20 Mar Important updates about the University of North Dakota’s COVID-19 response efforts
The University of North Dakota (UND) continues to closely monitor the rapidly evolving Coronavirus (COVID-19) public health pandemic. As we do so, our top priority remains the health, safety and well-being of the University community.
The University remains open and operational. Instruction and work continue through remote efforts.
Situation Update:
- UND will extend the remote instruction period for students through the end of the spring semester.
- We are asking UND students not to return to the Grand Forks community at this time.
- Spring Commencement is cancelled.
As a result of the updated directives from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), North Dakota Department of Health and Governor Burgum, we are asking UND students not to return to the Grand Forks community at this time. This is necessary to limit the spread of COVID-19.
UND has a strong history of offering courses and programs at a distance, and our faculty members have redoubled their efforts to ensure this period of remote delivery of courses goes smoothly and students have the support they need to succeed. All UND courses have a Blackboard site and students should log in daily to learn how instructors will support their successful completion of their spring courses. Laboratories and individualized experiences such as clinicals, student teaching, research, flight training, etc. may need to be adjusted (students will get clarifying information either through a Blackboard site or through email).
Students should also check their UND email daily for updates from instructors and UND.
Regarding services, UND offices continue to operate. However, questions or concerns should be conveyed through phone or email, as most University staff are exercising remote work plans off campus.
We realize there are many outstanding questions; therefore, we are holding virtual University forums to address questions of faculty, staff and students on Tuesday, March 24.
Forum for faculty and staff will be held at Noon via Zoom and are limited to UND Zoom. https://und.zoom.us/j/575729456
Forum for students will be held at 4 p.m. via Zoom https://und.zoom.us/j/739072421
All forums will be recorded and posted to UND’s Coronavirus Blog.
Top things to know:
- In accordance with CDC recommendations, events on our UND campus have been canceled for the spring 2020 semester. Meetings should be managed using University remote tools such as Zoom, Skype for Business or conference call. Additionally, all UND Athletics competitions have been canceled.
- All spring Commencement ceremonies are canceled. Eligible graduates for the spring Commencements – General, Law and Medicine — are invited to participate at a later Commencement. The University also intends to work with students on alternative ways we can celebrate their graduation achievements while maintaining social distancing.
- The University has canceled all study-abroad programs until further notice.
- The University has suspended all University-funded travel until further notice. Any requests for exceptions must be approved by a dean, a vice president and the president.
- All individuals must use discretion with any personal travel to protect their health as well as the health of our entire community.
- If you have fever, cough, or shortness of breath, you will be instructed to self-isolate for the duration of your symptoms.
- University buildings are now secured and accessible only by electronic or key access, with the exception of Wilkerson Commons, Safety and Facilities, and Ina Mae Rude Center for Innovation.
- On-campus residence halls will be reserved only for students without other living options available to them. Residence halls will remain open, and Wilkerson Commons will continue to serve meals, though the dining room will be closed. For students moving out of their residence hall, we are developing plans for an orderly move-out that preserves social distancing and limits the size of crowds. Do not come back to campus until you receive further guidance on the plan. We are working with the State Board of Higher Education to examine options to compensate for costs associated with early cancellation of residence hall room and board contracts. We will have guidance on next steps as soon as possible.
- Regarding research, under the direction of Interim Vice President for Research & Economic Development John Mihelich, we are working to ensure the continuity of research and creative activity on campus to the highest degree possible in the face of recent COVID-19 related challenges. Please see the following Research and Creative Activity update from Vice President Mihelich.
Information Centers:
For the latest information on COVID-19 and the University’s response to the pandemic, go to the UND Coronavirus Updates Blog. You should subscribe to the blog to get alerts whenever new information is posted.
If you have Human Resource questions, please go to our Covid-19 specific human resource web page.
If you have questions or concerns that we weren’t able to address here, you can contact UND.inforequest@UND.edu
In closing, we’d like to thank our campus community and all University stakeholders for their continued patience and partnership through this challenging time. The University will continue to offer a quality academic experience, while working to keep our community safe. We continue monitor this rapidly-changing situation and will provide periodic updates to you, as needed.
Joshua Wynne
Interim President
University of North Dakota
Andrew Armacost
Incoming President
University of North Dakota
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David L. Dodds
Director of Communications
Division of Marketing & Communications
University of North Dakota
david.dodds@UND.edu
O: 701.777.5529