Read information about returning to school, including a video message from President Eric F. Spina; fall semester bills, including room and board credits; student scholarships, UD student projects published in academic journals, and more.

• Read July 1 Student News Digest
• Read July 1 Family News Digest

Read a message from Dr. Mary Buchwalder, UD Health Center Medical Director; news about changes for dining services this fall, a teach-in about the pandemic with the Human Rights Center and Dr. Kelly Johnson, Fr. Ferree Chair of Social Justice; a prayer service at Serenity Pines, the 2020 alumni award recipients, and more.

• Read June 24 Student News Digest
• Read June 24 Family News Digest

Read an open letter from the president's council about becoming an anti-racist university and a message from the Student Government Association mental health committee plus news about a one-credit course to explore intersection of medicine and faith and learning a new language for free, and more.

• Read June 17 Student News Digest
• Read June 17 Family News Digest

Learn about diversity and social justice resources, the Inclusive Excellence Council, housing credits and the resumption of Sunday Mass at the chapel. Read about this and more below. 

• Read June 10 Student News Digest
• Read June 10 Family News Digest

Learn about registering for classes, your financial aid award and summer health center hours. UD-themed face coverings and physical distancing footprints are on sale at bookstore. And there's a new undergraduate program focusing on healthcare administration. Read about this and more below. 

• Read June 3 Student News Digest
• Read June 3 Family News Digest

Learn about how UD is working with public health officials, changes to merit scholarship criteria, the deadline to drop classes, how to help those in need during move out, UDit tech support, awards for Flyer News, and more.

• Read May 27 Student News Digest
• Read May 27 Family News Digest

Learn about move out, schedule updates, FAFSA deadlines and financial aid awards, learning resources, textbooks, Career Services workshops and more.

• Read May 20 Student News Digest
• Read May 20 Family News Digest

July 7, 2020

Dear Flyer parents and families, 

Today, we shared some important information with your student(s) related to the fall arrival process in the email below. 

Beginning Thursday, July 9, students are asked to schedule their move-in and/or complete their check-in process between Aug. 8 and 23 (including students commuting to campus and students living in landlord owned properties). First-year students without a housing assignment will receive their assignment on July 14 and upper-division students that have not received their final room assignment will receive their assignment beginning July 17. Students can sign-up for a check-in time slot prior to receiving their room assignment.

Once your student schedules their fall arrival date, they will receive a confirmation with preliminary instructions. More details will be shared in the instructions they receive one week before their fall arrival date and again, one day before the scheduled arrival time. 

If you have questions after your student receives the confirmation email with their fall arrival date and preliminary instructions, email housing@udayton.edu.

Sincerely,

Steve Herndon
Assistant Vice President for Student Development 
and Executive Director of Housing and Residence Life

James Froehlich
Director of Housing Operations 

Dear students,

We hope your summer is going well — and we look forward to seeing you back on the campus in the fall. Recently, we shared with you the dates for the fall 2020 phased move-in in the Return to Campus Plan - Students. Today, we are sharing some important information related to the fall arrival process.

All undergraduate students, as well as graduate students who live on campus, must sign up for an arrival date to complete check-in procedures for fall semester. The link to sign up is below. It will be active on July 9, 2020, at 12 p.m. for all students.

Available dates are between Aug. 8 and 23. Approximately 700 students (including residential students, students commuting to campus, and students living in landlord owned properties) will move-in and/or complete their check-in process each day. 

Students who have an assigned campus residence, those who have not yet received their housing assignment, as well as commuter/landlord students, can reserve a move-in date at the link below. First-year students without an assignment will receive their assignment on July 14 and upper-division students will receive their assignment beginning July 17.

Reserve a fall arrival date

Once you schedule your fall arrival date, you will receive a confirmation with preliminary instructions. More details will be shared in the instructions you receive one week before your fall arrival date and again, one day before your scheduled arrival time. 

To reduce the risk of virus transmission during the fall arrival process and ensure the safety of the entire campus community, the following measures will be implemented:

• All students must comply with the University’s COVID-19 testing requirement. Full details are available in the July 2 email to students. Students must provide proof on their arrival day of a negative nasopharyngeal PCR test for SARS-CoV-2 test administered within the previous five days. To help you make plans, please download the UD COVID-19 Testing Program Fact Sheet for Students and Scheduling a COVID-19 Test Checklist for Students and Parents. 
• Everyone must wear a face covering on campus and adhere to social distancing guidelines. Please remember to bring a face covering with you to campus. Upon check-in, students will receive a kit that will include two face masks and other items such as hand sanitizer.
• While guests and helpers are permitted during fall arrival, only the student (no family members or guests) can enter the RecPlex to pick up their key and other items as part of the check-in process.
• The University will provide a limited number of blue bins for students moving into residence facilities. Students can bring their own dolly and/or cart if needed.
• Dining information will be shared in an email before your fall arrival date.
• Students must not return to campus before their assigned fall arrival date.
• In order to reduce possible spread to our community, parents and guardians are asked to leave campus immediately after dropping off students and belongings. 

If you have questions after receiving your confirmation email with your fall arrival date and preliminary instructions, email housing@udayton.edu.

Sincerely,
Steve Herndon
Assistant Vice President for Student Development and Executive Director of Housing and Residence Life

Jim Froelich
Director of Housing Operations

Dear parents and guardians, 

We appreciate your patience as we waited for public health guidance and approval about Ohio’s reopening procedures. As you will see in the email below sent to your student(s) this morning, we now have approval from public health officials to allow students to retrieve their belongings through a phased approach.

It is important to note access to housing for moving out will only be granted during your student's specific assigned period. Your student(s) can visit their My Housing portal to schedule their move-out.

Please bring face masks or coverings because visitors to campus must wear one at all times and adhere to social distancing guidelines while you are on campus as a health precaution against COVID-19. Being the University for the common good means keeping all Flyers safe.

While we will be communicating with you over the coming weeks as we work toward on-campus instruction in the fall, UD continues to provide academic, faith and mental health resources for you and your student(s) even though we are apart at this time. Email housing@udayton.edu if you need further assistance with move out. 

Sincerely,

William M. Fischer, J.D.
Vice President for Student Development

Christine H. Schramm
Associate Vice President for Student Development
and Dean of Students

Good morning. We hope you and your families remain healthy and safe. Our thoughts are with you especially this week as you complete your final exams.

We also appreciate your patience as we worked with public health officials to finalize plans to move out of University housing that keeps you and your families safe and complies with public health guidance to control the spread of COVID-19.

Starting May 15, students can retrieve their belongings from their University of Dayton residences. The phased approach, approved by Public Health - Dayton and Montgomery County, will offer students four-hour blocks during assigned periods: May 15-24 for Ohio residents within 60 miles of campus, May 25-31 for all other Ohio residents, and June 1-21 for University of Dayton students outside Ohio. You can visit your My Housing portal now to schedule your time.

Once you schedule your time, you will receive a confirmation with preliminary instructions and then, 24 hours before your scheduled time, you will receive final details. 

There will be more details in the instructions you receive with your confirmation and again 24 hours before your scheduled time. However, we would like to emphasize the following points for your safety and the safety of the entire University of Dayton community as well as pass along other helpful information as you plan to return to campus:

• Only one student is permitted in a unit (apartment, house or room in residence facility) at a time. They can be accompanied by no more than two additional people.
• Anyone sick with confirmed or presumed COVID-19 cannot return to campus until they are symptom-free without medication for 72 hours and it has been at least 7 days since symptoms began. Those who have had close contact with someone with COVID-19 should self-quarantine for 14 days and self-monitor for symptoms; they may return to campus after the quarantine if they remain without symptoms. Notify Housing and Residence Life at housing@udayton.edu if you are sick and can no longer make your arranged time. 
• Everyone must wear a face covering at all times on campus and adhere to social distancing guidelines. Please bring a face covering as the University will not be able to provide them. Here is information from CDC on how to make, wear and care for face coverings. 
• Only the student and their guest(s) are allowed on the elevator and in trash closets at a time.
• The University will provide a limited number of blue bins for students moving out of residence facilities. Students will have to bring their own dolly and/or cart, if you need one.
• No dining services or overnight accommodations on campus are available. However, the Marriott at the University of Dayton is open and available. Reservations can be made through their website.
• It's important students do not return to campus before their scheduled time. The University has secured all buildings and will restrict door access until 15 minutes before a student's scheduled time. Housing and Residence Life staff will be on hand to check in students and verify the number of people accompanying the student. 

Housing and Residence Life is in the process of working with others on campus such as Campus Recreation for students to retrieve items from lockers and with the bookstore and academic units to create collection points for students to return/drop off items. More information will be forthcoming.

Housing and Residence Life will work with students who are unable to return to campus to retrieve their belongings, or who cannot return to their home residences or countries or who otherwise do not have another living arrangement. Email housing@udayton.edu to arrange a time to discuss your situation.

If you have questions after receiving your confirmation email with preliminary instructions, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page for students retrieving belongings from residences. For questions not answered there, email housing@udayton.edu.

Sincerely,

Steve Herndon
Assistant Vice President for Student Development and
Executive Director of Housing and Residence Life

James Froehlich
Director of Housing Operations

Dear parents and guardians,

I hope you are well. Below is a message we shared with students updating them about our planning for fall and steps the University is taking to keep UD strong and healthy.

Sincerely, 

William M. Fischer, J.D.
Vice President for Student Development

Dear students,

As we head into the final days of this most unusual spring semester and you finish your classes and exams, I hope you are safe, healthy, and well. Our beautiful campus is quiet - too quiet. We miss you and eagerly await your return.

I hope many of you can join us in honoring your graduating classmates with the virtual conferral of degrees next week. We hope it provides a way to mark this important achievement until we can come together safely on campus for a graduation ceremony and proper celebration.

Our strong desire is to be fully residential in the fall, if at all possible, and we are actively working toward that goal with government and public health officials. We are also finalizing plans for you to retrieve your belongings in the coming few weeks. While our devotion to community calls us to come together, our Marianist values require that we place the common good at the center of our plans and ensure that the health and safety of our 14,000 students, faculty, and staff are protected.

Every college and university is facing serious financial effects from the pandemic, and UD is no exception. We are being proactive and this week announced a number of actions to protect the financial health of the University. Those steps include reducing the University's payroll through furloughs and layoffs this summer when there will be very few students on campus. All of these decisions are laser-focused on keeping the University strong and maintaining the value of your distinctive, whole-person education and UD experience that we all cherish.

Again, we are planning for and looking forward to welcoming you back to campus in the fall. As our country begins to stir again, we hope and pray that you and your families remain safe and healthy so you may return to our beloved UD. 

Eric F. Spina
President

Dear University of Dayton parents and guardians, 

We are writing to share with you an important message we sent to students with information about social distancing and not visiting or gathering on the campus.

With much appreciation for your patience and understanding as we seek to protect the health and wellbeing of our campus community. 

William M. Fischer, J.D.
Vice President for Student Development

Christine H. Schramm
Associate Vice President for Student Development and Dean of Students

Dear University of Dayton Students:

We hope that you and your family are staying healthy and well. Our spring semester has been a lot different than we had envisioned, and we continue to face new challenges with the evolving situation as we move forward.

As you may be aware, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and the Ohio Department of Health extended the "Stay at Home" order. We know it is tempting for students to be outside in the warmer weather, and that students long to return to campus to pick up their belongings and bring closure to the end of the school year. However, the order is mandatory and social distancing is an essential practice in preventing the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).

We ask that you please do your part and stay home, as you keep the health and safety of everyone in mind. Gatherings of any kind on campus are prohibited by the state's Stay at Home order. Please know that violations of this order may result in action by local law enforcement agencies, including possible citations, fines and criminal charges. Depending on the circumstances, students may also be subject to action by the University's Student Code of Conduct.

The University of Dayton’s Police and the Dayton Police Department are taking this order seriously. It is our hope that you do, too, no matter where you are living. Celebrations or gatherings of any type, where anyone other than family or household members are present, pose a risk to yourself and others. 

To report gatherings on or near campus that are counter to Ohio's Stay at Home order, please call 937-229-2121. As a reminder, please check the University's coronavirus website for updates. You also can send your questions to covid19@udayton.edu. 

We look forward to seeing you back on campus when it is safe to be here. In the meantime, thank you for doing your part in practicing social distancing for the health and wellbeing of everyone.

Sincerely,

Savalas Kidd
Executive Director of Public Safety and Chief of Police

Mary Buchwalder, M.D.
Medical Director of Student Health Center

Dear parents and guardians, 

We are writing to share with you a message we sent to students with information about Housing credits, tuition discounts for undergraduate summer courses, and new course offerings.

We wish you and your family a healthy and blessed Easter holiday.

William M. Fischer, J.D.
Vice President for Student Development

Christine H. Schramm
Associate Vice President and
Dean of Students

Dear students,

I am writing today with updates regarding housing credits, as well as new information on discounted summer tuition for undergraduate online courses.

Housing credits are being processed and will appear on student accounts when the next billing cycle occurs in May. (For a reminder on who receives prorated credits due to the shortened use of University housing and meal plans, please see the March 17 message to campus.)

Housing credits will be automatically applied to summer tuition, if you enroll in summer courses. (All summer classes will be delivered online. For more details, see the March 31 message to campus.) Otherwise, the credits will be applied to fall housing. For students living off campus in the fall, credits will be applied to fall tuition. Meal plan credits are not available for summer tuition and will roll over to fall meal plans. In the event a student does not have a meal plan for fall, the credit will be posted to their student account to cover an existing balance or will be refunded if no balance exists.

The University is discounting summer 2020 tuition for undergraduate courses. The rate for summer 2020 undergraduate courses in the first session, second session and third term is $875/credit hour, a 46% discount from the original published rate for courses taken in person. 

The University made the decision to discount summer tuition to help address students' need to continue to make progress toward their UD degrees during a period of significant disruption to their lives and to their families' circumstances. Please note that financial aid for the summer is limited and details are still being finalized about student eligibility; as information becomes available it will be posted on the COVID-19 information page, go.udayton.edu/coronavirus, under "information for students."

The University also has developed new course offerings for the summer, which can be reviewed on Porches. Registration for summer sessions is now open through Porches. 

Questions regarding courses can be directed to students' academic advisors. For questions regarding the housing and meal plan credits, visit Room and Board Credit FAQs or email Flyer Student Services at fss@udayton.edu. Please note that the University is closed Friday, April 10, for University faculty and staff to observe Good Friday.

We hope that you and your family remain safe and healthy during this difficult time, and we wish you a happy Easter holiday. We will continue to post updates at the COVID-19 information page.

Sincerely, 

Paul Benson, Ph.D.
Provost and Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs

Dear parents and guardians, 

The University of Dayton’s Department of Housing and Residence Life is committed to providing updates about how and when students can safely retrieve their belongings from their residences. 

We sent the following message to students earlier today indicating that the University must postpone our plan for students to return to campus in accordance with instructions from Public Health - Dayton and Montgomery County. We are continuing to work with them to develop a plan that will comply with local, state and federal orders to control the spread of COVID-19.

Thank you for your continued patience and cooperation with this rapidly evolving global situation. We hope to provide our next update by April 6. Please stay safe and healthy.

Updates also are available on our COVID-19 Resources webpage.

Sincerely, 

William M. Fischer, J.D.
Vice President for Student Development

Christine H. Schramm
Associate Vice President and
Dean of Students

The University of Dayton’s Department of Housing and Residence Life is committed to providing updates about how and when students can safely retrieve their belongings from their residences. 

The University is continuing to work with Public Health - Dayton and Montgomery County to develop a plan that will comply with local, state and federal orders to control the spread of COVID-19, including the Ohio Department of Health's "Stay at Home" order which goes into effect March 24. 

To keep everyone safe, students not currently on campus are required to remain off-campus. It's important students do not make plans to return until Public Health - Dayton and Montgomery County approves our plan and we communicate our plan with you. The University has secured all buildings and has restricted door access. UD police will continue to patrol campus and the student neighborhoods to prevent thefts and unauthorized entry into buildings and residences. 

For students still living on campus, please do not change residences or move off-campus without notifying housing@udayton.edu, or allow visitors to stay with you, so we can maintain the security and health of the campus community. We also encourage you to maintain social distancing. Please contact University Public Safety (937-229-2121) for emergencies. Housing and residence life on-call staff can be reached at 937-231-6356.

Thank you for your continued patience and cooperation with this rapidly evolving global situation. We hope to provide our next update by April 6. Please stay safe and healthy.

Sincerely,

University of Dayton Housing and Residence Life Staff

Dear Students, 

We hope you are doing well. Consistent with statewide efforts to minimize the spread of COVID-19 and the recent "Stay at Home" order issued for Ohio, we are no longer offering in-person mental health services.

All University of Dayton Counseling Center services will be provided digitally or by phone. Students can contact the counseling center at 937-229-3141 to discuss appointment options. We also will be making every effort to contact existing clients to see how you are doing.

If you are in imminent danger of suicide, please call 911. If you have thoughts of self-harm or suicide and need to talk to someone, please call the National Suicide Hotline at 800-273-8255 or text "Help" to 741741.

Be well,

Counseling Center Staff

Dear parents and guardians, 

You may have seen or heard that the University has made the difficult decision to extend online learning through the remainder of the spring semester. We know that raises many questions for you and your student. We want to share with you a message we sent to students a short time ago with some information that we hope will answer most questions. 

As indicated in the message, we are working with local health authorities on a plan for students to retrieve their belongings in a safe, orderly and healthful manner. We hope to have an update early to mid next week and will communicate to your student as soon as that plan is ready. Until the plan is in place, there will be no access to residence halls or student housing to pick up belongings. Please do not come to campus prior to receiving instructions from Housing and Residence Life regarding move-out procedures. Our focus is to protect the health and safety of you, our staff and our community. If you have questions, please email housing@udayton.edu. 

We know many students will take this news very hard and we hope they will reach out to each other in support and friendship, finding strength in the Commitment to Community that ties them together, even across the miles. These are extraordinary times and we ask for your patience as we navigate this new situation. We are confident that UD students will continue to find ways to connect to each other in the UD spirit of community. 

William M. Fischer, J.D. 
Vice President for Student Development 

Christine Schramm
Associate Vice President and
Dean of Students

To the Flyer Student Community,

We trust you received President Eric F. Spina’s recent message to campus announcing we will continue with online course work for the remainder of the semester. Your well-being is our top priority; this action is the only way to protect the health of all of our students, faculty, and staff — and do our part as a University to safeguard the public health.

We are working diligently with Public Health - Dayton and Montgomery County on a plan that complies with social distancing requirements that will allow students to move out of campus residences while ensuring the health and safety of everyone returning to campus. We will provide an update early to mid next week. To keep everyone safe, it's important that students do not return to campus or make plans to return until we communicate with you.

We also understand you may have many questions. While we would like to remove as much ambiguity as possible, faculty and staff are working very hard and moving as quickly as possible on processes to complete the transition from on-campus learning to fully remote learning. We are committed to providing you more information as soon as it becomes available.

In the meantime, we have created FAQs for different categories of students. Graduate, law and international students either have received or will receive messages about your particular circumstances and can also go to go.udayton.edu/coronavirus for FAQs. Undergraduates can find information there about academics and housing as well. Look for these drop-down menus: 

• Undergraduate academic information
• Information for graduate students
• Information for law students
• Housing information 

We sincerely had hoped that students might have been able to return to campus for the remainder of the semester, as we know how much you value your University of Dayton community. We hope you continue to reach out to each other and to UD faculty and staff to sustain this same sense of community during the global health crisis. Please offer assistance, support and companionship to your fellow students where needed. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to respond to a fast-moving threat to the health of the UD community. 

Sincerely,

Paul H. Benson, Ph.D.
Provost and Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs

William M. Fischer, J.D.
Vice President for Student Development

Dear University of Dayton parents and guardians, 

This message was sent to students today to inform them about steps the University is taking to reflect the shortened period of time they will use University housing and meal plans. Please review the message and the FAQ. The University will continue to communicate regularly as this situation continues to evolve; we appreciate your patience and understanding. Please be assured that our first priority is the health and safety of our students and the UD community.

Sincerely, 

William M. Fischer, J.D.
Vice President for Student Development

Christine H. Schramm
Associate Vice President and
Dean of Students

Dear UD student, 

As our society enters an era of unprecedented challenges, we are mindful that you and your fellow students are facing significant uncertainty and disruption in your education because of the threat of COVID-19. We are hopeful that the aggressive measures we — along with many other universities and entities — have taken at the request of the governor and public health authorities will contribute to slowing the spread of COVID-19 and protecting public health at UD, in Ohio and across the country.

Recognizing that many of our students and families make sacrifices to pursue a University of Dayton education, the University will take the following actions to reflect the shortened period of time you will use University housing and meal plans: 

• We will issue prorated credits on student accounts for housing for the period of time students are unable to return to their campus housing. These credits will roll over to the next academic year for returning students. If the student will not be living in UD housing during the next academic year, the housing credit will be applied to tuition charges for the next academic year.  
• For students with meal plans, balances of both the Flex and the Standard plans will roll over from this year and can be used next year. The University is waiving all current limitations on the amount that may be carried over. 
• Those living in UD housing or using their meal plans during the extended break will not be eligible for the credit and/or roll over. 
• Seniors graduating in May will receive a prorated housing credit on their student account as well as a credit for any remaining meal plan balance. These credits will first apply to any outstanding balance owed to the University. If the account balance is paid in full at graduation, the University will issue a refund to the student.
• Because faculty instruction is continuing on a remote basis and students will be making progress toward completion of their academic program, no financial credit will be provided for tuition. 
• If you have questions about the housing and meal plan credits, visit Room and Board Credit FAQs or email Flyer Student Services at fss@udayton.edu.

As this public health emergency is evolving, we will continue to share information as it becomes available. We do understand the serious nature of this pandemic and continue to take our guidance from public health officials. Please be sure to check our coronavirus website often, as it will be updated regularly.

During this time of challenge for our UD community and the world, we are hopeful that each of you and your families remain safe and healthy. Be assured that you are in the prayers of the University’s administration, faculty and staff.

Andrew Horner
Executive Vice President for Business and Administrative Services

William M. Fischer, J.D.
Vice President for Student Development

The following message was shared with students today. We will continue to post all updates on our website.

To the Flyer Student Community,

We hope that you, your family, and loved ones are well and that you all remain healthy.

Upon the guidance of public health officials, we made important, urgent decisions on Tuesday that turned all of our lives upside down. Today, we take a few moments to share thoughts with you about “where we are” at this moment and what the future might bring. No big news or decisions in this letter, just a chance for us to communicate in a more relaxed manner away from the heart of the crisis.

First, let us state unequivocally that it pained all of us on the administrative team to ask students to leave campus in the middle of the semester. You are why we, the faculty and the staff, are here at UD and why we take such joy in our vocations.

As we have all come to realize, this is a true public health emergency that has required colleges and universities, not just UD, to take extraordinary measures. After Tuesday’s afternoon briefings with Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and state and county public health officials, we knew we had to move quickly for the health of our campus community and for the broader public good.  As you no doubt have read or heard over the past few days, aggressive interventions that support social distancing are the only way to “flatten” the infection curve because the coronavirus can be spread very readily by people who don’t yet display any symptoms.

We hope and pray that this public health emergency will recede, allowing us to begin in-person classes again, but at this point we do not know what next week will bring, much less three weeks from now.  Public health experts will need to evaluate how the pandemic curve is affected by the steps institutions, organizations, and individuals are taking.  We are checking in with them regularly and, ultimately, they will inform us about next steps.

We are especially empathetic toward seniors, understanding how important this last semester is for all of you. No one wants to end the semester with an empty campus, and many of us would join you and your fellow classmates in tears if that happened.  We plan to hold off on any significant decisions as long as we can and allow public health officials to guide us about a date when students can return to campus.  If it needs to be pushed back, please rest assured that we will strategize as best as possible to minimize the additional lost time and do whatever we can to preserve as much of the semester as possible. If the worst case becomes a reality and commencement cannot occur in May as planned, we will try to find a future date to gather the seniors back on campus for a graduation celebration.  It would be disingenuous if we told you we have all the answers, though, as these are unparalleled times in our nation’s history. What we can promise is that we will be thoughtful as we prioritize health and safety and as we work to be true to the values and identity of the University of Dayton.

We close with a special note of gratitude to you as well as the faculty and staff.  Your agility and willingness to sacrifice for the good of the UD community and the broader common good are highly commendable. We have heard very few complaints over these past few days as people have recognized the unprecedented nature of this crisis and simply found ways to “pitch in” to keep our community safe and enable us to continue fulfilling our mission. We will continue to post all updates on our website.

As we confront this public health crisis and the challenges it presents, we are confident that the University and its people can navigate through these times with faith, hope, and the kind of tenacity our Marianist founders showed when they built our beloved university.  Let us pray for those affected by the pandemic as well as our UD community — and that we can come back together in April.  We urge you to stay healthy and offer blessings to each of you and your families. 

The following message was shared with the campus community regarding the gathering on Lowes Street.

Last night, University and city police responded to a large, disorderly crowd of about 1,000 people blocking Lowes Street, preventing emergency medical access, damaging property, jumping on cars, and throwing objects in the roadway, at officers and at others in the crowd, resulting in at least one injury.

I am writing today to correct misinformation circulating widely on campus and social media about the incident. The facts are:

• Officers at the scene issued orders for the crowd to disperse based on the size and behavior of individuals who were putting officers and civilians at risk. These orders were ignored.
• Because these orders were ignored, police were forced to deploy pepper balls into the crowd. Pepper balls are a standard police tool for crowd management, which deliver a non-toxic, irritant powder that disperses quickly. The active ingredient is similar to what is found in hot sauce.
• Tear gas, rubber bullets, paintballs and gas canisters were never used.

As police officers, we try to support a campus environment where students can gather and celebrate safely. Last Saturday, we were on the scene when more than 2,000 people gathered after the College Gameday broadcast to have fun and enjoy each other without police intervention. But last night, the crowd created a dangerous situation, ignoring messages we have shared in the past and as late as last week to obey police orders, keep city streets clear, and refrain from damaging property and throwing objects.

In the future, we will continue to support responsible celebrations and intervene when dangerous situations arise.

Dear University of Dayton parents and guardians,

We want to inform you that we shared the following message with your student about measures the University has taken to protect the health and safety of our campus community. Based on Governor DeWine’s recommendations to colleges and universities this afternoon to slow the spread of COVID-19 in the state of Ohio and with the support of Public Health - Dayton & Montgomery County, we are suspending in-person classes tomorrow at 8 a.m. and instituting remote online course instruction for students beginning on March 23. Housing will close tomorrow at 6 p.m. We will post updates at go.udayton.edu/coronavirus and send campus-wide communications, including information about remote learning and returning to campus.

This is an unprecedented situation that is changing and moving very quickly. We recognize these communications may not answer every question for your student, but more information about remote learning will be forthcoming during spring break and we urge students to stay in contact with their instructors. 

As indicated in the message, we are acting to protect the health of our students, our campus community and the public health, while taking steps to ensure student learning continues. Thank you for your patience and understanding during this challenging time. 

Sincerely, 

William M. Fischer, J.D.
Vice President for Student Development

Christine H. Schramm
Associate Vice President and
Dean of Students

Gov. Mike DeWine today asked all of the state's colleges and universities to take immediate, aggressive action to slow the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the state. 

The governor urged these actions because this is a crucial moment in time, when Ohio can slow the spread of this disease and do everything we can to protect public health, especially for our most vulnerable populations. It is clear from other countries and regions where the epidemic is severe that hard decisions now can make a difference in the severity and duration of the outbreak. As Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton told a meeting of university presidents today, action now will save lives. While these actions will be disruptive and inconvenient to many, the University of Dayton community must come together to act decisively for the common good of our campus, our community, and our state, country and world. 

In taking these measures, the University is mindful of the importance of social distancing in slowing the spread of disease. Social distancing is the best way to prevent new cases by preventing sick people from coming in close contact with healthy ones. Social distancing measures include limiting large groups, canceling events, working or communicating remotely, and keeping at least a 6-foot distance between people.

While there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 on the UD campus, there are at least three confirmed cases in Cuyahoga County and more are expected. Ohio is under a state of emergency in responding to the epidemic. 

At the governor's urging and with the support and advice of Public Health Dayton & Montgomery County, the University of Dayton is taking these actions:  

• We are suspending in-person classes beginning 8 a.m. Wednesday, March 11, and instituting remote online course instruction beginning March 23 and continuing to at least April 6.
• University housing will close at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 11. If you have been approved for an extended stay or full break housing over spring break, you are permitted to stay as approved.  Students do not need to formally check out or return keys.  
• Students will remain off-campus for at least two weeks following spring break, while coursework will resume March 23 through online and remote learning. We will be communicating with you next week with more detailed instructions about remote learning. 
• Students leaving campus at this time should take with them any items necessary to continue their education online and remotely from home, such as laptops, textbooks, notebooks, essential papers, art materials, musical instruments, etc. Students also should take home valuables and other essential items in case time away from campus extends for a sustained period. 
• All University-sponsored on-campus events and gatherings are canceled effective Wednesday, March 11 until further notice. 
• Research activities that comply with social distancing practices can continue.
• We understand that many of you have questions about your housing or may not be able to return to your homes. Contact housing@udayton.edu if you have questions. 
• International students will be permitted to remain on campus during this break. CIP will be communicating additional information soon.
• We are in close communication with the NCAA and other athletic organizations sponsoring events on campus but have no information at this time to share about upcoming athletic events. 

We recognize that this information may not answer every question, but as the situation evolves, we will post information and updates at go.udayton.edu/coronavirus and encourage you to check this site regularly. Send questions not covered by the website to covid19@udayton.edu. We will send campuswide communications for major announcements, including more detailed information on remote learning and returning to campus. 

We understand this is a major disruption to your plans and your education, but in the interest of the community, we urge you to leave campus as soon as you are able and maintain social distancing in the coming weeks. The University is not closing — we are protecting our community and will be delivering course work in a different mode for what we hope is a short period of time. We all understand how special this campus community is to our students and how difficult it will be for people to be away for an extended period. Please do know that we will strive to limit the period of absence as best we can, but that the health and safety of each of you is our highest priority and will drive this decision. 

In the spirit of our Marianist founders, we must read the signs of the times, make sacrifices, and come together as the University of Dayton, a community dedicated to the common good. 

Please see the message below that was shared with students. Our message also includes a webpage for updates about COVID-19.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is evolving daily around the world and in the U.S., and the University is working to make decisions rapidly to protect individuals and to reduce risk to the public health. We are committed to protecting the health and safety of our faculty, staff and students. 

We are sharing key decisions and other important information in this update and have established a new webpage dedicated to COVID-19 for messages to the community and links to resources. Find it at go.udayton.edu/coronavirus. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has announced the global spread of the virus makes it almost certain the U.S. will experience a significant outbreak, although the scope is as yet undetermined. Earlier today, it was announced there are three confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, and Gov. Mike DeWine declared a state of emergency.

A University working group with representatives from key units across campus is meeting several times a week to coordinate UD's short-term response and refine long-term and business continuity plans. We will update UD’s COVID-19 website as conditions change and also notify campus of significant developments.

We are monitoring the situation closely and will provide updates accordingly. Our highly residential campus environment and our responsibility to the larger issue of public health require us to be proactive, rather than reactive, in making decisions that affect the well-being of our community.

Below are updates on various topics related to COVID-19:

INTERNATIONAL AND DOMESTIC TRAVEL GUIDANCE

For students

• All University-sponsored international and domestic spring break programs are cancelled. 
• All summer education abroad programs are cancelled.  
• All non-essential University-sponsored student travel within the U.S. is cancelled until further notice.
• We will make decisions about athletic team travel on a case-by-case basis.
• As the global situation is very dynamic, we strongly recommend students reconsider ANY PERSONAL travel plans to other countries and U.S. territories over spring break.
• The situation in the United States is changing every day, with an increase in areas reporting confirmed cases. If students are traveling within the U.S., they should check CDC guidance and current conditions where they are traveling.
• It is important to check CDC guidance and local authorities’ information often.  Because the COVID-19 situation is evolving rapidly, affected areas could issue new travel restrictions or guidance at any time and without prior notice, which could affect or interrupt your travel, or require self-quarantine when you return home.
• Visit the CDC website for COVID-19 travel information and traveler FAQs. 

For faculty and staff

• All University-sponsored travel outside the continental United States for faculty and staff is suspended. This includes travel to other countries and U.S. territories. 
• The University is also suspending all non-essential business travel within the U.S. for faculty and staff, which includes spring break programming. 
• As the global situation is very dynamic, we strongly recommend all faculty and staff reconsider ANY PERSONAL travel plans to other countries and U.S. territories over spring break, Easter break and the coming weeks. 
• If faculty and staff are planning any kind of travel, they should check travel advisories regularly from the CDC, U.S. Department of State and local health authorities prior to and during any planned travel. 
• It is important to check sources such as the CDC, U.S. Department of State and local health authorities often. Because the COVID-19 situation is evolving rapidly, affected areas could issue new travel restrictions or guidance at any time and without prior notice, which could affect or interrupt your travel, or require self-quarantine when you return home. 
• Many faculty and staff planning summer University travel must make decisions soon about upcoming trips. There is no way to predict conditions at travel time either internationally or domestically, or to estimate when the travel suspension may be lifted. University travelers should consult with Options Travel, UD's official travel manager, regarding current refund policies, and should book refundable or flexible tickets.
• If you have booked international travel through Concur or through Options travel agents, you should contact Options travel agents at support@optionstravel.com or call 847-803-3000. If you booked your international travel through Altour, contact Altour agents directly at 937-222-1220. 
• All UDRI employees who have booked travel and have questions or change requests should contact JoAnne Davis at Joanne.Davis@udri.udayton.eduor 937-229-3967.
• Visit the CDC website for COVID-19 travel informationand traveler FAQs. 

Returning travelers 

• In accordance with CDC guidance for travelers returning from China, Italy, South Korea, Iran or returning from any other country subsequently designated by CDC as Level 3 while are traveling, please be aware that you will be required to self-quarantine — at your permanent address or otherwise away from UD's campus — for at least 14 days before returning to campus. The University cannot reimburse you for flight change costs and additional expenses.
• Students who are currently on an education abroad program may stay in place, unless in-country circumstances change (e.g., CDC or host country advisories) or unless they wish to return. 
• The situation in the United States is dynamic, with a daily increase in areas reporting confirmed cases. If you are returning from an area that has experienced an outbreak of COVID-19, or if you’ve been in contact with someone who has tested positive, in accordance with CDC guidelines you may need to self-quarantine at home (or otherwise away from UD’s campus) for 14 days from the time you were possibly exposed. 
• If you are experiencing symptoms or if you have traveled to areas impacted by the coronavirus, please call ahead to the UD Health Center or your health care provider to obtain guidance on next steps.

What UD is doing

To our knowledge, there have been no COVID-19 cases connected to UD; however, the University is remaining vigilant. 

• We are in contact with the Ohio Department of Higher Education, the Ohio Department of Health, and Public Health - Dayton & Montgomery County, and we continue to monitor for new information from the CDC for the most current updates and guidance. 
• Currently, crews on campus have increased cleaning and disinfecting of touchpoints and surfaces in common areas of academic and residential buildings. They are providing additional cleaning of high-traffic places. Touch surfaces are being cleaned with hospital-grade disinfectant.
• Cleaning crews have been doing extra cleaning and disinfecting for several weeks in high-use buildings such as the RecPlex, Bombeck Center and the Health Center.
• Deep cleaning of residential and academic buildings will be conducted during spring break. 
• Facilities Management is monitoring and continuing to keep hand sanitizer units filled throughout campus. 
• We are working closely with the NCAA, which has established a COVID-19 advisory panel of leading medical, public health and epidemiology experts as well as NCAA member schools, to guide its response to the outbreak of the coronavirus disease for all NCAA events. Click here for full release.

Prevention tips 

• Go here for tips to help reduce your risk of illness, including cold, flu and coronavirus, and information on contacting the University of Dayton Health Center prior to a visit. 
• Other CDC tips for cold and flu prevention can be found here, and CDC information on COVID-19 is here. 

Stay informed and take care of yourself

• If you are feeling anxious or worried because of the news about COVID-19, we encourage students to contact the Counseling Center. Employees may contact Lifeworks Employee Assistance Program. 
• The University will remain vigilant during spring break, and as the situation evolves, we will post any updates at go.udayton.edu/coronavirus. We will send campus wide communications when major changes in the situation occur. We encourage people to check the UD COVID-19 website regularly. 

Please see the message below that was shared with students. Our message also includes a video from UD Police Chief Savalas Kidd about the March celebrations and common student questions.

As we near the University's week-long spring break, we are writing about upcoming gatherings and celebrations and to share information about the opening of campus on March 22, 2020. We want UD students to stay safe and healthy this spring, and we are committed to supporting your academic success as we resume classes and approach the end of the school year. 

We recognize that March is a month when students like to celebrate St. Patrick's Day and the success of our basketball teams. During these events, our emphasis will be on reducing risk to you, your fellow students and the University. Therefore, we ask for your cooperation, and want to share these important reminders:  

• Follow the law and respect police. Both UD police and Dayton police will be visible in the student neighborhoods and will address behaviors that violate Ohio law, the University’s alcohol policy and/or our community standards. Violations can result in criminal charges, fines, disciplinary probation, suspension or even expulsion. Loss of your merit scholarships can result from even your first violation. Be mindful that Ohio law bans open containers of alcohol in public places, including sidewalks and streets. You are expected to be respectful and cooperative, and to obey police orders immediately, including orders to disperse and leave the area. If you fail to leave the area, you risk being arrested at that time or could face charges at a later date. 
• Be responsible for your community. Help prevent sexual assaults, physical assaults, vandalism, destruction of property, and other violations of our community standards by respecting and looking out for one another. If you observe behavior that is dangerous or concerning, say something or contact police. 
• Act responsibly. Carry your University ID card at all times, abide by building occupancy limits and make responsible decisions related to alcohol. Keep in mind you are prohibited from engaging or participating in community disturbances, throwing objects (cans, bottles, rocks, fireworks, etc.), possessing glass bottles, lighting fires and fireworks, and sitting or standing on roofs or balconies. 
• Remember that gatherings and activities that block streets or impede traffic are not permitted. These activities are dangerous to those in the gathering, and can also pose grave risks to those who are ill or injured if emergency personnel is delayed or prevented from reaching them. 

UD Police Chief Savalas Kidd talked with a student about common student questions about the March celebrations and what students can do to keep themselves safe. Please take a look at it here.

For questions related to the March 22 move-in, including information on housing and residence life, dining services, parking and traffic, public safety concerns, and police enforcement, please visit go.udayton.edu/springbreak. 

Everyone at the University is committed to your health and safety, as well as to your academic success. Please make sure you are doing your part, too. The choices you make reflect on your reputation as well as on the reputation of the University — and can ultimately affect the value of your degree, your scholarship and your future plans. Stay safe, have fun and Go Flyers! 

Please see the message below that was shared with the campus community. Information was also posted on our health center's webpage, which you can follow for updates as needed.

The coronavirus has been prominent in the news recently. The University of Dayton monitors situations that could affect the health and safety of our community. We are communicating directly with faculty, staff and students who could be most directly affected by the virus, including students from China and anyone with travel scheduled to China. There are no confirmed cases in Ohio and the University will follow CDC guidance regarding the situation. The CDC considers the U.S. risk low at this time. For additional information see: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers from the CDC.

The same precautions that protect against cold and flu viruses are recommended to help reduce your risk of the coronavirus. Follow these tips to reduce your risk:

• Cover coughs and sneezes. 
• Frequently wash your hands 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.
• Do not share drinks, utensils, lip balm, e-cigarettes or vape pens, etc.
• Get adequate sleep, exercise regularly, eat a healthy diet, avoid excessive alcohol consumption and tobacco use.
• Wipe down surfaces of sinks, counters and toilets in common areas with germicidal cleaning agents. 
• Stay home when you are sick. According to the Ohio Department of Health, faculty, staff and students should stay home if they have a fever higher than 100 degrees. Seek medical advice from the Health Center, personal physician, or emergency room when appropriate.
• Students can contact the University of Dayton Health Center nurse line if they have concerns (937-229-3131 then press 2) or to make an appointment. If you are experiencing symptoms and have traveled to the impacted area of Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, please first call the Health Center to receive guidance on next steps.

The Centers for Disease Control notes the single best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated each year. Other CDC tips for cold and flu prevention can be found here and CDC information on the coronavirus is here.

We will provide updates as needed on the health center's webpage.

Information about mail and packages

Letters received by UD mailing services will be forwarded to your home address listed with the University. Please make sure your home address on file is correct. Students also should submit a change of address form at their local post office or online. Be sure to include your complete UD address including the zip code (45409 or 45419).

UD mailing services cannot forward Amazon or DHL packages. Cancel your Amazon order and reorder them to have them sent to your current residence. Call UD mailing services at 937-229-2087 to discuss options for receiving DHL packages. UPS and FedEx packages can be forwarded to you if you provide us a shipping label, which you can receive from UPS and FedEx. E-mail the label to udmailingservices@udayton.edu. 

For questions and to discuss special circumstances for retrieving packages, call 937-229-2087 or email udmailingservices@udayton.edu. Be sure to leave your first and last name, including the spelling, and your phone number.

Internet access for online learning