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.

Revised guidance regarding reductions in time for sponsored research; Nov. 9 research town hall: Earlier this week, the Research Office issued a revision to previous guidance regarding employees paid on sponsored funds, in relation to the University’s across-the-board reduction in time program, regardless of funding source:

• From the start, students and postdoctoral fellows have been exempted from this program due to their primary educational and trainee responsibilities.
• Employees on H1-B visas also are exempt consistent with immigration guidance.
• Now, through revised guidance, postdoctoral researchers also are exempt from this program.
• In the rare instances when a sponsor does not provide any flexibility to deadlines or deliverables, an award’s principal investigator may apply for an exception to the UD reduction in time program for all employees compensated by the project. Applications are requested by Oct. 28 using the form at this link.

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, Nov. 9. Joining Riordan will be Peter Krawchyk, vice president of Facilities, Real Estate and Auxiliary Services (FREAS) and University architect, who will provide updates of relevance to the research community. Register online. The town halls are recorded and archived on this webpage. For more information, contact UDResearch@udel.edu.

For students living in campus residence halls: Have questions about student housing during the Thanksgiving break, 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.

COVID-19 testing sites now indoors: The University has transitioned its COVID-19 testing to two new indoor locations: Clayton Hall on the Laird Campus and the Rodney Room in the Perkins Student Center. For more information, click here. This testing is for asymptomatic individuals. Students with COVID-19 symptoms can call Student Health for testing at 302-831-2226

New guidelines for student meetings:  University Student Centers is running a pilot program through Nov. 20 to allow registered student organizations (RSOs) and recognized fraternities and sororities to hold meetings for up to 12 attendees in Student Centers facilities. Only meetings that include members of the student organization will be permitted during this phase. For the complete guidelines and to submit a meeting request, click here.

Counseling and support are available: Students in need of counseling and support may call UD’s Center for Counseling and Student Development at 302-831-2141 or the UD Helpline, which is available at any time, day or night, for students feeling anxious, overwhelmed, depressed or otherwise in need of counseling. Students can call 302-831-1001 to get live counseling assistance 24/7. Additional information may be found at the center’s website. 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 program’s website. If using the website, UD employees should enter "State of Delaware" as the password.

Questions about Fall 2020? Send an email to coronavirus@udel.edu.