President's COVID-19 Update | March 16, 2020

Dear Members of the John Carroll University Community,

As we watch the rapidly evolving course of COVID-19 in the United States and anticipate the increasing number of confirmed cases nationally and in Ohio, we know our lives will continue to change in the coming days, weeks, and months. Our COVID-19 Task Force, in consultation with University leadership and based on direction from the Ohio Department of Health, is making daily recommendations for our campus with your health and safety, and that of your families and our community, in mind.

Today, we have made the difficult, but necessary decision to extend our online learning through the end of the Spring semester. We believe this is the necessary and prudent way to protect the health and safety of our community, and to limit the potential spread of COVID-19 on our campus and within our larger John Carroll Community. It will also provide academic consistency with remote learning extending for the remainder of the semester.

Please note the following additional updates:

• There are no known cases of COVID-19 on our campus. In light of the growing number of cases in Ohio, we are preparing for the appropriate actions and response should we learn of a confirmed case at JCU. 
• Our campus remains open, but on-campus services may be limited. Staff have been encouraged to telecommute, if possible. 
• Residential students will receive an email from Residence Life detailing our plan for housing and move out. Given the guidance we have received and our concern for our students, their families, and our community, the move out process will not happen until after April 13, 2020.
• The University is working on decisions related to prorated housing and campus meal plans. These arrangements will be communicated on or before April 13, 2020.
• For students who remain on campus, the cafeteria is now carry-out only, consistent with Ohio Department of Health directives. 
• All indoor and outdoor recreational and athletic facilities are closed until further notice effective today, March 16 at 7:00 p.m. 
• The Grasselli Library is closed effective March 17, but all services will continue to be available to students and faculty through virtual delivery.  
• Before coming to campus, students should call or email the office or department they plan to visit to ensure it is open. Faculty, academic staff and support staff are available through phone, email, Canvas, and video options. 
• All campus events through May 15 are canceled. Event organizers should alert attendees immediately. 
• Following the CDC’s recommendations to limit gatherings of more than 50 people for the next eight weeks, and in anticipation of any additional restrictions, we are not comfortable holding our Commencement Exercises as previously planned on May 16-17, 2020. We will investigate alternate dates and opportunities to celebrate the accomplishments of the Class of 2020 at John Carroll University.
• We know you will continue to have questions that have not been answered. Please know that we are working diligently to provide answers. Please continue to use the COVID-19 webpage and question box to send us your unanswered questions. 

During this uniquely challenging time, we remain committed to delivering the high-quality and personal education that you expect from John Carroll University. This is not the way any of us hoped to finish the semester, in particular the Class of 2020, and all those undergraduate and graduate students who will graduate in May. I share in the disappointment that this decision brings you; being with our students as they complete and celebrate the achievement of their academic goals is my great joy as President. Indeed, this is a drastic measure, but we must accept that this temporary new reality, combined with the many other preventative measures being put into place in Ohio and nationwide, will curtail the spread of this pandemic. As is deeply ingrained in our Jesuit tradition, we act today as men and women for and with others for the greater good.

This is a time for caution, cooperation, and a calm, measured approach to decision making. Importantly, it is also a time to take the recommendations of the Ohio Department of Health very seriously. Practice social distancing. Do your part to limit the spread. Remember that many people who are carrying the virus are asymptomatic. 

Please join me in praying for all those who are affected.

Best wishes,

Michael D. Johnson, Ph.D. President, John Carroll University