Dear Guilford Community:
Having closely monitored developments related to the COVID-19 pandemic and the uncertainty we have at this moment about its future trajectory and impacts, I write to you today with important updates. While certain decisions are being announced today, we also know many decisions will be shared in the days ahead.
I have made the decision to extend spring break for one week. Coursework will resume virtually on Monday, March 23. At this time, I am requesting all faculty and staff to work together, in the days ahead, to prepare to welcome students back to campus on Monday, March 30, which is our current intention.
My decision is based on our priority commitment to protect and serve the health and well-being of our students, the whole of our Guilford community, and our Greensboro community at large. This responsibility to each other at this time could not be higher and will require all our efforts.
No student should return to campus who is not already here. Only students with extenuating circumstances who would need to return to campus next week should contact Dean of Students Steve Mencarini (mencarinism@guilford.edu) to seek permission to return to campus. Detailed and regular messages will be sent to students and their families in the hours and days ahead.
To be sure, a small number of students are on campus now, including our international student community and more than 100 student-athletes. We will be working with these students to provide guidance and direction in the days ahead. For the students who are currently on campus, rest assured that there will be continual access to essential services on campus.
Though spring break is extended another week for students, faculty will be undertaking a series of preparations and work to meet the needs of our students in light of these developments. I know that the Provost’s Office, in partnership with key faculty and staff leaders, has been in communication with faculty to begin to plan and prepare for changes to our semester and the continuity of instruction. For staff, if any need for operational changes arise, your supervisor and/or unit/division leaders will alert you how it might impact your daily work.
Of course, the most important thing for all of us is the individual and collective health of our Guilford community. Please remain diligent in practicing a hygiene regimen that greatly reduces your risk of contracting or spreading the COVID-19 virus, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). In the meantime, if you have direct contact with anyone who has coronavirus, or if you develop any symptoms of respiratory illness, seek medical treatment immediately using this guidance. In either case, you may consider placing yourself in self-quarantine for the recommended fourteen day period. Such individuals will not be allowed to return to work or classes and must stay home until the fourteen day period has elapsed. Additional updates to our support and policy guidance will be shared by our Human Resource professionals and leaders as they become available very soon.
I want to thank the Guilford College Task Force for its ongoing commitment to keeping our community safe and well during this COVID-19 pandemic. Please continue to monitor official COVID-19 updates and information on our website.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we move through this complex and uncharted territory together. Our goal is to keep everyone safe and healthy as we continue to provide an outstanding educational experience for every student--in whatever form and time it may take to complete a successful 2019-20 academic year.
The College will provide daily updates as the situation continues to develop. If you have questions, please contact: taskforce@guilford.edu.
During this challenging time, let all Guilfordians continue to hold each other and our global community in the Light.
Sincerely,
Jane K. Fernandes, President