University Daily Update - March 17

Tuesday, March 17, 2020

Rockhurst University Daily Update
March 17

Rockhurst University Companions,

First, we want to thank you for all the supportive messages we have received in recent days. Being part of the Rockhurst community during this time is truly a blessing.

In an effort to keep you up to date, we plan to send a daily update each evening, usually with very detailed information. Some days we will need to also send separate emails to students, faculty or staff when those details become too numerous for one message. Whenever possible, we are going to provide answers to the many questions we are receiving from students, families and faculty and staff in these updates. Please be assured that we are reading and considering each of your questions, even if the volume prevents us from answering each one individually.

Academics

  • We will suspend synchronous classes on Friday to give students an opportunity to move out of their residences. Faculty have been asked to accommodate students who are moving out on Monday
  • Because commencement is such an important event in the lives of our students and their families and friends, we do not want to make a hasty decision regarding whether we should cancel or postpone it. We will make the decision based on guidance of the CDC and policies within our state and city and likely will have more information to share at a later date.
  • In an effort to give all companions time to adjust to our move to remote learning for the remainder of the semester, we have delayed the opening registration by one week, for both Summer and Fall 2020 registrations. More information will be sent to you via Rockhurst email on Wednesday, March 18.

Students

  • We are assessing the issue of partial room, board and fee refunds and we expect to have details by April 3.
  • An email will be sent by tomorrow morning to students with information about storage of belongings and other details.

Faculty and Staff

  • Updated information: Supervisors developing plans on how to best assure operational continuity. If possible, we are encouraging those who can work from home to do so; at this time, no faculty or staff will be prevented from continuing to work on campus if they choose to do so.

Dining Services

  • Beginning tomorrow, Wednesday, March 18, the Thomas More Dining Room will be closed and food service operations will be moved to the Student Choice area of the Rock Room for carry-out only.

Technology

  • When working remotely while connected to Rockhurst applications, please continue to pay particular attention to phishing e-mail attempts directed to your home workstation or university-provided laptop. Local information-security firms have indicated that malware attacks appear to be on the increase in part due to the COVID-19 crisis.  
  • Please verify your virus protection software on your personal computers is up-to-date and continue to have a high awareness of phishing emails that may contain destructive programs embedded within attachments or contain links to other websites.   
  • The Help Desk's web page provides a host of information on use of University technology when working remotely. We invite you to peruse the links available there for answers to your questions.

University Operations

  • Many departments will begin transitioning to a remote workplace throughout this week, while retaining essential in-person operations. Cabinet members are in communication with respective departments to finalize details. Essential details will be included in forthcoming communications.
  • We ask that visitors and vendors first stop by Security when arriving on campus. Campus signage will be installed to communicate this.
  • To enhance security for the smaller numbers of people on campus, we will lock building doors and faculty, staff and students will need to carry their Rockhurst ID cards to gain access beginning at 6 p.m. Monday, March 23. Please be mindful of public health directives to practice social distancing and only gather in groups of 10 or fewer.
  • An additional email will be sent by tomorrow morning with details from the business and finance offices regarding daily procedures.

Thank you again for your continued patience as we continue to work through these unprecedented issues.

 

Matthew D. Quick, Ph.D.                                                 Randy Hopkins

Vice President & Dean of Students                               Chief of Security

Crisis Management Co-Chair                                          Crisis Management Co-Chair