At this time, Alvernia University campuses are open and plans for reopening for the fall 2020 are available here. The Alvernia University Pandemic Response Team will update this page regularly Monday through Fridays and as relevant information becomes available.
Alvernia has enacted these measures to protect the health and well-being of the Alvernia community. These measures were made after careful review and consultation with local officials and experts in public health and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
How do I use the tabs below?
Please see the Updates tabs for a running list of announcements. Information in previous updates may be outdated as time passes. Please use the FAQs for the most up-to-date information.
Also please reference the newly created Back to the Vern 2020 page for planning regarding the reopening of campus for the fall 2020 semester.
Have questions?
Don't see the answer to your question in the FAQs below? Please voice additional questions or concerns by emailing Campus.Update@alvernia.edu. The messages will be sent to the Alvernia University Emergency Management Committee and will be answered in groups and added to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) posted on this page and on the Back to the Vern 2020 page.
As a community we came together last week when we learned seven of our students tested positive for COVID –19. Happily, each student is recovering well and will leave isolation shortly. Other students need to quarantine as a precaution, but it is important for all of us to take steps to keep our campus safe. As President Loyack reminded us in his video message to campus this morning, it is important to take advantage of the beautiful fall weather here in Reading by taking classes, group meetings, activities and meals outside.
The university responds to each of these cases by taking all appropriate steps based on guidance from various government health authorities. These efforts include supporting contact tracing efforts by the Pennsylvania Department of Health via the university's card reader systems and #CampusClear self-health screening app, a comprehensive quarantine and isolation strategy to mitigate community spread, and regular wellness checkups with those who test positive for COVID-19. Anyone directly impacted by the changes reflected on the COVID-19 dashboard will be appropriately contacted per our detailed contact tracing process.
We’ve also developed a number of new FAQs (listed below) that outline the university’s COVID-19 testing, quarantine and isolation protocols.
Please rest assured that since March, several campus groups including representatives from all facets of the campus community and all our locations developed the return to campus strategy, which included comprehensive policies and procedures in the event that would COVID-19 spread to our community. We are prepared to meet this challenge.
The university’s campus operations level is being carefully monitored. Several changes have already occurred, including shifting all dining locations to take-out only, the temporary closure of all indoor recreation spaces, the temporary suspension of all athletics and temporary suspension of all other organized indoor activities. We are confident these changes remain temporary as we adjusted quickly to mitigate the spread.
The health and safety of our community will continue to be our primary concern throughout the semester and we encourage everyone to help us #StayWithThePack by following the guidelines and principles in the Alvernia Wellness Compact.
On behalf of the Pandemic Response Team,
Glynis Fitzgerald, Ph.D., Senior Vice President & Provost
John McCloskey, D.B.A., Senior Vice President & Chief of Staff
UPDATES
COMMUNITY HEALTH AND SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS
What should I do if I am a student and not cleared through #CampusClear to come to class?
If a student reports a symptom that results in the inability to come to class (i.e. a new headache, loss of taste and/or smell, a new cough, etc.), they should contact the Health and Wellness Center immediately to discuss the symptoms with the staff. If needed, the Health and Wellness Center staff will schedule an appointment for testing. Once cleared, the student should obtain a clearance note from the Health and Wellness Center and submit this to faculty for each course they are enrolled. Students are expected to work with each professor in their classes to determine how to keep up with classwork while they are awaiting clearance.
What is the difference between quarantine and isolation?
Isolation and quarantine are both intended to limit the spread of disease, but they have different meanings and different time requirements.
Quarantine is used to keep someone who might have been exposed to COVID-19 away from others and helps prevent spread of the disease that can occur before a person knows they are sick or if they are infected with the virus without feeling symptoms.
Isolation is reserved for those who have tested positive for COVID-19 or are showing symptoms.
Based on the latest guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, time requirements for quarantine and isolation depend on a variety of factors, including whether an individual has been in contact with someone who has COVID-19, is showing symptoms of COVID-19, has tested positive for COVID-19, and more.
The following provides a summary of quarantine and isolation time requirements for students and employees.
Quarantine:
Since symptoms typically develop between 2 to 14 days after exposure, students, faculty and staff who believe they have come into contact with someone who has COVID-19 and/or been identified during the University’s contact tracing process must quarantine for 14 days from their last contact with the individual, in accordance with the CDC guidelines. The CDC provides guidance on when to start and end quarantine based on various scenarios.
Faculty and staff should quarantine at home and may work remotely if well enough to do so.
Students living on campus will quarantine in space identified on campus.
Students who live off campus or at home should plan to quarantine in their current residence. County contact tracers will evaluate additional quarantine needs for students living off campus as part of the contact tracing process.
During quarantine, you may or may not develop symptoms of COVID-19.
For those in quarantine who begin developing symptoms, they should do the following:
Residential students experiencing symptoms should contact the Health and Wellness Center.
Commuter students experiencing symptoms should contact their primary care provider and the Health and Wellness Center.
Employees should contact their primary care provider, their supervisor and Leslie Kane (Leslie.Kane@alvernia.edu).
Isolation:
Students, faculty and staff who test positive for COVID-19 will need to isolate for at least 10 days. Students and employees who are experiencing symptoms and awaiting test results will need to isolate immediately. If the test result is negative, they no longer need to isolate in most cases. This should be discussed with the Health and Wellness Center or the primary care provider before clearance is given.
Faculty and staff should isolate at home, students living on campus will stay in campus-provided isolation space. Individuals should not return to on-campus work or classes until cleared by a medical professional in accordance with CDC guidelines.
According to CDC isolation guidance, individuals who tested positive and experience symptoms can be cleared by a physician to be with others after at least 10 days since their symptoms first appeared, as long as the individual is without a fever forat least 24 hours with no fever-reducing medication, and symptoms have improved. Individuals who tested positive but did not experience symptoms can be cleared by a physician to be with others after 10 days have passed since the date of the positive test. For those who experienced severe illness, your healthcare provider may recommend that you stay in isolation for longer than 10 days after your symptoms first appeared (possibly up to 20 days).
During the semester, students who test positive or are exhibiting symptoms should immediately contact the Health and Wellness Center. Faculty and staff who test positive will need to report their positive status to their supervisor and Leslie Kane (Leslie.Kane@alvernia.edu), so their unit can begin the contact tracing process, and self-isolate off campus.
Can I leave quarantine early if I receive a negative test result?
If you are identified as a close contact through contact tracing, you must complete the entire quarantine period regardless of your test result. Since symptoms typically develop between 2 to 14 days after exposure to someone with COVID-19, close contacts are required to complete the 14-day quarantine period from their last contact with the positive individual. The Alvernia University Health and Wellness Center will tell you what your release date is pending your last contact with the COVID-19 positive person.
What is Alvernia’s contact tracing plan?
To support the health and well-being of the University community this fall and to limit COVID-19 spread and transmission, Alvernia has implemented a contact tracing process in coordination with the Pennsylvania Department of Health. The contact tracing process will focus on identifying, notifying and monitoring students, faculty and staff who came in close contact with an individual who has been diagnosed with COVID-19, or is presumed positive, while they were infectious.
The University and the Pennsylvania Department of Health will work in tandem to support state requirements for case investigation, which is the process of contacting those who test positive for COVID-19, or are presumed positive, and then reaching out to their close contacts.
The following steps outline the contact tracing process and what students and employees can expect:
Step 1: Alvernia’s required use of the #CampusClear self-screening helps users to identify symptoms and alerts them to stay home and students to call Health and Wellness and employees to contact their PCP and supervisor.
Step 2: Health and Wellness Center staff will initiate contact with positive or presumed positive students and employees.
Step 3: Faculty will be contacted for current and up-to-date attendance and seating chart information. Health and Wellness Center staff members and contact tracers will communicate with faculty, staff and students identified as close contacts about quarantine expectations and to offer support and guidance.
Step 4: State contact tracers and select university administrators will reach out daily, or on an as-needed basis, to students in isolation and/or quarantine to provide support and will notify the Health and Wellness Center if they have additional recommendations.
How will I be contacted if I am identified during the contact tracing process?
When a student or employee is identified as being positive for COVID-19, an Alvernia Health and Wellness Center staff member will reach out to them to provide support and isolation guidance and to collect information about that person’s close contacts. An Alvernia Health and Wellness Center staff member will then reach out to students and employees identified as close contacts to gain additional information and provide directions and health precautions. As part the University’s partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Health, a case manager from the state also will reach out to Alvernia students and employees who are diagnosed with COVID-19 to identify close contacts; the state contact tracers will follow up with those close contacts.
In accordance with CDC guidance, close contacts are defined as anyone who was within 6 feet of an infected person for at least 15 minutes starting from 48 hours before the person began feeling sick (or when they test positive, if asymptomatic) until the time the patient was isolated.
How is Alvernia testing for COVID-19 and will the university start testing asymptomatic individuals?
Alvernia has secured rapid point of care, on-campus testing capabilities and is also partnering with local hospitals to test students, faculty and staff for COVID-19, as indicated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Pennsylvania Department of Health guidelines.
The Alvernia Health and Wellness Center is conducting testing of all direct contacts of positive cases. The vast majority of those tested at Alvernia due to exposure have been asymptomatic.
What if I have been in direct contact with someone who did not test positive, but that person has been in direct contact with the person who tested positive?
Exposures of exposures do not need to quarantine. The Alvernia University Health and Wellness Center will, if necessary, expand the quarantine to additional individuals following receipt of test results of the first wave of individuals exposed to an individual who has tested positive for COVID-19.
FACULTY CONSIDERATIONS
How will I know if a student in my class or lab tests positive for COVID-19?
Alvernia’s contact tracing process consists of multiple layers of outreach. This process prioritizes getting the COVID-positive individual into isolation. The first layer involves reaching out to the individual who has tested positive for COVID. Next, Health and Wellness Center staff or state contact tracers will contact those who have been identified by the COVID-positive individual as close contacts. Finally, a Health and Wellness Center staff member or other university administrator from the Pandemic Response Team will contact the faculty member to inform them of a positive case and request seating charts and other pertinent information to aid contact tracing efforts. We will reach out to faculty with each positive test. We are reaching back for attendance information for the full week before testing. It is crucial to our process that all faculty submit attendance daily and have accurate seating charts available upon request. We will continue to refine and improve this process as we learn more this semester.
The contact tracing process begins as soon as possible when the University is informed of a positive case. It is possible, even likely, that a student who has tested positive will notify their professors before the University is able to do so. If a faculty member receives notification from the student prior to receiving formal notification from Alvernia, they do not need to contact the Alvernia Health and Wellness Center, as a representative will be in touch to collect information pertinent to contact tracing.
If a student advises their faculty member directly, then the faculty member will have additional time to work with that student on any adaptions needed to help the student be successful in learning while in isolation or quarantine.
What should I be doing with the #CampusClear app with my students?
Faculty members are encouraged to check the #CampusClear pass from their students before each class. Students are instructed to contact the Health and Wellness Center immediately if they are not cleared. In the situation that a student attends class without clearance, faculty members may ask the students to leave the class and report directly to the Health and Wellness Center. Faculty are also encouraged to request that the student provide a clearance note from Health and Wellness before a student is allowed to return to class after not clearing the #CampusClear app.
EMPLOYEE CONSIDERATIONS
How should Alvernia employees get a COVID test if necessary?
All employees who are exhibiting symptoms or who have had direct contact with a positive COVID case should contact their Primary Care Physician (PCP) for a testing order. Presently, the test availability in the area and wait time for results are as follows:
Rite Aid 6th St. Reading
Online appointment scheduling
2-4 day wait time
PennState Health On Demand app
Schedule telemedicine appt. for drive through at Penn state Health St. Joseph
Mon-Fri 8am-3pm
4-5 day wait time
Patient First
Online appointment scheduling
2-4 day wait time
Tower Health Urgent Care Liggett Ave.
Mon-Fri 8am-8pm or Sat. 8am-3pm.
4-5 day wait time
Thursday, September 17, 2020 | Dining Operations Update
Dear Alvernia University Community,
As we continue to safeguard the health and safety of our campus from the transmission of COVID-19 and out of an abundance of caution, the University has decided to temporarily move all dining locations to take-out only, effective at 4 p.m. today, Thursday, September 17.
It is important to note that the campus community will still enjoy all the same great food and beverage options during the same hours. No dining hall stations will be shut down due to this change in delivery.
Other important notes regarding campus dining include:
Students, faculty and staff who patron the dining locations are encouraged to enjoy their take-out meals at the various outdoor locations across campus, including the Holleran Patio, the different outdoor tents (outside of the Student Center, in front of Bernardine Hall, in front of the PEC, in front of the PLEX and the small tent located outside of Francis Hall), the various picnic tables and natural outdoor seating spaces throughout campus and in the beautiful Angelica Park.
Students are encouraged to use the green plastic, re-washable, to-go containers that can be utilized at any dining location to take a meal to-go at any time. Students can return their used containers when they visit the dining options and are given a clean, sanitized container for their next meal.
Everyone should adhere to social distancing guidelines and directional signage at all dining locations.
As with all changes in campus operations, please know that this change in meal delivery is temporary and we are hopeful that they last no more than 14 days.
On behalf of the Pandemic Response Team,
Glynis Fitzgerald, Ph.D., Senior Vice President & Provost
Wednesday, September 16, 2020 | Campus Operations Update
Dear Alvernia University Community,
We hope you are well tonight. Please note the following changes to campus operations:
The University is closing all indoor recreation spaces (i.e. Campus Commons Fitness Center, Weight Rooms, PEC Gym, etc.).
All athletics and organized indoor activities are temporarily suspended.
The retirement event scheduled for tomorrow has been canceled.
Please know that these closures are temporary and we are hopeful that they last no more than 14 days.
With the pleasant Fall weather we strongly encourage you to consider the many outdoor spaces for activities, recreation and free play. At all times all guidelines (masking, physical distancing, capacity limits, etc.) must be followed.
We leave you with a prayer:
A Coronavirus Prayer (from the Christian tradition)
Jesus Christ, you traveled through towns and villages “curing every disease and illness.” At your command, the sick were made well. Come to our aid now, in the midst of the global spread of the coronavirus, that we may experience your healing love.
Heal those who are sick with the virus. May they regain their strength and health through quality medical care.
Heal us from our fear, which prevents nations from working together and neighbors from helping one another.
Heal us from our pride, which can make us claim invulnerability to a disease that knows no borders.
Jesus Christ, healer of all, stay by our side in this time of uncertainty and sorrow.
Be with those who have died from the virus. May they be at rest with you in your eternal peace.
Be with the families of those who are sick or have died. As they worry and grieve, defend them from illness and despair. May they know your peace.
Be with the doctors, nurses, researchers and all medical professionals who seek to heal and help those affected and who put themselves at risk in the process. May they know your protection and peace.
Be with the leaders of all nations. Give them the foresight to act with charity and true concern for the well-being of the people they are meant to serve. Give them the wisdom to invest in long-term solutions that will help prepare for or prevent future outbreaks. May they know your peace, as they work together to achieve it on earth.
Whether we are home or abroad, surrounded by many people suffering from this illness or only a few, Jesus Christ, stay with us as we endure and mourn, persist and prepare. In place of our anxiety, give us your peace.
Glynis Fitzgerald, Ph.D., Senior Vice President & Provost
John McCloskey, D.B.A., Senior Vice President & Chief of Staff
Wednesday, September 16, 2020 | Letter from President Loyack
Dear Alvernia University Community,
This afternoon, we learned of our first confirmed case of the coronavirus (COVID-19). This individual case was a residential student on the Reading campus and is now recovering in isolation and thankfully doing well. This is the first case on campus since the reopening of all Alvernia locations on August 15, 2020.
Please be assured we have prepared for this scenario throughout the summer and the members of the Pandemic Response Team have responded to this case and are taking all appropriate steps and guidance from various government health authorities.
While this remains an isolated incident, it is an important reminder for our entire community of the importance of the university’s COVID-19 protocols. This first case is providing some early lessons of importance. If you have symptoms you need to report them immediately. Waiting to report symptoms increases the risk of spreading the virus and is violation of your compact with the university community. Do not let your individual desire to participate in an activity or event diminish your commitment to protect our community from the spread of COVID19. Please make protecting your friends, classmates, and the faculty and staff who are dedicated to providing you a great on campus experience, your number one priority. We ask that members of our community remain committed to #StayWithThePack and take the following actions to mitigate the risk of exposure:
Adhere to all guidelines outlined in the University’s Wellness Compact Wear face masks properly (over mouth and nose) at all times as outlined in the Back to the Vern 2020 plan Maintain social distancing, especially in high-traffic areas such as the dining hall, library, and the PLEX Wash and sanitize your hands often Limit travel to and from campus as much as possible If you are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19 (which include fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches or a cough) STAY AT HOME, and immediately contact your medical provider and the Health and Wellness Center Diligently self-screen your health daily using the #CampusClear app
Updated guidance on how to keep yourself and the rest of the Alvernia community safe during these times can be found on the Back to the Vern 2020 and Health Alerts webpages.
The health and safety of our community continues to be our primary concern. We are here to support our students, faculty and staff as we navigate this continuously evolving global pandemic and offer our thoughts and prayers to the student and all members of our Alvernia community.
Sincerely,
John R. Loyack
President
Further communication on testing, isolation, and positive COVID-19 cases will be shared via the COVID-19 Dashboard, which is updated daily.
Saturday, September 5, 2020 | Back to the Vern Updates
Dear Alvernia University Community,
We wanted to start today's update with a few thank yous:
Thank you for making our first week together on our beautiful campuses a success.
Thank you for following the health and safety guidelines, wearing your masks and practicing social distancing guidelines.
Thank you for your continued patience and understanding as we adapt our educational and student life experience.
Here are a few reminders as we head into our first weekend and prepare for our second week of classes:
Classes will be held Labor Day, Monday, September 7. This semester, the university has implemented classes during regularly scheduled fall breaks in an effort o minimize travel and lower the risk of possibly spreading coronavirus on Alvernia campuses.
Protect yourself and the rest of the campus community by attending the many fun activities that Student Activities has planned for this weekend and by making good decisions and not engaging in behavior that will endanger self or others (in particular social gatherings, inside where social distancing cannot be maintained).
Continue to use the #CampusClear app every day. If you are having issues completing the screening on your mobile device, try using the desktop version by clicking here.
If you haven't completed the COVID-19 Training module, please do so ASAP. A reminder email was sent to all Alvernia email addresses on Sunday, August 30. Any issues with login should be directed to Kevin.Burns@alvernia.edu.
Lastly, and most importantly, try to find some downtime for relaxation and self-care. This is crucial as we continue this semester!
As always, please stay safe, stay healthy and remember, we are in this together.
On behalf of the Pandemic Response Team,
Glynis Fitzgerald, Ph.D., Senior Vice President & Provost
John McCloskey, D.B.A., Senior Vice President & Chief of Staff
Monday, August 31, 2020 | Back to the Vern Updates
Dear Alvernia University Community,
Over the past five days we welcomed back students, faculty and staff to our campuses. With classes gathering in-person for the first time today, President Loyack shared a welcome message to our students.
We appreciate everyone's adherence to our health and safety guidelines during the residential move-in process and new student orientation weekend. Without your support, the smooth transition back to campus would not have been possible.
As we head into the first week of in-person classes in nearly six months, here are some top-level items that need your attention to continue the on-campus experience this semester:
As President Loyack shared in his welcome, our success this semester is dependent on all of us doing our part. That starts by reviewing and understanding the health and safety protocols. All students, faculty and staff, if they have not done so already, should do the following ASAP:
Complete the online COVID-19 Training module. A reminder email was sent to all Alvernia email addresses yesterday. Any issues with login should be directed to Kevin.Burns@alvernia.edu.
Please download and begin the daily use of the #CampusClear app. All data collected in this app is encrypted, and the app does not conduct surveillance or tracking on your device. #CampusClear will be used for campus safety and contact tracing purposes only. If you run into any glitches with the #CampusClear app, please make sure to update to the latest version or delete the app from your mobile device and reinstall it.
Alvernia has established protocols for symptom screening for all campus visitors (vendors, guest speakers, media members, etc.). Those protocols were first communicated to campus on Aug. 19 and the FAQ can be found on the Back to the Vern 2020 plan under employee considerations.
Proper mask usage includes the following:
Covering of the mouth and the nose. For more tips on proper mask usage, please visit this CDC page.
Masks should be worn in classrooms, labs, offices, dining and retail facilities, public spaces and while walking and traveling by car with others on Alvernia campuses.
If you are gathering outside, please continue to wear a mask for protection.
We appreciate your continued patience as we work through this new semester!
Please make sure to review the other important updates listed below.
As always, please stay safe, stay healthy and remember, we are in this together.
On behalf of the Pandemic Response Team,
Glynis Fitzgerald, Ph.D., Senior Vice President & Provost
John McCloskey, D.B.A., Senior Vice President & Chief of Staff
Community Health and Safety
Will the fitness centers be open during the fall 2020 semester? (ADDED 8.28.20)
The Campus Commons Fitness Center will open for the first time on Sunday, August 30 from 12 pm – 6 pm. Limited hours will allow for additional training for Fitness Center student workers and staff on Sunday evening. Normal hours, which begin on Monday, August 31, are below:
Monday – Thursday: 6:00am – 10:00pm
Friday: 6:00am – 7:00pm
Saturday: 7:00am – 7:00pm
Sunday: 7:00am – 10:00pm
Please see below for new/additional COVID-related guidelines and protocols for use:
Use of facilities is restricted to current students only. Faculty, staff, guests and alumni use has been suspended temporarily.
Plex Strength Room has been closed temporarily.
All Fitness Center/Strength Room locations have been reviewed by Advantage Fitness, our Fitness Center consultant, and floor plans have been updated to meet or exceed all appropriate CDC and/or industry guidelines, including removing pieces of equipment, spreading others out, restricting use, and placing some equipment out of order to ensure appropriate physical distancing, etc.
Protective Shields have been added to all student check-in desks/areas.
Check-In/Check-Out procedures have been modified to include proof of #CampusClear status (smiley face).
In accordance with the Pennsylvania Department of Health guidance and Alvernia policy, masks covering the mouth and nose are required to be worn at all times, including when exercising.
Physical Distancing of at least six feet must be maintained at all times.
Increased signage has been added to direct traffic flow, limit capacity, and to detail enhanced cleaning procedures.
Capacities have been decreased in each area and are indicated on signage throughout the facility.
Locker rooms, changing areas, and restrooms are open, but you may not leave anything in them.
Water fountains have been turned off, so please bring your own bottle (filling stations are on).
Additional staff has been added for the purpose of cleaning and sanitization of equipment hourly
Please report any violations of these rules and protocols, or any questions to the Front Desk Staff or e-mail Coach Rayne Reber at rayne.reber@alvernia.edu.
Additional rules and regulations are posted in the facility and available at AUWolves.com.
Academic Considerations
How do I access academic advising and tutoring services? (ADDED 8.28.20)
The Academic Success Center in Bernardine Hall 105 is open for academic advising, accessibility services, tutoring and academic coaching. Please request advising and accessibility services appointments using your Navigate Student app ("Wolves Guide") or call 610-796-8263.
Tutoring and academic coaching is primarily accessed online with some in-person meetings by appointment as needed in Bernardine Hall 105. The full schedule of peer tutors, writing support, study groups and workshops is available on www.alvernia.myWCONLINE.com. There are four ways to make an appointment:
Log on to WCONLINE with your Alvernia email and password.
Will the nursing study groups and SI Sessions for BIO and CHEM still meet? (ADDED 8.28.20)
Study groups will be conducted both in-person and virtually on Zoom. Students attending a study group or SI Session should take the following steps:
See the ASC FAQs page for detailed instructions on making, editing & canceling appointments. It's always better when students study together!
Please RSVP for all study group sessions by making an appointment on www.alvernia.myWCONLINE.com. If you realize later that you cannot attend, please cancel your appointment so that others on the waiting list can join.
Wear your mask and try to sit in the same seats each time. Attendance will be taken on a confidential seating chart in case contact tracing is necessary.
Understand that if the room reaches maximum occupancy for social distancing, you can access the study session via the Zoom links on www.alvernia.myWCONLINE.com.
Wednesday, August 26, 2020 | Back to the Vern Updates
Dear Alvernia Community,
Tomorrow we begin welcoming students back to our beautiful campuses, and we couldn't be more excited. We've been sharing our campus transformation with you over the past week and are now happy to present a new video that showcases all the latest health and safety precautions being implemented for a safe return to Alvernia campuses. Please click here to view the video.
Here are a few important reminders for our community as you return to campus:
Please download and begin daily use of the #CampusClear app. All data collected in this app is encrypted, and the app does not conduct surveillance or tracking on your device. #CampusClear will be used for campus safety and contact tracing purposes only. If you run into any glitches with the #CampusClear app, please make sure to update to the latest version or delete the app from your mobile device and reinstall it. More information is available on the Back to the Vern 2020 plan.
Students, faculty and staff should complete the online COVID-19 Training module ASAP. Please see your Alvernia email for more information.
The entire campus community can monitor the COVID-19 situation on campus by visiting the COVID-19 Dashboard, which will be updated daily.
We appreciate your continued patience as we work through the ever-changing guidance from the CDC, Pennsylvania Department of Health and Pennsylvania Department of Education.
Please make sure to review the other important updates listed below.
Please stay safe, stay healthy, and as always, remember, we are in this together.
On behalf of the Pandemic Response Team,
Glynis Fitzgerald, Ph.D., Senior Vice President & Provost
John McCloskey, D.B.A., Senior Vice President & Chief of Staff
Community Health and Safety Will Alvernia have flu shots available on campus for students, faculty and staff? (ADDED 8.26.20)
Students and employees are eligible for the on-campus flu vaccination clinic provided by RiteAid. Enter 19607 for the zip code, register and schedule the appointment, print and complete the consent info and bring those papers along with your insurance card and ID to the clinic.
Student Life Considerations Will the university operate its usual shuttle services and how can I know where the shuttle is? (UPDATED 8.26.20)
Campus shuttles shall operate at a reduced capacity. Riders must wear masks while on the shuttles. Students should plan for increased wait times and may need to leave for classes earlier than they have in the past, if using the shuttles.
Students, faculty and staff can check on the current location of Alvernia shuttles by downloading the Buswhere app on their mobile device by doing the following:
Check your email for a registration link and click it.
Enter your name, choose your password and enter your phone number.
Enter the times you want to receive notifications (pick the times you use the shuttle most).
Complete the registration and explore the site.
Download the BusWhere for Alvernia app by searching “BusWhere for Alvernia University” in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
Faculty Considerations How do I mark students who are virtually attending class in AUAdvise? (ADDED 8.26.20)
Faculty will need to mark “virtually attending” students as “Tardy Excused” on AUAdvise rather than “Present” for contact tracing purposes.
How do I set up Zoom meetings for students attending class virtually? (ADDED 8.26.20)
Faculty members who have been notified that they have students attending class virtually must set up a recurring Zoom meeting for their virtual classrooms. The Center for Instructional Design and Learning Technology in the Media Suite can provide resources for training in the procedure if needed.
What are the expectations for faculty who have students who are not able to attend class due to COVID-19 symptoms? (ADDED 8.26.20)
Faculty should clearly communicate a process to students who may have to attend virtually if they are not cleared for campus access via the #CampusClear App and for any time the campus is not face to face, including the time period after Thanksgiving.
How do I create a seating chart for my class? (ADDED 8.26.20)
The university is creating a seating chart template for all classrooms. In the meantime, faculty are encouraged to take a picture of their class each day for contact tracing purposes. In the event a faculty member is considering assigning seats, considerations of seating placement must include ADA accommodations.
Employee Considerations What if I am feeling ill, who should I notify, and what are my steps for returning to campus? (UPDATED 8.26.20)
Employees who are not feeling well should not report to work, contact their supervisor, contact Leslie Kane (Leslie.Kane@alvernia.edu) and seek appropriate medical care.
The Health and Wellness Center and Human Resources Department have worked diligently to develop employee protocols for COVID-19 exposure and symptoms as well as a return to work/campus. This infographic explains the number of potential scenarios faculty and staff may encounter during the upcoming semester.
Friday, August 21, 2020 | Back to the Vern Updates
Dear Alvernia Community,
We are now less than a week away from welcoming students back to our beautiful campuses and we are excited to continue to share the transformation of our campus.
As we head into the weekend there are a few important updates we wanted to share with the community:
Our world, including our campus community, is changing at a rapid pace. Keeping yourself informed is paramount to the success of this semester. Please be sure to bookmark and regularly visit the Back to the Vern 2020 plan and the Health Alerts page.
Please be sure to download and begin daily use of the #CampusClear app. Make it part of your morning routine!
Please make sure to take the time to review the Alvernia Wellness Compact and be prepared to adhere to all the guidelines outlined in the compact.
Alvernia University has continued flexible accommodations for employees' return to work as well as remote learning options for students. In order to finalize plans for the start of the semester, Alvernia asks that any additional accommodation requests be filed with Human Resources (for employees) and the Alvernia University Office of the Provost(for students) no later than Monday, August 24 at 5 p.m. ET. Any requests after this time may not be able to be accommodated.
We appreciate your continued patience as we work through the ever-changing guidance from the CDC, Pennsylvania Department of Health and Pennsylvania Department of Education.
Please stay safe, stay healthy, and as always, remember, we are in this together.
On behalf of the Pandemic Response Team,
Glynis Fitzgerald, Ph.D., Senior Vice President & Provost
John McCloskey, D.B.A., Senior Vice President & Chief of Staff
Wednesday, August 19, 2020 | Back to the Vern 2020 Updates
Dear Alvernia Community,
As we inch ever closer to the start of the semester, we want to remind our community of a few important items:
Students need to submit the proper health paperwork (See FAQs below)
Every member of our campus community should please make the #CampusClear app part of your daily morning routine (See FAQ below)
Below you will find new and revised FAQs based on our plans. As always, we ask that you continue to monitor the Alvernia University Health Alerts page for the latest updates as well as the updated FAQs found in our Back to the Vern 2020 plan.
We appreciate your continued patience as we work through the ever-changing guidance from the CDC, Pennsylvania Department of Health and Pennsylvania Department of Education.
Please stay safe, stay healthy, and as always, remember, we are in this together.
On behalf of the Pandemic Response Team,
Glynis Fitzgerald, Ph.D., Senior Vice President & Provost
John McCloskey, D.B.A., Senior Vice President & Chief of Staff
Community Health and Safety
I've heard Alvernia is using #CampusClear app but I want to find more information and how to download the app and make it part of my daily routine? (UPDATED 8.19.20)
What is #CampusClear?
#CampusClear is a COVID-19 assessment tool that allows individuals to report health status, symptoms, and exposure. More than 1,000 colleges and universities have signed-up for #CampusClear, which was created by Ivy.ai, a leading developer of higher-education artificial intelligence solutions, in partnership with Creighton University and other collegiate partners.
Alvernia University expects the entire campus community, all students, faculty and staff at all locations to utilize #CampusClear for daily self-symptom screening.
What does the #CampusClear app do?
Enables students and employees to self-report symptoms or COVID-19 infection daily in an easy and convenient way.
Clears individuals to access university facilities.
Gives Alvernia actionable information to manage emergent risks.
The app is not a source of medical advice. Check with your doctor if you have any health concerns.
Select #CampusClear app, indicated by the green hashtag logo and click install app.
Read through the agreements and user consents and click “I understand/consent”
Choose “student”, “employee” based on your appropriate role and enter your @alvernai.edu email address
Check for confirmation email to complete account setup. Email will come from “Ivy Team” at the email address team@ivy.ai.
Click “confirm email” to begin using the app.
How do I conduct a self health screen using the app daily?
Check your temperature with a thermometer (remember your result) and then open the app. You need to complete the steps in the app before coming onto campus and also on days you do not come to campus. Please allow notifications on the app so you will be prompted by a mobile notification or email every weekday morning at 7:30 a.m. and at 10 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Click the button for any symptoms you have or indicate if you are symptom free.
Follow the guidance provided by the app. The app will tell you whether you are clear to come onto campus or not.
Students and employees must self-screen via the app every day.
Passes and Instructions If you receive a green screen with a smiley face…
You are cleared to be on campus to attend classes, work, and other activities. Please follow social distancing guidelines, wear your mask and enjoy campus responsibly.
If you receive a red screen
Do not come to campus. Avoid contact with others.
Students should call the Health and Wellness Center (610-568-1467) before 4:30pm or send a secure message via the Student Health Portal if after hours. Employees should contact their primary care provider and reference the COVID-19 protocol sheet.
If you don't have access to a smartphone or other mobile device...
If you don't have access to a smartphone/device, you can provide a daily screening via a desktop or laptop computer here. Please print out your results and carry with you during your time on campus.
#CampusClear Helpful Tips
You will never have to select or remember a password to use the app.
You will remain logged in to the app until you logout, even after closing the app.
Your results for the day will display every time you open the app, until the next day when you are prompted to complete the question again. It is okay if you close the app between completing your attestation and needing to present your results on campus.
If you make a mistake and need to re-enter your results for the day, you must log out of the app and back in.
Every time you log out of the app and attempt to log back in, you will be asked to verify yourself through the email confirmation, to protect identity.
#CampusClear Privacy Policy
All data is transmitted encrypted and only certain individuals appointed by Alvernia will have the ability to unencrypt the data so they can make contact with sick individuals, for example. The app does not conduct surveillance or tracking other than the utilization of the app. No third parties will get access to the app’s data. Read the privacy policy in its entirety here.
Is there any new health documentation or information that will be required for students, faculty and staff to submit before arriving at campus? (UPDATED 8.19.20)
A new COVID-19 Return to Campus form must be completed by students returning to campus in August. That form has been delivered to students on the student health portal and was due August 13th.
If you have not completed it yet, please do so as soon as possible by logging in to the Student Health Portal and click on "My Forms." If you have not completed it yet, please do so as soon as possible.
In addition, a Flu Vaccination requirement has been added this year for residential students and student-athletes. Residential students and student-athletes must have a current 2020-21 seasonal flu shot on file by Oct. 15 by uploading proof to the student health portal. Flu shot clinics will be available on campus through a local pharmacy and at the Health and Wellness Center during move in and through the first week of classes.
What if I can't get an appointment with my doctor before school starts to fulfill the health requirements? (UPDATED 8.19.20)
All full time undergraduate, DPT, DNP, MSN, MSAT, MSOT, and MSW students are required to complete forms and submit copies of their immunization records and insurance card on the Student Health Portal by August 1. If you are having trouble getting an appointment with your doctor, you may be able to request your immunization record from them without needing an appointment. You can also contact the Alvernia Health and Wellness Center by sending a secure message in the Student Health Portal with your concern. There will be a vaccine clinic on campus the first week of classes to help students catch up on necessary vaccines including the flu shot.
Students and employees are eligible for the flu vaccination clinic provided by RiteAid. Enter 19607 for the zip code, register and schedule the appointment, print and complete the consent info and bring those papers along with your insurance card and ID to the clinic.
Will students, faculty and staff be required to take their temperature every day? (UPDATED 8.19.20)
As part of ongoing mitigation efforts, all students, faculty and staff will also be asked to complete self-monitoring, which includes taking temperature with a thermometer and screening for other symptoms through the #CampusClear app. For students, any concerning symptoms will be addressed by the university's Health and Wellness Center.
The Alvernia Pandemic Response Team may issue requirements for situations where students, employees, and approved visitors must have their temperature checked by an Alvernia representative before participating in an activity or entering a University-owned space. Examples include university-sponsored intercollegiate athletic activities and in certain lab activities.
Has Alvernia established a COVID-19 Dashboard for tracking COVID-19 cases in the campus community? (ADDED 8.19.20)
The university has established a COVID-19 Dashboard, which outlines testing and isolation of all students, faculty and staff studying or working at any Alvernia’s campuses (Reading, Philadelphia, or Schuylkill). To protect each person’s privacy, the university will not share names nor other specific details. Alvernia will update this list daily as information becomes available and is verified.
Employee Considerations
What is the expectation of visitors upon entering any of Alvernia’s campuses? (ADDED 8.19.20)
While visitor access to Alvernia campus locations should be very limited, there is an understanding that some visitors will need access to campus for various reasons. Alvernia has established expectations for all campus visitors as well as for employees who invite visitors to campus.
Visitor Expectations
All visitors should complete self-monitoring of symptoms, which includes taking temperature with a thermometer and screening other symptoms through the Alvernia Visitor COVID-19 Daily Self Checklist on your computer or mobile device by visiting or by filling out this paper form with your campus contact before entering any campus facility. This is expected of visitors each time they come to campus.
All visitors should practice social distancing of at least six feet while on campus and wear face masks when inside campus buildings.
Visitors should maintain high sanitation levels including frequently washing hands (for at least 20 seconds), utilizing new and existing hand sanitation stations, avoiding close contact with those who are sick and covering coughs or sneezes with a tissue as directed by the CDC.
Visitors should remain home if feeling ill or after having been exposed to someone who is sick or tested positive for COVID-19 and reschedule their visit for a later time.
Employee Expectations
Employees should limit the number of visitors invited to campus during the fall 2020 semester and should instead explore options to meet virtually via ZOOM or Microsoft Teams in an effort to reduce potential virus exposure to the campus community.
If meeting virtually is not viable...
Prior To Arrival
Employees should send a copy of the Visitor Expectations (listed above) to their invited guests prior to their arrival to campus.
Employees are responsible for entering the information supplied by the visitor on the paper form, into the Alvernia Visitor COVID-19 Daily Self Checklist as well as sending the paper to the Health and Wellness Center via interoffice mail for proper record keeping.
The sanitation supplies have run low in my area, who do I contact to refill them? (ADDED 8.19.20)
If you notice any sanitation supplies (wipes, hand sanitizer, etc.) that need refilled/replace, or if you have safety questions/concerns on how to administer those products, please email ehs@alvernia.edu. This is a new email for Environmental Health and Safety and will be monitored during working hours. Please include refill items needed and location and/or room number.
I need to create some COVID-19 related signage for my area, where can I find some templates? (ADDED 8.19.20)
Alvernia has created a number of COVID-19 signage templates for use by faculty and staff. The designs come in a variety of colors and sizes and are in Microsoft Word format and can be printed on university printers. The templates can be found here.
Can I continue to work from home if I can accomplish my work remotely? What if I, or someone I live with, is immunocompromised or part of an at-risk population? (UPDATED 8.19.20)
Alvernia University is open for business and on ground campus support is expected to service our students and campus community. The university continues to support reasonable flexible work schedules for some roles to ensure safety for all. However, some roles require daily on campus presence to support continued university operations. For specific guidance, please contact HR to discuss available options.
FAQs
What is the latest on the university's plans for Fall 2020?
After much research and planning Alvernia University is actively preparing for an in-person fall semester, consistent with guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease Control, Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
Will there be a temporary grading policy to reflect the challenges presented by COVID-19?
Given the extraordinary challenges confronted by the Alvernia University community during the COVID-19 pandemic, new academic policies have been temporarily instituted for Spring and Summer 2020. The new policies and a list of FAQs are available here.
Are there resources available to help students, faculty, and staff transition to to new learning and work environments?
Alvernia has developed a folder of resources to assist students, faculty and staff transition to new learning and work environments. These folders will be updated often.
A novel coronavirus is a new coronavirus that has not been previously identified. The virus causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is not the same as the coronaviruses that commonly circulate among humans and cause mild illness, like the common cold.
A diagnosis with coronavirus 229E, NL63, OC43, or HKU1 is not the same as a COVID-19 diagnosis. Patients with COVID-19 will be evaluated and cared for differently than patients with common coronavirus diagnosis.
What is the source of the virus
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses. Some cause illness in people, and others, such as canine and feline coronaviruses, only infect animals. Rarely, animal coronaviruses that infect animals have emerged to infect people and can spread between people. This is suspected to have occurred for the virus that causes COVID-19. Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) are two other examples of coronaviruses that originated from animals and then spread to people. More information about the source and spread of COVID-19 is available on the Situation Summary: Source and Spread of the Virus.
What are the symptoms and complications that COVID-19 can cause?
Current symptoms reported for patients with COVID-19 have included mild to severe respiratory illness with fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Read about COVID-19 Symptoms.
Monday, August 17, 2020 | Back to the Vern 2020 Updates
Dear Alvernia University Community,
As the majority of our faculty and staff back return to campus this week, preparations for the start of the semester continue and we couldn't be more excited to be less than two weeks away from welcoming our students back to our campuses for the first time since mid-March.
As a reminder, we’re strongly encouraging all students – commuters and residents - to self-isolate at home for 14-days prior to arriving on campus.
Changes across campus are happening every day, including the installation of new lawn signs and distribution of cleaning and sanitizing materials in all campus buildings.
Below you will find new and revised FAQs based on our plans. As always, we ask that you continue to monitor the Alvernia University Health Alerts page for the latest updates as well as the updated FAQs found in our Back to the Vern 2020 plan.
We appreciate your continued patience as we work through the ever-changing guidance from the CDC, Pennsylvania Department of Health and Pennsylvania Department of Education.
Please stay safe, stay healthy, and as always, remember, we are in this together.
On behalf of the Pandemic Response Team,
Glynis Fitzgerald, Ph.D., Senior Vice President & Provost
John McCloskey, D.B.A., Senior Vice President & Chief of Staff
Community Health and Safety Is Alvernia testing for COVID-19? (UPDATED 8.17.20)
Alvernia has secured rapid point of care, on-campus testing capabilities and is also partnering with local hospitals to test students and employees for COVID-19, as indicated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Pennsylvania Department of Health guidelines.
The university is highly emphasizing daily symptom monitoring and recording on the #CampusClear app, proper mask usage, social distancing protocols and increased sanitation procedures as the primary mitigation tactics.
Will there be some type of COVID-19 safety training that students and employees will receive as they arrive to campus?
To educate our community on the COVID-19 and the various mitigation efforts, Alvernia has secured an online training module that all students, faculty and staff will be required to complete before their return to campus.
The module explores some of the challenges associated with, and strategies for approaching, reopening colleges and schools during the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more about COVID-19 and what faculty, staff, and students should expect, and do, as in-person operations resume.
After taking this course, learners should be able to:
Describe the challenges institutions are facing as a result of the pandemic
Recognize that everyone must work together to reduce the spread of the virus
Identify the signs and symptoms of COVID-19
Detail safety precautions to minimize exposure to the virus
Students, faculty and staff will receive instructions to their Alvernia email this week with instructions on how to complete the online training. All students must complete this training by Monday, August 24. Employees, especially those who have started to return to campus, should complete the training as soon as possible, but no later than Friday, August 21.
What if there is a virus flare on campus, during the semester? Will Alvernia close campus and return to remote learning? (UPDATED 8.17.20)
The Alvernia Pandemic Response Team has created guidance, which has been informed by evidence-based science and/or expert opinions. This guidance covers most situations and will be revised as our understanding of COVID-19 and situational awareness changes.
The university regularly monitors and determines the level of operations for classes, housing, research and other events and activities using an established framework. Levels of operations range from a closed campus to fully open. Levels within this range include various combinations of online and in-person classes, class size densities, on-campus housing availability, and expanded or reduced research activities.
A combination of community and campus criteria might lead to further campus restrictions, partial closure or full closure.
Community criteria include:
Significant, applicable action by the governor or other public officials
Escalation of the City of Reading Public Health COVID-19 risk-based guidelines
Number of hospital admissions in Berks, Schuylkill, Montgomery and surrounding counties
Trends among other institutions of higher education
Upward trajectory of influenza-like illness (ILI) –when compared to traditional rates –and COVID-19-like syndromic surveillance within a 14-day period
Upward trajectory of documented cases or percentage of positive tests (with flat or increasing volume of tests) for 14 days
Degradation of robust testing capacity in community including screening and contact tracing for symptomatic individual
Campus Considerations include:
Employee absenteeism with focus on critical areas such as environmental services (ability to maintain a safe, hygienic campus)
Increases in percent positives in testing
Personal protective equipment (PPE) shortages impacting ability to test and care for COVID-19
Inability to adequately test for COVID-19 due to supply chain issues (e.g., collection kit, processing reagents)
If the activity from clusters overwhelms our ability to quarantine/isolate and contact trace
Positive tests in excess of predicted model
Upward trajectory of ILI and COVID-19 syndromic surveillance within a 14-day period over baseline rates
Excess student stress/concern
Upward trajectory of documented cases or percentage of positive tests (with flat or increasing volume of tests) for 14 days
Increasing cases of community transmission (no known source) in student population
Degradation of containment capabilities
Some of the possible actions as a result of these factors include:
Advanced or heightened social distancing, environmental cleaning
Short class suspension, building and facility closure to clean/disinfect/contact trace in consultation with local health officials
Phased occupancy reduction
Closure of residence halls with the understanding that travel is a concern and it might be worse to send people home
On-campus closure; full transition to remote learning
Student Life
Will there be a way for students to anonymously report non-compliance of health and safety guidelines, including not wearing masks and not social distancing?
All students are expected to follow all guidelines and recommendations established by Alvernia University. Non-compliance will be considered a policy violation and referred to the Office of Community Standards for follow up. Students can report non-compliant behaviors by their peers, through the already-existing notification system, Report It.
What type of meetings and events will be allowed on campus?
Current guidance from the Pennsylvania Department of Health restricts all indoor activities (that are not related to educational instruction) to no more than 25 people (includes all people present). This includes meetings, assemblies, etc.
Activities and gatherings held outdoors are limited to no more than 250 people.
The university encourages all event organizers to consider holding meetings and events virtually if possible. When that is not feasible, organizers should do the following:
Consider outdoor event spaces whenever possible
Notify participants that events can be canceled at any time, depending on how the pandemic evolves.
Design events to ensure proper social distancing and hand hygiene.
Keep a log of all attendees.
Adhere to recommended protective face masks guidance. Event organizer has to ensure everyone is compliant.
Clean event spaces regularly — at least daily.
Ensure that non-local attendees review and adhere to Alvernia travel restrictions
Monday, August 10, 2020 | Back to the Vern 2020 Updates
Dear Alvernia University Community,
As we continue to prepare for the return of our students, faculty and staff to our beautiful campus, the Pandemic Response Team is meeting daily to address your questions and concerns. We will be increasing the number of updates in the coming weeks to update you with the latest information as it becomes available.
Below you will find new and revised FAQs based on our plans. As always, we ask that you continue to monitor the Alvernia University Health Alerts page for the latest updates as well as the updated FAQs found in our Back to the Vern 2020 plan.
We appreciate your continued patience as we work through the ever-changing guidance from the CDC, Pennsylvania Department of Health and Pennsylvania Department of Education.
Please stay safe, stay healthy, and as always, remember, we are in this together.
On behalf of the Pandemic Response Team,
Glynis Fitzgerald, Ph.D., Senior Vice President & Provost
John McCloskey, D.B.A., Senior Vice President & Chief of Staff
Community Health and Safety How can I submit the new student health form in the student health portal?
Log in to the Student Health Portal and click on "My Forms" to complete the Alvernia COVID-19 Return to Campus Form.
What if I can't get an appointment with my doctor before school starts to fulfill the health requirements?
All full time undergraduate, DPT, DNP, MSN, MSAT, MSOT, and MSW students are required to complete forms and submit copies of their immunization records and insurance card on the Student Health Portal by August 13. If you are having trouble getting an appointment with your doctor, you may be able to request your immunization record from them without needing an appointment. You can also contact the Alvernia Health and Wellness Center by sending a secure message in the Student Health Portal with your concern. There will be a vaccine clinic on campus the first week of classes to help students catch up on necessary vaccines including the flu shot.
What is the Alvernia Wellness Compact?
The Alvernia University Wellness Compact is a set of actions that all members of the university community are asked to abide by to protect themselves and others by doing their part to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other illnesses. The Alvernia Wellness Compact is available here for review.
How can I access #CampusClear to begin screening my symptoms?
Alvernia University expects the entire campus community to utilize #CampusClear system for daily self-symptom screening. You can access the #CampusClear app by downloading it from the Apple App Store and Google Play store or by accessing it from your laptop or desktop here. While the app is in the final stages of development, the Alvernia community can begin using the app by registering for an account using your university email address. More information on how to utilize the app upon return to campus will be available shortly.
Will there be a mandatory quarantine before returning to campus? (UPDATED 8.7.2020)
As part of Alvernia’s efforts to open our campus for Fall 2020 in a safe and healthy way, we’re strongly encouraging all students – commuters and residents - to self-isolate at home for 14-days prior to arriving on campus. Please note, this does not apply to students who have already started classes, been living/working on campus this summer, or students who plan to be virtual in the fall. Students are asked to limit your exposure to those who do not reside in your home environment. We also ask that you be extra vigilant if having any friends and family good-bye gatherings: such events are now the #1 source of COVID-19 spread in Pennsylvania’s current hot spots. Your at-home self-isolation should begin 14 days prior to the first day you will be physically on one of our campuses. This would begin 14 days prior to your move-in date (residents) or your first on-ground class (commuters).
I'm a student and I received a card in the mail from SwiftMD, what is this service?
SwiftMD is a new after-hours telemedicine service that is provided to Alvernia's full-time undergraduate students at no additional cost. This service can be utilized when the Health and Wellness Center is closed. It is important to note that this not any kind of health insurance.
Academics What type of behaviors are expected of students in the new learning environment?
Are there any restrictions for internship or clinical sites for the fall 2020 semester? (UPDATED 8.10.2020)
Departments requiring community-based placements (i.e. nursing clinical, student teaching, internships) will ensure that sites adhere to safety, health and social distancing protocols and that students receive appropriate orientation and training before placement. Students should verify the availability of opportunities with their internship or clinical site supervisors. If students do not know their internship or clinical site supervisors, they should contact their Dean’s Office.
What type of tutoring services will be available for students during the fall 2020 semester?
The Academic Success Center will continue to offer subject tutoring, writing support and academic coaching both in-person with social distancing and remotely via Zoom or phone. The study groups for nursing, anatomy & physiology and CHE106 will also continue but follow the same social distancing practices as classes. Our schedule of tutors and workshops will be open for appointments on Aug. 3 on www.alvernia.mywconline.com.
If I decide not to attend the university this fall but return for the spring semester, will it affect my financial aid package?
Alvernia University will honor institutional aid awards for students who decide to not return for the fall 2020 semester but return for the spring 2021 semester. Students should be aware that taking a gap semester or gap year will trigger the start of the federal loan grace period. Students should consult with Student Financial Services by contacting FinancialAid@alvernia.edu or 610-796-8356 to discuss the options available to them.
Why is the spring 2021 academic calendar missing from the website?
Alvernia continues to monitor the ongoing COVID-19 global pandemic. In order to be fluid and nimble in planning for the Spring 2021 semester, the Spring 2021 Calendar is not available at this time. As the university continues to monitor the latest health guidance and organizes its spring academic experience, more information will be shared via the COVID-19 campus update emails and at Alvernia.edu/Health-Alerts.
Student Life When will resident students be able to return to campus?
The Office of Residence Life is planning a staggered move-in for both new and first-year students as well as returning students. It is our hope that by staggering times, we can efficiently, safely and quickly move all your belongings to campus without the usual crowds and traffic of a typical move-in process. Residence Life will communicate with you via your Alvernia email to sign up for a move-in time.
First-year students will be able to sign up for move-in during the following dates and times:
Thursday, August 27th, 9am-12pm & 1pm-4pm
Friday, August 28th, 9am-12pm & 1pm-4pm
Returning upper-class students will be able to sign up for move-in during the following dates and times:
Saturday, August 29th, 10am-12pm & 1pm-4pm
Sunday, August 30th, 9am-12pm & 1pm-4pm
New and returning students will be allowed two family members or friends to help with unpacking and room set up. To ensure the safety of all our resident students, we ask students and their families and friends to adhere to their three-hour move-in window. All students and their family and friends must wear a mask during the entire move-in process. Once students and their family and friends have moved all their belongings into their rooms, we ask that they depart the residential area to make room for the next move-in cohort and take some time to explore our beautiful campus together.
If you are registered to live on campus, but now wish to commute, can you do so?
Yes, please contact Shannon Merkey, Director of Residence Life, at Shannon.Merkey@alvernia.edu if you would like to change your status to a commuter.
Thursday, July 23, 2020 | Back to the Vern 2020 Announcement
Dear Alvernia University Community,
We cannot wait to welcome our students Back to the Vern, and our faculty and staff are hard at work to prepare our campus and centers. This includes reopening our physical campuses and offering a dynamic academic life and the engaging college experience you expect at Alvernia. Our goal is to raise the bar of the full student experience and we think you will notice the difference.
We so look forward to getting started with some new realities that COVID-19 brings that will impact how we all interact with each other. Face masks, physical distancing and frequent hand washing have become second nature to us as we all work together to limit exposure and transmission of the virus. For those returning to continue your Alvernia experience, you will notice the differences as we have taken hundreds of actions to safeguard the health and wellbeing of our campuses.
Our Franciscan heritage encourages us to be flexible and nimble, which has been an asset given the evolving and uncertain nature of COVID-19. We will continue to let the health, safety and comfort of our students, faculty, staff and neighbors drive our decisions.
With that in mind, the Alvernia Pandemic Response Team has developed flexible campus health and safety recommendations and requirements in response to the COVID-19 Pandemic that students, faculty and staff are expected to follow upon return for the fall 2020 semester.
In the Back to the Vern 2020 plan, you will find detailed information related to the phased reopening of our physical campuses and the start of the fall semester. Personal health guidelines, steps to keep our campuses healthy and safe and more.
These recommendations and requirements will be updated as new information about the virus develops and as we continue to monitor and evaluate data and guidance set forth by the Centers for Disease Control, Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Alvernia may add or reduce health and safety measures at any time and adapt them to our Alvernia campus environment, unique in the ways we all learn, live and work together.
Alvernia cannot guarantee these safety measures will prevent COVID-19 from occurring on our campus; however, given our current understanding of the transmission of the virus, adherence to these practices can decrease the likelihood of occurrence and enable us to keep the university operations on campus until the Thanksgiving Break.
The recommendations and requirements are structured in an FAQ format here.
Any questions not covered in this area should be directed via email to the Pandemic Response Team at Campus.Update@alvernia.edu for inclusion in future updates.
As we've stated from the beginning, our community is in this together, and we each have a part to play to keep each other safe. Please stay safe, stay healthy, and we look forward to seeing you on campus soon.
On behalf of the Pandemic Response Team,
John R. Loyack, President
Glynis Fitzgerald, Senior Vice President and Provost
John McCloskey, Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff
Wednesday, June 17, 2020 | Message from President Loyack about fall semester
Dear Alvernia University Community,
I write you today with the most exciting news since our departure from campus March 18. After much research, planning and work by many colleagues, I am pleased to inform you that Alvernia University is actively preparing for an in-person fall semester, consistent with guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease Control, Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
The health and safety of our extended campus community remains our top priority. Our reopening plan will allow us to systematically adapt our campus, curriculum and operations to safeguard health. Our goal is to be on campus and stay on campus safely.
We will soon provide you with detailed procedures for reopening the campus but wanted to give you the dates as soon as they were determined for your planning purposes.
1.) Classes for the fall 2020 semester will begin as scheduled on Aug. 31, campus-based, in-person instruction for a majority of courses will end Nov. 25, with the remainder of the semester – including final examinations – delivered remotely when classes resume after Thanksgiving break on Nov. 30.
2.) To minimize travel and lower the risk of possibly spreading Coronavirus on our campuses, classes will be held during regularly scheduled fall breaks, including Labor Day and the Feast of St. Francis. Residential students should strive to remain on campus throughout the term.
3.) An extensive return to work plan for faculty and staff has been established, with a phased return to our campus locations commencing July 6. The plan includes small cohorts of students returning to campus over the summer, with significant prevention and public health procedures in place to help maintain the health and safety of our students, employees and local communities. All faculty will return to campus as scheduled Aug. 15.
4.) Detailed plans for intercollegiate athletics are being developed in accordance with NCAA and Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) guidelines. Further information, including report dates for fall preseason, will be sent directly to student-athletes by the Department of Athletics & Recreation.
5.) All Alvernia employees and every student choosing to attend this fall are fully expected to commit to health and safety guidelines, out of respect for our close community of learning and work. The success of the University’s plans will be largely dependent on everyone doing their part. While on campus, students, employees and visitors are expected to wear face masks or coverings, practice social distancing, practice hand hygiene by frequently washing and sanitizing, follow protocols for covering coughs and sneezes, stay home if sick and clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces. The University will employ enhanced cleaning and sanitation, hygiene stations, plexiglass, signage and various other measures to provide for physical distancing and other health and safety needs.
Although there is still much work to be done, our Pandemic Response Team, together with the ad hoc faculty committee and other professionals on and off-campus, remains vigilant in monitoring federal, state and local public health updates. More communication will be shared about our plan in the coming weeks and we will modify or issue additional guidance based on the latest information available.
As we continue to outline the plan to advance our educational mission on campus, we do so by acknowledging the physical and psychological health and well-being of our entire campus community, including the direct impacts of COVID-19 and the indirect consequences of mitigation tactics.
I am grateful to the Alvernia community for your patience, commitment and trust as we embark upon an unprecedented year, with continuing pandemic conditions.
Thursday, June 4, 2020 | Update on Fall 2020 Plans
Dear Alvernia University Community,
As we begin the move out process for our residential students today, we’ve received updated guidance from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and Pennsylvania Governor Wolf’s updated Process to Reopen Pennsylvania plan. While our campus remains closed for normal university functions at this time, we wanted to provide an update of Alvernia’s plans for Fall 2020.
We are following the guidance provided by the state and local public health officials and are developing a reopening plan for the Fall of 2020 that will be ready to share with the community by July 1.
The comprehensive plan will include:
Methods to safely resume in-person instruction (course, calendar, etc. modifications)
Procedure to monitor health conditions within the campus community (temp checks, etc.)
Approach to mitigate and contain the spread of the virus on campus (signage, spacing, masks, etc.)
Strategy on how Alvernia will coordinate with local public health officials and inform them if transmission occurs on campus
System to communicate accurate and timely information to students, faculty, staff, and our extended Alvernia community
The safety of our students, faculty, staff, Bernardine Sisters and the greater Alvernia community will be at the heart of each strategy we implement as it remains our number one priority during this time.
Please stay safe, stay healthy, and as always, remember, we are in this together.
Sincerely,
Glynis Fitzgerald, Ph.D., Senior Vice President & Provost
John McCloskey, D.B.A., Senior Vice President & Chief of Staff
Thursday, May 21, 2020 | Update on Resident Move Out Process and Weekly Updates
Dear Alvernia University Community,
With the conclusion of the Spring 2020 semester, we now look towards the summer and beyond.
We've heard and understand your desire to know the University's plans for the Fall 2020 semester. We assure you we are working diligently behind the scenes to determine the best course of action for our campus community.
While the situation remains everchanging, we are consulting the proper health agencies, engaging faculty and staff in scenario planning and continually monitoring the local, state and federal guidelines and best practices.
We ask for your continued patience as we work through these steps so we can ensure our number one priority, keeping our students, faculty, staff, Bernardine Sisters and the greater Alvernia community safe.
We've also heard the desire by our resident students to gather their belongings from the residence halls. While we've continued to adhere to Pennsylvania Governor Wolf's "stay at home" order, we've recently received new guidance that has allowed the Office of Residence Life to develop a process for resident students to return to campus to collect their belongings, beginning June 4, 2020.
As directed by the PA Department of Health and PA Department of Education, we must spread this process out over two weeks to ensure the health and safety of everyone involved. It is also important to note that the campus will remain closed during this process.
Residential students should reference the communication delivered to their Alvernia email addresses with specific directions about this process. Action is required by the student to reserve a move out time slot.
We understand that there is no easy way to allow for a normal move-out process, and we ask for your patience and understanding during this time as we work to ensure the safety of the students and families returning to campus and the Alvernia staff designated to assist them.
Please stay safe, stay healthy, and as always, remember, we are in this together.
Sincerely,
Glynis Fitzgerald, Ph.D., Senior Vice President & Provost
John McCloskey, D.B.A., Senior Vice President & Chief of Staff
Academics
Library Books Information: The Franco Library does not require patrons to return Alvernia library books during the campus closure. If your library books have a due date during the COVID-19 closure, they will be due back after the campus and library reopen, and overdue fines will be waived. Patrons do not need to contact the library about books due during the closure unless they are unable to return the books when campus reopens. If you are graduating or otherwise unable to return your books, or you have additional questions about returning materials, please email our Access Services Librarian at kathleen.zamietra@alvernia.edu.
If you have inter-library loan materials checked out, many libraries are waiving fines and materials due dates. Please contact our ILL staff member at derek.smith@alvernia.edu to verify that you may retain your items until campus reopens or discuss alternative return methods.
Summer Tutoring is Open: Alvernia University’s Academic Success Center offers online academic support to all students enrolled in summer courses.
1.) Professional writing tutors can help you organize your ideas, express yourself clearly, and improve your use of sources at every stage of the writing process in any course.
2.) Graduate assistants can help you study for your psychology and business courses.
3.) Academic coaching sessions can help you apply proven study strategies, time management, and test preparation to start your semester off strong.
For all types of writing assignments, take advantage of your WWW.GRAMMARLY.COM/EDUPremium access using your Alvernia email address and login password.
For help in a specific course, please emailacademic.support@alvernia.eduor call the Tutoring Hotline at 610-568-1494 for immediate assistance.
Wolves Guide Advisor Now Available: Alvernia has launched a new mobile advisor platform, Wolves Guide. This mobile app assists students in navigating all aspects of college life - from financial aid to important dates and deadlines. More information on how to download is available here.
Class of 2020 Caps, Gowns and Cords: The website to order caps, gowns and hoods is available through May 31, 2020.Click here to order your graduation cap & gown (information also available about diploma frames). Academic cords will be distributed at a later date. Don’t want to order now? Caps & gowns will be available at the Grad Finale event before the December 2020 Baccalaureate & Commencement ceremonies.
Reminder on Temporary Grading Policy: As a reminder, Alvernia has adopted temporary grading policies for the Spring and Summer 2020 semesters. While the Pass/Fail is not automatic, students only need to select eligible courses with the Registrars office. All details on this grading policy are available here.
Housing and Campus Life
Bookstore Update: The Alvernia Bookstore has compiled a new list of FAQs for students that includes information on finding the correct textbooks for class, delivery of new books and return instructions.
New Service Opportunities Available: Looking for ways to collect service hours over the summer? The Holleran Center for Community and Global Engagement has produced a new list of social distance friendly service activities. If you have any questions regarding service opportunities, please contact Alyssa Slade at Alyssa.Slade@alvernia.edu.
Mental Health Resources: As the semester ends, the Health & Wellness Center has compiled a list of mental health resources for students, faculty and staff to continue to manage during this stressful time.
University Operations
ZOOM 5.0 Update Now Available: ZOOM has announced the latest release of its videoconferencing software. ZOOM 5.0 includes many security features that help avoid potential “ZOOM-bombing” or other issues that may affect your meetings. Please follow the FAQ here to download and install the software. Please Note: If you do not update the software, you will not be able to create or join meetings until the upgrade takes place.
Friday, May 8 | Weekly Update
Dear Alvernia University Community,
As we end a week that was filled with virtual events celebrating the Class of 2020, we are reminded of the transformational experiences shared by our campus community and the amazing perseverance shown by our community during these difficult times.
We have persevered to the final week of the semester. While we all have started the mad-dash to the end of the semester and all of the wonderful, yet sometimes stressful, activities, assignments and tasks, we remind everyone to continue to prioritize self-care as it has never been more important.
1.) Since you may already be heavily focused on end-of-semester items, we wanted to share some things that you may have missed:
2.) Faculty and staff have started sending their congratulatory messages to the Class of 2020. Check out this ever-growing playlist.
3.) Final exam week is upon us and the Office of Mission & Ministry offered special blessings for students as they prepare.
Associate Professor of Nursing and Nursing Department Chairperson Debbie Greenawald shared a letter with nursing students as the nation and the world began a week-long celebration of nurses.
Best of luck to everyone during final exams week, and please stay safe, stay healthy and as always, remember, we are in this together.
Sincerely,
Glynis Fitzgerald, Ph.D., Senior Vice President & Provost
John McCloskey, D.B.A., Senior Vice President & Chief of Staff
Overcoming COVID-19
Joseph Burgess MSOT '22 has risen to the challenges presented by COVID-19 and spent April motivating his peers to advocate for Occupational Therapy. Read the full story here.
Academics
Studying for Finals: Studying Together is Better than Studying Alone: The ASC tutors are available to help students prepare for final exams and polish their papers. They can even meet with small groups over Zoom!
Hours during finals week (May 10-13)
Sun. 4–8 p.m. and Mon-Wed 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
Make an appointment today via www.alvernia.mywconline.com or call 610-568-1494 to arrange for a small group session.
Wolves Guide Advisor Now Available: Alvernia has launched a new mobile advisor platform, Wolves Guide. This mobile app assists students navigate all aspects of college life - from financial aid to important dates and deadlines. More information on how to download is available here.
Class of 2020 Caps, Gowns and Cords: The website to order caps, gowns and hoods is now live.Click here to order your graduation cap & gown (information also available about diploma frames). Academic cords will be distributed at a later date. Don’t want to order now? Caps & gowns will be available at the Grad Finale event before the December 2020 Baccalaureate & Commencement ceremonies.
Summer 2020 Shifts to Virtual Learning: Alvernia University will transition all Summer 2020 face-to-face classes to virtual teaching and learning. After quick investments into online learning environments throughout the second half of the Spring 2020 semester, Alvernia is well prepared to offer students a high-quality and meaningful virtual education experience. The vast majority of our Summer courses were already being offered online, so this transition will affect the remaining courses.
Reminder on Temporary Grading Policy: As a reminder, Alvernia has adopted temporary grading policies for the Spring and Summer 2020 semesters. While the Pass/Fail is not automatic, students only need to select eligible courses with the Registrars office. All details on this grading policy are available here.
Housing and Campus Life
Bookstore Update: The campus bookstore is committed to supporting your continuing education and is working with the Alvernia faculty to offer digital options wherever possible. The bookstore will also be shipping out books and other supplies with free shipping for summer courses. The bookstore has recently created an FAQ document for students that includes instructions for finding what materials are needed for classes, how to return rental textbooks and how to sell books back.
University Operations
Faculty/Staff Congratulate the Class of 2020: Looking for a way to congratulate the Class of 2020? We have two great options for you to let the Class of 2020 know you care!
Record a video message: One of these ways is by recording a 15-90 second congratulatory message to our graduating students. These video messages can be recorded on Panopto (if you have access) or any mobile device. Videos will be shared on the Alvernia University social media channels. Also, select videos will be compiled and showcased on an Alvernia Class of 2020 Virtual Celebration website that will be shared with all graduating students. Click here to upload your video.
Post a “Kudos” message: Not interested in creating a video? We have developed a message board for Faculty, Staff, Alumni and Parents to share their messages of congratulations. Click here to contribute.
Zoom Mid-Day Prayer: On Mondays and Wednesdays, the Office of Mission and Ministry will lead a Mid-Day Prayer at 12 p.m. on zoom. This will last about 10 minutes, and anyone can join by contacting tracy.hine@alvernia.edu.
Wednesday, May 6 | Summer 2020 Classes Shift to Virtual Learning
Dear Alvernia University Community,
To allow students continued progress toward their degrees during these unprecedented times, Alvernia University will transition all Summer 2020 face-to-face classes to virtual teaching and learning.
After quick investment into online learning environments throughout the second half of the Spring 2020 semester, Alvernia is well prepared to offer students a high-quality and meaningful virtual education experience. The vast majority of our Summer courses were already being offered online, so this transition will affect the remaining courses.
Some class sections will be combined to reflect this transition. Those already registered will be notified of these changes in advance of the start of MOD5.
Please know that our faculty and staff are ready to assist students through this transition and that you may have questions or concerns about these changes. As always, please reference your questions to Campus.Update@alvernia.edu so that we can continue to provide updated information via FAQ format.
We know that the COVID-19 threat has offered many challenges for our community, but your continued perseverance lightens the path towards a brighter tomorrow. As always, please remember we are in this together.
Sincerely,
Glynis Fitzgerald, Ph.D., Senior Vice President & Provost
Friday, May 1, 2020 | Presidential Hope Fund Announcement
Dear Alvernia Students and Parents,
I hope this letter finds you healthy and safe during this challenging time. Please know that you continue to be not only in my thoughts and prayers but in those of our dedicated faculty and staff as well.
Circumstances have required that the University’s physical facilities remain closed to ensure the health and safety of our students, faculty, staff, the Bernardine Sisters and the communities we serve. We are adhering to federal, state and local guidance – and related closure orders – as we continue to fulfill our academic mission remotely.
I am grateful for the swift action and adaptability of both our faculty and students, which has allowed learning to continue in a remote environment. Despite this success, we know that the impacts of COVID-19 go well beyond academic programming. This time is difficult for everyone, but many of our Alvernia students and their families are suffering significant and unprecedented financial repercussions. In response, the University has developed a financial support program to assist students struggling to fund their continued education.
In our Bernardine Franciscan tradition of serving those in need, we have created the Presidential Hope Fund. The Fund includes amounts allocated to the University through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act as well as additional university funds which totals over $3 million of resources available to help families in need. All CARES Act funding will go directly to students. Listed below is how the Presidential Hope Fund will be initially utilized.
1.) For residential students who had their spring living experience affected by the repercussions of COVID-19, $1,225 of CARES act funds will be paid in cash directly to you to help with food, housing, course materials, technology or other related expenses. In addition, the University will provide a matching, non-taxable credit of $1,225 to your account (to clear an outstanding balance or to be applied for summer or fall charges) as reimbursement for a portion of the cost of room and board for the spring semester for a total of $2,450 in financial resources.
2.) To accelerate the Class of 2020’s approach to the job market, for any graduating student with an outstanding balance as of May 1, 2020, the university will credit your account up to $2,000 through Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant Emergency Awards and university funds. Complete the Graduating Student Application to request this aid.
3.) The Hope Fund is available to all students (undergraduate, graduate and adult) to assist families catch up on their account balances due to the disruption and economic consequences of the COVID-19 Pandemic and to ensure continued learning. Funding requests will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. To maximize the number of students benefiting from Hope Fund emergency matching grant and other aid under the Hope Fund program, grants will be awarded up to a maximum of $5,000. Students can apply for a Hope Fund matching grant to receive a matching grant of up to $2 for every $1 paid on an open account balance as of May 1, 2020. Other need-based grants will also be considered. To qualify, all payments must be applied to your account by May 29, 2020. Complete theHope Fund Grant Application to request this aid.
The University’s Hope Fund committee will review eligible requests and determine award amounts. If you have any questions regarding the form or the Hope Fund, please contact our Hope Fund team at Presidential.Aid@alvernia.edu. We will also be reaching out to students and families over the coming days to help you make your request for resources.
I wish you all the best during these difficult times. Please take care of yourselves and take pride in your commitment to your future as you persevere through to the end of this semester. We look forward to seeing you on campus soon.
Stay safe,
John R. Loyack
President
Friday, April 24
Dear Alvernia University Community,
As highlighted by the video created by one of our graduating students, Shannon Bell, please know you are missed.
While we can't be on campus to share smiles, stories and events, we can still lift the spirits of those around us with small acts of kindness and innovative thinking.
For example, this week we witnessed a virtual theatre performance by Alvernia faculty, student and alumni as well as professional artists, students sharing stories about their favorite places around campus and a prayer from the Grotto.
Although we are apart, there are so many ways to support each other. Please continue to look for these opportunities in your everyday virtual interactions.
Please stay safe, stay healthy and remember, we are in this together.
Sincerely,
Glynis Fitzgerald, Ph.D., Senior Vice President & Provost
John McCloskey, D.B.A., Senior Vice President & Chief of Staff
Overcoming COVID-19
Alvernia University Associate Professor of Political ScienceDr. Victoria Williams, with help from her daughter Charlotte, reveals her overcoming COVID-19 to continue her class instruction online in this light-hearted movie trailer! Read the full story here.
We want to hear your story. Please share them with us through this newly created form.
Academics
Bookstore Shipping Free: The campus bookstore is committed to supporting your continuing education and is working with the Alvernia faculty to offer digital options wherever possible. The bookstore will also be shipping out books and other supplies with free shipping for summer courses.
Library Update: The Franco Library does not require patrons to return Alvernia library books during the campus closure. If your library books have a due date during the COVID-19 closure, they will be due back after the campus and library reopen and overdue fines will be waived. Patrons do not need to contact the library about books due during the closure unless they are unable to return the books when campus reopens. If you are graduating or otherwise unable to return your books, or you have additional questions about returning materials, please email our Access Services Librarian at kathleen.zamietra@alvernia.edu.
If you have inter-library loan materials checked out, many libraries are waiving fines and materials due dates. Please contact our ILL staff member at derek.smith@alvernia.edu to verify that you may retain your items until the campus reopens or discuss alternative return methods.
The library has created another library video tutorial, Advanced Library Skills: Subject Searching, Journal Finder, and Citation Tools. This tutorial demonstrates advanced research skills applicable to all disciplines for the fully online environment. Students and faculty can access all library tutorial videos through our Online Library Services research guide. Faculty can contact a librarian for information on embedding this video or other library tutorials in their Blackboard courses.
University Operations
PPE Statement: Alvernia University will comply with the PA state directive issued April 15, 2020, for ensuring safety when on campus and inside university properties. At this time, campus is closed to the public and employee restrictions remain enforced. Consistent with previous directives, only essential personnel and those select few employees with specific permission granted, are to be present on campus at this time. Anyone on campus must wear a protective mask or face covering. All must respect the social distancing guidelines of 6 feet of separation.
Thursday, April 16
Dear Alvernia University Community,
As our community continues to work through these unprecedented times, the Alvernia University Emergency Management Committee continues to monitor the local, national and global COVID-19 outbreak to keep everyone safe, strong and healthy.
While we face our new reality, trenched in virtual interactions, it is important to know hard work continues behind the scenes to continue to deliver a high-quality educational experience for our students. We are thankful to both faculty and students for their quick transition to the new online learning environment.
We also recognize the extraordinary challenges presented in this new online environment. Thus, a new temporary grading policy has been established for the Spring and Summer 2020 semesters.
While many things have changed over the last month, our community's incredible commitment to service has not. Stories of students, faculty, staff and alumni assisting others through this turbulent period spark lights of hope for better tomorrows.
We are delighted to continue to share these stories with you, so please make sure to follow along on social media and send your stories to news@alvernia.edu.
Please stay safe, stay healthy and remember, we are in this together.
Sincerely,
Glynis Fitzgerald, Ph.D., Senior Vice President & Provost
John McCloskey, D.B.A., Senior Vice President & Chief of Staff
Academics
Temporary Grading Policy Update: Given the extraordinary challenges confronted by the Alvernia University community during the COVID-19 pandemic, new academic policies have been temporarily instituted for Spring and Summer 2020. The new policies and a list of FAQs are available here.
Bookstore Update: The campus bookstore is committed to supporting your continuing education and is working with the Alvernia faculty to offer digital options wherever possible. The bookstore has recently created an FAQ document for students that includes instructions for finding what materials are needed for classes, how to return rental textbooks and how to sell books back.
All academic support services are available online: View the schedules of all tutors, study groups, and workshops on https://alvernia.mywconline.com/. Students can upload files to their appointment block and discuss by chat, audio, or Zoom while viewing a shared screen. Detailed instructions for each step are found on Alvernia’s FAQs & Guides.
If you need immediate assistance, call 610-568-1494 anytime to speak with a live person or email your requests for help to academic.support@alvernia.edu.
Housing and Campus Life
Virtual Career Week Begins Monday: Even in these uncertain times, employers are still looking to hire new graduates from all fields of study. The Office of Career Development has organized a Virtual Career Week, where students will connect with various employers to learn about their company and available positions. This will take place Monday, April 20 - Thursday, April 24. Students can register on Handshake. Also, don't forget that Career Development is available and willing to visit Zoom classrooms to share information with classes. If interested, please contact Patrice Williams or Megan Adukaitis.
Residential Move Out: We understand the need and desire to obtain personal belongings. Pennsylvania Governor Wolf’s “stay at home” order and closure of non-life-sustaining businesses to avoid unnecessary travel is still in effect. This means that the University, including our residence halls, is closed until further notice to protect our faculty, staff, students and their families.
The Office of Residence Life will contact all residential students with detailed instructions on the move out process once the Governor’s order has been lifted. In the meantime, please know that your belongings are safely locked in rooms and that Public Safety is doing rounds of the residence halls.
University Operations
Zoom Mid-Day Prayer: On Mondays and Wednesdays, the Office of Mission and Ministry will lead a Mid-Day Prayer at 12 p.m. on zoom. This will last about 10 minutes, and anyone can join by contacting tracy.hine@alvernia.edu.
Thursday, April 9
Dear Alvernia University Community,
As we enter the Easter Break, we want to share some updates and important notes with our community.
a.) For the health and safety of the campus community, Alvernia University remains closed through the end of the Spring 2020 semester. We will not be returning April 14, as announced in mid-March. Classes and other activities will remain online. We ask that residential students remain patient while the university investigates methods for item retrieval.
b.) Recognizing that COVID‑19 has upended all our lives, and that some students face challenges that could impact their grades, Alvernia has developed an emergency adjustment to grading deadlines and policies for students in the spring 2020 term. Most students will have the option for pass/fail grades in a wide variety of courses. Students may decide which courses receive a P/F grade, subject to academic department policies. There is no need to submit any requests at this time. The P/F option provides flexibility and support for students during these unprecedented times. The full policy with FAQs will be published Tuesday 4/14/20.
c.) While the May commencement ceremony has been rescheduled to December 13, 2020, we are investigating methods to get caps and gowns to graduating students so social-distancing celebrations can be enjoyed in the coming months. More information will be available in the coming weeks.
d.) Outside of breaking information, COVID-19 Updates will be distributed weekly in this new format. We ask that you continue to view the important updates in the areas of Academics, Housing and Campus Life and University Operations located at the bottom of this email.
We want to end our communication during this Holy Week by expressing our deepest gratitude for our community’s ongoing understanding and patience. Please continue to offer support and care to one another and have a blessed Holy Week and Happy Easter!
Sincerely,
Glynis Fitzgerald, Ph.D., Senior Vice President & Provost
John McCloskey, D.B.A., Senior Vice President & Chief of Staff
Housing and Campus Life
Housing Selection for returning students will take place on Tuesday (4/14), Wednesday (4/15) and Thursday (4/16). Students who registered for 12 or more credits for fall 2020 and completed a housing application have been notified of their selection time via email. Please make sure to log on and select your 2020-2021 housing during your designated time slot.
SGA elections for undergraduate day students: For students interested in becoming an SGA Senator, Intent to Run forms for the senate are due on PAX by April 14th. Click here to access the form or it can be found on the PAX homepage. Elections for senate positions on PAX will run from noon on April 22nd through noon on April 24th.
Career Development Updates: Career Development is available and willing to visit Zoom classrooms to share information with your class regarding the enhancement of your students' virtual professional development. If you are interested in having a speaker from Career Development, please contact Patrice Williams or Megan Adukaitis via email at patrice.williams@alvernia.edu and megan.adukaitis@alvernia.edu. You can also participate in several upcoming ZOOM events that feature partnerships with our amazing alumni, community, and employer partners:
a.) Monday, April 20th - Thursday, April 24th: Virtual Hiring Week - Students will have the opportunity to connect with various employers to learn about their company and available positions.
b.) Tuesday, April 21st at 4 pm via Zoom: Alumni Guest Speaker Annie Ahern: "Grad School Year One" - Annie will be sharing information on the application, acceptance, and first-year experience at Thomas Jefferson University.
c.) Tuesday, April 28th at 12:30 pm via Zoom: LinkedIn Lunch 'n Learn by Adrean Turner: "Virtual Branding" - Adrean will be providing helpful tips on how to make the most of your LinkedIn profile to enhance your online presence and your virtual brand.
Update Out Of Office Message: All faculty and staff should update their email out of office reply to the following:
Thank you for your email. For the safety of our community, the Alvernia University campus is closed through the end of the Spring 2020 semester. We appreciate your understanding and will respond as soon as possible. Have a great day.
Protect Your Zoom Call: Zoom has suggested the following measures to increase the security of your Zoom sessions and reduce the chance of unwanted attendees ("zoombombing"). We recommend using as many of these options as you reasonably can without impacting your meeting operations. If you are discussing any sensitive or confidential information in your meetings, these measures become that much more important.
a.) Meeting Passwords: It's highly recommended that you set a strong password for all meetings and webinars. When scheduling a meeting, under Meeting Options, select Require meeting password, then specify a strong password (make your password at least eight characters long and use at least three of the following types of characters: lowercase letters, uppercase letters, numbers, symbols). Participants will be asked for this password to join your meeting.
b.) Enable the Waiting Room Feature: The Waiting Room feature allows the host to control when each participant joins the meeting. As the meeting host, you can admit attendees one by one, or hold all attendees in the virtual waiting room and admit them en masse. This requires more work by the host, but only allows participants to join if you specifically admit them.
c.) Disable Join Before Host: If you are scheduling a meeting where sensitive information will be discussed, it's best to leave Enable join before host (found under Meeting Options when scheduling a meeting) turned off. Visit Zoom's Join Before Host help page for more information. The Join Before Host option can be convenient for allowing others to continue with a meeting if you are not available to start it, but with this option enabled, the first person who joins the meeting will automatically be made the host and will have full control over the meeting.
d.) Limit Screen Sharing to the Host: By default, screen sharing in Zoom meetings is limited to the host. You can change this if you need to allow other attendees to share their screens. If you make this change and decide to return to having screen sharing be limited to the host, while in your meeting,
Click the up-arrow next to Share Screen.
Select Advanced Sharing Options.
Under Who can share, click Only Host.
This won't be appropriate when multiple participants will need to share and collaborate, but this restriction prevents unwanted attendees from interrupting the meeting with intrusive sharing.
Wednesday, April 1
Dear Alvernia University Community,
We recently learned that an Alvernia student tested positive for Alvernia community’s first known case of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19. The student received the proper medical care and support and remains in self-isolation per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. Our student is recovering comfortably at home and in good spirits.
The student was last in classes on March 13, 2020. The student is not a residential student and we are advised by the Department of Health that the students poses no risk to the community. Please be assured we have responded to this case by taking all appropriate steps and guidance from various government health authorities, and it's important that our community remains calm. Rest assured, we will maintain the privacy of the student’s identity and will continue to follow the guidance of the Pennsylvania Department of Health.
At Alvernia, we had already taken proactive steps such as moving to classes online, closing campus buildings and transitioned staff to remote working environments to enhance social distancing. By limiting the number of people on campus, we reduced the potential for spread of COVID-19 within in our community. The university is continuing to conduct extensive cleaning of facilities across campus during the closure.
We are continuing to monitor the situation and will provide additional updates to the community via the Alvernia Health Alerts webpage.
With increased testing in the southeastern Pennsylvania area and around the country, there will be more confirmed cases as community spread of COVID-19 continues. We can all help limit the spread of illness by practicing good health hygiene and social distancing.
We want to end by expressing our sincere gratitude for our community’s ongoing understanding and patience. We are deeply committed to keeping you informed and involved during this time of great uncertainty. Please continue to offer support and care to one another. We will get through this together.
Sincerely,
Glynis Fitzgerald, Ph.D., Senior Vice President & Provost
John McCloskey, D.B.A., Senior Vice President & Chief of Staff
Academics
Commencement Ceremony Rescheduled: Due to the uncertain duration of the ongoing threat of COVID-19, the regularly scheduled May 2020 commencement ceremony has been rescheduled to Sunday, December 13, 2020 at Santander Arena. Times for Baccalaureate and the Commencement are to be determined. Further communication with additional details will be provided in the coming months.
Franco Library Updates: The library is offering a fully-online library research and citation tutorial: Library Research Skills Foundations. This tutorial covers library literacy skills, adapted for online learning. Students and faculty can access this 30 minute video tutorial online. Faculty can contact a librarian for information on embedding this video in their Blackboard courses.
Check out the library's revised Online Library Services research guide. In addition to useful links and instructions for finding and citing sources, this research guide includes a page on COVID-19, with a compilation of credible, authoritative resources on the virus.
Need research assistance from a librarian? Students can schedule a one-on-one Zoom session with a librarian. To schedule a Zoom session, please email us at library.calendar@alvernia.eduat at least one day before your requested Zoom meeting date. Librarians are also available by email, chat, and phone.
Academic Workshops Available: Wednesday night workshops offer a relaxed forum for practical, proven ways to deal with the stress of this new college life. Join the camaraderie in our Zoom room ID# 433-486-192 at 7:00PM:
April 1: Understanding Balance: Social/Emotional Skill Development
April 15: Stress Management
Monday, March 30
Dear Alvernia University Community,
As we begin this week, we fully enter a new reality of online learning, remote work and virtual relationships.
While many hard decisions were made last week, we've seen some of the best our community has to offer.
Our DPT program is overcoming isolation with friendly games of Pictionary via ZOOM. Our Sports Medicine Team is providing newsletters to help our student-athletes cope and adjust to the challenges of COVID-19. Our psychology faculty members and students are working on virtual projects for the students at Millmont and Tyson-Schoener Elementary Schools, who are also adapting to this new way of online learning.
But the best update is centric to our mission at Alvernia. The Holleran Center has developed ways (listed below) our community can continue service remotely, safely and in our own communities and families.
We understand more challenges are ahead, but we can be inspired by those who are conquering this new reality, so please continue to share your stories with us. If you have a story about overcoming these challenges, please email us at News@Alvernia.edu.
"Do your little bit of good where you are; it's those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world."
- Desmond Tutu
Sincerely,
Glynis Fitzgerald, Ph.D., Senior Vice President & Provost
John McCloskey, D.B.A., Senior Vice President & Chief of Staff
Academics
Community service graduation requirement waived: Alvernia University's service requirement involves completing at least 40 hours of community service before graduation. We recognize and greatly appreciate the many hours that our students contribute to others. Due to our current cultural climate, we believe that our students, in one way or another, are providing service daily to their family, friends or nearby community. We also understand that our students are working through situations that prompt additional levels of stress and anxiety. In acknowledgment of the current unique circumstance, all of our graduates, up through our August graduates, will be recognized as fulfilling their Alvernia University service requirement. We will still permit students to send in their service hours if they choose to do so as a way of recognizing their efforts, but this would not be required.
Withdrawal date moved to April 17: The withdrawal date for semester-long classes and Mod 4 has been extended to April 17 to allow students more time to adjust to the remote courses. If you plan to withdraw from a class, please email one of the Registrar's Office staff members, Paula Glasmyre, Allison Novak or Beki Stein for the procedure.
All academic support services are available online: View the schedules of all our tutors, study groups, and workshops on https://alvernia.mywconline.com/. Students can upload files to their appointment block and discuss by chat, audio, or Zoom while viewing a shared screen. Detailed instructions for each step are found on Alvernia's FAQs & Guides.
If you need immediate assistance, call 610-568-1494 anytime to speak with a live person or email your requests for help to academic.support@alvernia.edu.
Housing and Campus Life
Service opportunities from home: As the Holleran Center has a direct nexus and mission-centered on community service, we will continue to post potential community service activities with the caveat that all staff and students should follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines and participate only if they are comfortable doing so. A full list of these opportunities can be found here.
Write a Bernardine Sister: Looking for something to occupy your time while you are social distancing? Write a Bernardine Sister! Email Julianne Wallace, who will supply you with an email address for one of our sisters and you can start an email-pen-pal relationship!
Friday, March 27
Dear Alvernia University Community,
With the State of Pennsylvania’s order for Berks County residents to stay-at-home beginning at 8 p.m. Friday, March 27, and lasting through April 6, we know you may have many questions about how Alvernia is proceeding.
We understand that this is a stressful time for all members of our community. We are committed to continuing in accordance with our Franciscan values and principles in providing the best educational experience for our students. The safety and well-being of our community is our highest priority at this time.
A few important points:
1.) Alvernia University has already closed most university buildings at each of its three campuses, and classes will remain online through the remainder of the semester.
2.) Alvernia Senior Leadership has defined a small group of essential personnel that will need access to university buildings to continue to serve our remote students, faculty and staff as well as the small contingent of students who remain on campus. This includes Food Services, Housekeeping, Information Technology and Public Safety only.
3.) The campus is operating in accordance with the stay-at-home order: Alvernia is housing students, offering services and providing meals. Most university services have already moved online, including classes last week.
We will continue to update members of the community with information during this unprecedented and rapidly evolving situation. Please keep safe and follow recommendations from the CDC regarding social distancing and precautions. Our Health Alerts page is regularly updated, and we encourage you to check back frequently.
Finally, we leave you with a mission moment for solitude:
As we enter into this new phase of sheltering in place, let us remember that St. Francis was no stranger to solitude. He often found places, such as the mountain retreat known as the Carceri, to practice contemplation. This solitude is the foundation of our Franciscan life. In our modern day, solitude is more difficult to achieve and certainly very few of us can escape to a mountain retreat! But, as we begin a time of isolation, we encourage you to develop a regular rhythm of solitude and prayer that will help you discern God’s presence in this current time of uncertainty and anxiety.
Sincerely,
Glynis Fitzgerald, Ph.D., Senior Vice President & Provost
John McCloskey, D.B.A., Senior Vice President & Chief of Staff
Academics
Community service graduation requirement waived: Alvernia University’s service requirement involves completing at least 40 hours of community service before graduation. We recognize and greatly appreciate the many hours that our students contribute to others. Due to our current cultural climate, we believe that our students, in one way or another, are providing service daily to their family, friends or nearby community. We also understand that our students are working through situations that prompt additional levels of stress and anxiety. In acknowledgment of the current unique circumstance, all of our graduates, up through our August graduates, will be recognized as fulfilling their Alvernia University service requirement. We will still permit students to send in their service hours if they choose to do so as a way of recognizing their efforts, but this would not be required.
Service opportunities from home: As the Holleran Center has a direct nexus and mission-centered on community service, we will continue to post potential community service activities with the caveat that all staff and students should follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines and participate only if they are comfortable doing so. A full list of these opportunities can be found here.
Blackboard shell for faculty: The Center for Instructional Design and Learning Technologies has developed a Blackboard Organization as a space for faculty conversation and sharing resources during this time of online learning. To access this Blackboard Organization,login to Blackboard and find Organizations where you are: Participant. Bookmark this organization and peruse the resources that are available to you, including all of the shared resources, access to technologies to use in the online environment, a discussion board to share ideas and a sample shell that can be used as you are transitioning your Blackboard courses to an online format. New resources will be added every day.
Media Suite offers webinars for faculty: Please check the new Blackboard shell for a full list of live webinars being offered to Alvernia faculty on topics that include Teaching Online, Teaching Online with Blackboard, Teaching Live with ZOOM, Creating Online Tests with Respondus and Recording Lectures with Panopto. Webinars registration is required in advance and webinars will be made available on-demand when completed.
Housing and Campus Life
SGA elections for undergraduate day students: For students interested in running for the student government association executive board, intent to run forms for the executive board are due this Friday, March 27th. Click hereto access the form or it can be found on the PAX homepage. Elections will be on PAX from April 1st at noon through April 3rd at noon. Intent to Run forms for the senate are due on PAX by April 14th. Click here to access the form or it can be found on the PAX homepage. Elections for senate positions on PAX will run from noon on April 22nd through noon on April 24th.
Mental health resource from Active Minds: Active Minds, the nation's premier nonprofit organization supporting mental health awareness and education for students, has developed alist of mental health resources for students during the COVID-19 situation. In addition, Active Minds is holding regular webinars and other online events that offer resources to students.
Student activities from home: Student activities is hosting something new every day at 2 p.m. ET. The internet has a lot to offer and Googling will only get you so far. Let Student Activities share with you some awesome things to do online! Students can follow the student activities Instagram @AlverniaSA.
University Operations
Having computer issues?: Many of the most common problems with computers can be resolved by restarting. These include failing to connect to the VPN, computer running slowly, software is not responsive, and many others. By taking this simple step, many calls to the service desk can be avoided and you will maintain your productivity!
Wednesday, March 25
Dear Alvernia University Community,
Like all of you, we have been closely monitoring the public health crisis created by COVID-19. We have continuously reviewed guidance from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Pennsylvania State Health Officials and the White House on tactics to implement to protect our community.
We write you today with decisions that are disappointing, weigh heavy on our hearts and have been very difficult for us to reach. First, Alvernia University suspends all in-person instruction, except for certain, limited clinical instruction, for the remainder of the semester. All classes will continue online. The faculty and administration has extended the deadline to withdraw from a course to April 17th. This deadline applies to semester-long and Mod 4 classes, undergraduate and graduate.
In addition, all events scheduled at the University through May are suspended. This will include some of our most wonderful and cherished celebrations, including Honors Convocation, MargaritaVern and most disappointing, all Commencement activities. Alvernia faculty and staff are currently exploring opportunities to hold some of these events virtually. As details emerge, we will share them via the Health Alerts webpage.
We are currently making arrangements for commencement exercises in December 2020. Postponing commencement will not affect our ability to confer degrees and we will mail graduates their diplomas as soon as they are available.
We will deeply miss the vibrancy that students bring to our campuses each spring, and how incomplete this year will feel without our commencement ceremonies. We share in your current pain but look forward to celebrating in your collective joy after our community does its part to mitigate all the risks that COVID-19 poses to our students, faculty, staff and our foundresses, the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters.
To our faculty and staff, we are working aggressively to support academic continuity, telecommuting, and leave flexibility for issues related to COVID-19. The university will continue its operations as previously announced.
We know this news brings about many questions and concerns. We encourage you to continue to share those by emailing Campus.Update@Alvernia.eduwhile continuing to monitor Health Alerts and your campus email account for the latest updates.
We would like to thank our campus community for demonstrating our Franciscan values of service, humility, peacemaking, contemplation and collegiality during this time. You have continued to rise to meet each new challenge posed and you have our sincerest gratitude for your hard work throughout. We hope this mission moment inspires hope: “I have told you this so that you might have peace in me. In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world." ( John 16:33) Together, we know our community will overcome every obstacle ahead.
Sincerely,
Glynis Fitzgerald, Ph.D., Senior Vice President & Provost
John McCloskey, D.B.A., Senior Vice President & Chief of Staff
Friday, March 20
Dear Alvernia University Community,
What a week it has been for our university, our state and our world.
With all the challenges COVID-19 currently presents to our way of life, it is more important than ever to reflect on our university’s Franciscan roots. We hope you will find comfort in knowing that the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters are cheerful and doing well at this time.
With this, in all future updates, we will offer a mission moment for our community. We hope these phrases provide comfort, peace and a unique way to center yourself during these turbulent times.
So as you head into the weekend, please be healthy, safe and take care of yourself and your loved ones.
“God's love calls us to move beyond fear. We ask God for the courage to put on faith, hope and love as we go out into the world and become the word in body as well as spirit.” - Pope Francis
Sincerely,
Glynis Fitzgerald, Ph.D., Senior Vice President & Provost
John McCloskey, D.B.A., Senior Vice President & Chief of Staff
Academics
Adobe Creative Cloud Free: Adobe announced free access to its Cloud Service for all Alvernia students through the end of May. Installation instructions are available in the Student Resources Folder here.
New Student Resources: New student resources are available in this folder. New resources will be added regularly, so we encourage students to bookmark the folder.
Blackboard Shell for Faculty: The Center for Instructional Design and Learning Activities is developing a faculty shell as a space for faculty conversation and sharing resources during this time of online learning. We will alert you when this feature becomes available on Blackboard.
Housing and Campus Life
Meal and Mailroom Update: For the students remaining on campus, grab and go meals will be available once a day, 12-1 p.m. Students can pick up their mail in the Public Safety office at that time as well.
Thursday, March 19
March 19, 2020 - Update
Dear Alvernia University Community,
We are writing to update the campus community on our continued monitoring of the ever-evolving situation coronavirus poses.
We remain committed to ensuring the safety and health of our students, faculty, staff and the Sisters while providing high-quality education.
To do this, we will continue to share updates and relevant resources to guide you through these times of considerable uncertainty. Please see the pertinent updates and resources below.
Sincerely,
Glynis Fitzgerald, Ph.D., Senior Vice President & Provost
John McCloskey, D.B.A., Senior Vice President & Chief of Staff
Academics
Synchronous Classes: Any faculty holding synchronous classes must do so during their regularly scheduled class time.
Connection Problems: Any faculty or student having connection issues should contact the Service Desk (610-927-2008 orservicedesk@alvernia.edu), who will then escalate to Support Services if needed.
New Student Resources Available: New resources to help students transition to online learning and self-quarantining are available in the Student Resources Folder.
University Operations
Academic Alerts, Progress Reports and ReportIt: During this time of transition to the online environment, we want to continue to use these platforms so that appropriate staff can provide outreach to our students. Please remember that reports related to academic concerns should be submitted through AUAdvise. All other concerns should be submitted through ReportIt.
Faculty Resource to Quickly Transition to Online Learning: Cengage developed a webinar “Stop-Gap Strategies to Quickly Transition Online” that is now available in the Faculty Resources Folder.
Managing Your Newly Remote Workers: The Harvard Business Review has compiled a guide for supervisors who find themselves managing their newly remote teams.
Wednesday, March 18
March 18, 2020 - Update
Dear Alvernia University Community,
Today marks the official closure of all university buildings as students and faculty transition to online education and employees begin remote business operations. This decision came after careful consideration for the safety and well-being of our campus community and the greater Berks, Montgomery and Schuylkill county communities that we serve daily.
There is a small contingent of students who remain on campus at this time and the university is providing them the necessary resources during the closure.
We can all help limit the spread of illness by practicing good health hygiene and social distancing. The university is continuing its heightened cleaning processes, and with the closure of our buildings, deep cleaning by our housekeeping staff will begin.
In the unfortunate event any student, faculty or staff member becomes ill during this closure, it is important to notify Dr. Claire Murphy (Claire.Murphy@alvernia.edu). Employees should also contact their supervisor and Leslie Kane (Leslie.Kane@alvernia.edu).
We ask that everyone continue to monitor their university emails and visit Alvernia.edu/Health-Alerts for continued updates pertinent to academics, housing, campus life and university operations. Most importantly, stay safe, stay healthy and take time for self-care and care of your loved ones. And please remember, we are in this together.
Sincerely,
Glynis Fitzgerald, Ph.D., Senior Vice President & Provost
John McCloskey, D.B.A., Senior Vice President & Chief of Staff
Academics
Academic Success Center and Library Services: The Academic Success Center and Library staff are available to assist students as they transition to this new online learning environment. Please click here to view the remote services available. All students can access this and other resources by clicking here.
Comcast Offers Free Internet Access: Comcast is offering free internet packages to those in participating locations. More information is available here.
Housing and Campus Life
Health and Wellness: Alvernia continues to offer health and counseling services for the campus community during the closure. For an updated list of resources, please click here.
Dining Services: Students who remain on campus will be able to pick up cooked and cooled to-go meal service out of the student center salad bar. Pick up will be available seven days a week, twice a day: 7-8 a.m. and 12–1 p.m. Prepared foods will be dated and labeled for students to reheat in their residence halls.
Mailroom: Students who remain on campus will be able to pick up their mail at Public Safety in the student center, twice a day, 7-8 a.m. and 12-1 p.m.
Zoom Mid-Day Prayer: On Mondays and Wednesdays, the Office of Mission and Ministry will lead a Mid-Day Prayer at 12 p.m. on zoom. This will last about 10 minutes, and anyone can join using this zoom link: https://alvernia.zoom.us/j/195504048 (If you would like a calendar invite, contact tracy.hine@alvernia.edu).
Clare’s Cupboard: Our on-campus food pantry, Clare’s Cupboard, is now in Veronica Hall Chapel and will remain open during the campus closure. Any students who remain on campus are welcome to take what they need. At this time, the cupboard is fully stocked, but the university will ask faculty and staff if or when more donations are needed. If anyone in our community needs extra food, please reach out to reid.hoff@alvernia.edu.
Hammock Ministry: For students remaining on campus, Stephanie Gonzalez will hold Hammock Ministry, a social distancing-friendly activity approved by Dr. Murphy. Students on campus are invited to meet with Stephanie in groups of two, around the hammocks, all while maintaining social distancing rules! Reach out to stephanie.gonzalez@alvernia.edu for more information.
Interfaith Coffee Hour: Interfaith Coffee Hours will now be zoom meetings. Please reach out to Rubina.tareen@alvernia.edu for more information.
University Operations
Service Desk: In our remote work environment, it is imperative to contact the Service Desk at 610-927-2008 or servicedesk@alvernia.edu for any IT issues. The IT Support Services team will be working closely with the Service Desk to prioritize responses.
Citrix Web Access: IT has developed a walkthrough for remote access to Citrix, which powers many campus applications such as PowerCampus, PowerFAIDSand SQL reports. The walkthrough is available in the Faculty and Staff OneDrive Resources folder.
Work-Study and Graduate Assistants: Student worker programs remain generally suspended during the closure. With few exceptions, student workers already embedded in the educational structure may work with VP approval. Hours worked should be recorded per regular pay practice. Graduate Assistants may work remotely with Vice President approval. In some cases, graduate assistant work that is non-essential at this time will be suspended. Hours worked should be recorded per regular pay practice.
Employee Assistance Program: Alvernia employees can utilize EAP telephonic and telehealth services instead of meeting face to face. Clients having questions or concerns may call the main number, 610-374-4963 option 7 or 800-255-5998 option 7 for Inroads EAP. To utilize the staff directory, press the # key. Inroads and Family Guidance Center Staff are monitoring.
Human Resources and Payroll: Human Resources and payroll remain open and available to support/assist with any employee issue/question that may arise. For pay questions, please email Raelynn Papoutsis, Raelynn.papoutsis@alvernia.edu, or Allyson Mullin, Allyson.mullin@alvernia.edu.
Tuesday, March 17
Dear Alvernia Faculty and Staff,
As you transition away from campus, here are a few additional notes and reminders:
Email
While email should be handled as normal, we are encouraging employees to use the following Out Of Office reply:
Thank you for your email. For the safety of our community, the Alvernia University campus is closed until Tuesday, April 14. We appreciate your understanding and will respond as soon as possible. Have a great day.
To reduce the number of emails campus-wide, please send all announcements to Campus.Update@alvernia.edu for distribution. Updates will be posted to our external website and sent through email from Campus Update. Please check this important communication daily.
ZOOM
ZOOM is the software that allows faculty to conduct live classes and hold virtual office hours for your students and for all staff to continue to communicate virtually. All faculty have been granted basic accounts, which allows an unlimited number of 40-minute meetings with up to 100 students and access to every feature in ZOOM except for recording in the cloud and breakout rooms. All staff who had the upgraded pro license have been replaced with a basic license until we resume normal academic operations. If you need an upgraded license to ZOOM to conduct class sessions for more than 40 minutes or plan to use the breakout rooms feature, please email Brian Gall (brian.gall@alvernia.edu) for access to the pro account. If you do not know how to use ZOOM, please make an appointment with the Media Suite. We will utilize Zoom for training.
Office Phone Call Forwarding and Voicemails
Please use the following steps below to forward your office phone to your cellphone or home phone:
Using the white arrow keys, arrow over and/or down until you see the “call forward” menu item.
Press the button next to “call forward.” The button will light up green, and you will get a dial tone.
Enter the number that you want to forward calls to (you will need to enter a 6 and the 10 digit number, or, if it is a long-distance number, enter 6,1, and the 10 digit number.
Once you have entered the number, you will hear 3 beeps confirming your call forward, and at the top of your phone display, you will see the message “call forward xxxxxxxx” where xxxxxxx is the phone number you are forwarding your calls to.
Call Forwarding will remain active until you press the “call forward” button again. Once the green light goes out, call forwarding is disabled.
Please change your office voicemail to say the following:
Thank you for your call. For the safety of our community, the Alvernia University campus is closed until Tuesday, April 14. Employees are working remotely, so please be sure to follow your call with an email to {insert your email address}. Thank you and have a great day.
If you don’t set up call forwarding, please review your voicemail daily by:
Dialing 610-796-8297
When prompted, enter your 4 digit extension and voicemail password.
From this point, the voicemail works the same as if you are on campus, allowing you to listen to messages, delete them, record greetings, etc.
OneDrive
Before leaving, please continue to transfer pertinent files from any university-based network drive (S Drive, C Drive, etc.). If you are having issues moving files, please review this FAQ.
Please contact Carl Marks at carl.marks@alvernia.edu for assistance with the following: connectivity from a remote location, such as VPN or GoToMyPC, or use of a loaner device. We have made laptops available to those (students, faculty and staff) that need them as well as provided awareness of cost free WIFI connections on both our faculty and student resource OneDrive folders.
Sincerely,
Alvernia University Emergency Management Committee
Conference Calls
As the university transitions to conference calls, here are a few tips for proper etiquette:
Ensure you have a reliable phone connection
Identify yourself whenever you speak
Use the mute button when not speaking
If you’re late, don’t announce yourself.
Notify the group of potential call disruptions
Speak loudly and clearly
Monday, March 16
Dear Alvernia University Community,
After continued monitoring of the COVID19 situation and careful consideration for the safety and well-being of our community, Alvernia University is preparing today to physically close access to all university buildings (except those necessary for a contingent of students remaining on campus) for all staff, faculty, and students effective noon Wednesday, March 18, 2020.
While our university buildings will be closed, online education and registration for students continue as previously announced. We expect all University employees with capability to work remotely, as business operations continue during this time. For our employees in functions without remote capabilities, work will be excused during the closure.
At this time, Alvernia plans to reopen campus and resume face-to-face instruction on Tuesday, April 14, 2020.
Additional information and details regarding this closure process will be distributed via additional university emails later this afternoon.
Sincerely,
Glynis Fitzgerald, Ph.D., Senior Vice President & Provost
John McCloskey, D.B.A., Senior Vice President & Chief of Staff
Wednesday, March 4
Elior promotes a healthy work environment with safe food by requiring good hygiene and prompt reporting of illness.
What is the Elior team doing?
Response Team: Elior’s Response Team continues to monitor the situation to ensure we are properly prepared to respond to a Coronavirus outbreak. We are working with key suppliers to ensure an adequate food supply and are working to have a labor contingency plan in case of a Coronavirus outbreak.
Communication: We have advised our team members of the signs and symptoms of the Coronavirus to ensure they are aware of it and safeguarding against it. We have developed an internal site where we can continuously provide updates, processes and tools to our team members as the situation continuous to develop.
Reporting Illness and Staying Home: As advised by the CDC and required by Elior’s policies: Elior team members are required to stay home when they are sick to prevent respiratory illness from spreading. We also require any sites that have team members or guests, who have been diagnosed with Coronavirus, to report it to the Elior Response Team.
Hand Washing: Elior team members have been reminded and advised to wash their hands carefully and often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds (the time it takes to sing the “Happy Birthday” song through twice).
Cleaning: Elior team members have been reminded and advised of the (continuing) importance of regularly cleaning and sanitizing communal surfaces (doorknobs, levers, etc.) and frequently touched objects (condiments, utensils, etc.).
Understanding Client Needs and Expectations. Elior team members will be partnering with you and your teams to ensure that we understand your protocol and needs. If you need us to keep extra inventory on site, please let us know as soon as possible.
Developing Contingency Plans. We have asked our teams to start to contemplate potential needs at their site and within their communities.
Meal Options. We encourage our teams to ensure that our clients and communities are aware of Elior’s shelf stable and frozen meal options, which may be of critical significance in any impacted site or community.
We care about the health and safety of our team members and clients and are committed to ensuring a safe work environment for our team members, clients and the people we serve.
