March 20, 2020
Health Update 3/20/20:
An update from West Chester University President Chris Fiorentino
We continue to take every precaution possible to ensure the health and safety of everyone in the University community. To date, we have no confirmed cases of COVID-19. Please abide by social distancing protocols to keep yourself and your loved ones healthy. All updates on the University’s response to the pandemic will continue to be posted on our website, www.wcupa.edu/healthNotices. Please check the website frequently.
In the midst of this unprecedented global health crisis, the West Chester University community has swiftly rallied behind our students in new and creative ways to ensure they have the support they need to continue their studies, complete the semester, and, for those seniors and graduate students in their final years, meet the requirements for graduation. We remain committed to having a commencement ceremony for our seniors and our graduate students – when it is safe to do so.
I commend our faculty, staff, students, alumni, and friends of the University for their commitment to our mission of student success. I am proud of the collaboration and innovative ideas that you have brought to this situation. Most students have left our on-campus housing units, though some will remain due to financial, medical, logistical, or other extenuating circumstances. For these students, we are providing life-sustaining services—food, shelter, and security. A special thank you to the staff in both Student Affairs and University Student Housing for their outstanding execution of this monumental task. Additionally, we have accomplished so much this week as we transition to alternate modes of course delivery, assisting faculty in the transition and bridging gaps in technology. This is true Golden Ram pride, true Golden Ram spirit.
We do not yet have answers to every one of your questions. Please know that we are working diligently on the most complex subjects, including reimbursements. I understand the frustration this financial uncertainty brings but we are working out the most equitable solutions for our students and moving as quickly as we can.
A word about unity: The rapid spread of COVID-19 further emphasizes that we need to see ourselves as global citizens. We must continue to be guided by solidarity – not stigma – and uphold the University’s commitment to the principles of inclusivity, service, and academic excellence. As Golden Rams, we must unite to ensure that racism and xenophobia don’t become the contagions.
We are all facing historic challenges, but this week has shown that the West Chester University community excels at solving problems with agility. We are resilient and will succeed in supporting, educating, and graduating our students.
More info:
WCU Corona Virus Website