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.

Getting ready for spring semester: In preparation for the spring semester that will have more face-to-face classes and activities, there are actions students, faculty and staff need to take now and after they arrive on campus. Details about testing requirements (pre-arrival and ongoing), safety protocols and vaccinations were sent to the campus community on Jan. 26.

On-campus testing: Beginning Feb. 15, on-campus testing will be by appointment only. Students residing in University housing must make an appointment. No walk-ups will be permitted.

As noted in the Jan. 26 campus message, on a random basis, Student Health Services will select and require off-campus students to test at UD testing centers (Harker ISE Lab or Clayton Hall). Students will be notified of how to schedule their test and must participate. Off-campus students who are not feeling well should contact Student Health Services to obtain a test.

Robust community testing available both on campus and within a short driving distance: Free community-based testing is available through the state of Delaware for individuals without symptoms. The state of Delaware will have the Curative Trailer at Lot #6 on the Laird Campus from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Friday, Feb. 12. The testing at the Laird Campus will continue every Friday in February and March. Registration is encouraged at this link. New Castle County will hold a drive-through testing event on the STAR Campus from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 13. The testing at the STAR Campus will continue every Saturday in February and March. Registration is encouraged at this link. For a list of all testing dates and locations, visit coronavirus.delaware.gov/testing. Search the 19711 Zip Code at this link to see all community-based testing events the state of Delaware and New Castle County are hosting this week in close proximity to the Newark campus. In addition, testing is offered every weekday at the Hudson State Service Center, which is within walking distance of campus. Faculty and staff who are tested at a non-UD site should upload the results to the UD Health Portal.

In addition, faculty, staff and off-campus students are eligible for the free Home Test Kits from the state of Delaware. To test in the comfort of your own home, register for a kit at https://coronavirus.delaware.gov/testing/home-test-kit/.

Online COVID-19 training required for students on campus: All students who will be living in residence halls or who are registered for in-person classes this spring are reminded that they are required to complete an online COVID-19 training program by Feb. 26. All other UD students -- especially those who will be in areas around campus -- also are strongly encouraged to complete this module as part of UD’s collective efforts to Protect the Flock. The module, which takes about 15 minutes to complete, can be accessed here. A score of 90% or higher is required to pass.

Winter 2021 Session modified pass/no credit grading changes: The modified pass/no credit grading option is continuing through the 2021 Winter Session. From Feb. 11-17, 2021, students have the opportunity to request that grades posted in UDSIS in the winter 2021 session be changed to the modified Pass/No Credit grading option. Grades D+ through F will be automatically updated to the modified Pass/No Credit grading option. Please note that the modified Pass/No Credit option is not available for 868/968 (research), 869 (master’s thesis) or 969 (dissertation) courses. Consult your Assistant Dean's Office to see how this may affect you. Detailed information for undergraduate and graduate students is available on the academic regulations webpage.

Vaccination planning: All members of the University community are encouraged to get the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as it is available to them. Information about where and how to get vaccinated in Delaware is available at de.gov/coronavirus. Those living outside of Delaware can get vaccine information from their state or local public health agency. More information about vaccines will be communicated as it becomes available. After you are vaccinated, you must still adhere to the University’s health guidelines and testing requirements.

Spring Academic Affairs for Faculty and Instructional Staff: Faculty and staff who were unable to attend the academic affairs town hall on Feb. 5 are encouraged to visit www.provost.udel.edu/continuity to view the recording and presentations from the event. Deputy Provost Lynn Okagaki was joined by Dr. Tim Dowling, director, Student Health Services; José Riera, vice president for student life, Matt Kinservik, vice provost for faculty affairs; and Amanda Steele-Middleton, University registrar.

Research Town Hall, Feb. 22: 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, Feb. 22. Register online. The town halls are recorded and archived on this webpage. For more information, contact UDResearch@udel.edu.

Spring 2021 academic calendar and grading: Classes begin on Monday, Feb. 15 and end Tuesday, May 18. There are two “Blue Hen Re-Coop Days” when classes will be suspended (Tuesday, March 30, and Monday, April 19). A reminder that it was announced in October that, as a precautionary health measure, there will be no spring break this year to minimize off-campus travel. Final exams will occur Thursday, May 20 through Thursday, May 27. (Academic Calendar)

The standard grading regulations apply for the spring 2021 semester. Student transcripts will reflect the actual letter grade earned in each class during the spring 2021 semester. While the modified pass/no credit grading option is not available for spring 2021, a list of registration change options is available in the Spring 2021 Academic Regulations.

The last day for free add/drop is Friday, Feb. 26. The last day to change registration or to withdraw from courses without academic penalty for spring 2021 is extended to Monday, May 3.

Students are encouraged to talk to their adviser should they have questions.

If assistance is needed: Wellbeing services and 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. Medical advice is also available to all students 24/7 through Aetna at 800-681-3957. Additionally, resources are available concerning substance use and recovery assistance due to experiences with the COVID-19 pandemic. Those individuals experiencing any concerns should feel free to contact the UD Collegiate Recovery Community (CRC).

The Employee Assistance Program is now provided through ComPsych GuidanceResources. This is a free program available exclusively for State of Delaware Group Health Plan non-Medicare members and their dependents. Those not eligible to enroll in the Group Health Plan will have access through March 2021. EAP can help with a wide variety of work and life issues.

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