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:
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