Dear Hampton University Students,
As I write this missive, I am reflecting on how tough these past few weeks have been for our faculty, staff, alumni, our lifeline, and OUR STUDENTS. Coronavirus (COVID-19) has had an unsettling impact on the entire university community. We had to ask the lifeline of our existence, our students, to depart campus. It was not what we wanted to do, but we had to do what was in your best interest, and what was safest for all. We allowed some international students who live domestically to remain on campus because they were unable to leave their “Home by the Sea” at that time. All students have since departed campus.
Immediately after your departure, we had to look to our faculty and change the modality of course delivery to remote. Our technology team rocked out! In a short period, they trained faculty and fully implemented Blackboard Collaborate Ultra. Kudos and a big shout-out to The Academic Technology Mall (ATM) team. These past few weeks were filled with major collaborative efforts that resulted in merging the old with the new. Technology often saves time, but in this case, technology is saving lives.
The Infectious Disease and Prevention Working Group has met almost every day to develop and implement plans for the university community. Several programs have been postponed, canceled and rescheduled. The Student Affairs team and several other departments have developed Frequently Asked Questions to assist you with this transition. The Student Affairs Division continues to offer services to students virtually. Tutoring, advisement, telehealth, and much more are all available. Elections as well as the Student Leadership Program application and selection process will be conducted virtually. We are planning for HOMECOMING, in October!!! Review the various department websites for more information.
The campus is not closed. However, non-essential visitors are prohibited at this time. Essential personnel continue to work very hard in their offices carrying out the day-to-day operations of the university, preparing for your return and the arrival of our new students in August.
During this time, it is my goal to keep everyone informed. With this in mind, I will participate in a Zoom video conference meeting on Thursday, April 2, 2020 with your Student Government Association President and other campus leaders. Hampton’s student leaders are doing an outstanding job of leading from afar.
Residential Student Check Out
The Infectious Disease and Prevention Working Group has determined that residential students may TENTATIVELY return to their respective residence halls to pack their belongings and check out of their residence hall room between May 7 – 10, 2020. Make certain that your travel arrangements are flexible. The University may have to adjust the dates if safety is still a concern due to COVID-19. Be prepared to pack your belongings within a two-hour period. We are requesting that you bring no more than two persons to assist you. The Office of Residence Life and Housing is working on a comprehensive plan to ensure the process goes smoothly. The plan will be sent to students via Hampton University email and posted on the Hampton University website dedicated to Coronavirus.
2020-2021 Advance Tuition Payment
Considering the current economic climate, the University has extended the due date for the Advanced Tuition Payment for Continuing Students to April 6, 2020. This was outlined in the President’s letter dated March 25, 2020. The Advanced Tuition Payment of $400 for the 2020-2021 academic year may be paid in two installments. The first installment of $200 is due by April 6, 2020. This payment will allow students to participate in the housing selection process that begins on April 13, 2020. The final payment of $200 is due no later than May 31, 2020. Students’ housing assignments will be canceled if the entire $400 Advance Tuition Payment is not paid by May 31, 2020. Payments may be made online or by phone with the cashier by calling 757-727-6774 or 757-728-6232. To make an online payment, go to the University website homepage (www.hamptonu.edu), click Current Students at the top of the screen, and select Student Account Payment. On the next webpage, select Advance Tuition Payment – Continuing to make a payment. The Housing Selection process may be found on the HU Housing Portal at the following link: HOUSING APPLICATION.
The second virtual 12-2 is scheduled on Friday, April 3, 2020, on Facebook and Instagram. I was pleased to join over 1400 Hamptonians last Friday, virtually doing what we do, keeping the Hampton spirit going. While this is a very new and different experience for us all, by working together and being considerate of one another, we will make it through. I pray that each Hamptonian will take the necessary steps to remain safe and healthy during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. I look forward to seeing all of you in the fall and welcome back to “Our Home by the Sea” those who will return for the 2020-2021 academic year and those who will return for commencement. From the wise words of our Medical Director, “Stay UP! And Look UP!”
Sending a virtual Hampton hug,
Barbara L. Inman, Ed. D.
Vice President for Administrative Services