Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C. - Update to Faculty and Staff Regarding Suspension of In-person Classes
March 18, 2020
Dear Faculty and Staff,
On Sunday, March 15th the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a new recommendation that no gatherings with 50 people or more be held for the next eight weeks. Informed by this recommendation as well as conversations with state and local health officials, and in consultation with other University leaders, I have decided to extend the suspension of in-person classes at Notre Dame to the end of the semester. Distance learning for our students will continue until then.
I have sent a letter to students and parents informing them of this change, and that letter can be found at this link.
Prior guidance with respect to instruction, remote working, research, pay and benefits, and building access remain in effect. For more information, please visit coronavirus.nd.edu.
Recently, the Catholic Diocese of Fort Wayne/South Bend suspended Mass attendance at all of its churches. We follow the guidelines of the Diocese, which in turn was informed by recommendations from state and federal health authorities. Consequently, Masses will not be open to the public at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart. However, the Congregation of Holy Cross will continue to celebrate Mass daily and the University will make it available via live-streaming Mondays through Saturdays and via Catholic TV on Sundays.
We will continue to monitor the situation and adapt as necessary to changing circumstances and communicate with you about any developments.
Once again, thank you for all you have done and are doing to adapt and, as far as possible, continue the work of the university. I know many of you, in addition to your work with Notre Dame, must now care for children at home or worry about the health of elderly parents. Let us do what we can to support one another. Be assured that you are in my prayers.
In Notre Dame,
Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C.
President