A Message from President Collins

June 23, 2020

Cav Nation! 

I hope this note finds all of you well and healthy! 

It is a dynamic time for our country and our community. 

I thought today I would offer you a few highlights for your consideration. 

A few notes on our new 8-week terms (Fall 1, Fall 2, Spring 1, Spring 2, Summer 1, and Summer 2 – groupings of Fall and Spring still referred to as a “semester” for financial aid purposes) 

1. With the 8-week terms, our students will concentrate on few classes for a shorter period of time
   For example, if a student is scheduled for 5 classes this fall, they might take three classes in Fall 1 and two classes in Fall 2 … at the end of December they will have completed all five courses
2. Our graduate programs have already been on 8-week terms … so this aligns us as one University with a single calendar allowing for greater focus, and more time for project work, meetings, internships, athletic training, and experiential learning
3. Students will be provided a draft class schedule in July to review. They will NOT need to re-register for classes. Adjustments can be made online with consultation with their advisor
4. The revised academic calendar is complete and at the Walsh website through year 2024 

We established Task Force Lazarus to develop our plan and procedures for reawaking the campus. 

1. This 55-page “Return to Campus Guidebook” has been reviewed by Aultman Medical … one of our local medical systems
2. There are adjustments made throughout the campus to ensure the safety and well-being of every community member
3. The Residence Halls will re-open in August with double and single-person rooms … no triples
4. Aultman Medical will be back on campus in August to review all of our projects and protocols and advise of any adjustments prior to the students returning
5. The guidebook will be made available to CAV NATION on July 2 followed by a guided walk through of the protocols given by the Task Force via Zoom with a Cav Call on July 8 at 7 p.m. 

Finally, we find ourselves in the midst of a national conversation on racism, policing, and US history. 

1. Walsh University remains committed to ensuring every member of our community is treated with dignity and respect … acting with charity while ensuring that “all voices are heard”
2. Walsh University remains committed to our mission of building leaders in service to others … these are our leaders of tomorrow
3. Walsh University remains committed to the liberal arts … teaching our students how think critically, ask questions, weigh options, and make choices … all in the search for truth and the common good 

Please let me know what I can do or answer for you … anytime!

Our Lady of Perpetual Help – pray for our nation and our university in this time of great need.  

Swords Up!  -Tim 

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.

View an archive past coronavirus-related communications to the Walsh University community here. 

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: 

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:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/index.html  

• Ohio Department of Health: https://odh.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/odh/know-our-programs/Novel-Coronavirus/Resources-for-the-Public/ 

• Stark County Health Department: https://www.starkcountyohio.gov/public-health/coronavirus-updates?ext=.  

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