Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds

May 21, 2020

EMERGENCY FINANCIAL AID GRANTS TO STUDENTS UNDER THE CORONAVIRUS AIDE, RELIEF, AND ECONOMIC SECURITY (CARES) ACT

Required Reporting

  1. Walsh University signed and returned to the Department the Certification and Agreement and the institution intends to use no less than 50 percent of the funds received under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.
  2. The total amount of funds that Walsh University has received from the Department pursuant to the institution’s Certification and Agreement for Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students is $915,757.
  3. The total amount of Emergency Financial Aid Grants distributed to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act as of May 21, 2020 is zero.
  4. The estimated total number of students at Walsh University eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 and thus eligible to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act is approximately 1,100.
  5. The total number of students who have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant to Students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act as of May 21, 2020 is zero.
  6. Walsh University will provide a block grant of $700 to each eligible student that has filed a FAFSA. The balance of funds will be used to address situations where a student is inadvertently missed and/or subsequently completes a FAFSA and is Title IV eligible.  Any remaining funds will be distributed to students as an additional block grant prior to the expiration of funds.
The following email will be sent to students as their respective funds are distributed beginning on May 22, 2020.

HEERF Stimulus payment email to recipients:

Good (morning/afternoon) _________,

We are sending you this email to let you know you are a qualified recipient of the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund provided by the CARES Act.

We will be disbursing a payment to you based on your preferred refund method you have set up via your Student Account Center on walsh.afford.com.

These funds are to be used “for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus (including eligible expenses under a student’s cost of attendance, such as food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and childcare”.

These funds do not have to be repaid. This grant payment is not taxable per the IRS.

Regards,

Student Service Center

Walsh Unversity

Walsh Announces Free Housing for Freshmen/Transfer Students, New Majors, Other Student Incentives for Fall 2020

May 13, 2020

In the face of uncertainty of COVID-19, Walsh University is preparing for Fall 2020 by announcing bold measures to meet its students’ needs including financial incentives, new majors, a more flexible eight-week term and a designated cross-campus Task Force to concentrate on plans moving forward and safety procedures related to COVID-19.

Walsh University intends to offer a full residential life experience in the fall that will include both in-person and online course offerings.

Learn More About these Incentives Here

Distance Learning to Continue Through Summer 2020 Semester

April 22, 2020

We continue to monitor developments regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and are encouraged and hopeful about plans to slowly relax some of the restrictions.

We know that it will take a long time for us to return to normal in our society. We remain optimistic that we will see you back on campus in the Fall - knowing of course many Cav Nation students have been and continue to learn online through our Digital Campus. Until then, we are going to continue to offer all classes in the Summer 2020 term in a distance learning format.

Wishing you all a safe and healthy conclusion to our very unusual Spring semester. And to our graduates, a warm congratulations and Swords Up!

Sincerely,
Dr. Douglas Palmer
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

A Message to Cav Nation from President Collins

April 10, 2020

Cav Nation

As I reflect on the needs of the Walsh University community, I am struck with how the language of our elected leadership has dramatically altered our way of thinking and way of life … in some respects it has been detrimental in my judgement.

“Social distancing” as a concept is the notion that we can reduce the spread of any virus if we are mindful of personal space.

I think as it has been applied may be working to “flatten the curve” but the implementation has crippled our ability to remain connected with each other.

I would ask you to immediately consider no longer saying “social distancing” but replace this phrase with “physical distancing and personal connections.”

We need each other as we work as a community to overcome the adversity before us.

We cannot do that if we all go it alone and separate ourselves from each other.

We are not alone … we have each other and we need to fight hard to stay in touch, to reach out, to check on each other, to laugh and cry with each other, to study with each other, to collaborate with each other, to grow with each other, and to find new and different ways to achieve the happiness that comes with being connected to family, friends, colleagues, and others who cross our paths with a smile or a greeting.

Keeping your physical distance with strangers and those you are not regularly interacting with will help fight this deadly virus … keeping personally connected with each other will help us to fight this deadly virus and thrive in our daily lives … and a brighter day will soon arrive.

Our Lady of Perpetual Help – Pray for us in this time of great need. 

Warmly, Tim

Dr. Tim Collins

 

Community Health and Wellness Notifications 

Walsh University is taking the necessary precautions to keep our community informed about the coronavirus and implement policies to ensure the continued health of our campus community. University officials will continue to work with federal, state, and local health authorities as well as campus experts to monitor this situation and provide appropriate guidance to students, faculty, staff, and visitors.  Updates will be ongoing as we continue to work with health authorities to provide the latest on the situation.  Our number one priority is the health and safety of our campus community. 

Frequently Asked Questions

♦ Are there any cases of Coronavirus and Walsh’s Campus? 
There are currently no cases of Coronavirus on our campus.

♦ University-Sponsored International Travel
Consistent with federal guidance, we are prohibiting university sponsored travel to all countries with a CDC Level 3 travel warning. As of March 9, these countries are China, Iran, Italy, and South Korea. 

♦ University-Sponsored Domestic Travel
At this time, the university is not issuing any specific caution regarding domestic travel other than to follow the guidance of public health authorities related to your destination area. 

♦ What can I do to help prevent the spread of germs?
According to the guidance provided by the Center for Disease Control and the Ohio Department of Health, the most important thing our community can be doing at this time is to practice simple strategies to prevent the spread of germs: 

  • Wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds.
  • Clean surfaces such as door knobs, remote controls, cell phones frequently.
  • Do not touch your eyes, nose, and mouth with your bare hands.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, then throw the tissue away.
  • Stay away from people who are sick.    
  • If you are ill or become ill, stay at home.  

♦ I’m a member of the Walsh community and I feel unwell.  What should I do?
Contact a medical professional for advice. Please do not come to work or class while ill and avoid close contact with others. Unless you have traveled to a Level 3 country or have been exposed to someone who visited a Level 3 country who is feeling sick with symptoms of COVID-19, you most likely have a cold, the flu or another virus. 

♦ I am a member of the Walsh community and am feeling overwhelmed by the news and information regarding COVID-19.  What Should I do? 
Students should contact Walsh University Counseling Services (David Campus Center) at 330-490-7348.  If you are feeling ill, please contact Health Services (Cecchini Center) at 330-490-7030.     

♦ Will Walsh University continue Global Learning Experiences in the coming months? 
Walsh University Global Learning experiences are canceled through August 2020.

♦ Will Walsh University still host large gatherings? 
No. Per state and federal regulations, Walsh University has canceled all events including Holy Mass. 

♦ What is the University’s Plan should the COVID-19 spread impact campus? 
Our COVID-19 Planning and Response Team is meeting consistently to address COVID-19 issues and refine our existing plans related to the disruption of University operations in the event that COVID-19 impacts the day-to-day business of the institution. In the event that classes must be cancelled for a significant amount of time, we will proactively communicate plans related to alternative methods of continuing class work, including the online delivery of classes, and other issues that require attention. 

♦ How will information be shared with the campus community?
The University will send out update notices to the campus as necessary.  For detailed information on the Coronavirus and the University response, visit: https://www.walsh.edu/coronavirus.html  

Questions?  Please contact: 

Walsh Parents/Families/Students:
Dr. Douglas Palmer, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, 330-490-7123
Bryan Badar, AVP for Student Affairs/Dean of Students, 330-490-7301 
Walsh University Employees:
Frank McKnight, Director of Human Resources, 330-490-7226 
Media Inquiries:
Andrea McCaffrey, Director of University Relations, 330-490-7296 

The Facts about Coronavirus (COVID-19)

There are 4 coronaviruses that normally circulate in human populations and cause mild respiratory illness, along with 3 coronaviruses originating in animal populations that cause more severe disease (SARS, MERS, and COVID-19). The 2019 novel strain causing the current outbreak is a new one and has a more severe impact in terms of respiratory illness; initial symptoms include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. The CDC is still studying how the virus is transmitted, though at this point it is believed to spread via respiratory droplets (like the flu). Children, adolescents, and healthy adults are not considered to be at increased risk for severe illness of COVID 19; older adults and those with underlying medical conditions are more likely to require hospitalization. 

Additional Resources:

University Updates will be available online at:   https://www.walsh.edu/coronavirus.html