Personal Counseling Services (PCS) is offering phone consultations to students who are struggling with their mood, anxiety, or other mental health concerns. Details can be found on the PCS website at https://counseling.edgewood.edu/. PCS is also working to provide online workshops on topics related to self-care and mental health during this challenging time.

Follow us on Instagram for daily self-care tips!  @EdgewoodCollegeWellnessCenter

For our residence hall students, we’d like to thank you for the quick response and relative calm with which you adjusted to the news that we needed to make the halls inaccessible for the time being.  Please know that your safety was our primary concern.  if your circumstances have changed or you wish to reach out, please don’t hesitate to email us at deanofstudents@edgewood.edu.  We will continue to be in touch as further plans develop. 

The Office of Student Inclusion and Involvement has moved all programming, student engagement, student organization development and student support online (using a combination of social media platforms, WebEx and some online gaming resources). We aim to continue to provide a variety of opportunities for engagement that continue to enhance your Edgewood College experience. OSII has scheduled a combination of trivia nights, movie parties, jeopardy, photo challenges, online scavenger hunts and open chats with the OSII staff. With this, we also will be launching a Social Justice Book Club (reading one book until the end of the semester and having online discussions) and Senior Series (a partnership series to help our seniors transition out of their college experiences).In addition, OSII will continue our Women's History Month and Asian American Pacific Islander Month programs.

Career Development appointments and services will continue to be available. Students can:

• schedule WebEx/phone/email career development appointments in Handshake by selecting Career Center/Appointments
• upload resumes/cover letters/LinkedIn profile links to be reviewed and given feedback via email in Handshake by clicking on their initials and selecting Documents
• connect with staff if they are currently participating in the Inclusive Internship Project for support by emailingsarahanson@edgewood.edu or rkasten@edgewood.edu
• connect if they are interested in participating in the Inclusive Internship Project this fall by emailing sarahanson@edgewood.edu orrkasten@edgewood.edu or would like assistance searching for jobs or internships

The Center for Student Success continues to meet with first-year, transfer, and undeclared students using video or telephone conferencing. Student Success Advisors will be in touch with their students within the early part of this week for instructions on preparing for the upcoming registration. Undergraduate students can also use their Handshake accounts to get support in developing career search materials (resumes, cover letters, etc.) and to schedule video or telephone conferences to discuss career goals and plans with a Student Success Advisor.

The Mail Center will be open from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Monday-Friday to process mail and packages for students.   The Bookstore will be closed, but we will process any orders placed online and ship those orders daily.  Staff members are available to answer questions via email or phone.

The Business Office is available to answer questions via email or phone.  Student can pay your bill online through Edgewood Express using debit/credit or checking.  Online payment is strongly encouraged to avoid physical exchange or cash or check.   

Peer Tutors, the Math Lab, and Course Coaches are working to build online spaces for students to continue this important connection with their learning.  We're still putting together the pieces, but there will be individual tutoring, drop-in tutoring times, and group sessions.  We will be sharing all the important info through professors, BlackBoard, email, and online in the days ahead. We know how many of you rely on some form of tutoring to support your learning in the classroom, and we are fully committed to continuing all of these services virtually.  

Up to date information, links, and schedules will be posted online at: https://lss.edgewood.edu/Student-Resources 

The Writing Center is aiming to move online by Wednesday, March 25th. Writing tutors will read your paper and provide feedback within 48 hours (depending on staffing, we may be able to respond sooner).  To submit papers and check for updates, please go to the Writing Center website:https://writing-center.edgewood.edu/ Our online system will keep evolving, so thanks for your patience.  We can't wait to virtually write and work with you!"

Edgewood Central is able to assist you with questions related to financial aid, student billing or student registration and has staff available from 8:30-4:30 Monday -Friday.

            Self-service options:

• Financial Aid: Financial aid award letters and documents can be accessed or uploaded on Edgewood Express>My Financial Aid>Manage My Financial Aid
• Additional forms and resources are available: https://www.edgewood.edu/admissions/tuition-and-financial-aid/financial-aid-resources
• Business Office:  Billing account information can be accessed on Edgewood Express>My Account Info>Manage and Pay My Bill
• Courses and registration:  Course schedules and grades can be accessed on Edgewood Express>Courses and Registration Deadlines and other information registration related forms are available: https://registrar.edgewood.edu/

  If you have any questions, please feel free to call us at 608-663-4300 or email us at ecentral@edgewood.edu. We also have the ability to do a video chat via skype or WebEx if desired. We look forward to working with during this challenging time for everyone. 

  The Technology Assistance Center (TAC) is here to help with all of your technology needs.  You can find our office hours on technology.edgewood.edu.  We have remote tools to assist you with issues on virtually any device.  We can be reached at services.edgewood.edu (ticket portal), 608-663-6900 (phone), ortechnology-assistance@edgewood.edu (email).   Stay tuned for more technology information as software companies continue to increase the availability of their software in response to the current events. 

The start of the second week of fully-online learning has begun, and while there are still challenges with moving into this new environment, the rhythm of the semester has begun to reassert itself. 

Campus events continue to move online, and the College Calendar is updated daily with additional opportunities for student to engage as their schedule allows. The Oscar Rennebohm Library staff remain online to provide support for students and faculty. The Technology Assistance Center remains active assisting students, faculty, and staff with connectivity and all things digital.  

While we (like many of us) are today in an online learning environment, we are first and foremost a community. Faculty and staff have produced a video that reminds students, and reminds all who are touched by this community, that “we are here for you.”  

Enjoy!

The first week of fully online classes was – as expected – not without challenges; the Technology Assistance Center continues to provide support for students, faculty, and staff as our community moves into new forms of excellence in teaching and learning. 

Some faculty report feeling ‘surprised’ at how well the week transpired; one professor pointed out as each student has their own WebEx account, group projects and group discussions are easily facilitated. Special praise is reserved for the staff of the Oscar Rennebohm Library, the professor added, for doing great work, especially assisting students in using the technology each has available to maximize online learning. 

Dr. Heather Harbach, Vice President for Student Development/Dean of Students, sent a communication this afternoon to parents of our undergraduate students. It appears below: 

“Dear Eagle Families,  

I hope this message finds you all well as we adjust to new ways of living, learning, and working. For the past weeks, I and the dedicated staff and faculty of Edgewood College have been diligently preparing for the transition to virtual learning as well as building out systems to keep your students safe and thriving. We take our commitment to your student’s Edgewood College experience seriously; it is our top priority as we make these adjustments.    

Our past communications have been completely centered around your students. As things changed quickly, regularly by the day, we wanted our students to have the most complete information. We recognize that some of our students may not have the support system in place as others may, so we worked to communicate directly with them. Today, I’m able to take a moment and communicate with you, our Eagle Families community. I’m so glad to include you all along this journey, and be a resource for you all if you need me!  

Some of you have reached out to ask for information and updates regarding changes. We are happy to answer those questions, and recognize that these transitions impact you just as significantly as they impact your students. You can reach us at deanofstudents@edgewood.edu or at 608-663-2212. Our staff are working from home and still have access to information, phone, video chat services, and email, all so we can serve you and your students.    

Another excellent resource for updates is our COVID-19 update page. We recognize that your students, while juggling new ways of learning and living, may not always share every email they receive. We post every campus communication to this website, as well as helpful resources available to our community. This website is updated daily, and has a complete history of any previous communications.    

I want to stress that resources and support are still available for you and your student. Our values run strong, especially right now those of compassion and community.  During times in our world of drastic change, uncertainty, fear, our Edgewood College community pulls together to support our purpose: to provide your student with an excellent education and college experience. We are not wavering in this commitment, and we also look forward to the times when we are back to seeing each other face-to-face.    

I wish you strength, comfort, and health during this time.  We are here for your students now, and many years into the future.  

Heather Harbach 

Sincerely,  
Dr. Heather Harbach, Ed.D ‘17  
Vice President for Student Development 

The Technology Assistance Center reports the issues of Wednesday with VPN and some other systems are resolved. As always, if you have any questions or challenges related to connecting to campus resources online, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Technology Assistance Center. The self-service portal is at services.edgewood.edu, or contact technology-ssistance@edgewood.edu, or 608.663.6900. 

College Calendar – We are keeping the College Calendar up to date, so please review it often. There are opportunity for Students as well as Faculty and Staff as we all get accustomed to new ways of #community. If you don’t see your event there, reach out to Marketing & Strategic Communications.  

Services for Students with Disabilities 
We recognize that online courses may present unique challenges to some students, so we are collaborating with our faculty, IT staff, and online instructional design team to minimize setbacks.  

Academic support programs such as tutoring meetings will continue as scheduled but will be conducted over the phone or via WebEx, Zoom/Skype. Remember that Student Accessibility and Disability Services is here to offer advice, advocacy, and assistance. Please contact us at AccessDisabilityServ@edgewood.edu if you have questions or concerns. 
 
Students using veterans benefits, and National Guard 
Please consult with the Veterans Benefits team and/or Matthew Schroeder, Director of Military and Veteran Services, before making any changes to your course schedule, or if you have any questions that you are unable to answer. 

The subject of veterans benefits remains fluid; we receive new guidance daily, only to have that guidance change. We will do our best to keep students up to date on changes that the Veterans Administration has made or will be making, but only after we can confirm the changes will take place. 

We are aware of a small handful of students that have received notices from the Wisconsin National Guard that they will be or have been activated for duty in response to COVID – 19. We will confirm orders once they are sent to us and make sure that all professors are notified of their authenticity per the Edgewood College Active Duty Policy. 

Career Development 
The staff within Career Development is doing everything within our power to continue to bring students the resources and opportunities needed to support our students’ career development. There are updates at careers.edgewood.edu, including tips for interning remotely, and many other useful resources. Drop-In Hours are underway each week – online. Those times and dates are on the College Calendar. Let us hear from you! Submit general questions on career-related topics to success@edgewood.edu. Staff will respond as soon as possible.  

Remember - please reach out to deanofstudents@edgewood.edu or 608-663-2212 if you have questions, of if we can help in any way.  

As of this posting the Technology Assistance Center continues to work on providing seamless connectivity on all systems. We experienced issues today primarily with access to VPN, and this may be related to maintenance performed this morning. We will share updates across multiple channels when appropriate.

Students, Faculty, and Staff - if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Technology Assistance Center. The self-service portal is at services.edgewood.edu, or contact technology-assistance@edgewood.edu, or 608.663.6900.

Students – We have ‘packaged’ some key service and department updates on this page – please review this and make use of the offerings. You will also note the Resources section of this page. As always, please reach out to deanofstudents@edgewood.edu or 608-663-2212 if you have questions, of if we can help in any way.

Dear Students,

Please let me share an update on where we stand today, relative to the financial impact on you, our students, and the remainder of the spring semester. 

Some of you have asked about refunds on your accounts for the spring semester. Please be assured that my colleagues in the Business Office continue to work diligently, review options and financial models, and keep in close touch with state and federal offices for further guidance as the impact of COVID-19 continues to unfold. Edgewood College will address room and board, parking permit fees, and other operational areas that may affect your account.   

In addition, many students are directly affected by disruption of work-study jobs on campus; these dynamics affect finances for many of you. We are calculating the impact of all of this on a student-by-student basis, as we should, and that work will take time.  

Make no mistake – it is an honor to serve our students, whatever the circumstances. My colleagues in the Business Office, and across the entire campus community, share that sentiment. We embrace the challenges of these days, because you are worth it. In the meantime, please remember that you are receiving an excellent education, delivered by dedicated faculty who are proving to be every bit as resilient as each of you.  

You can expect to hear from the Business Office in the coming weeks, likely in a more personal email sent to individual students. As always, please reach out to deanofstudents@edgewood.edu  or 608-663-2212 if you have further questions.   

Sincerely, 
Heather Harbach Ed.D. ‘17 
Vice President for Student Development/Dean of Students 

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff –  

While I’m confident that this first day of fully-online classes brought with it some unforeseen challenges, I hope it also was a day of re-connecting with friends and colleagues, and a day to look ahead. 

We know this is new territory for us as members of this community, and of the world community. And being in a community can mean making difficult decisions.  
Earlier today at the President’s Council meeting, we made the decision that the traditional Commencement ceremony, scheduled to be held Sunday, May 17, 2020, will not be held. Commencement Liturgy, scheduled for the same weekend, also will not be held. 

I’m sure this raises questions and concerns; please allow me to address some immediate issues. 

First, we are exploring alternative ways to celebrate the enormous accomplishment of earning a college degree – at every level. We are in the information-gathering stage as of this afternoon. Please watch for updates on that topic soon. 

Some of you have already ordered commencement attire (cap & gown). If you have ordered commencement attire, you will be contacted shortly with instructions for options available to you. 

This Spring has brought many disappointments to you. Some of you have not had the pleasure and challenge of competing with your athletic teams.    Completing clinicals and internships now has a different face.   Being with your classmates, especially for seniors or other graduates, now becomes a virtual reality.  And yet, while the learning modality has changed, the high level of quality instruction remains.  Our faculty members remain dedicated to deliver on our promise to our students.   

We close with this quote, appropriate for our time, because this is what we do best at Edgewood College: 

“Building communities that practice understanding, loving-kindness, and compassion may be the most important thing we can do for the survival of our world.”  Thich Nhat Hanh 

Circumstances are changing rapidly, and it can feel difficult to keep up. Students – you received an email from Heather Harbach, Vice President for Student Development, this morning. Please review it and reach out; while we are separated in body, we remain a community that cares for each and every member. 

Please continue to check your email for updated information. Those updates are archived at www.edgewood.edu/covid-19 for reference.  

Thank you for all you do to make this a true community of learners. 

Mary Ellen Gevelinger, O.P., Ed.D., Interim President 
Margaret Noreuil, Ph.D., RN, Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs/Academic Dean 

Dear Students,

I hope your first day of classes is going as smooth as possible. As with all transition, we will find a few snags, but the great thing about our community is that we will tackle them together!  I’ve heard from many of you sharing ideas, asking questions, and offering up your thanks as we work to get your semester moving forward.  I know many of you have questions still, and we are working hard to get information out in a timely fashion.  Your questions and comments mean a lot, feel free to keep them coming.  You can email deanofstudent@edgewood.edu or call 608-663-2212.  This includes reaching out if you need assistance for anything you are experiencing right now.  

Some of you have asked questions about services on campus and how to still access the things you need to be successful.  Good news:  I and my faculty and staff colleagues are here to help support you no matter where our office is located!  Below you can find some details about a variety of resources and offices that are available.  As we move forward and continue to think creatively, more will be included.  Stay tuned to email and the COVID-19 update page for the latest developments. 

For now, I leave you with a reminder that we are all here for you.  You matter to us, immensely.  We want to hear from you if you need assistance, and are ready to support your goals, as we always have!

Sincerely,
Dr. Heather Harbach, Ed.D ‘17
Vice President for Student Development

Dear Students,

Like you, we’re closely monitoring the rapidly changing situation with COVID-19. You are understandably concerned about what our circumstances mean for the remaining weeks of the spring semester, as we move to online delivery of your classes for the rest of the term.

These days cause uncertainty, and my heart goes out to you. This is not what you planned, those of you pursing new leadership opportunities with your peers, finishing up your first year of classes, or experiencing a new internship or clinical.   Some of you were enjoying your final semester, your final graduate class, your dissertation defense.  I want to acknowledge that change has happened rapidly and many of us are still processing.

But it’s important for you to also remember that important campus services remain available to you. We are committed to maintaining staffing at levels that ensure the health, safety, and security of all on our campus and within our virtual community.  While major decisions have been made, the staff delivering services have been creatively thinking about ways to continue our work for you.  Their dedication to your success has not waivered.

The Center for Student Success,  OSII, Disability and Accessibility Services, Personal Counseling Services in our Wellness Center, the Math Lab, the Writing Center, tutoring, the library, the Technology Assistance Center, the Mail Center, Edgewood Central, the Business Office, Academic Success, Career Development, Dean of Students Office, Military and Veterans Services, Residence Life, Campus Security and more all remain in operation. In some cases, those services are offered in a new way, as we follow the direction of local and national guidelines.  

We do not have all the answers to all of your questions, largely because circumstances are changing rapidly. For our residential students, Residence Life will be reaching out to you soon to let you know next steps for on-campus housing.  Those of you completing degrees, we know you have questions about Commencement, and we will continue to work on keeping you informed. We remain committed to you, and we will share decisions and new information as soon as we can responsibly do so, via email and our COVID-19 website. 

I know the last several days have been filled with anxiety and feelings of uncertainty. I feel those as I adjust to a new way of working and living right now too.  During times of uncertainty, what I find helpful is to focus on the things that I can control, can support, can engage in, and then lean on those in my community that support me.  We are your community of support and will be here for you all.    

The Dean of Students Office is here as an important resource during this often unsettling time. You may reach out to us with questions or concerns at deanofstudents@edgewood.edu or at 608-663-2212. 

Sincerely, 
Dr. Heather Harbach, Ed.D. ‘17 
Vice President of Student Development

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,

Thank you again for the role each of you plays in making our community one that models compassion and partnership. We are in new and challenging times, and it’s important that we hold each other in our hearts. 

At the President’s Council meeting yesterday, we made the decision to complete the remainder of the spring semester fully online.   This is a disappointing decision for all of us, and one we had to make to provide safety and good health for everyone in our Edgewood College Community.   Students, I know that you are sad, confused, disappointed and frustrated. This is not how you imagined your Edgewood College experience of Spring 2020 to unfold.  Faculty and Staff, you are continuing to provide excellent education and service to our students, and yet you are experiencing the same feelings that they are.  Being in a face to face venue provides us all with exceptional opportunities to build relationships and get to know each other in significant ways.  Being physically at a distance deprives us of these opportunities.  I am working from home, and am very disappointed and saddened  that I am deprived of daily casual and serious contact with so many of you. 

Many of us are working remotely, in our ongoing commitment to you, our students. Working remotely takes different forms for different units of the College. While there is limited access to buildings on campus, our semester will continue. Classes resume, fully online, on Monday, March 23, 2020.  

Students – you will hear from Heather Harbach, Vice President for Student Development, very soon. Please continue to check your email for updated information.  

True community – our community – recognizes that we humans are part of one family. We share responsibility for one another. We will ensure you are updated as things change, which they will. What will not change is our commitment to our students, to our shared community, and to each other. 

Be well,

Mary Ellen Gevelinger, OP, Ed.D. 
President

Dear Faculty & Staff,

Thank you again for the role each of you plays in making our community one that models compassion and partnership. We are in new and challenging times, and it’s important that, in addition to putting our students first, we hold each other in our hearts as well.

Most faculty and staff will work remotely beginning Tuesday, March 17, until further notice. Staff should check in with their supervisor to determine roles and responsibilities, as working remotely takes different forms for different units of the College. 

The President’s Council and I made this decision this morning. We arrived at this decision in pursuit of social distancing, but there’s more to it; our Catholic social teaching tells us that Compassion – our shared value – means the most vulnerable among us of us merit first consideration in our circle of concern. And true community – our community – recognizes that we humans are part of one family, and shares responsibility for one another.

Circumstances around COVID-19 are changing rapidly. Please check your email frequently during business hours through the days ahead. Please stay in close touch with your supervisor. 

In the meantime, we will ensure you are updated as things change, which they will. What will not change is our commitment to our students, to our shared community, and to each other.

Be well,

Mary Ellen Gevelinger, OP, Ed.D.

Dear students, faculty, and staff - 

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have suspended face-to-face classes effective Monday, March 23, 2020. We move to fully online classes at that time, until Monday, April 6, 2020 at the earliest. Please remember classes resume on Monday, March 23, 2020 – fully online.

Residence halls will close Friday, March 13, 2020 and will remain closed this year through Noon, Sunday, April 5, 2020 at the earliest. Residence halls are not accessible during this time unless otherwise arranged in advance.

If you are a resident student, and you need to discuss your housing, please contact the Dean of Students Office immediately.

Why Are We Doing This?

The shared goal is Social Distancing – when we avoid groups of people, we reduce the likelihood of transmitting germs to each other.

There will be limited access to campus buildings during spring break, and during the weeks following, as we practice Social Distancing on our campus and in our community.

Steps You Can Take

• If you have an appointment with someone on campus, please either reschedule it, or meet via a phone call or email exchange.
• Stay in touch with all of your professors via email.
• The Library will be available for students during the break and in the weeks following. Since that could change as circumstances change, check your email often.
• Catherine’s Food Pantry will be available for students. If students have any concerns or emergencies, please reach out to the Dean of Students.

If you travel during Spring Break

Stay safe, and following the guidelines shared by the Centers for Disease Control, and by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. Refer to these often, as conditions continue to change rapidly.

Please monitor your email as we’ll share important information here, and that information can change rapidly. We’ve also updated www.edgewood.edu to provide resources and information next steps that may become necessary.

Students: Please use the Dean of Students as your point of contact if you have questions. They may be reached at 608-663-2212, or at deanofstudents@edgewood.edu.

Staff: Please report for work as you are scheduled. If you have questions, please reach out to your supervisor. You may also reach out to Human Resources at 608-663-3317, humanresourcesdepartment@edgewood.edu.

Faculty: Please reach out to the VPAA Office with questions at 608-663-2200, or send an email.

Dear students, faculty and staff

Dear students, faculty and staff

We are aware that UW-Madison has made the decision to move classes to online-only beginning March 23, 2020.

The President’s Council is conferring to determine appropriate next steps for the health and safety of our entire community. At this time, we are operating as normal, with some important exceptions.

We’ve made the difficult decision to cancel the planned Bridging Borders experience that was to take place in Mexico during spring break. We’ve been in contact with the students directly affected, and are working with them to minimize the impact this change has on their semester.

Our students who work in clinical settings in Greater Madison have also been notified that they must follow the same travel protocols related to COVID-19 that UW-Health has in place for their health care professionals. 

Please monitor your email as we’ll share important information here, and that information can change rapidly. We’ve also updated www.edgewood.edu to provide resources and information next steps that may become necessary.

Students: Please use the Dean of Students as your point of contact if you have questions. They may be reached at 608-663-2212, or at deanofstudents@edgewood.edu.

Faculty: Please reach out to the VPAA Office with questions at 608-663-2200, or send an email.

Staff: If you have questions, please reach out to your supervisor. You may also reach out to Human Resources at 608-663-3317, humanresourcesdepartment@edgewood.edu.

Again, please monitor your email for updates. 

Thank you.

Mary Ellen Gevelinger, OP, Ed.D.
Interim President

(The following is an email sent to Students, Faculty, and Staff on Thursday morning, March 5, 2020)

Edgewood College faculty and staff have been working diligently to stay ahead of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) developments worldwide in order to keep students, faculty, and staff safe and healthy. Given the recent national attention regarding Coronavirus, it is important that we are well-informed, aware of all inherent risks and taking steps to ensure a healthy campus environment.  College officials are meeting on a regular basis to review and plan for the potential short-term and long term effects of the global outbreak on our campus community.  The purpose of this letter is to provide you with more specific information regarding work that is being done on our campus to monitor the spread of coronavirus, the importance of continuity of our classes, travel consideration information and updates. 

As recent news reports indicate, COVID-19 has been identified in many countries, including cases in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is closely monitoring the situation and continues to assess the risk to the general public in the U.S. as low. 

Anyone with general questions about the virus can visit the CDC website or the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) at the following links:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 
• Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS)

Continuity of Classes at Edgewood College

Faculty and students are concerned about being able to complete courses this semester if we experience an outbreak that results in potentially closing face to face course offerings for any period of time.  It’s important to consider both pedagogic and technological plans for moving instruction online. The College Online team provides us with important information to prepare us for the possibility of teaching online.  Please take advantage of these opportunities:

• Virtual Brown Bag: How to Move Your Class Online in Inclement Weather or Health Emergencies
  Dates:March 5th and 6th from Noon - 1:00 p.m.

Travel Considerations

Faculty, Staff and Student Travel- we are paying close attention to CDC analysis as well as the US Department of State recommendations regarding travel. A recent statement by the CDC was issued on March 1, 2020 regarding guidance for student foreign travel for Institutions of Higher Education:  
http://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/student-foreign-travel.html

We are in the process of reviewing this recommendation along with US Department of State advisories, international education organizations recommendations, and bench-marking with other colleges and universities.  The Center for Global Education is in contact with our current study abroad students and with the program directors for our short-term faculty-led programs that are scheduled to travel this semester.  The health, safety, and well-being of our students is of utmost importance and we will continue to closely monitor the situation and make program adjustments as deemed appropriate.   

We do not have any students currently studying in countries where the CDC has recommended US citizens avoid nonessential travel.  Sara Liang, Co-Director for the Center for Global Education, has been carefully evaluating COVID-19 impacted destinations with regard to student, staff, and faculty travel, working in alignment with the CDC’s current guidance regarding travel.

Other programs and planned travel, especially over spring break, are being evaluated in real time as the outbreak unfolds globally. Should a planned program or travel be affected, Sara Liang, in consultation with the Academic Dean’s Office and impacted faculty and staff, will directly contact the individuals involved in the program in order to provide guidance and assistance.

All travelers are encouraged to think carefully about any planned travel, especially internationally, and to assess the risks both of their destination(s) and of traveling through domestic and international areas where the virus has been confirmed. The Vice President for Academic Affairs and the Center for Global Education ask all faculty, staff and students who are returning to the U.S. from a country with a CDC warning level 3 or alert level 2 to self-quarantine for 14 days from the date of departure before returning to the Edgewood’s campus.  This means staying home and not going to work, classes, athletic events, or other social gatherings, and monitoring your health.  See the Wisconsin Department of Health Services for more details.

Stay Healthy- disease prevention precautions

Although we are monitoring the progression of COVID-19 carefully, colds and the flu are much more prevalent on campus so it’s a good time to remind everyone, especially students, to take the following steps to stay healthy: 

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Follow these five steps and encourage students to do the same:
• Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
• Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
• Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. If you think 20 seconds isn’t long, it’s the same length of time as humming the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
• Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
• Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay hydrated and get plenty of rest.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Please encourage students to stay home from class and other events if they are feeling sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Get your flu vaccine. It’s not too late!

We will continue to provide periodic updates to the campus community via email. The College is committed to keeping the community well-prepared, well-informed and healthy.  

President Mary Ellen Gevelinger, OP, EdD
and
Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs/Academic Dean Margaret Noreuil, PhD, RN