Editor's note: President Dennis Assanis sent this message to the University community on March 24, 2020.

Dear UD Community,

Addressing the COVID-19 pandemic has required global collaboration, and the University of Delaware is working with partners locally and across the nation to help slow the spread of the virus and protect the health and safety of all, particularly the most vulnerable populations. This pandemic has vividly reminded us that we are truly each other’s keepers and our individual actions can save lives. As a community, our collective resiliency, resourcefulness, kindness, hard work and willingness to adapt to rapid change have been truly amazing. Continuing to act proactively and responsibly, I am certain that we will persevere through this challenging time.

To this end, the University has decided to extend the period to stay home and work remotely to May 15, or until the public health threat posed by COVID-19 is eliminated. This action is in alignment with Gov. John Carney’s most recent extension of the state executive order dated March 22, which closes all non-essential businesses in Delaware until May 15. The University is permitted to conduct essential work on campus, such as support of online delivery of courses and critical research functions, as well as provide housing and dining services for the limited number of students who remain on campus due to various extenuating circumstances. As before, only essential UD personnel should report to work on campus, with all others working remotely.

At such times of disruption and hardship, we are inspired by our collective commitment to public service — especially to the people of Delaware — driven by our institutional values to care for one another and make a difference. Just yesterday, UD donated essential supplies of personal protective equipment (PPE) to the Delaware Emergency Management Agency to help the state’s health care workers do their jobs safely and effectively. We are also working with state and federal public health authorities to explore additional ways that UD can contribute through research and testing, the use of our facilities and the application of other resources to help the Delaware community in any way possible as the pandemic grows.

The actions being taken now — by the University and the world — reflect our social responsibility to do everything we can, whether on a personal level by practicing social distancing and good hygiene, or on a broader level by working with Delaware partners to win the fight against COVID-19. Once again, I sincerely thank you for everything you are doing to support our community. Please continue to be patient, be safe, take care of yourselves, and take care of each other.

Sincerely,

Dennis Assanis

President