cammarata-contact

March 12, 2020 

Dear William Paterson University Students,

Over the past several weeks, and particularly over the last few days, the conversations around the COVID-19 virus have increased and institutional, organizational and governmental responses in the region and across the country have escalated to meet the ever-evolving circumstances.  This message contains the most up-to-date information available, but please recognize that things are changing quickly. I am sure that this has caused you and your loved ones concern and worry.  Our priority is the health and safety of everyone in our community.  I will do my best to provide helpful information and allay some of your concerns, understanding that not all the answers are available immediately and some may be modified over time.  You should check the designated website https://www.wpunj.edu/health-wellness/covid19 daily for updates.

In the President’s communication yesterday (available at the link above), he advised of modifications in University operations and classroom instruction as means for “social distancing” that have been recommended by health experts and the University’s Pandemic Assessment Team.  Such practices have been instituted at colleges and universities in our region and across the country.  While we have no reported cases of COVID-19 on campus, health experts recommend these practices as ways to minimize or mitigate potential spread of the virus.

The University is still working through some of the logistics so that we can provide more details next week regarding hours of operation and available services. In the meantime, I want to offer a few assurances, based on what we know today: 

  1. The University is not closing.  We are implementing social distancing practices until at least April 14 that include moving most classes to remote instruction, cancelling all gatherings and events that exceed 20 people, and significantly limiting the number of students in the residence halls (see March 11 communication at https://www.wpunj.edu/health-wellness/covid19).  We will share comprehensive updates through email and social media on April 10.

  2. We are not evicting students from the residence halls.  Students with residence hall assignments are not required to pack up and move out.  They have been directed to leave the residence halls for spring break, as a majority already do, and instructed that they cannot move back in until April 14.  We know we need to make some exceptions for resident students with a documented and significant need to remain in the residence halls between March 25 and April 14.  The Interim Director of Residence Life, Rebecca Baird, sent a communication earlier today to all resident students that provides guidance on what qualifies as a possible exception and what the process is for requesting one.

  3. The campus, the University Commons/Student Center, the Library, dining services, bookstore and most of the offices and services of the University will remain open and available to students throughout spring break and during the three weeks that social distancing practices are in effect.  Spring break hours and services are as they have been in the past and are already posted in locations and on the appropriate websites.  Post-spring break hours and services for some operations may be modified based on volume and need but none other than those discontinued as a result of social distancing practices are at this time expected to be closed or unavailable.  Students with meal plans will be able to utilize them during the period between March 24 and April 14, with some modifications to the usual schedule and options.

We are in extraordinary circumstances and are fully committed to minimizing worries and stress.  I ask that you be patient with yourselves, one another, and the University faculty and staff as we seek to do the best we can to keep our community safe and healthy and continue to provide you with the quality education and caring support services you deserve, within the parameters and restrictions we are operating under.

Sincerely,

Miki Cammarata, Ed.D.
Vice President for Student Development
University Commons 117