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.

Stay vigilant: Thanks for following the guidelines and keeping everyone safe. We’re on the right track. Let’s keep the momentum going. Remember to:

• Wear a face covering.
• Avoid gathering in large groups.
• Wash your hands frequently.
• Get tested frequently.

Presidential update: UD President Dennis Assanis will hold a virtual town hall from 3-4:30 p.m., Thursday, March 18, on UDLive. He will discuss UD’s progress to date and new steps forward to continued success in 2021 and respond to questions from the campus community. Questions should be submitted by noon, Wednesday, March 17, using this form.

Campus changes: Blue Hens have stepped up to Protect the Flock! As a result, several changes to campus restrictions take effect on Friday, March 12:

• Reservations for in-person campus events and meetings return to a maximum size of 50 people; all in-person RSO, fraternity and sorority events must take place in the University Student Centers; events should continue to be hybrid and virtual for Blue Hens studying at home.
• Carpenter Sports Building (Little Bob) and University Student Centers return to occupancy levels in place at the start of the semester.
• A limited number of fans will be allowed at select athletic venues, including Delaware Stadium.
• Campus dining facilities will continue to operate on a grab-and-go basis; students may not congregate to share meals in an indoor space on campus but are welcome to eat together outdoors if physically distanced. 

For more details, read the March 10 announcement.

Play it safe: Healthy behaviors have helped slow the spread of the virus on campus, and everyone needs to stay committed. St. Patrick’s Day is coming, and this is not the year to celebrate it as has been done in the past. Don’t risk losing the progress we have made. Newark Police and UD Police will have increased patrols and enforcement throughout Newark for the next two weekends. Any unsafe or large gatherings may be reported to the Newark Police directly or through the LiveSafe App.

Vaccination update: The state of Delaware includes education employees in Phase 1B of its vaccination rollout. Since the Phase 1B group is so large, the state is taking a phased approach, with the expectation of extending vaccinations to all higher education employees in the state within the next two weeks. Details of this plan will be shared as soon as they are available. For the latest information, visit the state’s vaccination timeline website.

On-campus testing: Students living on campus are reminded that they are required to be tested every week. On-campus students receive a weekly email from “RLH COVID Testing,” where they can access a link to make reservations at the UD testing sites in Harker ISE Lab or Clayton Hall. Testing is by appointment only. No walk-ups will be permitted.

On a random basis, Student Health Services is selecting and requiring off-campus students to test at UD testing centers (Harker ISE Lab or Clayton Hall). Students will be notified by email on 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. Additionally, on a random basis, the Human Resources Office is selecting staff to test at the UD testing Centers, and they also are notified by email. Anyone selected for on-campus testing must schedule an appointment as no walk-ups are permitted.

Community testing options available both on campus and locally: Free community-based testing is available through the state of Delaware, including sites on the Newark campus. New Castle County will hold drive-through testing events on the STAR Campus from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday, March 13, and from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Sunday, March 14. Walk-ups are also accepted at these events. Registration is encouraged at this link.

In addition, testing is regularly available within walking distance of campus at the Hudson Service Center, 501 Ogletown Rd., Newark, from 8:30 a.m.-noon, Monday through Friday. The Walgreens in the Four Seasons Plaza, south of Newark on Route 896, also offers testing 9 a.m.-5 p.m., daily. Information about a variety of upcoming “pop-up” testing events in the area is available at this website.

Faculty and staff who are tested at a non-UD site should upload the results to the UD Health Portal.

Courtyard Marriott temporarily closing: The Courtyard by Marriott Newark at UD is temporarily closed to support health and safety measures on campus. Reservations are now being accepted for stays beginning June 1, 2021, and beyond. Customers with reservations for the intervening dates will be contacted by Courtyard Marriott customer service personnel and have their reservations rescheduled to other local hotels.

Student study spaces: Students who need a space on campus to study or take an online class have many options. UD Student Centers, the Library and some classrooms are available either by reserving a space online or by dropping in. As a reminder, masks must be worn and physical distancing guidelines followed when using campus facilities.

Limits on private gatherings: The city of Newark continues to limit gatherings at private residences to 10 people indoors and 20 people outdoors. Large, unmasked and unsafe off-campus gatherings are one of the greatest threats to continuing in-person classes and other activities this spring. Students who violate these limits are subject to referral to the Office of Student Conduct and may face suspension from the University.

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

For those needing assistance: 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. In addition, Employee Health and Wellbeing has a variety of resources available to assist employees.

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