Stay informed about recent decisions and plans by visiting www.udel.edu/return. Have a specific question? Check the FAQs, which are updated regularly as questions come in to coronavirus@udel.edu.

What you need to know: Information for all UD students, faculty and staff about what they need to know as they prepare to leave the campus and when they return is available here.

Student Code of Conduct: Students are reminded that the Code of Conduct is always in effect whether they are on or off campus, regardless of whether classes are in session. Any UD student or student organization found responsible for violating University policies, including attending or hosting large gatherings during this time, will receive conduct sanctions potentially leading to suspension or expulsion. As a reminder, last month, the city of Newark limited the size of indoor gatherings to 10 and outdoor gatherings to 20.

Winter break schedules: With the conclusion of the fall semester this week, University operations are reduced for the break from Dec. 21 through Jan. 1. Details on other schedule changes are available here.

Testing opportunities this week: The University’s surveillance testing for COVID-19 has concluded for the year, and it will resume in January. Additional testing options are available in the interim.

Looking ahead to 2021: When UD reopens Jan. 3 after the fall break, COVID-19 tests will be required for all students, faculty and staff who will be on the campus for any purpose. This testing must be completed at UD surveillance testing sites during each individual’s first week back on the campus.

State guidelines: Earlier this month, Delaware Gov. John Carney implemented additional restrictions on the size of gatherings and the occupancy of public facilities statewide to interrupt the dangerous winter surge of COVID-19 cases. This advisory remains in effect until Jan. 11. In addition, the governor and the Delaware Division of Public Health have issued a stay-at-home advisory and a universal mask mandate statewide, requiring Delawareans to wear a cloth face covering any time they are indoors with anyone outside their immediate household.

Medical support for students: Over the break and into January, all students have access to medical advice by calling 302-831-2226, or 800-681-3957 directly. As always, call 911 in a medical emergency and be sure to tell the dispatcher if you suspect or know that you are COVID-positive. Student Health Services will reopen on Jan. 19. More information about after-hours and emergency care can be found here.

For students in residence halls: Have questions about student housing during Winter Session or the spring semester? An FAQ on the Residence Life and Housing website provides lots of answers, as well as phone and email contact information.

Fall 2020 modified pass/no credit grading changes: Students who are considering or interested in changing courses to the modified pass/no credit grading basis are strongly encouraged to review the Fall 2020 Academic Regulations and contact their assistant dean’s office (undergraduate) or program adviser/director (graduate) to discuss the implications of the grade change options.

From Dec. 14 through Jan. 5, students will have the opportunity to submit the request form to change fall semester course(s) to a modified pass/no credit grading basis. Once the course is graded in UDSIS, the Grading Change Request Webform can be used to opt-in to the modified pass/no credit grading basis. The webform will also be available in a student’s UDSIS homepage under the “Grades & Transcripts” tile. Grades of D+ through F will be automatically updated to the modified Pass/No Credit grading basis. This option is not available for 868/968 (research), 869 (master’s thesis) or 969 (dissertation) courses.

December Research Office closures; 2021 town halls: The Research Office will be closed from Dec. 21 through Jan. 1. Have a safe and healthy holiday — wear your face mask, socially distance and wash your hands frequently.

Research town halls will continue on a semi-monthly basis in the new year. The next research town hall, led by Charlie Riordan, vice president for research, scholarship and innovation, will be held from 2-3 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 11. Register online. The town halls are recorded and archived on this webpage. For more information, contact UDResearch@udel.edu.

Wellbeing support available: All members of the UD community are encouraged to take advantage of virtual opportunities to connect with each other as COVID-19 and flu cases continue to rise. Students are reminded to be intentional about their social bubble, especially if they transition from one household to another at the conclusion of the fall semester. Wellbeing services and support, including a Coping with COVID-19 Support Group and personalized telehealth support, are available. The Center for Counseling and Student Development is open and available remotely, and 24/7 mental health support remains available on the UD Helpline at 302-831-1001 for any student in need of someone to talk to.

Through Dec. 31, 2020, all UD employees, their spouses, dependents, parents and in-laws may access the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) by calling 800-343-2186 or visiting the HealthAdvocate program website. If using the website, UD employees should enter "State of Delaware" as the password.

Effective Jan. 1, 2021, the Employee Assistance Program will be provided through ComPsych GuidanceResources. This is a free program available exclusively for State of Delaware Group Health Plan non-Medicare members and their dependents.

Upcoming dates:

• Course registration for the spring 2021 semester is underway.
• Fall semester final examinations end on Friday, Dec. 18.
• The last day to apply for readmission for Winter 2021 is Jan. 1.
• Residence halls open for Winter Session 2021 on Jan. 3 for five-week classes and Jan. 20 for four-week classes.
• Five-week Winter Session classes begin Jan. 4, and four-week classes begin Jan. 11.

Questions? Send an email to coronavirus@udel.edu.