Coronavirus Update

Published: 3/12/2020

The outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19) has changed the way the world conducts business and completes routine tasks, and the situation is becoming increasingly critical. The World Health Organization announced yesterday that the spread of the coronavirus across more than 100 countries now qualifies as a global pandemic.

We are reacting proactively and erring on the side of caution to protect the safety and well-being of our faculty, staff and students. University officials will monitor daily updates from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Education Advisory Board (EAB) and will keep you informed.

Currently, there are no confirmed cases at Wilmington University; however, the state of Delaware has just announced its first confirmed case. We will take the following precautions to help prevent the spread of the virus.

Academic Continuity

Beginning Monday, March 16, all in-person and hybrid classes meeting at all locations will be moved to the online environment. Faculty have prepared for this potential scenario and will provide the same academic quality to which students have been accustomed. Students with lab or clinical requirements will receive additional communication from Dr. Jim Wilson, our Vice President of Academic Affairs. We will determine whether to resume in-person and hybrid classes no later than April 17.

Student Services

During this time, Wilmington University remains open and operational. Employees should report to work. However:

  •  Department directors will work with the Human Resources Department to develop plans for alternative work scenarios as circumstances warrant.
  • All University events are canceled from Saturday, March 14 through Thursday, April 17.  A decision to resume University-hosted, on-campus events will be made no later than April 17. (This includes lectures, meetings, conferences, Admissions and student-run events.)
  • All University-sponsored travel (conferences, seminars, training, etc.) is suspended until further notice.
  • Any student, faculty or staff member returning from a Level 2 or Level 3 country, as designated by the CDC, must self-isolate at home for 14 days. The University must receive notification of the self-isolation and verification of the travel.  (To learn more about CDC designations, visit cdc.gov.)
  • Any faculty or staff member currently traveling on University business can return to campus if they have traveled within the United States; however, they must still self-monitor. If any symptoms become present, he or she must self-isolate at home for 14 days.
  • Any personal, international travel is strongly discouraged for faculty, staff and students.

We are committed to the health and welfare of the entire University community. In good and challenging times, we support each other. Thank you for your understanding, patience, and willingness to work together.