DMU COVID-19 Campus Update – Thursday, March 19

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,

I pray that you and your families are safe and healthy during these challenging times.  As we continue to monitor the situation with COVID-19, our Executive Team has met to discuss, plan and execute specific policies, procedures and initiatives to address the needs of our entire University community.  To that end, please be aware that we are implementing the following modifications to campus operations to promote the recommended guidelines of federal, state, local and regulatory agencies regarding social distancing:

• Campus Hours: The campus will be closed on Saturdays effective this week. The campus will continue to be accessible to students, faculty and staff during regularly scheduled WEEKDAY hours. We will continue to evaluate campus hours based on current health conditions and local, state, federal and regulatory agency guidelines and recommendations. We highly recommend that all students, faculty and staff prepare for the potential of a shut-down of campus.  Make sure that you have a space prepared in your home that is conducive to classes and/or work (adequate privacy and quiet).  Also, communicate boundaries regarding that space with those that live with you. A transition to telework can be challenging.  Preparing ahead of time will make a big difference.
• Campus library hours:  Beginning this week, physical access to the campus library will no longer be available on Saturdays.  We are continuing to evaluate the hours of operations for the physical library and our ability to maintain a safe and healthy environment on campus.  While the physical library is not available on Saturdays, services and support are available using the communication channels established on the Library website for accessing librarians, materials, and services to support your academic needs
• Library Access:  Students have continuous 24/7 access to course and library materials as well as library and other learning support  through remote library access. The physical Library hours are posted on the Library website.  Reference services are available via email at librarian@divinemercy.edu,  by telephone at 703-416-1441 x119, or chat service 24  hours a day, 7 days a week. (Click the hyperlink to participate in Chat Reference).
• Campus services and support offices:  Temporary telecommuting policies are in place for staff.  While the campus remains open on weekdays, access to some services and support offices may be shifted from campus.  If you need access to services and support, please email the office for assistance.
• Telework for staff: To protect the health and safety of the staff,  temporary guidelines for teleworking have been established by the Executive Team and those guidelines have been communicated to supervisors this week.  Questions regarding the policies and procedures for staff to telework should be addressed directly with your supervisor.
• Meeting room usage: Maximum capacity signs have been posted on all classrooms, study, and conference rooms based on recommended social distancing.  Please respect the guidance provided on these signs when using these rooms.

Please also note that program specific academic procedures and guidelines will be communicated by your Academic Dean.  For faculty and staff, human resources related information will be communicated through your supervisor. We are working to limit the number of emails each person receives while still ensuring that everyone has all the information needed to be successful and safe.

I encourage you to continue to follow the recommendations and guidelines provided on the DMU Coronavirus website that links to the CDC website.  It is important that we protect ourselves and others through our actions and attitudes.  We, as a community, can lead the way in our charitable and faithful response to the current situation. You all remain in my prayers.

Thank you and God bless you,

Fr. Charles Sikorsky, LC, JD, JCL
President
Divine Mercy University