasize that the University is open and many operations will continue uninterrupted during this period. All employees should continue to report to work as usual and most operations and support services will continue on campus as needed. Some services will continue remotely and, in certain cases, staff may be permitted to work remotely, with their supervisor’s approval. As previously communicated, employees who are ill or could have been potentially exposed to the virus must remain off-campus.

While there have been no known confirmed cases of coronavirus at Fairleigh Dickinson University and while we believe the risk to our population remains low, the number of cases in our neighboring regions has risen, and we are taking this step out of an abundance of caution to help reduce the risk of the spread of the virus on campus.

All classes will be led by professors online. Faculty members are asked to reach out to their students as soon as possible to describe the procedures and requirements. We want to assure students that this temporary transition to online classes will have no effect on their credits or their path to graduation. If students have particular questions about their courses, they should contact their professors or advisors. If they require any technical assistance, please contact the UTAC Help Desk at 973-443-8822.

Those students who are studying in New Jersey and are away on spring break should remain off campus if possible. Those residential students who are on campus are encouraged to return home. Those who cannot return home may inform the University and remain in the residential halls. Dining operations will continue for students remaining on campus, although other campus activities may not be held.

At the same time, we are expanding our travel restrictions. University-sponsored travel (both international and domestic) will only be permitted with the approval of the provost or other senior officer of the University. Anyone taking personal trips is advised to use caution during this time period and note that if they visit an area with high risk for exposure they may be required to remain off-campus or in self-isolation in accordance with earlier communications.

While we certainly hope and plan to resume all classes in person as soon as possible, we do not know yet how long these measures will remain in effect. We will provide more updates as new information becomes available.  

We continue to need everyone to keep us informed should they become ill or potentially exposed to the virus. Students who are concerned about their health or have reason to believe they may have come in contact with an infected individual should contact the appropriate health service:

• Metropolitan Campus Department of Student Health Services – 201-692-2437. After hours, call Metropolitan Campus Public Safety – 201-692-2222.
• Florham Campus Department of Student Health Services – 973-443-8535. After hours, call Florham Public Safety – 973-443-8888.
• Vancouver Campus: Call your health-care provider or the provincial health line 8-1-1 to discuss any need for testing and follow up. FDU Vancouver student services can be reached at 604-648-8112.
• Wroxton College: The Wroxton College Reception Office, which is staffed 24/7, will coordinate with local medical services and can be reached at 011-44-1295-730551.

If you are a faculty or staff member who is worried that you have come in contact with someone with the virus or you are feeling ill, seek medical assistance through your primary care physician. Please also notify Rose D’Ambrosio at 201-692-2706 or via email at dambrosi@fdu.edu.

We know this is a very challenging and stressful situation, and we thank the FDU community for being flexible, patient and understanding throughout this process. I especially want to thank all those who have been planning and preparing for such contingency plans since news of the spread of the virus began. I am always proud of our dedicated and hard-working team, but during difficult times, we especially see how devoted and compassionate our community is. I know everyone will continue to do everything possible to support and prepare our students for a world that offers extraordinary opportunities but indeed sometimes difficult challenges. I can promise that we will do all we can to resume regular operations as soon as possible, while ensuring that our campuses are as safe as possible for our community.

For the most up-to-date information, please continue to visit FDU’s Coronavirus Updates Website.

Thank you,

Christopher A. Capuano

President

March 9, 2020

To: The University Community

From: Hania Ferrara, Senior Vice President for Finance & Administration

Subject: Caring for Each Other

As the University keeps track of the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), we are planning and  preparing for as many contingencies as possible, with one dominant concern far above all others: the health and welfare of our FDU community. FDU has long been known as a community that takes care of each other and, while that is illustrated each and every day, it’s especially on display when challenges arise.

We have already restricted FDU-related travel and advised the community that those who are ill should stay home, but we need to go several steps further. We all need to work together to protect the FDU community.

Faculty, staff or students who have been in contact with persons who are known to have the coronavirus should isolate themselves in their homes or other off-campus locations for 14 days from the date of exposure. For example, if you are living in the same household or suite with an individual who is self-isolating because of potential exposure to the coronavirus, you also should self-isolate for 14 days from the other person’s first possible exposure to the virus. These precautions also apply to travelers who have been to locations (e.g., arenas, restaurants) that are identified by governmental authorities as being a source of infection. 

We need everyone to keep us informed should they become ill or potentially exposed to the virus. Faculty and staff need to contact Human Resources immediately if this occurs (call or write Rose D’Ambrosio at 201-692-2706 or Dambrosi@fdu.edu). And, if supervisors or managers learn first of employees who are ill or potentially exposed, please notify Human Resources and please help our employees to fulfill their responsibilities remotely if possible.

Students who suspect they may have been exposed must notify the appropriate campus health services (Florham Campus at 973-443-8535, Metropolitan Campus at 201-692-2437, Vancouver Campus at 604-648-8112 and Wroxton College at 011-44-1295-730551).

Business continuity plans are in place and being updated to help operations continue remotely if necessary. In the same way, faculty are working to plan to hold classes remotely should that need arise. We must be as vigilant as possible, plan for as much as possible, and err on the side of caution to protect the entire community. Please make preparations for remotely serving our students should the need arise.

We can further help protect each other by taking the usual measures against viruses, as we’ve advised before. Washing hands often with soap and water goes a long way. And keeping our work spaces as clean as possible is crucial. Remember to clean and disinfect those objects and surfaces that are touched frequently.

Finally, we all have heard of cases where people place blame for problems on a particular group or region. At FDU, though, we take great pride in being a close and welcoming community that is dedicated to diversity and global awareness. Having students from throughout the world strengthens our community and complements our mission. Our international community members are an essential part of the fabric of our community, bringing global perspectives and vibrant customs and cultures to our campuses. I know all members of the FDU community will continue to ensure that our actions always reinforce these core values of diversity, openness, compassion and, most of all, collaboration with and commitment to each other.

We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we continue to work together during this challenging situation. For more information and updates, please visit www.fdu.edu/coronavirus.

Thank you.

March 6, 2020

To: The University Community

From: Hania Ferrara, Senior Vice President for Finance & Administration

Subject: Travel Restrictions and Recommendations

As you know, the University is carefully monitoring the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), and taking as many precautions as possible to keep our community safe. A number of travel restrictions have been imposed on University-related activities, and we are recommending that those considering personal travel closely monitor government advisories and act accordingly. In a rapidly changing environment, there is a significant risk that a country or region could be classified as high-risk with little warning.

The University needs to know what FDU-related travel plans faculty and staff are making so we can support individuals accordingly. All faculty and staff traveling for FDU-sponsored activities must notify the Office of Risk Management (lemaire@fdu.edu). Please provide the following information:

• First and Last Name
• Email Address
• FDU ID #
• Home Campus/College/Department
• Department
• Supervisor’s Name
• Best phone number to contact you
• FDU Status (faculty or staff, full- or part-time)
• List of country/countries and city/cities you plan to visit through August 31, 2020 and the corresponding travel dates
• Business Purpose

Faculty, staff or students who become ill while traveling should consult their health care providers and avoid contact with other persons, whether or not the illness is suspected to be related to the coronavirus. If community members become ill or come in contact with persons known to have the coronavirus, please notify the University. Students should inform the appropriate FDU health services office immediately. Faculty and staff should inform the Office of Human Resources immediately. (See contact information below.)

Depending on the circumstances, travelers may be required to isolate themselves in their homes or other off-campus locations for 14 days. These precautions also apply to travelers who have visited locations (e.g., arenas, restaurants) that are identified by governmental authorities as being a source of infection. 

To reduce the possibility of spreading or catching any virus, we urge everyone to continue to employ preemptive actions. These recommendations are even more critical when traveling and using public transportation.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick (regardless of whether or not related to coronavirus).
• Adhere to public health exclusion recommendations. For acute respiratory illness, individuals should be fever free for 24 hours without fever reducing medication.
• Cover coughs/sneezes in your elbow/sleeve or with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

If a student comes in contact with an infected individual (as described above) or exhibits a fever, shortness of breath or a cough, please have the student contact the appropriate health service:

• Metropolitan Campus Department of Student Health Services – 201-692-2437. After hours, call Metropolitan Campus Public Safety – 201-692-2222.
• Florham Campus Department of Student Health Services – 973-443-8535. After hours, call Florham Public Safety – 973-443-8888.
• Vancouver Campus: Call your health-care provider or the provincial health line 8-1-1 to discuss any need for testing and follow up. FDU Vancouver student services can be reached at 604-648-8112.
• Wroxton College: The Wroxton College Reception Office, which is staffed 24/7, will coordinate with local medical services and can be reached at 011-44-1295-730551.

Our faculty and staff members should seek medical assistance through their primary-care physicians, and inform Rose D’Ambrosio in the Office of Human Resources at 201-692-2706 or dambrosi@fdu.edu. 

Please travel safely.

March 2, 2020

To: The University Community

From: Hania Ferrara, Senior Vice President for Finance & Administration

Following up on Friday’s memo, we want to further update the community on the rapidly changing situation concerning COVID-19, the coronavirus. The CDC has extended the Level 3 Warning (Avoid nonessential travel) to Italy and Iran, bringing the number of countries with Level 3 Warnings to four (China and South Korea are the other two).

FDU faculty, staff, and students may not travel to those countries with a Level 3 Warning for study abroad, research, internships, service, conferences, presentations, teaching, performances, recruiting or athletic competitions. Considering the potential for warnings in other countries, FDU has decided to further suspend all University-sponsored international student trips for the remainder of this semester.

As previously communicated, those considering any international travel for personal reasons should be familiar with the CDC recommendations and advisories. Travel for personal reasons to countries under CDC warnings is strongly discouraged. We also strongly recommend postponing hosting visitors from affected countries until the CDC travel warnings are lifted.

Faculty, students, staff and other visitors to FDU who have traveled to a country with a Level 3 Warning may not come to campus until 14 days from the date of departure from that country, and only then if they are symptom free since their return. Faculty, students and staff must isolate themselves in their homes or other off-campus locations during that 14-day period. Faculty and staff should notify the Office of Human Resources. Students should notify the appropriate campus health services (Florham Campus at 973-443-8535, Metropolitan Campus at 201-692-2437, and Vancouver Campus, 604-648-8112).

The University will post all updates and other links and resources on a dedicated webpage, www.fdu.edu/coronavirus. Please refer to the site for more information.

Thank you.

February 28, 2020

To: The University Community

From: Hania Ferrara, Senior Vice President for Finance & Administration

Subject: Coronavirus Update

FDU continues to closely monitor the rapidly evolving situation concerning COVID-19, also known as the coronavirus. While the threat to the FDU community currently is considered low — and there are no reported cases on any of FDU’s campuses — we are taking this situation very seriously and 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.

International Travel

As previously announced, the University has implemented a restriction on travel for University business purposes to China following the decision by the CDC to issue a Level 3 Warning (Avoid nonessential travel). The CDC’s Level 3 Warning has been extended to South Korea so the University’s travel restriction is likewise extended to that country. FDU faculty, staff, and students may not travel for study abroad, research, internships, service, conferences, presentations, teaching, performances, recruiting or athletic competitions in China and South Korea.

If you are a student who has recently been to these countries or who has possibly come in contact with an infected individual AND you exhibit a fever, shortness of breath or a cough, please contact the appropriate health services as follows: 

• Metropolitan Campus Department of Student Health Services – 201-692-2437. After hours, call  Metropolitan Campus Public Safety – 201-692-2222.
• Florham Campus Department of Student Health Services – 973-443-8535.  After hours, call Florham Public Safety – 973-443-8888.
• Vancouver Campus: Call your health-care provider or the provincial health line 8-1-1 to discuss any need for testing and follow up. FDU Vancouver student services can be reached at 604-648-8112.
• Wroxton College: The Wroxton College Reception Office, which is staffed 24/7, will coordinate with local medical services.

Similarly, if you are a faculty or staff member with these symptoms — and you have traveled to China or South Korea or may have come in contact with an infected individual — you should seek medical assistance through your primary care physician. Impacted employees are encouraged to reach out to Human Resources. Please contact Rose D’Ambrosio at 201-692-2706 or via email at dambrosi@fdu.edu.

Before engaging in any international travel, please familiarize yourself with the CDC recommendations for prevention found here. And, if you have a compromised immune system, we highly recommend consulting with your personal physician for any added precautions.

If you are planning travel to international locations, be mindful of the potential disruption when returning to your home FDU campus. Rapidly-shifting conditions may lead the University to issue further guidance on short notice requiring self-isolation during the known virus incubation period, before being allowed back on campus.

Study Abroad

FDU’s Study Abroad Office is monitoring carefully news and third-party updates regarding study abroad destinations. Students enrolled in study abroad programs are being contacted directly concerning the status of their programs.

As a general rule, FDU will cancel any trip to a destination designated with a Level 3 Warning by the CDC. However, students should be aware that trips could be cancelled on very short notice, given the day-to-day changes in country-specific warnings, as well as disruptions to travel in a particular region.

Students should familiarize themselves with FDU’s study abroad cancellation policies, available here. Inquiries regarding the status of specific trips and/or the cancellation policies may be directed to the Study Abroad Office: studyabroad@fdu.edu.  

Wroxton College, England

We are closely monitoring the situation on our Wroxton campus, as well as considering guidelines for travel programs emanating from Wroxton. For questions specific to Wroxton, please reach out to Brian Swanzey, Director, at brian_swanzey@fdu.edu (201-692-7218).

Vancouver Campus, Canada

FDU is also closely monitoring the situation on our Vancouver Campus. If you are a student, faculty member or staff located on our Vancouver Campus and are planning on traveling for personal reasons, please take necessary precautions and ensure that you abide by travel advisories posted on the government of Canada website. Travel for University purposes requires the approval of the Vancouver Campus Executive and will follow FDU policy.

There have been a small number of cases of COVID-19 in British Columbia, which are being very closely managed. Please visit the BC Centre for Disease Control for more information along with information about signs and symptoms. Updates regarding the status of this disease can also be found on the following websites:

• Health Canada
• Vancouver Coastal Health

Students who require immediate assistance should contact their health provider. If you have any additional questions, please contact the Vancouver Campus’ student services department at 604-648-8112.

Necessary Precautions

This certainly is a serious global health situation but we want everyone to keep in mind that the risk remains low and most cases are mild or even without symptoms. To reduce the possibility of spreading or catching any virus, we urge everyone to continue to employ preemptive actions:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover coughs/sneezes in your elbow/sleeve or with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

If you do become ill, seek medical attention within the first 48 hours of symptoms. Call ahead before going to a health care provider or emergency room so that they can prepare for your visit or advise on other immediate measures.

The University will continue to monitor the situation closely, and take precautions and planning steps necessary should the situation worsen. We are committed to supporting our students in all their programs and will work as hard as possible to assist them should this situation interfere with any study plans. We will continue to provide regular updates as new details emerge.

Thank you.

Postscript

Note: After the release of this update, the CDC raised Italy to a Level 3 Warning. Therefore University-related travel to Italy is now prohibited.