Messages

• June 23, 2020: Message on Remote Learning Option from Provost Elisabeth Mermann-Jozwiak

  Dear Students,

  As President Bravman informed families in his June 5 message, Bucknell is planning to resume on-campus instruction for the fall 2020 semester beginning August 17. We know you are eager for additional information about fall planning, and we will be updating students and families with more information regarding Orientation, move-in and testing by June 30. 

  We understand that because of the global pandemic and your own personal circumstances, some of you will need to continue your Bucknell education remotely and will not be able to move to the Lewisburg area for the fall 2020 semester, whether due to travel restrictions, health or personal reasons. For those students, the majority of classes offered by the University will be available through remote instruction. Faculty are committed to developing and modifying courses with the intention to provide an education at the level students expect of Bucknell. By informing us now of your intentions, we will have adequate time to review your schedule and to work with you to make any necessary adjustments to accommodate your remote instruction.

  As you consider what will best suit your circumstances, please know that you will still be able to engage in many elements of the Bucknell experience if you choose the remote fall option. You will continue to have access to:

  • Your adviser, TAs, lab instructors, academic associate deans and library resources.
  • Instructional support, including the Teaching & Learning Center, Writing Center and other academic support services.
  • Technical support from Library & Information Technology.
  • Counseling & Student Development Center consultation via Telehealth.
  • Bucknell Student Health, including the University nutritionist.
  • Title IX resources. 
  • Accessibility resources.
  • Bias incident reporting.
  • Diversity, equity & inclusion offices and resources.
  • Clubs and organizations and University activities, via virtual programming.
  • Center for Career Advancement support and resources.
  • Student support from all University offices.

  Please know that if you choose the fall remote learning option, the following terms will apply:

  • You will not be able to return to Bucknell to visit during the fall 2020 semester, as the University will limit visitors to campus. Students who violate this policy will be cited through the Student Code of Conduct.
  • You will not be charged for room and board if you are not in residence on the Bucknell campus. Note that you will forfeit your fall housing assignment. 
  • If you receive financial aid, your financial aid package will be reviewed and may be adjusted proportionally if you are not charged for room and board. For questions related to financial aid, please call 570-577-1331 or email finaid@bucknell.edu.
  • If you elect to participate in your academic program exclusively through remote instruction, please be aware that tuition for this academic year will not be adjusted based on the method of instruction. If you have additional billing questions, please contact Bursar Services at 570-577-3733 or email bursar@bucknell.edu.
  • The remote option pertains to the fall 2020 semester only. When you return to campus for spring 2021, you will receive a new housing assignment. 

  We hope that the fall remote learning option provides an alternative for students in situations that preclude in-person attendance in fall semester. If you choose to remain away from campus and take classes remotely this fall, you must notify the University by submitting this form no later than July 1. If you do not complete this form, we expect that you will return to Bucknell and engage in a residential learning experience.  

  The fall semester will be nothing like any of us have experienced before, but I can assure you that we are working very hard to plan a semester that will provide the high-quality Bucknell experience to which you are accustomed. Thank you for working with us to deliver the best possible outcome as we prepare for the months ahead.

  Sincerely,

  Elisabeth Mermann-Jozwiak, Ph.D.
  Provost

  For questions about fall 2020 academics, please contact the associate dean from your college as listed below.

  For majors in the College of Arts & Sciences, contact: 

  First- and second-year students:
  Lynn Breyfogle, Associate Dean 
  lynn.breyfogle@bucknell.edu
  570-577-3293

  Juniors and seniors:

  Rich Robbins, Associate Dean 
  rich.robbins@bucknell.edu
  570-577-3293

  For majors in the College of Engineering, contact either:

  Terri Norton, Associate Dean 
  570-577-1800
  trn005@bucknell.edu

  or

  Liz Clark, Administrative Assistant
  570-577-3705
  liz.clark@bucknell.edu

  For majors in the Freeman College of Management, contact either:

  Ivy Kepner, Associate Dean 
  570-577-2762
  ivy.kepner@bucknell.edu

  or

  Leslie Velz, Academic Support Specialist
  570-577-1512
  leslie.velz@bucknell.edu

   

• June 9, 2020: Message on Employee Safety Procedures for Green Phase Operations

  Dear Faculty and Staff,

  On June 5, Governor Wolf announced that this Friday, June 12, Union County will move to the Green Phase in the Process to Reopen Pennsylvania. This good news reflects a downward trend in the number of newly reported COVID-19 cases in Union County over the past two weeks and an increase in the availability of hospital beds.

  We are mindful, however, that the risk to public health from COVID-19 remains, and we must proceed cautiously as Bucknell begins the transition to a new work and learning environment in the midst of a global pandemic. Your cooperation in implementing the steps below in the transition to the Green Phase will be essential.

  Continued Focus on Remote Work
  Even in the Green Phase, the Commonwealth Plan strongly encourages faculty and staff who can continue to feasibly do their work from home to do so. While many of you are anxious to return to your office to resume normal operations, we appreciate your cooperation to continue to work remotely if you can.

  Supervisors have been asked to consider whether faculty or staff who have been working remotely since the governor’s original order on March 12 can feasibly continue their remote work if they haven’t already been approved to return. If you cannot feasibly continue to perform your normal work remotely, please work with your supervisor to secure approval for your return to on-campus work. Once approved to return to work on campus, faculty and staff will be required to complete a short online training module to facilitate your safe return.

  Safety Protocols on Campus
  Based on requirements of the Commonwealth and recognizing that individuals can and should exercise individual responsibility to limit the spread of the disease, all individuals who are working on or visiting campus will continue to be required to comply with the following protocols:

  • Until further notice, face masks must be worn to cover the mouth and nose when in the presence of others when maintaining a six-foot distance is not possible. While there are exceptions to the general policy, including exceptions for individuals with a medical condition that prevents wearing a mask or individuals who work in situations where wearing masks may create a hazard, this expectation is an important component of the University plan to protect the campus.
  • Individuals must remain at least six feet away from anyone who is not a member of their household. This expectation for social distancing applies both indoors as well as outdoors and is the best strategy to limit the transmission of the virus.
  • Whenever possible, meetings should continue to take advantage of remote platforms like Zoom to limit in-person exposure.
  • Employees and visitors should continue to engage in good handwashing practices, use hand sanitizer when handwashing is not possible, and avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

  Reopening of Certain Business Operations
  Moving to the Green Phase allows the University to resume operations in several buildings and facilities that have been closed since March 12, including indoor recreation, health and wellness facilities. Once Union County is moved to the Green Phase, I will coordinate with managers of individual units, including the KLARC, Barnes & Noble Bookstore, the Samek Gallery and the Office of Admissions to develop specific plans for re-opening these operations safely and in accordance with all appropriate health and regulatory guidance. In order to authorize re-opening of these facilities and operations, specific plans will be required to address:

  • Access and use of facilities to maintain social distancing and density limitations.
  • Adherence to masking and social distancing expectations for building users.
  • Daily housekeeping plans.

  Each of these operations presents unique concerns, and specialized plans will be required before employees will be approved to return to operate the facilities and access by users will be permitted. Official dates for the re-opening of these operations will be announced in the future as plans are approved for their safe operations.

  No Change to Available Dining Services on Campus
  Although the move to the Green Phase specifically allows for the re-opening of restaurants at reduced capacity, Bucknell and Parkhurst Dining will not re-open any dining services on campus until the fall semester begins. Individuals who will return to work on campus should plan accordingly by bringing meals from home or ordering food from local restaurants.

  We continue to closely monitor and maintain contact with state and local public health officials as Pennsylvania continues to roll out its phased plan to reopen the state. However, please note that the situation continues to evolve as new guidelines and requirements are put in place.

  If you have any concerns with issues related to personal health and safety, please contact me to discuss how we might develop strategies, resources and tools. I can be reached at gar017@bucknell.edu.

  Thank you for your partnership and continued support as we continue to address the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

  Sincerely,

  Gregg Rokavec
  Pandemic Safety Officer
  Interim Director Risk Management/Environmental Health & Safety

   

• June 5, 2020: Fall Calendar Update from President John Bravman

  Dear Members of the Bucknell Community,

  As I noted in my email last week and as was shared in today’s faculty/staff town hall, our goal is to implement a full academic year of on-campus instruction beginning this fall. In recent weeks, several teams have been exploring the range of challenges and implications that Bucknell could face in August, including the possibilities of remote learning and hybrid modalities. I write today with important information regarding the Fall Academic Calendar.

  After considering feedback from faculty and staff, and after iterative consultations with the Emergency Response Team, the Academic Response Team and the Committee on Instruction, our best option is to begin our fall semester on Monday, August 17, a week earlier than originally planned. Fall break will be eliminated this year, and classes will end on Friday, November 20. Remote finals will begin on Monday, November 30, and end on Monday, December 7, with grades likely due by December 14. January graduation will remain as planned on Thursday, January 14, 2021.

  The adjusted calendar, validated by the Registrar’s office as conforming with state and federal requirements, aligns with our ongoing decision-making process designed to offer as many of the academic and residential hallmarks of the Bucknell experience as are prudently possible. While two other calendar options, comprising August 10 and August 24 start dates were considered, August 17 offers us the best option to help protect the health and safety of the campus community.

  Starting early, eliminating fall break and the reading period, and conducting final exams remotely also offers us the greatest flexibility as we consider that changing events and health and safety issues could necessitate a return to remote instruction. It also lowers the possibility of students and members of our campus community becoming infected during breaks and then spreading the virus upon their return. We hope that the establishment of a start date will allow new members of our campus community to more effectively plan their transition to Bucknell, including both our entering students and our new faculty colleagues.

  The Fall Planning teams continue to work on details regarding how this new schedule will affect the classroom experience and other key campus functions. Moodle courses for all Fall 2020 semester courses in Banner will be available to faculty this afternoon. Information regarding move-in dates, New Student Orientation and residential living will be forthcoming in the weeks ahead.

  While setting a date is only among the first steps in our path toward a fall opening, this decision is an important one for all of our planning. We will share details about our reopening plans as they become available in the weeks ahead. However, we must acknowledge that the continued spread of COVID-19 will remain unpredictable for many months and that plans will be subject to change based on circumstances.

  I urge you to continue to visit the Fall Planning website for details (login required). If you have suggestions or ideas for the Fall Planning teams to consider, please send your thoughts to fallplanning@bucknell.edu.

  Just know that we are in this together, and as Bucknellians, we will get through this together. Thank you for your dedication and understanding as we navigate this ongoing crisis.

  Sincerely,

  John C. Bravman
  President

   

• June 4, 2020: Message on Commencement from President John Bravman

  Dear Class of 2020, 

  It is with a heavy heart that I share the news that we must again postpone Commencement, which had been rescheduled from the original date of May 17 to July 19. While we had hoped to welcome you back to campus next month to celebrate your accomplishments, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic prevents us from safely gathering together. 

  I know this announcement is deeply disappointing to you and your families. Over the past month, University administrators made exhaustive efforts to avoid this unwanted outcome. The Commencement Committee explored several alternative scenarios that would have possibly allowed us to honor you here on campus; however, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has prohibited all gatherings of more than 250 people for the duration of the statewide reopening process. With no assurances that this directive will be lifted by mid-July, coupled with restrictions that limit capacities for lodging and event spaces, we made the exceedingly difficult decision to cancel our in-person celebration. Refunds will be processed in the coming weeks for those who purchased meals and on-campus housing for the July 17-19 weekend.

  I fully understand that this news may heighten the already significant sense of loss you have experienced. There is no replacing our traditional Commencement ceremony, but we plan to herald you and your achievements in a new way this summer. On July 19, we will unveil a special video celebration of your accomplishments that aims to capture the spirit of the event and convey our pride in the Class of 2020. In the weeks ahead, we will send you a link and viewing information that you can share with family and friends.

  We remain committed to reuniting the Class of 2020 for an in-person Commencement on campus in spring 2021 as promised. When the current crisis subsides and it is deemed safe to resume large, in-person gatherings and events under the advisement of government and public health authorities, we will share the new date and details. Ideally, this event would take place the weekend in between Commencement for the Class of 2021 and Reunion 2021, subject to changes in the academic calendar. Your input is important as we design the 2021 celebration. Please send your ideas to us at commencement@bucknell.edu.

  Finally, each of you will soon receive a package filled with special items to commemorate your graduation from Bucknell. I hope you will accept this gesture as a symbol of our congratulations and pride — not only for earning your new college degree, but also for completing your senior year under difficult circumstances and moving forward with grace. 

  On behalf of all Bucknell faculty and staff, we look forward to welcoming you back to campus in 2021. 

  Sincerely,
  
  John C. Bravman
  President

   

• May 26, 2020: Message to Employees on Fall Semester Planning from President John Bravman

  Dear Colleagues, 

  With a challenging and turbulent spring semester now behind us, I can’t thank you enough for your resilience and the ways you adapted so positively and patiently to these difficult circumstances. Thank you. Our students’ education, and the health and safety of our entire campus community, remain the University’s highest priorities.

  Our goal is to resume residential education in August. What we do best requires this, and delivers most fully on the Bucknell promise. At the same time, we also need to consider that the continued spread of COVID-19 will remain unpredictable for many months, and perhaps even longer. As we navigate this unprecedented public health crisis, our plans will be subject to change based on circumstances. 

  Flexibility for fall
  To explore various contingencies for fall semester, I have established several teams composed of faculty, staff and administrators to prepare as fully as possible to address the range of challenges and implications that Bucknell could face in August. At this stage, we plan to offer as many of the academic and residential hallmarks of the Bucknell experience as are prudent. 

  While we are planning a full academic year of on-campus instruction beginning this fall, we are also preparing possible adjustments to our academic calendar as well as delivery options for teaching and learning. As we move forward, our priority is protecting the health and safety of all members of our campus community by enhancing the University’s capacity and ability to manage COVID-19 challenges. This includes reviewing areas such as the modality of education, student housing and dining, while keeping firmly in mind the need to guard the health and well-being of all members of our campus and local communities. 

  To that end, we are working through scenarios that allow for flexibility and adjustments to teaching and social life on campus, subject to government and public health guidance and/or mandates.This will include developing protocols for testing, contact tracing, isolation and quarantining; social distancing; and the use of masks and other protective apparel. I expect to share our reopening plans by June 30, based on the recommendations of the teams and the Board of Trustees. 

  Staying informed
  In order to make prudent and informed decisions, we need to consider the most current information available amidst enormous uncertainty. I understand that you want to know what to expect, so in the coming weeks and months, we will continue to provide timely updates as plans take shape. In the meantime, we have expanded the focus and membership of the Emergency Response Team, and have created a blog that outlines the various areas we will be focusing on in the coming weeks. If you have suggestions or ideas, please send your thoughts to fallplanning@bucknell.edu.

  Although we are unsure what form the next academic year will take, it will almost certainly look and feel different. We may be required to continue wearing masks. We may be asked to limit our points of exposure on campus. We may need to consider limits on gatherings, and the impact on class sizes and interactions with students and colleagues. We may have a hybrid model of in-person and electronically mediated instruction and advising. It may not be the Bucknell experience that you are familiar with. It will be something new and, for the near future, will continue to evolve. 

  We are all going to play a role in those efforts so that we can deliver an excellent Bucknell education and stay committed to the health and well-being of our students and colleagues. Whatever the fall semester looks like, I know that the resilient and caring spirit of the Bucknell community will remain strong. Thank you for your continued dedication to our students.

  All my best,

  John C. Bravman
  President

   

   

• May 26, 2020: Message to Students on Fall Semester Planning from President John Bravman

  Dear Students,

  With a challenging and turbulent spring semester now behind us, I can’t say enough about your resilience, and the way you have adapted so positively and patiently to these difficult circumstances. Thank you. Your education, and the health and safety of our entire campus community, remain the University’s highest priorities.

  At this point, we fully intend on resuming residential education in August. We want you learning, here. At the same time, we also need to consider that the continued spread of COVID-19 will remain unpredictable for many months. Like other colleges and universities that are also navigating this unprecedented public health crisis, our plans will ultimately be subject to change based on circumstances beyond our control.

  Flexibility for fall
  To explore various contingencies for fall semester, I established several teams comprising faculty, staff and administrators to prepare for the range of challenges and implications that Bucknell could face in August. And as you know, Bucknell Student Government has also established a Student Advisory Group. At this stage, our goal is to offer as many of the academic and residential hallmarks of the Bucknell experience as are prudently possible. 

  While we are planning a full academic year of on-campus instruction beginning this fall, we are also preparing possible adjustments to our academic calendar as well as delivery options for teaching and learning. As we move forward, our priority is protecting the health and safety of all members of our campus community by enhancing the University’s capacity and ability to manage COVID-19 challenges. This includes the areas of student housing, dining and student health. 

  To that end, we are working through scenarios that allow for flexibility and adjustments to teaching and social life on campus, in accordance with government and public health guidance and/or mandates.This will include developing protocols for testing, contact tracing, isolation and quarantining; social distancing; and the use of masks and other protective apparel. 

  Staying informed
  In order to make prudent and informed decisions, we need to consider the most current information available amidst enormous uncertainty. I understand that you and your families want to know what to expect, so in the coming weeks and months I will continue to provide timely updates as plans take shape. I expect to share our reopening plans by no later than June 30, based on the recommendations of the teams and the guidance or mandates of state and local government. In the meantime, I encourage you to visit the COVID-19 updates website for information. 

  Looking ahead
  Although we are unsure what form the next academic year will take, it will almost certainly look and feel somewhat different. You may be required to continue to wear a mask. You may be asked to undergo temperature checks. You may need to adjust to limitations on gatherings and the impact on class sizes and interactions with your peers, faculty and staff. You may experience a hybrid model of in-person and electronically mediated instruction and advising. It may not be the Bucknell experience that you are familiar with. It will be something new and, for the near future, will continue to evolve. 

  I appreciate your patience as we identify and prepare to respond to a range of new demands. We are all going to have to play a role in those efforts so that we not only keep ourselves safe but also ensure that our friends, faculty and staff remain healthy as well. Whatever the fall semester looks like, I know that the resilient and caring spirit of the Bucknell community will remain strong. Thank you for your continued dedication.

  Sincerely,

  John Bravman
  President

   

• April 26, 2020: Update on 2020-21 Tuition Cost from President John Bravman

  Dear Students,

  As we continue to address the challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic has forced upon us, one of its most difficult aspects is the broad range of uncertainties it presents. Those uncertainties come into focus sharply at this time of the year as we come to the end of the spring semester and begin preparations to welcome you back this fall. 

  Like many other colleges and universities, Bucknell has been affected financially by the pandemic, and we’ve already taken a range of steps to control our costs. We are also keenly aware of the financial impact COVID-19 on you and your family. 

  In order to offer some relief during these very challenging times, Bucknell will reset tuition for the 2020-21 academic year by canceling the 3.5% tuition increase announced in February. This applies to all new and continuing students. We hope that this will help you complete your degree while you continue to enjoy all of the benefits of a Bucknell education. Please note that this rollback applies to tuition; room and board will remain at their announced levels.

  As in past years, billing statements for the fall 2020 semester will be posted in students’ myBucknell B-bill section on or around July 15, 2020. Students who have applied for financial aid will be alerted of their aid status by email on or around June 15. Any questions related to financial aid should be sent via email to financialaid@bucknell.edu. Please visit the Tuition, Fees & Financial Aid webpage for details. 

  We remain committed to you and to your success at Bucknell. I thank you for your continued support during these extraordinary circumstances, and I look forward to the day when I can welcome you back to campus in person.

  Sincerely,

  John C. Bravman
  President 

   

• April 22, 2020: Message on New Mask Requirement for Students on Campus from Amy Badal, Dean of Students

  Dear Students,

  Under an order announced by the Pennsylvania Secretary of Health, new requirements  regarding protections for critical workers at essential and life-sustaining organizations have been put in place for in-person operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

  For Bucknell, this means that all students who reside in University housing must wear a mask when accessing University services in campus buildings. This will include all areas of the ELC and the library 24-hour space. Masks will not be required in the residence halls. Students should also be aware that they will also be required to wear a mask if they go to area businesses, such as supermarkets or pharmacies.

  If you are unable to obtain your own mask, Student Health will have a limited number of masks available. Please call 570-577-1401 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to make arrangements for mask pickup. Do not go directly to Student Health. 

  For additional guidance on masking, please visit the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Responding to COVID-19 Guidelines website.

  Thank you for your continued cooperation, and please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions about this new policy. As we have new information, we will share it with you as soon as possible.

  Sincerely,

  Dean Badal

   

• April 22, 2020: Message on New State Protection Requirements from President John Bravman

  Dear Colleagues,

  Under an order announced by the Pennsylvania Secretary of Health, new requirements regarding protections for employees engaged in life-sustaining activities have been put in place for in-person operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

  For Bucknell, this means that all employees who continue to work on campus in life-sustaining operations and all those who visit campus premises will need to wear masks. Employees engaged in life-sustaining operations should work with their supervisors to secure a mask. Employees can also call 577-3113 or 577-3114 or contact the warehouse supervisor at 570-768-1476 to make arrangements to pick up a mask in the facilities warehouse, located at 1245 River Road, during business hours, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Employees can secure their own mask as well. 

  For additional guidance on masking, visit the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Responding to COVID-19 website and FAQs and the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) guidance on how to wear a cloth face covering.

  Among the range of additional requirements, the new order also requires organizations to implement new response protocols if an employee has been exposed to a person who is a probable or confirmed case of COVID-19. Bucknell has developed a policy to guide reporting, which includes some of the following steps:

  • Employees who have symptoms (i.e., fever, cough or shortness of breath) must notify Human Resources (Danielle Kraus, 570-577-1710 or dkraus@bucknell.edu; or Kelley Adams-Verge, 570-577-1340 or kaav001@bucknell.edu) and stay home.  
  • Human Resources will notify the employee’s supervisor and others in accordance with CDC-recommended guidelines.
  • Sick employees should follow CDC-recommended steps and not return to work until CDC criteria to discontinue home isolation are met.
  • Employees who have tested positive must contact Human Resources for guidance.
  • Following CDC guidelines, Human Resources will also work on identifying others with whom the employee might have had contact. 
  • For more details, please refer to Bucknell’s Policy on COVID-19 Reporting and Protective Equipment.

  In order to prevent further spread of COVID-19, students who have permission to remain on campus will also be required to wear masks when accessing University services in a campus building, including all areas of the ELC and the library’s 24-hour study space. Masks will not be required in the residence halls. A limited number of masks will be made available through Student Health. Students should call 570-577-1401 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to make arrangements for mask pickup. They should not go directly to Student Health. 

  We thank you for your continued partnership as we navigate these unprecedented times together. As we have new information, we will share it with you as soon as possible.

  Sincerely,

  John C. Bravman
  President

   

• April 1, 2020: Message on Governor’s Extended Order from President John Bravman

  Dear Colleagues, 
  
  As I’m sure you are aware, Governor Wolf has ordered all residents of Pennsylvania to remain in their homes for the next 30 days, until April 30, 2020. It is an extension of the governor’s March 19 order, which directed the closing of all physical locations of “non-life-sustaining business” in the Commonwealth.  
  
  Currently, the vast majority of Bucknell’s on-campus operations have closed, and most faculty and staff are performing their work remotely from home. This quick transition was not easy, and I remain so grateful to those who continue to perform life-sustaining activities on campus, especially those who are providing direct support to the fewer than 200 students who remain in campus housing.
  
  Today’s order is yet another measure to help slow the spread of COVID-19 and enable life-sustaining services to continue. While each member of our campus community should take seriously their personal responsibility to “stay at home,” there are several exceptions to the order that are relevant to Bucknell’s continued operation.
  
  First, faculty and staff who are engaged in life-sustaining activities on campus may continue those activities and travel to campus to do so. If you are unsure whether your activities are classified as “life sustaining,” please contact your supervisor for clarification. If you have been coming to campus for reasons unrelated to a life-sustaining activity, I encourage you to work with your supervisor to determine how you can comply with the order to remain at home while continuing to perform your valuable work.
  
  Second, many of you may still need to come to campus from time to time to collect materials or equipment that are needed to work from home. These short trips are not prohibited by the order, but I encourage you to be purposeful in those visits and to practice social distancing while on campus.
  
  Governor Wolf’s order very clearly acknowledges the need for us to continue tasks necessary to maintain the health and safety of our family or household members, or family members in another household. The order also makes provision for walks and regular exercise. 
  
  As I have said in previous emails, we all have a role to play in minimizing the risk of transmission of COVID-19 both on campus and at home. Please look out for yourselves and your families as we all do our part in flattening the curve. Thank you!

  My best,

  John

   

• April 1, 2020: Message on Governor’s Order to Stay in Residence from Dean Amy Badal

  Dear Students,

  Today the governor of Pennsylvania ordered all residents of the state to remain in their homes for the next 30 days until April 30, 2020. Students with permission to stay on campus will continue to be permitted to remain during this period of the “stay at home order,” but will be expected to follow the governor’s order recognizing their individual residence halls as their “home.” The common areas in your residence halls may also be considered part of your “home.”

  Based on the order, all students who continue to live on campus will remain in their individual residence halls with the following limited exceptions:

  1. You may leave your residence hall to obtain medicine or medical supplies or to access health care.
  2. You may leave your residence hall to get food, consumer products, and any supplies necessary to maintain safety and sanitation.
  3. You may still engage in outdoor activity such as walking, hiking or running so long as you maintain appropriate social distancing.

  The order does not prohibit travel back to a place of residence outside Pennsylvania. If you wish to return to your permanent residence, or relocate to the permanent residence of a friend or family member, Bucknell has resources available to help you if you are experiencing financial hardship. Please email deanofstudents@bucknell.edu with your request.

  I recognize that these new developments may be distressing. Emotional support remains available through the Counseling & Student Development Center. If needed, please call 570-577-1604 to arrange a conversation with a counselor. After-hours support is always available for urgent mental health needs. 

  During these times, staying connected will be more important than ever. Student Affairs has teamed up with other campus offices to develop a menu of virtual programs. I encourage you to stay in touch outside of the classroom by participating in these events. Every Sunday, we will send you a weekly calendar of programs. You can find more information here.

  Thank you for your cooperation with these new restrictions. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions. 

  Sincerely,

  Dean Badal

   

• April 1, 2020: Update on Suspected Student Cases from Medical Director Catherine O'Neil

  Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,

  As I shared with you on March 25, two Bucknell students had been tested for coronavirus (COVID-19) in the previous 24 hours. The University has just learned that the test results were negative. We are pleased to report that both students are doing well. 

  As the rapid spread of COVID-19 continues and testing becomes more widely available, Bucknell will not be announcing every suspected case related to campus. Please be assured that we will isolate and care for any student who has been permitted to remain on campus and is suspected to have COVID-19, and that we will contact all individuals who might have had close proximity to them. For up-to-date information about confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Pennsylvania, please visit this website.  

  I wish to thank everyone for their continued efforts to combat transmission of COVID-19. At the same time, I implore you to be even more careful about doing your part to keep our community safe during this critical period. The weeks ahead will determine the impact of the virus, and we must stay vigilant with social distancing and good hygiene to reduce potential transmission and flatten the curve. 

  If you suspect you may have COVID-19, it is important to act quickly. Students with permission to stay on campus who develop a fever and symptoms of respiratory illness, such as cough or difficulty breathing, should call ahead to Student Health at 570-577-1401. A staff member will ask them screening questions to determine whether testing is necessary. Do not go to Student Health. Employees experiencing these symptoms should contact their health-care provider and their Bucknell supervisor. 

  Please continue to visit bucknell.edu/COVID19 for detailed information and the latest updates.

  Sincerely,

  Catherine O’Neil M.D.
  Medical Director
  Bucknell Student Health

   

• March 30, 2020: Commencement Plan Update from President John Bravman

   

  Dear Seniors,

  Every year, one of my most anticipated moments is the honor and pleasure of presiding over Commencement ceremonies for our graduating class. I take great pride in joining you and your families in celebrating your achievements. But as we have all seen, the rapid spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) has changed nearly everything. It certainly has changed the way you are completing spring classes, and it has changed the way we celebrate Bucknell traditions. Commencement is one of those traditions. And so, after a great deal of deliberation, we have made the difficult but necessary decision to postpone our May 17 Commencement for the Class of 2020. 

  As I have also said in my previous emails, I will do everything I can to ensure that you and your families have the opportunity to celebrate together. And so I am happy to share that Commencement is now scheduled for the weekend of July 17-19, with the ceremony taking place at 9 a.m. on Sunday, July 19, conditions permitting. While no date will be ideal for everyone, we felt strongly that postponing rather than canceling this treasured tradition was the best solution, and I hope as many of you as possible will be able to participate.

  The escalation of COVID-19 transmission and related social restrictions create circumstances that are unpredictable, as we all have seen. While we are moving forward with plans to hold Commencement on July 19, we also must fully acknowledge that the threat of COVID-19 may continue into the summer months, rendering a July Commencement untenable. The University will continue to monitor the public health situation and make any adjustments to this new date no later than June 5. In the instance that we cannot hold our ceremony this summer, it is likely that we would have to move it to next spring. We all hope that this is not the case.

  We will share more information about Commencement weekend as details are finalized. Updates will be emailed to you and posted on the Commencement website. I encourage you to check that page often, as we will continue to add information about the schedule of events, on-campus housing and meal options, answers to frequently asked questions and much more. Please do not hesitate to contact commencement@bucknell.edu if we can be of assistance.

  Finally, please know that the registrar will finalize grading and confer degrees on the original date of May 18. You will receive a separate communication about the grading process for spring semester courses shortly.

  While this is not the final semester any of us were hoping for, you have my word that we will honor your success in every way we can under the circumstances. I am proud of your resilience in the face of recent challenges, and I look forward to celebrating together on campus this summer. 

  My best,

  John Bravman

   

• March 25, 2020: Message on Safety Compliance from Dean Amy Badal

  Dear Students Remaining on Campus,

  As the spread of coronavirus (COVID 19) escalates, it is extremely important that all students remaining on campus strictly adhere to University directives to avoid virus transmission.

  These directions must be followed by everyone for the health and safety of our community. Students who do not comply will have their permission to stay on campus revoked.

  1. If you are not feeling well, call Student Health immediately at 570-577-1401. Do not wait to reach out.

  2. If you are in quarantine, you must remain in your room and follow instructions from Bucknell Student Health. While I understand this may be frustrating, please do not go for a walk outdoors, or even down the hall. We will ensure you have regular delivery of meals as well as necessary medicine and personal supplies.

  3. All students with permission to stay on campus this semester must remain on campus or in the Lewisburg area. It is fine to take walks, bike, or go to the grocery or pharmacy. However, traveling to other towns or states and returning to campus puts our entire community at risk.

  4. Continue to wash your hands, clean surfaces regularly, self-isolate when you are ill, and quarantine if you think you've been exposed.

  Additionally, we recommend keeping all of your academic supplies gathered in one place so that you can quickly relocate should quarantine become necessary. These items should include your textbooks, computer and other devices, chargers, notebooks, etc.

  We understand that these are difficult circumstances, but it is imperative that we all do our part to “flatten the curve” and keep our community safe. Failure to comply puts all of us at risk. Please take these measures now to help everyone stay healthy.

  Thank you and please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions.

  Sincerely,

  Dean Badal

   

• March 25, 2020: Message on Additional Suspected Cases from Medical Director Catherine O’Neil

  Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,

  On Monday, we were notified that our first suspected student case of COVID-19 tested negative and I, like you, was relieved. The University has been made aware that within the past 24 hours, two students who are still residing on campus were tested for the COVID-19 virus. While we await results, Bucknell Student Health has identified and contacted individuals who may have had prolonged contact with the tested students. The students are doing well and we are checking in with them regularly to ensure they do not need a higher level of care. The students have been moved to isolation, and we will follow CDC guidelines to keep them and the rest of our community safe.

  Please continue to follow the recommendations of the CDC and your state authorities. In order to blunt the rapid spread of this pandemic, we all need to comply. Social distancing is key: do not hold or attend large group gatherings; limit small group gatherings to only those that are absolutely necessary; and remain a minimum of six feet apart. What seems like a harmless social gathering with friends or family could result in further spread and danger to others. Continue to wash your hands, clean surfaces regularly, self-isolate when you are ill, and quarantine if you think you’ve been exposed.

  Student Health will continue to care for the students remaining on campus until the end of the semester. Our office is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. We ask that all students call 570-577-1401 during our hours of operation for any health issues, as we are not accepting walk-in appointments.

  Stay healthy and take care of one another.

  Catherine O’Neil, M.D.
  Medical Director
  Bucknell Student Health

   

• March 24, 2020: Message on Next Steps from President John Bravman

  Dear Colleagues,

  I want to start by thanking you again for your continued dedication to Bucknell and for your support for the wide-ranging changes we have had to make in response to the immediate challenges of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Please do your best to keep yourselves and those around you safe and healthy as this continues to impact every facet of our lives and our local communities.

  I would also like to take a moment to reflect on our recent collective efforts and outline some of the issues that I think will emerge in the coming days, months and quite possibly, years.

  Initial Response
  In the first phase of our response to the pandemic, our focus was on the health and safety of our campus community and doing our part to “flatten the curve” of exposure and transmission. These efforts included moving students out of on-campus housing for the remainder of the semester. At this point, fewer than 200 students remain on campus. As you’ve read, we are providing them with appropriate services to ensure their safety and well-being while they continue their studies.

  At the same time, we transitioned to a remote education mode, with teaching moving entirely to online platforms. Professors are using a range of technology resources and techniques including video lectures, message boards and Google Hangouts, and video conferencing through tools such as Zoom. The flexibility and resourcefulness of our faculty are a tremendous point of pride for me, and I hope all were able to make a fairly smooth transition.

  Soon after moving students out of the residence halls and switching to remote instruction, we cancelled or postponed all campus gatherings. This included all speaker events, performances and organized group activities. We instituted an ongoing review of upcoming major events, including Commencement, which is particularly difficult to consider. At this time, while we have not made an official decision, it seems highly unlikely that we will be able to hold Commencement in May. However, I have every hope of postponing it rather than canceling it, as I indicated in the letter I sent to seniors last weekend. For our seniors and their families, Commencement is the culmination of their Bucknell experience, and I am going to do everything I can to ensure that they have an opportunity to celebrate their achievements. The Commencement Committee is meeting to explore various possibilities, and I expect to share our new plan in the weeks ahead.

  A Changing Landscape
  The next phase of our work will be lengthier and more difficult. Even as we have decided upon and implemented our initial responses, the situation has continued to evolve daily, if not hourly, and so must we. Such was the case last Thursday evening, for example, when we received word that Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf had ordered all non-life-sustaining businesses to close their physical locations. Going into effect at 8 p.m. March 19, the order presented even more challenges to our ability to continue operations. As a result, almost all University offices, except for a handful that provide life-sustaining services to students, are working remotely as well.

  The truth of the matter is plain: We’re now living in a world in which little remains normal, and we don’t know how long this is going to last. But I believe now is the time to consider what we could be facing and plan accordingly to the best of our abilities.

  These are some of the factors at play:

  • We have no guarantee that we will have the same number of students in academic year 2020-21 that we had in 2019-20. We all know that admissions had entered a new era before the COVID-19 crisis began; given that many families have lost a substantial share of their net worth, we must at least consider the possibility of a significant impact on enrollment.
  • The May 1 deposit date that has been almost sacrosanct in previous years for determining entering class size has lost much of its importance. Similarly, since the July 1 date when we send out invoices for all students for the fall term has now likely lost most of its significance, we will only know about final enrollment for the fall when the term begins.
  • Subsequently, as about 70% of our revenue comes from students, we must be ready for a substantial drop in the University’s income.
  • We need to factor in the volatility of the stock market and its impact on our endowment. We have already experienced investment losses of ~20%, which has reduced our endowment from $850 million to slightly less than $700 million.
  • We expect a substantial drop in our Annual Fund receipts, which provide more than $10 million per year to our budget.
  • We are returning about $9 million in refunds or credits for spring term room and board.
  • We also must consider that the start date of the next academic year may be changed in some fundamental way, and that we may have to alter our usual academic calendar.

  And so as we look at our annual budget, we will need to seriously consider the prospect of having to make some very painful choices, including reducing operating budget spending to essential purchasing only; limiting non-essential capital spending; and taking steps to reduce our workforce expenses (payroll and benefits), the latter of which constitutes about 63% of our budget and is our largest single expense.

  Next Steps
  As you know, one of our commitments in the Plan for Bucknell 2025 is strategic management of our budget, including by constraining expense growth and reallocating existing and new resources to programs and services that best advance the University’s mission and strategic goals. Although none of us foresaw the emergence of COVID-19 and the effects it would have on the University, I’m thankful that the collection of data and possible cost-containment and reduction strategies that we had been gathering to support the strategic plan gives us a foundation from which to make difficult but informed decisions.

  I will do everything I can to address our financial challenges in a thoughtful and deliberate way so that we can continue to most effectively fulfill our mission of educating students while considering the impact our choices will have on our campus community. To that end, on Friday morning I initiated a Financial Planning Group of the Emergency Response Team. Its members, listed below, include faculty leadership, staff and administrators who are helping me develop and implement strategies to address our budget challenges.

  After our initial discussions, and following additional consideration by the ERT, Faculty Council and leadership of the Board of Trustees, we have made the following decisions:

  • We will not institute the 1.5% compensation pool increase that we had planned to implement on July 1.
  • Subject to new information that we cannot anticipate, we will not implement any broad changes to employment and employment policies (e.g., furloughs, reductions in force, changes to salaries or benefits, etc.) any earlier than May 15, 2020.
  • We will require that each unit reduce or eliminate non-salary spending for the remainder of this fiscal year wherever and whenever possible to help offset the losses we have and will incur. Additional logistical details will be forwarded to budget managers as soon as possible.

  Memos such as this can generate great anxiety and many questions. That is understandable, and I apologize for that. I encourage you to reach out to your appropriate unit or divisional head with questions. Deans and vice presidents have been asked to speak with their leadership teams regarding emerging issues. However, in the face of great uncertainty, I will be the first to say that neither I nor our leadership teams have all the answers. We don’t even know all the questions yet. While we will do our best to ensure a high level of transparency in our decision-making, and will continue to engage various governance bodies in the weeks and months ahead, I need to emphasize that our decision-making cannot be static, given the dynamic nature of the COVID-19 pandemic and its numerous and ongoing secondary and tertiary effects. The situation we are in requires us to be responsive to a rapidly changing environment, the likes of which none of us has ever seen.

  I realize that this is a situation in which transparency may cause considerable stress, and perhaps fear. But I also believe that it is my job to balance complete and up-to-date information with reasonable, effective and timely solutions.

  As I have already noted, and as you well know, this is not business as usual. But I do believe that we have an opportunity and an obligation to work together to build a strong future for Bucknell in this new and evolving world.

  Thank you very much for your support and commitment to Bucknell. I will continue to update you as issues emerge and the situation evolves. Please continue to visit our COVID-19 updates website for more information and FAQs.

  Be safe.

  My best,

  John

  The Bucknell University Emergency Response Team
  Raquel Alexander, Dean of the Freeman College of Management
  John Bravman, President
  Amy Badal, Dean of Students
  Steve Barilar, Chief of Public Safety
  Param Bedi, Vice President for Library & Information Technology
  Bill Conley, Vice President for Enrollment Management
  Coralynn Davis, Professor of Women’s & Gender Studies and Chair-Elect of the Faculty
  Gail Glover, Vice President for Communications
  Pierre Joanis, Vice President for Human Resources
  Carol Kennedy ’96, Executive Director, Office of the President and University Secretary
  Bill Kenny, Professor of Music and Chair of the Faculty
  Pat Mather, Dean of the College of Engineering
  Elisabeth Mermann-Jozwiak,
  Provost Robert Midkiff, Vice President for Strategic Initiatives
  Dana Mims, Executive Director, Events Management Office
  Ken Ogawa, Associate Vice President for Facilities & Sustainability
  Karin Rilley, General Counsel
  Scott Rosevear, Vice President for University Advancement
  Gary Steiner, Professor of Philosophy and Secretary of the Faculty
  Dave Surgala, Vice President for Finance & Administration
  Jermaine Truax, Director of Athletics & Recreation
  Karl Voss, Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences

  The Financial Planning Group
  Param Bedi, Vice President for Library & Information Technology
  John Bravman, President
  Alan Cheville, Professor of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Chair of Planning & Budget
  Bill Conley, Vice President for Enrollment Management
  Gail Glover, Vice President for Communications
  Pierre Joanis, Vice President for Human Resources
  Bill Kenny, Professor of Music and Chair of the Faculty
  Elisabeth Mermann-Jozwiak, Provost
  Robert Midkiff, Vice President for Strategic Initiatives
  Karin Rilley, General Counsel
  Scott Rosevear, Vice President for University Advancement
  Dave Surgala, Vice President for Finance & Administration

   

• March 23, 2020: COVID-19: Suspected Student Case Update from President John Bravman

  Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,

  As we announced last week, a Bucknell student was tested for coronavirus (COVID-19) on Sunday, March 15. The University has just learned that the test results were negative, and we are happy to share that the student is doing well. 

  As the rapid spread of COVID-19 continues, it is more important than ever to stay vigilant with social distancing and good hygiene. Please continue to do your part to keep our community safe.

  We remind you of the steps to take if you suspect you may have COVID-19. Students with permission to stay on campus who develop a fever and symptoms of respiratory illness, such as cough or difficulty breathing, should call ahead to Student Health at 570-577-1401. A staff member will ask them screening questions to determine whether testing is necessary. Do not go to Student Health. Employees experiencing these symptoms should contact their health-care provider and their Bucknell supervisor. 

  Thank you for your continued efforts to keep our community healthy and safe during this challenging time. Please visit bucknell.edu/COVID19 for the detailed information and the latest updates.

  Sincerely,

  John Bravman
  President

   

• March 21, 2020: Message to the Class of 2020 from President John Bravman

  Dear Seniors,

  I write under circumstances that recently were unimaginable. Campus is eerily quiet, as is downtown and the surrounding areas. Something similar is likely true where you are too, so I write in part to acknowledge how difficult this sudden and unexpected transition has been for all of you.

  Most importantly, I hope that you and yours are well. Be safe, and be smart, every single day. This will all end in time, and you will be ready for the next phase of your life.

  Beyond that, however, I write with a simple but heartfelt message: I am so very sorry for what’s happened to you.

  I’m sorry for all you’ve lost in what should have been the culminating weeks of your Bucknell experience. I’m sorry for your being separated from your friends. And I’m sorry for the disruption in your lives.

  Many of you, and your parents, have written to express your disappointment, frustration and heartache over our collective new reality. I’m thankful for every note, as each one reminds me of how special you are and how dearly you hold this place. And they remind me of why I am privileged to be your president.

  Many of you have reached out to ask about Commencement — your Commencement. At this time we have not made an official call, but since it seems highly unlikely that we will be able to hold Commencement in May, let me be clear that we will not cancel Commencement, but postpone it. I will do everything I can to ensure that you have an opportunity to celebrate your tremendous achievements with your loved ones. You deserve it.

  Considering our annual preparations for the fall academic calendar, and the need for many hundreds of dorm rooms to accommodate guests, families and students during Commencement, the latest date in the summer available to us would be through the third week in July. I understand that not everyone will be able to come back to campus to celebrate, no matter when we schedule Commencement. But please know that we are working hard to make this possible and will continue to assess the calendar. As soon as we have more details, I will be back in touch. I am joined by almost 1,400 colleagues in dearly wanting this joyous experience for you and your families.

  At the Class of 2020 Convocation, speaking of the renowned conservationist Jane Goodall and her then-recent visit to Bucknell, I said the following:

  Dr. Goodall has witnessed all kinds of environmental and social problems. She has seen first-hand the effects of climate change and other forms of environmental destruction, and the mistreatment of animals and humans alike. Yet she fiercely remains optimistic that humans can overcome even the most challenging circumstances. She has hope because she fully believes we have the spirit and the intellectual capacity to improve any situation, regardless of how daunting the realities may seem.

  In the face of a future that might now feel daunting, or even frightening, I remain fiercely optimistic about you. I believe you have the spirit and the intellectual capacity to get through this.

  Our faculty believe in you and have worked very hard to adapt suddenly to new modes of education. Our staff believe in you and wish they were seeing and able to help you daily. And I believe in you, holding that, as I said in my inaugural address, “education is about faith in the future, and that what we are doing is vitally important.” I have faith in the future. Despite all that we are dealing with — the heartache and sense of loss — I have faith in your future because of who you are, and because of our deep conviction about what a Bucknell education truly means.

  I look forward to seeing you again — and soon.

  My best to you and yours,

  John

   

• March 19, 2020: Update on Governor Wolf’s Announcement from President John Bravman

  Dear Colleagues,

  Earlier this evening, I sent you a message regarding Governor Wolf's order for all non-life sustaining businesses to close their physical locations. The governor's order went into effect this evening and will be enforced as of 12:01 a.m. Saturday, March 21. The Emergency Response Team will continue to review specific details related to the governor's directives, but given our current operational status and our analysis of the actual order, we believe that campus operations can remain unchanged tomorrow, Friday, March 20. We will continue our analysis tomorrow and consider the adjustments that may need to go into effect beginning Saturday.

  The governor's order does not prohibit remote instruction, so faculty plans can move ahead as long as activities are not being conducted on campus. If remote instruction originates from your classroom or from your office, please advise your college dean as soon as possible with a copy to registrar@bucknell.edu so that they can assist with other arrangements within the governor's order. We do not anticipate that individuals will be prevented from going onto campus to retrieve books, papers or other items.

  We have approximately 170 students remaining in campus housing and to whom, in accordance with the order, we will continue to provide three boxed meals a day and access to Student Health. Public Safety will also continue to provide police and emergency services for the campus. Other support services including facilities and services to buildings will also remain in place. We will also continue to provide all necessary services for the animals in our care facility. Various construction projects on campus will come to a standstill, notably the Freeman College of Management and Department of Art & Art History building and the chilled water plant expansion.

  I appreciate your care and dedication to our students and to Bucknell during these trying times. As we have new information I will share it with you as soon as possible.

  My best,

  John

   

• March 19, 2020: Grading Policy and Withdrawals from Spring Semester Classes from Provost Elisabeth Mermann-Jozwiak

  Dear Students,

  Today's transition to remote learning represents a significant change for all students and faculty. I write to thank you for your continued commitment and patience, and to share important news about grading policy and withdrawals during these extraordinary circumstances.

  A word of caution: Before you take advantage of either of the options listed below, please be sure to consult with your academic adviser and/or the Associate Dean for Students about any implications of your choices. You should also consult with the Office of Financial Aid to ensure that your decision has no adverse impact on your current or future Financial Aid package. 

  During the past week, the faculty has been exploring approaches to teaching and evaluating student performance that will allow us to meet academic goals while maintaining the flexibility needed to adapt to this unexpected change. 

  As a result of these important conversations, the University has approved a new policy for grading this semester. For each class, students will have the option of keeping the assigned grade or converting it to pass/fail after final grades are submitted. Student transcripts will be modified to provide an adequate context about the disruption caused by COVID-19 during the spring 2020 semester and the resulting change in grading.

  Many of the specifics by which this policy will be enacted are still being finalized. In the next few weeks, you will receive additional information about the processes and procedures we will use to allow you to determine and request which, if any, course grades you wish to convert. 

  In addition to the pass/fail option, we are extending the course withdrawal deadline for this semester to April 27, the last day of classes. Under existing policy, twice during their careers at Bucknell, students may withdraw from a course with a grade of W through the 10th week of class (this semester, that date would have been March 27). Any course withdrawal taken after the March 10 announcement that we were moving to remote education will not count as one of the two withdrawals under the existing policy. As with the pass/fail grade option, details and procedures for this change are still being finalized, and you will receive additional information as soon as it is ready. 

  Please be sure to check your email regularly. Remote learning is a new experience for most of us, and there will be bumps as we adapt. Now more than ever, good communication with your professors is imperative. They understand that many of you have unusual challenges at this time, and they are eager to support you. 

  I thank you for your partnership in this process as we embark on the final weeks of the semester.

  Sincerely,

  Elisabeth Mermann-Jozwiak
  Provost and Professor of English  

   

• March 18, 2020: Update on Remote Work Policy and Building Access from President John Bravman

  Dear Colleagues,

  On March 10 I shared the Bucknell University Policy and Procedures on COVID-19 that outlines our updated policy on certain employee benefits and describes additional coverage for anyone who is exposed to or infected by COVID-19, or who needs to care for others. Since then, we have continued to revise the policy to ensure we are providing flexibility to our employees as we all deal with the challenges of these uncertain times. To review the updated policy, visit the COVID-19 for Employees FAQ page or click on the policies tab in the Forms and Policies section of myBucknell. 

  The most recent update outlines a waiver to the documentation and approval process for remote work arrangements. Supervisors should maintain a record of these arrangements. Faculty should consult with their deans' offices and department chairs and staff should speak with their supervisors about whether remote work can be used effectively in their particular situation, including while caring for others who are ill; working during periods of quarantine; or caring for dependent children when schools or childcare providers are closed. Instructions on how to enter and adjust work-time into Workday while working remotely will be posted on the COVID-19 updates site.

  As we continue to pursue our strategy of social distancing, we encourage employees to work from home when possible. For those who absolutely need to be on campus to perform their roles, the University will continue to take steps to minimize the risk of exposure and transmission. This includes heightened cleaning activities and providing additional protective gear as requested.

  To further limit the risk of transmission and exposure to those who are on campus, access to all academic buildings will be by card swipe or key only as of today. Graduate students should communicate with their department chair to request access to an academic building. Chairs will determine whether the request is appropriate and upon granting permission, will, on behalf of the student, contact Card Services at cardservices@bucknell.edu. For keys, the chair should complete a key request form. Until further notice, these buildings will not be open during normal business hours. This will not only provide additional security to these buildings but will also protect our facilities team from having to repeatedly disinfect the same spaces.

  In a change from information communicated yesterday, Bertrand Library will close until further notice as of 5 p.m. today, March 18. L&IT, however, will continue to offer remote technology and library support, including on weekends.

  Card access has also been changed in residential halls so that only students who have successfully petitioned to remain on campus will be able to access their rooms. Additionally, these students will only have access to their assigned residence halls for the rest of the semester.

  All fitness and indoor recreational areas of the KLARC will be temporarily closed to all users until we can safely return to normal operations. 

  My sincerest thanks again to everyone in the Bucknell community for your efforts on behalf of our students. Your dedication and judgment in this challenging time make me very proud to be a Bucknellian. 

  My best, 

  John

   

• March 16, 2020: Follow-up from Bucknell Student Health: Suspected COVID-19 Case from Medical Director Catherine O'Neil

  Dear Students, Faculty, Staff and Families, 

  As medical director of Bucknell Student Health, I am writing to provide you with the most updated information and guidance available regarding COVID-19. 

  As you are aware, we have a student identified as a Person Under Investigation, which means they have undergone testing. This student is currently in isolation and all common contact areas have been sanitized. From the onset of symptoms, the student, who had been living in Hill Tower of Swartz Hall, was cautious and had self-isolated. Therefore, exposure to the campus by this individual has been minimal. Student Health has contacted those students who may have had shared a space with this student to let them know the next steps if testing comes back positive.

  These are difficult times, and I am aware that there have been multiple calls to administration regarding COVID-19. As a primary care physician who has been a university health professional for almost 20 years, I can say that this is unlike anything anyone has ever seen. We are fortunate in the university health sector in that our population is generally young and healthy without underlying lung and heart issues, yet we are mindful of those that have conditions that make them or their families particularly vulnerable.  

  But we all need to serve as public health stewards in this fragile time in our country. We must be vigilant in protecting those who are not as fortunate. Please continue all of the safe practices we have been recommending: wash your hands frequently, cover coughs and sneezes, don't touch your face and practice social distancing. I recommend avoiding prolonged physical contact with the elderly or very young. 

  If you are staying on campus and develop symptoms of fever, cough and shortness of breath, please remain in your room and call Student Health 570-577-1401 between the hours of 8:30-4:30. Do not go directly to Student Health. Public Safety at 570-577-3333 or the Department of Health at 877-724-3258 can be contacted after hours for further guidance. Call 911 if it is an emergency for further evaluation.

  Keep yourself healthy and to limit or slow the spread of COVID-19, follow the CDC guidelines and practice social distancing. Do not gather in large groups, and please self-isolate if feeling ill.  And please continue to visit our COVID-19 webpage for updates and information.  

  Be well,

  Catherine O'Neil, M.D.
  Medical Director
  Bucknell Student Health

   

• March 15, 2020: Follow-up: Suspected COVID-19 Case from President Bravman

  Dear Students, Faculty, Staff and Families, 

  Earlier today I wrote to inform you that a student was tested for a suspected case of COVID-19. While it will take 72 to 96 hours for the test results to be returned, I write now to share some additional details. 

  While I am unable to share the identity of the student due to federal privacy laws, the student reports that they visited New York City during part of spring break and returned to their single room in the upperclassman tower of Swartz Hall on or about March 12. Shortly after returning to campus, the student began to feel ill and self-isolated in their room. The student also sought guidance from the local Department of Health.  

  This morning, the student contacted Bucknell Student Health and after describing their symptoms was transported to Evangelical Community Hospital for COVID-19 testing. In accordance with Bucknell protocols, the student was then transported to a non-residence hall where they will remain in mandatory quarantine while test results are pending.  

  If the COVID-19 test is positive, either the state or the Union County Health Department will engage its own protocols to identify and inform any individuals who may have had recent prolonged contact with the student. 

  Once the student left campus for the hospital this morning and after learning of potential exposure, we immediately sent staff to Swartz Hall to thoroughly clean the nearest bathroom, stairwells, public areas and door handles.

  I will continue to keep you posted as more information becomes available.  

  My best,

  John

   

• March 15, 2020: Suspected COVID-19 Case from President John Bravman

  Dear Students, Faculty, Staff and Families, 

  I am writing to inform you that earlier today a student was transported to Evangelical Community Hospital and tested for a suspected case of COVID-19. This individual will remain isolated in a non-residence hall location pending test results.

  Bucknell Student Health has been in direct contact with infection control personnel at the hospital, and the Pennsylvania Department of Health has been advised.

  In the meantime, we’ve confirmed the student had been in self-isolation prior to testing and has had minimal exposure to the campus community. We are taking additional safety and cleaning precautions and are providing support to the isolated student. 

  The University’s Emergency Response Team continues to monitor the situation and address related academic, student affairs and facilities concerns.

  I would ask all members of our campus community to continue to practice social distancing and take the necessary precautions to protect your own health and that of our community. 

  My best, 

  John

   

• March 12, 2020: Important Information for Students from Dean Amy Badal

  Dear Students,

  We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work through the many issues related to the unexpected move to remote learning and early move-out. We recognize that this is a very distressing, confusing and hectic time for you and your families. Please keep in mind that your health and safety are our highest priority, and that we are striving to make this sudden transition as smooth as possible for you. Many of you have already departed campus, and we thank you for your quick response.

  Here are details regarding the transition in the days ahead for departing students as well as for those who have received approval to remain on campus. Please read the following information closely. 

  Limit your time on campus when moving out 
  Move-out from on-campus housing must be completed by 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 17. To reduce the risk of virus transmission, please depart from campus once your room is cleared. 

  If you have extenuating circumstances and need to remain on campus beyond March 17, you may submit a petition to stay, which will be reviewed on an individual basis. The deadline for submitting a petition is 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, March 15. You should hear back within 24 hours about whether your petition has been accepted or denied. 

  Moving supplies
  The University will provide moving boxes and packing tape at the residence hall check-out hubs (details below) from Friday, March 13, through Tuesday, March 17. 

  Before you check out
  Please do the following before you depart your residence:

  • Remove all trash and personal belongings. The University will not assume responsibility for belongings left behind. 

  • If you rented a microfridge, please leave it in your room. It will be picked up following the move-out period.

  • Shut and lock all windows.

  • Turn off all lights.

  • Lock your door. 

  Check out and key return
  Students are welcome to check out at any time of day. When you return your key, this indicates to the University that you have removed all your items from your room and are not returning to the space. This also allows the credit process to begin for room and board. Please do not return your key to another individual, leave it in your room or slide it under a door. 

  • Friday, March 13, through Tuesday, March 17: To make the moving process easier, we are creating check-out hubs where you may return your key between noon and 6 p.m. at the locations listed below. Outside of these hours, please return your key to Vedder 126 between 8:30 a.m. and noon. If you need to check out between 6 p.m. and 8:30 a.m., please return your key to Public Safety, which is open 24/7.

  • Hub No. 1: Vedder and Hunt — Vedder lobby

  • Hub No. 2: Smith, Harris, Larison, Cottage and downhill affinity houses — Smith lobby (C/D side)

  • Hub No. 3: Swartz and McDonnell — McDonnell entrance

  • Hub No. 4: South Campus Apartments (SCA), Tower House and fraternities — SCA Building 4 Lounge

  • Hub No. 5: Roberts, Trax, Kress, Corner House and Gateways — Roberts lobby

  • Hub No. 6: Bucknell West (Mods) — Key drop box inside Mod 22

  Barnes & Noble rented textbooks 
  Rented textbooks may be returned at no cost after the semester concludes. In April, you will receive an email from the bookstore with return instructions and a free shipping label for mailing.

  Packages in the Mail Room
  You should pick up your packages before leaving campus. All first-class mail will be forwarded to your permanent residence.

  If you need support for personal shipping, the post office will be open weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and Sunday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. A limited supply of boxes and tape will be available for use in the hearth space outside the ELC Post Office.  

  Storage 
  We have contracted with DormRoom Movers to assist with off-campus storage needs. For a fee, they will pick up your packed-up belongings, store them and bring them back to campus when you return. Please contact DormRoom Movers directly for information.

  The University has limited space available for storage on campus. All on-campus storage requests should be directed to Jackie Cetera, director of residential education, using this form. 

  Shuttles
  The University is providing free shuttles to local airports. Please click here to register. You must make a request 24 hours in advance. As you register you will see a cost, which will be covered by the University and will not appear on your B-bill account.

  Emotional support
  Counseling resources remain available to all students. If you need support, please call the Counseling & Student Development Center (CSDC) at 570-577-1604 to arrange a conversation with a counselor. After-hours support remains in place (24/7). All counseling center clients have been directly contacted by their counselor to arrange a phone conversation to discuss next steps in individual treatment. The CSDC is committed to making case-by-case determinations to best support each student. 

  Student Health
  Bucknell Student Health will remain open and available to those who have been granted permission to remain on campus. If you are in need of medical care, please call Student Health at 570-577-1401. A staff member will ask you questions about your symptoms and discuss next steps. After hours, students with health-care emergencies should call Public Safety or 911.

  [Edited to add: Student Health will be open Saturday, March 14, and Sunday, March 15, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.] 

  Emergency funds
  If you are experiencing severe financial hardship due to the cost of transportation home, resources are available to assist students with significant financial needs. Please email deanofstudents@bucknell.edu with your request.

  Dining 
  For those approved to remain on campus, dining will operate under reduced hours. Current meal plans will remain in effect. Bostwick Marketplace will remain open.

  Library
  Bertrand Library will remain open this semester on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you have books to return, they may be dropped off without penalty when you are back on campus in August or during Commencement Weekend.

  Center for Career Advancement
  Beginning Thursday, March 19, the Center for Career Advancement will offer remote career coaching and advising appointments for the remainder of the semester. Job and internship activity with employers on the Bridge will also resume on that date. 

  Thank you for your continued cooperation, flexibility and understanding during this time.

  Sincerely,

  Dean Badal 

   

• March 12, 2020: Letter to Students from President John Bravman

  Dear Students,

  Here in Lewisburg and around the world, all segments of society are reacting swiftly and strongly as we seek to stop the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. In my message this morning, I said simply that Bucknell is doing its part. I’m writing now to ask you to do yours.

  I understand the frustration, anger and sadness that many of you are feeling right now, perhaps no one more than our seniors and athletes.

  Some of you have not minced words telling me how you feel. For whatever it means to you, I get it. I ask only that you look at the global reaction to put all this into perspective.

  Bucknell is a special place, with a special spirit. I have to call on that spirit now, and speak to those among you who remain in the Lewisburg community or who plan on returning in the coming weeks for yet another Super Saturday — please don’t.

  First, the Borough of Lewisburg is directing the Buffalo Valley Regional Police Department to revoke any currently issued social gathering permits and to suspend issuance of new ones. As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve and until more information is available from the state and federal government, the Borough believes that it is inappropriate to issue permits for events where large groups of persons will gather.

  More importantly, I appeal to your sense of community and thus your role in addressing this unprecedented public health issue. And while the risk of COVID-19 is relatively low for your age group, we must protect more vulnerable community members. Bucknell is doing its part to minimize the risk of transmission of COVID-19 by moving to remote education and canceling all speakers, events and performances.

  Additionally, the Patriot League, in which Bucknell’s NCAA Division I sports teams compete, has canceled all spring practices and competitions.

  Please do your part. We need you to pack up quickly and efficiently, and then leave for your permanent residence. This is not the time for large-scale events in tight spaces. This is not a time for raging. This is the time for leadership — your leadership. I call on each of you to step up and do your part by taking this situation seriously and urging your friends to do the same.

  Please be the Bucknellians I know so well and am deeply proud of. Please.

  My best,

  John C. Bravman
  President

   

• March 12, 2020: Update on COVID-19 and Campus Operations from President John Bravman

  Dear Students, Faculty, Staff and Families,

  As I shared with you in my March 10 announcement, Bucknell has made the decision to move to a remote education mode for the remainder of the semester. I know that this has generated a great deal of uncertainty and frustration, and a range of challenges for members of our campus community. For graduating seniors, it represents enormous disappointment; for faculty and students, it means a loss of in-person instruction; and for staff, a change in how they provide guidance and support to our community. 

  I very much appreciate those who wrote to thank us for putting the safety of our community first, but I also appreciate those who wrote to question or decry our decision with such evident emotion, which reflects the deep passion that so many have for the University. The volume of email and calls makes it nearly impossible to respond individually, so we are using these updates and our website to communicate as rapidly and accurately as we can. 

  As my colleagues and I work through the details of the transition, we maintain a clear focus on safeguarding the health and safety of our campus community. While the risk to our community — both on campus and regionally — is low at this time, we know this could change quickly. As the World Health Organization declared a pandemic, we are seeing unprecedented responses from almost every sector of society, from business to entertainment to sports and beyond, and I expect these will only grow in the days and weeks ahead. Bucknell is doing its part.

  I firmly believe that our proactive approach will limit the potential exposure and transmission of the virus not only within our campus community but beyond. That is why we see a range of elite universities — public and private, urban and rural, large and small — adopting similar strategies and moving to remote learning for the rest of the semester. This includes schools like Harvard and Middlebury, Cornell and Princeton, Case Western Reserve and Williams. Others have announced a transition to remote learning for just a few weeks, pending COVID-19 developments, but many of the presidents I’ve spoken to at those institutions privately acknowledge that they have little hope of reconvening on campus this spring. 

  As we work through our transition to remote education, these are some of the issues that we are currently addressing:

  Commencement
  We have every intention of proceeding with Commencement in as robust a form as possible. This is a special event for all of us and the culmination of four years of students’ hard work. We understand that seniors and their families will want to come back to campus to say farewell to their friends and members of the campus community. To that end, we fully expect to hold the University's 170th Commencement on May 17. We will also live-stream it as we have done in past years. However, we also need to consider that the spread of COVID-19 could severely impact our ability to host our traditional schedule of events. As the situation evolves in the coming weeks, we will update seniors and their families as soon as we can.

  Refunds and crediting
  Refunds and credits will be calculated for individual students and processed as quickly as possible this semester. 

  Unused meal plans and Dining Dollars from this semester will be credited to student accounts for those not remaining on campus under the following guidelines:

  • Unused Dining Dollars from this semester will be credited. These amounts are different for every student and will be calculated individually.
  • Unused dining swipes from this semester will be credited. These amounts are different for every student and will be calculated individually.
  • Anytime Access credits will be processed based on 55 remaining dining days in the semester, plus any unused Dining Dollars. That calculation is 55 days at $25.56 per day for a total of $1,405.80, plus any unused Dining Dollars associated with this meal plan. 

  Unused on-campus residence days will be credited to student accounts based on the room type and charge.

  Refunds for credit balances can be requested after the credits are posted.
  
  As instruction will continue throughout the semester and students completing coursework will receive Bucknell academic credit, tuition will not be subject to refund.

  Speakers, events and activities
  To limit the potential transmission of COVID-19 through gatherings, all speaker events, performances and organized group activities are cancelled for the remainder of the semester.

  Effective Monday, March 16, the Patriot League has suspended all athletics practices and competitions. Individual institutions will decide the championship participation status of winter teams and student-athletes who have qualified. While we recognize the deep disappointment that will be felt by our student-athletes, coaches and supporters, the League’s Council of Presidents decided that a continuation of spring seasons is untenable. The Ivy League came to the same conclusion earlier this week. Our student-athletes were informed of this decision earlier today by our director of athletics, and they will be leaving Bucknell housing by 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 17.

  This is an exceptionally challenging time for our community, for most of higher education, and indeed for our nation and beyond. By caring for one another in the best tradition of Bucknell, we will navigate forward. Thank you for your continued patience and support.

  My best,

  John

   

• March 10, 2020: COVID-19 and Early Departure from Campus from Dean Amy Badal

  Dear Students,

  You have just received the email from President Bravman announcing that the University is moving to remote learning for the remainder of the semester to combat the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), effective immediately. We recognize that this sudden change is a disruption to your life at Bucknell, and we are working hard to help you during this transition. Please read the following urgent information about on-campus housing.

  Move-out directive
  All classes are canceled on Monday, March 16, Tuesday, March 17, and Wednesday, March 18. All students are required to remove all of their belongings out of their on-campus residence and depart campus no later than 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 17. You may return to Bucknell to pick up your belongings as early as Wednesday, March 11, beginning at noon. Please leave your room key with your community director or with Housing Services, which is located in 126 Vedder Hall.

  If you have extenuating circumstances and need to remain on campus beyond March 17, you may submit a petition to stay, which will be reviewed on an individual basis. The deadline for submitting a petition is 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, March 15. You should hear back within 24 hours whether your petition has been accepted or denied. 

  Patience and flexibility
  We realize that family schedules will be disrupted by the need to make travel and moving plans on short notice. Please understand that all colleges and universities are facing truly extenuating circumstances with the spread of COVID-19, and that our top priority is student health and well-being. We ask you to be as flexible as possible as we work to ensure the safety of our community members. 

  Class of 2020
  We recognize that this may be an especially difficult adjustment for our seniors, who look forward to attending special end-of-semester events and celebrations. We regret needing to take this step, but your health is our greatest priority. Please watch for updates on questions related to campus events, including Commencement.

  We are working hard to adapt to these swiftly changing circumstances and to share timely and accurate information as soon as it becomes available. 

  Thank you again for your understanding and cooperation.

  
  Sincerely,

  Dean Badal 

   

• March 10, 2020: COVID-19 and Campus Operations from President John Bravman

  Dear Students, Faculty, Staff and Families,

  As I have shared with you in my previous emails, we continue to monitor the evolving public health situation related to coronavirus (COVID-19). Like you, I have seen the reports of the virus spreading across the globe and the US, including Pennsylvania. And like you, I have been concerned about the potential impact it will have on the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff.

  To that end, University leadership and I have made the decision to transition to a remote education mode for the remainder of the semester. To prepare for that, classes are cancelled Monday, March 16, through Wednesday, March 18, so that faculty and staff can plan for delivering remote educational activities. Classes will resume on Thursday, March 19.

  While I realize this decision will immediately raise a large number of questions and concerns, including those related to Commencement, I would respectfully ask you to hold your individual inquiries as we continue to navigate this complex situation. Decisions on a range of issues are pending and will be addressed serially. 

  Because of the move to remote education, students will need to move out of on-campus housing by 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 17. Understanding that many students will nonetheless have to remain on campus, we will be setting up an online petition form for those that need to remain. Dean Badal will be following up with further instructions. Our Division l student-athletes will be hearing from AD Jermaine Truax soon.

  Campus will remain open, and all staff and faculty should report as normal. Importantly, the provost will be updating the faculty and staff tomorrow regarding academic matters, and we will in the days ahead be communicating with our students on many matters. We are also considering limiting other on-campus activities and events, and will be making those decisions in the coming days. In general, we expect many planned activities to be canceled or postponed.

  As the situation and our response to it continues to unfold, you will receive regular updates from me and/or other University leaders with more specific details.

  This has not been an easy decision to make, and I understand how challenging it will be for our campus community. However, I strongly believe that faced with such uncertainty, we have no choice but to pursue these actions. Bucknell has always been a community that comes together in the face of adversity. This is one of those times, and I am counting on your patience and assistance as we work through it together. 

  My best,

  John C. Bravman
  President

   

• March 10, 2020: Important Update on COVID Virus from President John Bravman

  Dear Faculty and Staff Colleagues,

  We're all aware of the evolving coronavirus situation that is now a global event. 

  To develop our responses, we have assembled an "Emergency Response Team" or ERT comprising the following: the Operations and Management Group; the Faculty Chair, the Faculty Chair-Elect, and the Faculty Secretary; the Chief of Public Safety; and the Executive Director of Events. In parallel with this, many other teams have been meeting, such as a group focused on academics comprising the Provost, the College Deans, the Faculty Chair, and a Co-Chair of the Committee on Instruction. 

  I write to you now for two purposes. First, as attached, I'm sending an updated policy on certain employee benefits that describes additional coverage for anyone who is exposed to or infected by COVID-19, or needs to care for others who have been. Please read the attached policy carefully, but in brief, we are providing an additional 21 working days of paid leave for anyone directly affected by COVID-19. Added to our standard coverages, we believe that this will protect our employees from income loss for even an extended period should their circumstances require a lengthy time away from work.

  Second, I ask you to look for a series of important messages starting this evening regarding the remainder of the spring semester. The ERT met all morning on this topic, and we are now preparing a series of coordinated communications to our entire community, including students, faculty, staff and parents. 

  Thank you for your care and concern.

  My best,

  John

   

• March 5, 2020: Spring Break Update from Provost Elisabeth Mermann-Jozwiak

  Dear Students and Colleagues,

  While there are no confirmed or suspected cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) at Bucknell at this time, the University continues to closely monitor the situation and take steps to ensure the health and safety of Bucknellians. Please read this important information that is specific to spring break.

  Spring break dates

  Spring break begins at 5 p.m. this Friday, March 6, and ends when classes resume at 8 a.m. on Monday, March 16. 

  Domestic travel

  Most Bucknell-sponsored domestic trips, including athletics team travel, will proceed during spring break. Two trips were cancelled by their leaders: the management program’s Silicon Valley trip and the Engineering Success Alliance’s New York City trip. 

  Travelers are asked to monitor updates from the Centers for Disease Prevention & Control for any alerts that could affect their plans. 

  International travel

  The University has canceled all Bucknell-sponsored international trips over the break. Individual students, faculty and staff considering personal travel abroad during break should consult CDC and U.S. State Department travel warnings and exercise prudence. 

  We remind you that Bucknellians who travel (or have recently traveled) to an area of Level 3 warning level or higher are not permitted to return to campus until they have self-quarantined for 21 days. As of today, these areas include China, Iran, Italy and South Korea.

  Please be aware that the rapid and unpredictable global spread of COVID-19 could result in travel restrictions that delay your return to campus.

  Health precautions

  Spring break means disruption of routine. Please be extra vigilant in practicing good health habits to reduce the risk of coronavirus transmission during this time. Be especially mindful not to share personal items, including drinks, vapes, cigarettes, utensils, etc. 

  Here are other important precautions to take:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available. 
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • If you are sick, avoid crowded spaces, including classes and public events.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

  Returning to campus

  Students who believe they may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 during break or who are experiencing symptoms (fever, coughing and shortness of breath) should refrain from going to classes or events and contact Bucknell Student Health at 570-577-1401. Do not go to Student Health. A staff member will ask you screening questions to determine whether testing is necessary. 

  Faculty and staff with similar concerns are asked to stay home from work and contact their personal health-care provider. 

  For additional medical information, please refer to these FAQs prepared by Student Health.

  Additional information

  Please refer to this coronavirus update page, which the University’s coronavirus working group is updating frequently. Additional questions regarding COVID-19 may be sent to coronavirus@bucknell.edu. We appreciate your patience as we strive to provide timely and accurate information during this rapidly changing and unprecedented situation. 

  Thank you for your continued cooperation as we work to keep our community healthy.

  Sincerely, 

  ELISABETH MERMANN-JOZWIAK, PH.D.
  Provost and Professor of English  
  1 Dent Drive | Lewisburg, PA 17837
  P (570) 577-1561

   

• Feb. 29, 2020: Message from President John Bravman and Medical Director Catherine O’Neil

  Dear Students,

  While there are no known or suspected cases of 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) at Bucknell, we continue to gauge its potential risk to Bucknell students, faculty and staff both on campus and abroad. Campus leaders are meeting regularly to monitor the rapidly changing situation and decisions are being guided by the advice of medical professionals. We know that staff from the Office of Global and Off-Campus Education have been reaching out to you regarding the status of your program, and we write now regarding the public health aspects of the coronavirus. 

  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 3, Avoid Non-essential Travel warning for Italy and as a result, many study abroad programs have closed or will be closing. To protect the health of the University community, students enrolled in study abroad programs in Italy who are planning on returning to the US, should not come back to campus for 21 days. Please be aware that Bucknell will not offer campus housing for students returning from Italy prior to the end of the semester.

  While we understand that you may be eager to reconnect with your friends in the Bucknell and Lewisburg communities, we urge you to comply with the 21 day restriction as we need to consider the potential health risks your return to campus or to the region could pose to the wellness of the entire University population. 

  We encourage students abroad to follow the precautions issued by the CDC and the advice of their program providers regarding health and safety measures. We also urge students who choose to remain abroad to limit additional travel as much as possible.

  The medical professionals in Bucknell Student Health have prepared these FAQs with more information about coronavirus. Please do not hesitate to contact them at 570-577-1401 if you have additional questions. If you have questions about your program or traveling back to the US, contact staff in the Office of Global and Off-Campus Education at globaled@bucknell.edu.

  Thank you for your continued cooperation.

  Sincerely,

  John C. Bravman
  President

  Catherine O’Neil, MD
  Medical Director
   

   

• Feb. 27, 2020: Update from Amy Badal, Dean of Students

  Dear Students,

  As the global spread of the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) increases, we continue to closely monitor its potential risk to Bucknell students, faculty and staff both on campus and abroad. At this time, there are no known or suspected cases of coronavirus at Bucknell.

  University administrators continue to assess rapidly changing conditions as the virus spreads globally, and we will provide you with updates as circumstances evolve. Here is a summary of what you need to know about coronavirus as it relates to Bucknell right now.

  Study abroad 

  Forty-three Bucknell students are studying this semester at approved programs in Italy, where there are confirmed cases of coronavirus. The Office of Global & Off-Campus Education is in close contact with these programs, one of which has closed its Italian campus and is conducting classes remotely so that students can continue their work. As of this writing, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has issued a Level 2 alert for Italy, which means that travelers there should practice enhanced precautions. We continue to monitor the evolving situation there as well as conditions near all locations where Bucknell students are currently studying abroad.
  
  Bucknell students who are abroad this semester are urged to exercise caution when traveling. Be sure to check the latest travel alert information from the CDC.

  Spring break travel

  Most students will leave campus for spring break (which begins at 5 p.m. Friday, March 6, and ends when classes resume Monday, March 16). We encourage you to remain vigilant about health protection as you enjoy this time with family and friends.
  While we do not advise cancellation of plans to travel abroad over spring break, we urge you to consult travel warnings and to exercise prudence regarding international travel.

  Staying healthy

  As widely reported in the media, coronavirus has spread globally; and the CDC has deemed the potential public health threat to the U.S. to be high. It is extremely important to take all possible precautions to reduce the risk of transmission. We urge you not to share personal items, including drinks, vapes, cigarettes, utensils, etc. Please be especially mindful of this during spring break, when normal routines are disrupted.  
  Here are other important steps you can take to guard against virus transmission:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available. Hand-sanitizer stations are located in common areas throughout campus. 
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hand
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • If you are sick, avoid crowded spaces, including classes and public events. If you need to miss class, please contact your professor directly.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

  After spring break

  As global transmission continues, the CDC expects cases of coronavirus to be identified in the U.S. While Bucknell has no confirmed cases of coronavirus, we are aware that this could change, despite our best efforts. As conditions evolve, we will quickly communicate any health updates as well as any related changes to academic business and residential life. 

  More information

  The medical professionals in Student Health have prepared these FAQs with more information about coronavirus. Please do not hesitate to contact Student Health at 570-577-1401 if you have additional questions.
  Thank you for your continued cooperation.

  Sincerely,

  Dean Badal
   

   

• Feb. 3, 2020: Update from Amy Badal, Dean of Students

  Dear Students,
   
  While Bucknell does not have any confirmed cases of novel coronavirus, your health and well-being are our top priority, and we are closely monitoring updates from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and other health-care authorities. Here is information about what to do if you think you may be affected as well as advice for staying healthy.

  What is novel coronavirus?
  The 2019 novel coronavirus, or 2019-nCoV, is a new respiratory virus first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. It is known to cause mild to severe respiratory illness with fever, cough and difficulty breathing. Detailed information is available from the CDC.”

  What are the symptoms of novel coronavirus? 
  Fever, cough and shortness of breath. 

  If you have these symptoms and have recently traveled to China or other affected areas in the past 14 days, or if you have been exposed to someone known to have tested positive for novel coronavirus, call Bucknell Student Health at 570-577-1401. (Please do not go directly to the health center.) A staff member will ask you screening questions to determine whether testing is necessary. Again, there are no confirmed cases of novel coronavirus on campus at this time.

  How can coronavirus be prevented?

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available. Hand-sanitizer stations are located in common areas throughout campus. 
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • If you are sick, avoid crowded spaces, including classes and public events. If you need to miss class, please contact your professor directly.  
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

  What is Bucknell doing to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus?

  We are coordinating closely with local health facilities, the Pennsylvania Department of Health and federal health agencies to evaluate current conditions and respond accordingly. We are also increasing the number of hand-sanitizer stations around campus. You can help by practicing good hygiene, following the prevention steps above, and avoiding the spread of misinformation.

  Kindness and respect 

  Media reports of the spread of this virus may be upsetting. There is no reason to suspect any member of our community of having this virus. If you are experiencing increased anxiety or stress related to concerns for family or friends in China or elsewhere, please contact the Counseling & Student Development Center at 570-577-1604. Walk-in consultations are available Monday-Friday from 3 to 4 p.m. We are here to support you.

  Several students have reported overhearing insensitive or joking comments about the novel coronavirus. We urge our community to remain supportive and empathetic about this difficult situation potentially affecting family members and friends. 

  More information

  The medical professionals in Student Health have prepared these FAQs with more information about novel coronavirus. Do not hesitate to contact Student Health at 570-577-1401 if you have additional questions. 
  Thank you for your cooperation. 
   
  Sincerely,

  Dean Badal