October 14, 2020
EMERGENCY FINANCIAL AID GRANTS TO STUDENTS UNDER THE CORONAVIRUS AID, RELIEF, AND ECONOMIC SECURITY (CARES) ACTView complete reporting details here.
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)
- 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 - 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
- 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
- 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.
- This 55-page “Return to Campus Guidebook” has been reviewed by Aultman Medical … one of our local medical systems
- There are adjustments made throughout the campus to ensure the safety and well-being of every community member
- The Residence Halls will re-open in August with double and single-person rooms … no triples
- 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
- 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.
- 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”
- Walsh University remains committed to our mission of building leaders in service to others … these are our leaders of tomorrow
- 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
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.
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
Commencement 2020 Update
March 23, 2020
Dear Cav Nation,
These are times of increasing uncertainty as COVID-19 continues its rampage around the world.
As we move into the next phase of dealing with this invisible enemy and understanding that family plans and travel arrangements await revision, we have made the decision to cancel our April 2020 commencement ceremony.
It is our intention to print and mail the commencement programs to all of the graduates as we honor their achievements.
Additionally, we extend to each of our newly minted graduates the opportunity to return for any future commencement ceremony so we may honor you personally … yet another service our Alumni Office is thrilled to provide our newest alumni!
Plan now … at Homecoming Weekend 2025 we will celebrate the Class of 2020 with a special “commencement ceremony you never had” celebration in honor of your five-year anniversary.
Yes, a ceremony is wonderful to have … but your commitment to complete the degree despite all of the ups and downs along the way is what will carry you forward in pursuit of your life’s purpose.
Our prayers go with this class as they take their place, with more than 15,000 Walsh University alumni worldwide, in service to others.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help – pray for us in this time of great need.
Warmly, Tim
“Remember the past with gratitude. Live the present with enthusiasm. Look forward to the future with confidence.” – St. Pope John Paul II
Dr. Tim Collins
President
Walsh University
Faculty & Staff to Begin Working Remotely March 19
Updated March 17, 2020
Dear Cav Nation,
We have made great progress this week carrying out President Trump’s and Governor DeWine’s COVID-19 guidance – broadly and expeditiously.
Thank you so much!
As you know, our University Cabinet has been reflecting for the past week and rolling out our strategy to ensure student success and ensuring the well-being of every person as we reduce the on-campus population.
The extensive list of actions announced last Friday evening have been fully implemented.
Our on-campus population has been decreasing every day since Saturday … awesome! … and we should do more.
Our University Vice Presidents will be advising you directly on additional preparations as we work towards Noontime, Thursday, March 19, 2020, for most of the remaining folks to transition to working from home.
Buildings across the campus will be closed at Noon on Thursday with the exception of Farrell Hall and certain areas of the David Center such as the dining hall.
Labs will be by appointment only.
All other activities will be handled remotely with the exception of the efforts of a few essential employees to take care of those few students remaining on campus.
Finally, our on-campus security has been increased to offset the declining population to ensure our environment and property remains safe and secure.
Beginning tomorrow, our students will be added to the “Walsh Wire” distribution list as we use this weekly bulletin for the latest news and information.
Additionally, information will be updated on the Coronavirus webpage.
All of us should continue to stay connected with our email, extensive use of social media, and other technology tools at our disposal.
Though we are not all physically present on campus in large numbers, your University remains open.
Further, our colleagues and our students are devoted as ever to serving Cav Nation, performing our shared mission, meeting our leadership obligations, fulfilling our civic duty, and trusting in God.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help – pray for us and America.
Warmly, Tim
Remote Learning Extended through Spring Semester, Students to Move Out of Residence Halls
Updated March 13, 2020
Dear Cav Nation,
Walsh University is committed to our students’ success and to the health and well-being of everyone in our community.
We continue to pray for and reflect upon the safety and health of our campus community as we determine what is in the best interest of the common good, our institution, and our people in all of our decision-making.
In matter of days, the situation surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic is unfolding at a rapid pace. This afternoon President Trump declared a national emergency related to the COVID-19 and the experts anticipate a skyrocketing of exposure across the country peaking-out sometime this spring.
As we consider that risk, we have examined every aspect of university operations. In the best interest of our university and local community, we are taking the following actions.
Athletics
The Great Midwest Atlantic Conference (GMAC) has canceled all spring athletics competition and championships. For the safety and well-being of our students, Walsh is discontinuing all team-related activities, including practices, for the remainder of the semester.
Campus Events and Activities
All student life and student/club organization programming events are canceled for the remainder of the semester.
Employees
Effective immediately, all supervisors will establish adjustments in individual work schedules to maximize the use of flextime and telework options to ensure university operations continue uninterrupted with a reduced presence of employees on campus. All proposed adjustments will be approved by a Vice President prior to implementation.
Health Risks
Anyone feeling the effects of the COVID-19 symptoms must seek medical attention prior to returning to campus.
Global Learning Trips
All global learning trips through August 31, 2020 are canceled.
Instructional Format
We will maintain our online/remote modalities of learning for all coursework for the remainder of the semester. We will not return to face-to-face classroom instruction for the remainder of the semester.
Practicums and Clinicals
Practicums, clinicals and labs in graduate programs (PT, OT, and CHD) will continue with some modifications. The respective program directors will provide guidance to the graduate students.
The Herttna Center will close to outside clients. The Vice President for Academic Affairs will establish the closing time as soon as possible and no later than close of business, Tuesday, March 17, 2020.
Nursing graduate students may continue as permitted to their assigned clinical sites.
Recreational Facilities
All recreational facilities are closed for the remainder of the semester. All intramural sports activities and fitness classes are canceled.
Residence Halls
All on-campus housing will close at Noon, Tuesday, March 17, 2020.
We need our students living on-campus to begin preparations this weekend and check-out of the residence halls on Monday but no later than Noon, Tuesday, March 17, 2020.
We know there are extenuating circumstances which may prevent a student from departing by Tuesday and we are prepared to help find solutions that meet their needs. Students who have extenuating and significant travel restrictions, employment or special circumstances need to complete a request form that will be provided by Residence Life via email. If you have questions, please contact Bianca Hicks, Director of Residence Life.
The residence halls and key access will end at Noon on Tuesday, March 17, 2020, except for those with an approved exception for residence. Limited dining services will remain available to students who remain in the residence halls after March 17, 2020.
Room and Board Rebates
As a result of the closure of undergraduate residential housing, Walsh University will pro-rate room and board charges, where applicable. Expect a separate message related to this before the end of the semester as this will be a unique adjustment for each individual student.
Spring Commencement
It is our intention to conduct a commencement ceremony honoring those completing their studies. If Governor DeWine (Ohio) has not lifted the ban of mass gatherings by Monday, April 6, 2020, then Walsh will postpone our April 26, 2020 spring commencement activities. Please expect a separate message related to commencement.
Tim’s Final Thoughts
The university leadership team shares the community’s concern with the events which led to these difficult decisions and recognizes we must think and act in a manner that contributes to our success with our mission without compromising our academic standards.
The days ahead may be dark and stormy … always necessary before a rainbow. We must keep faith in each other and in Our Lord to carry us through the storm.
Many thanks to each of you for great flexibility, gentle patience, and kind understanding.
May God bless and protect Cav Nation in the difficult days ahead.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help - pray for us.
Warmly, Tim
Dr. Tim Collins
President
Walsh University
GREAT MIDWEST ATHLETIC CONFERENCE ANNOUNCEMENT
- UPDATED MARCH 13
On Friday, March 13, the Great Midwest Athletic Conference provided an official announcement regarding the status of remaining spring athletics competition and championship sport offerings for the remainder of the 2019-20 academic year.
Effective immediately, the Great Midwest has canceled all spring athletics competition and championships. All team-related activities are suspended through April 6, 2020. Following that date, institutions will review and implement team-related activities at their discretion as permitted by NCAA legislation.
The Great Midwest Presidents Council provided a unanimous decision in light of the impact of COVID-19. The legislative actions were taken and conducted in the best interest of protecting the student-athletes and the entirety of the campus communities.
Conference and institutional administrators will continue to monitor developments and work with the NCAA to ensure the best interests of Great Midwest student-athletes and member institutions are met moving forward.
TRAVEL NOTICE FOR WALSH UNIVERSITY
- UPDATED MARCH 12
Effective March 10, 2020, Walsh University discourages domestic or international travel that is non-essential and could reasonably be postponed, cancelled, or handled through other means (e.g., video conference, etc.). A Vice President must have reviewed and approved the request after March 10th.
These measures are effective and apply to all university-funded travel (including professional conferences) scheduled to begin prior to July 15, 2020.
MESSAGE FROM WALSH UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT DR. TIM COLLINS
- UPDATED MARCH 10
Dear CAV NATION,
At 2 p.m. today, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine made some sweeping recommendations in response to the spread of COVID-19. Some of his recommendations were directed at colleges and universities in the State of Ohio.
After extensive discussions with university leadership and our colleagues in higher education across Ohio, Walsh University will join with other colleges and universities and adopt his recommendations.
Bottomline Up Front: Effective immediately, we are suspending the in-person, face-to-face modality of instruction through and including Friday, March 27.
Game plan for the rest of this week:
- Wednesday (March 11) and Thursday (March 12): (All and only) in-person, face-to-face classes are suspended for two days to give Cav Nation the time necessary to prepare for a transition to online and remote learning.
- Friday (March 13): All classes will resume either online or remotely.
Additionally, effective Wednesday, March 11 through Friday, March 27:
- The University will remain open. Cav Nation employees will report, as usual, for work.
- All residential halls, dining services, student services, club and intramural activities will remain open and active for Cav Nation students.
- Cav Nation faculty will be available, as usual, for on-campus advising and assistance.
- All public campus events are canceled, including Holy Mass.
- All athletic practices and contests will continue following NCAA and G-MAC guidelines. Indoor athletic contests are closed to any spectators.
Students will be provided additional information and announcements regarding class instruction from their individual instructors through the Walsh University email system.
If any student does not receive an email by Thursday afternoon, March 12, with information regarding the new format for his/her classes, please contact the respective academic school/division or the Office of the Provost.
These are difficult times as we are dealing with a large amount of uncertainty. We remain committed to doing what is best for the common good and our university community. Each of us has an individual responsibility to help contain the virus as well as contribute to making a difficult situation better for all of us.
Many thanks for all you will do in the coming weeks to advance our mission.
Warmly, Tim
For continued updates, visit www.walsh.edu/coronavirus.