From the Desk of President Elfred Anthony Pinkard
As we were first confronted with this pandemic and prepared to leave campus and modify campus operations, I promised to keep the University community informed. What we know about the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is ever changing and our decisions continue to be dependent on the most available information from informed and reliable sources and established guidelines for public safety. As governments and public health officials worldwide attempt to control the transmission of the coronavirus (COVID-19), we are all challenged to change our behavior and adjust to a new normal. As a result, we have had to make several decisions regarding activities for the remainder of the 2019-2020 academic year.
Continuing Classes: Wilberforce University will continue on-line instruction for the remainder of the academic year. We will also continue to follow the guidelines regarding physical distancing as have been outlined by the Governor of the State of Ohio. Today, March 30, 2020, the President of the United States announced that the practice of social distancing would be continued until April 30, 2020. At Wilberforce University, we too, will adhere to that deadline regarding on-campus University operations.
Emergency Assistance: During this time of uncertainty, there are resources available to assist students with completing the semester. Students may complete a request for assistance by visiting the following link – https://wilberforce.dreamkeepers.org/login.php. Review of requests will begin April 1 and end April 10, 2020.
Retrieval of Items: As we continue under the direction of the Federal and State government, we are unable to finalize next steps for students to return to campus to retrieve their possessions or complete business. When restrictions on social distancing are relaxed and the campus is open again students will be allowed to return. Specific details will be provided as we announce the official retrieval period. Students should be assured that their possessions are safe and that they will be able to retrieve their positions when the campus is opened again.
Website Updates: We have also created an on-line CO-VID-19 webpage on the Wilberforce University website, https://wilberforce.edu/statement-to-the-university-community-response-to-coronavirus-covid-19/. Please check this site for University updates and important facts and details about issues that matter to you during this time.
We know that this is an extremely difficult time for everyone. We ask that you continue to take care of yourselves, be kind to yourself and your loved ones and remember that we will get through this. We look forward to welcoming you back to Wilberforce when we are able.
We are Wilberforce!
