HAMPTON UNIVERSITY
Hampton, Virginia 23668
OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
(757) 727-5231
March 12, 2020
Dear Hampton University Community:
One of the chief responsibilities of Hampton University is to ensure the health and safety of our students and other members of the Hampton Family. With this in mind, we are closely monitoring the Coronavirus (COVID-19), including guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Virginia Department of Health. Fortunately, there have been no reported or suspected positive cases on our campus.
Out of an abundance of caution concerning the virus, two weeks ago we activated the Infectious Disease and Prevention Working Group. The group is chaired by Dr. Barbara Inman, Vice President for Administrative Services. She along with the other members of the group representing various constituencies on campus have done an outstanding job of planning and preparing to deal with COVID-19. Others who have provided outstanding leadership include: Dr. JoAnn Haysbert, Chancellor and Provost; Mrs. Doretha Spells, Vice President for Business Affairs & Treasurer; and Dr. Karen Williams, Medical Director of the Health Center. The campus community is very appreciative of their efforts as they have met daily since being activated and been diligent in their work.
As a result of the group’s planning and preparation, the University is taking the following actions:
- Canceling all in-person classes effective Friday, March 13, 2020 through Friday, April 3, 2020. All courses will be taught remotely. Remote instruction will begin Tuesday, March 17, 2020. We will reassess our decision periodically to determine if the end date for remote instruction will change.
Hourly, over the next four days, including Saturday morning, faculty will receive additional training on the delivery of on-line instruction and be given web-based access to other useful materials. Students will also have access to video training to assist in their transition to the on-line learning environment.
Remote instruction requires that faculty and students adhere to the course schedule, meaning that all parties should be engaged in instruction and learning during the normal class hours via Blackboard. - Requiring all students, except for international students, to depart the campus by 12 noon on Sunday, March 15, 2020. Residence Halls will be closed. Housing provisions will be made for any international students who may need accommodations. Any other student who may need housing during this time must contact their Residence Hall Director by 9:00 a.m. on Friday, March 13, 2020 to request accommodations and provide the reason for their request to remain on campus. Making a request does not guarantee that housing will be made available. Students will be notified of the decision related to their request by Friday, March 13, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. Any student not approved to remain on campus must make arrangements to depart the campus. Modified dining services for students approved to remain on campus will be provided.
- Suspending all non-essential visitation to the campus until further notice
- Suspending all university-related domestic and international travel
- Suspending all on campus events through April 5, 2020
- Canceling High School Day and the Lady Pirates’ participation in the Big South Basketball Tournament
- Postponing the Annual Conference on the Black Family, the Freshman Ball, and the Freshman Fashion Show.
The University will remain open for business. All faculty, 12 Month Academic, and Educational Support Staff and administrators should report to work as usual.
The above decisions were made with input from campus constituent groups. An ad hoc faculty meeting was held on this subject, as well as meetings with students and administrative staff. The University has made the best decisions possible based on the information available at this time.
Recognizing that this is a fluid and unpredictable situation, the University will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation and provide updates on its plans moving forward. We encourage everyone to continue to be diligent in following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations to help decrease the spread of the virus.
With all good wishes,
William R. Harvey
President
Stay update-to-date with Hampton University’s response to COVID-19 on news.hamptonu.edu.
