A Letter from Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C. to Notre Dame Parents Regarding COVID-19
March 11, 2020
Dear Notre Dame Parents and Guardians,
The coronavirus epidemic has disrupted society globally and domestically, and while we have not had any cases on campus or in the local community, we cannot avoid its impact at Notre Dame. We have had teams here at the University working diligently on various aspects of the crisis, and they have recently brought our students back from our programs in Rome and Jerusalem.
As you may have heard from your student, we find it necessary now to take further steps as this crisis evolves. As you can read in the message we sent to the Notre Dame community a short time ago, the University will suspend in-person classes at least through April 13, moving instead to on-line instruction. As you know, students are away from campus on break this week and, because it will take our faculty a week to adjust, we will not hold classes next week, but will resume with on-line instruction on March 23.
As spring break concludes, students are strongly encouraged to stay or return home rather than return to campus. Beginning at noon on Tuesday, March 17, the undergraduate residence halls will be open only to students who receive approval to remain on campus. For those who must be on campus, the University will remain open and provide essential services. Erin Hoffmann Harding, our Vice President for Student Affairs, will send students an email soon with further details about available student services, student support and care, and housing. We are also suspending all University-sponsored study abroad programs.
As you may know, we are following a number of other colleges and universities in moving to on-line instruction in coming weeks. While we very much regret the disruption this causes in the lives of our students, our highest priority is the well-being and safety of every member of this community. I thank you for your understanding and patience in these trying times.
In Notre Dame,
Fr. John Jenkins, C.S.C.
President