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.

Re-Coop Day on March 30: The first Blue Hen Re-Coop Day of the year will be held on Tuesday, March 30. Blue Hens are encouraged to invest time that day focusing on overall wellbeing. Classes will be suspended, and students, faculty and staff are encouraged to participate in wellbeing activities and use the hashtag #BlueHenReCoop to share on social media how they’re spending the day. With a mix of options that are active and passive, there are recommendations compiled for both employees and students to try something new and create healthy habits. Just as with reading days, Re-Coop Days are days of no classes for students; however, campus offices will be open and services will be operating. A second Blue Hen Re-Coop Day will be held on Monday, April 19.

Travel is not advised: The UD community is reminded that travel increases your chances of spreading and getting COVID-19. Please delay travel and stay where you are to protect yourself and others from COVID-19, even if you are vaccinated. If you must travel, take steps to protect yourself and others:

• If you are eligible, get fully vaccinated.
• Before you travel, get tested with a viral test one to three days before your trip.
• Wear a mask over your nose and mouth when in public.
• Avoid crowds and stay at least 6 feet/2 meters (about two arm lengths) from anyone who did not travel with you.
• Get tested three to five days after your trip, stay home and self-quarantine for a full seven days after travel, even if your test is negative. If you don’t get tested, stay home and self-quarantine for 10 days after travel.

For additional information, visit this Centers for Disease Control site.

Vaccination update: All UD employees are now eligible for vaccination within the state of Delaware. The Division of Public Health is beginning to fully roll out the vaccine to everyone in Phase 1b, which includes employees of institutions of higher education. Undergraduate and graduate student employees have been contacted by the Office of Human Resources about documentation to confirm their eligibility. The University is partnering with the state to offer a series of vaccination events for UD employees over the next several weeks on the campus in Newark, as well as other partnering institutions throughout the state. As soon as details on these employee clinics are finalized, the UD community will be notified.

Summer undergraduate research plans, April 5 research town hall: UD is planning for face-to-face undergraduate research this summer. Individual programs are making their own decisions about the format and delivery of the research experience. Students should check with the specific program director for details.

UD continues to follow travel guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the U.S. Department of State and the state of Delaware. The CDC currently recommends against traveling at this time, even for those who are vaccinated. Under limited conditions, UD has been granting exceptions to the travel moratorium for research-related travel for employees and students. For details, including access to the request for travel form, visit this webpage.

The next research town hall, led by Charlie Riordan, vice president for research, scholarship and innovation, will be held from 2-3 p.m., Monday, April 5. Register online. The town halls are recorded and archived on this webpage. For more information, contact UDResearch@udel.edu.

Survey to new undergraduate students closes this Friday: The Blue Hen Check-In survey was sent March 15 to all newly admitted undergraduate students. The brief survey asks students five questions that, based on responses, will allow UD to connect them to resources through Student Life and Student Financial Services, as well as to academic support via the college assistant deans. The survey closes Friday, March 26. Faculty who have first-year students in their courses (e.g., First Year Seminars, ENGL 110) are asked to encourage them to complete the survey. The Qualtrics survey was sent from advisingcentral@udel.edu and any questions can be sent to that Advising Central general email. Especially in this predominantly virtual environment, it’s important to do everything possible to assist new students as they adjust to life as Blue Hens.

On-campus testing: Students living on campus are reminded that they are required to be tested every week. This includes students who have been vaccinated. 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 both on campus and locally: Free community-based testing is available through the state of Delaware, including sites on the Newark campus. The state of Delaware has a site at Lot #6 on the Laird Campus from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Friday, March 26. Registration is encouraged at this link. New Castle County will hold drive-through testing events on the STAR Campus from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday, March 27. Walk-ups are also accepted. Registration is encouraged at this link. On Tuesday, March 30, the state will be at the Hollingsworth parking lot, at the corner of North College and Cleveland avenues, from 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

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.

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.

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.

Protect the Flock: Thanks for following the guidelines and keeping everyone safe. Keep the momentum going by remembering to:

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

Questions? Send an email to coronavirus@udel.edu