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.

More Information about spring testing options for off-campus students: There are many free and convenient testing sites available to off-campus students.Testing is offered every weekday at the Hudson State Service Center, which is within walking distance of campus; community testing is available most Saturdays on UD’s STAR Campus, and a variety of state testing events are held weekly in the local community. Results are typically returned within 24-72 hours. Students can also order a home test kit and have it delivered to their off-campus residence. More information about these and other testing options can be found on the state of Delaware’s coronavirus testing site.

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.

Community testing is readily available during Winter Session at locations near the Newark campus. On Saturday, Jan. 30, testing will be held from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., at the STAR Campus, where testing will continue each Saturday through March 1. Reservations are suggested at https://curative.com/sites/554?date=2021-01-30. On Friday, Feb. 5, the state of Delaware will bring its “pop-up” COVID-19 testing trailer to Lot #6 on the Laird Campus, off New London Road, from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Information about other community testing is available here. 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/.

Students residing in residence halls during Winter Session should continue to utilize the on-campus testing offered each Monday and Wednesday from 9 a.m.-noon at Harker ISE Lab and 10 a.m.- 1 p.m. at Clayton Hall. Registration is strongly encouraged, but walk-ups may be accommodated. If you plan to be tested at Harker ISE Lab or Clayton Hall, you must complete the Daily Health Screening Form and bring the results with you.

Winter 2021 Session modified pass/no credit grading changes: The University Registrar has announced that the modified pass/no credit grading option will continue through the 2021 Winter Session. From Feb. 11-17, 2021, students will 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 will not be 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.

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.

Academic Affairs - Feb. 5 town hall: Faculty and staff are invited to register for an academic affairs town hall scheduled for 11 a.m. on Feb. 5. Deputy Provost Lynn Okagaki will lead the event, focused on the upcoming spring semester. Registration is required. Please submit questions in advance via this form in order to allow panelists time to gather answers and respond during the webinar.

Research Town Hall, Feb. 8. 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. 8. Lynn Okagaki, deputy provost for academic affairs, will join Riordan to provide an update on academic plans for spring semester. 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. 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. 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.

Winter Session 2021: The last day of classes is Friday, Feb. 5, and final exams are on Saturday, Feb. 6.

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