January 26, 2021

Dear Dominican University Community,

Dominican University looks forward to the start of the spring semester on January 27 and resuming undergraduate in-person classes on February 1. Some adult and graduate programs resumed in-person classes earlier this month. I am grateful for the way our community came together to help ensure a safe and healthy campus during the fall semester and I know your efforts and cooperation will continue throughout the spring semester.

Throughout the difficulties of the pandemic, the College continues to strive for educational excellence while providing a safe and enjoyable environment. The College’s Reopening Coordinating Committee and President’s Cabinet monitors the pandemic and considers all aspects of the College’s operations in accordance with state and federal guidelines.

As previously communicated to all students, faculty, and staff to help support a safe return to campus for all – starting in January, all who have an on-campus presence must provide the College with a negative COVID-19 test result (test must be within 5 days of the return to campus date) or proof of receiving both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine (receiving the second dose at least 14 days prior to returning to campus) – as part of the College’s spring return requirement.
Additionally, similar to the fall semester, the following will remain in place for the spring semester:

• A face mask or covering must be worn in enclosed spaces, and outdoors when six-foot distancing cannot be maintained
• physical distance guidelines enforced
• students, faculty, and staff who have an on-campus presence must complete a screening questionnaire every day
• random on-campus testing of students, faculty, and staff (will resume in February)

If you have any questions or comments regarding the College’s response to COVID-19, please email the Reopening Coordinating Committee (CoordinatingCommittee@duny.edu).

Wishing you all a successful spring semester. May your lives be blessed with good health and happiness.

Sister Mary Eileen O’Brien, O.P., PhD
President

July 1, 2020

Dear Dominican University Community,

Dominican University looks forward to welcoming students, faculty and staff back to campus as we plan to resume traditional semester undergraduate on campus classes on August 31, 2020.  Some Adult and Graduate Health Programs will be resuming on-campus instruction this July.  The health and safety of all in the Dominican community remain our top priority.  The success of this return will require the cooperation and generous involvement of each of us as Dominican moves forward.

A web page is being established  which will serve as an information source for the fall reopening plan.  Since the plans are meant to be living documents, they will enable us to adapt to changing circumstances as they occur.  The College will continue to be responsive to guidance from Rockland County, New York State, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and advice from local, state, and national health authorities.  Details and announcements will be posted on this site as decisions are made throughout the summer.  Please check the site often.

 We remain grateful for the ongoing work of the Returning to Campus Coordinating Committee  for their guidance as we work to assure an opening that will move us to a hopeful future.  In addition, the Cabinet has been meeting on an almost daily basis, as well as groups of academic and student life planners.  Our facilities personnel are working tirelessly to prepare the campus for the safe return of all.

Our students are desirous of returning to campus and to life in the resident centers.  Their experience will be different but meaningful.  The safety of all is key.  Some of the plans in place are as follows: 

Assurance of safety:

• All faculty, students and staff will be required to follow guidance related to wearing face masks, social distancing, and other recommendations made by New York State and the CDC. 
• All faculty, students and staff will engage in daily self-screening before coming to campus.  There will be ongoing monitoring as needed. 
• Campus will be open to only faculty, students and staff. Outside visitors will be limited.
• Hand sanitizers, wipes and Personal Protection Equipment are widely available.
• Our aggressive cleaning schedule is in place for classrooms, common areas and offices.
• Plexiglas protection and additional dividers have been added to enhance protection.

 Conducting classes:

• Classrooms will be based on social distancing guidance.
• Lab classes taught on campus will be subject to social distance guidance.
• Faculty members and many offices will hold virtual office hours.
• For in-person office hours and meetings, appointments must be made.  Classes will be delivered through mixed modes, including in-person, remote or a hybrid of both to allow for the live streaming of courses.
• Additional instructional technology is being provided for all classrooms.
• Ongoing guidance will be following from the Office of the Academic Dean.

Living and Dining on Campus:

The College is planning to open residences in the fall.  Some of the plans will include:

• Staggered check-in times for residential move-in.
• Quarantine spaces as needed.
• Social distancing.
• Best usage of common spaces.
• Dining services modified with new technology to comply with social distancing guidelines.

These are just some of the steps we are taking to ensure a safe return to the College.

Please check the web page and your College e-mail for ongoing updates.

 Should you have any questions, do not reply to this e-mail, but please forward them to covidresponse@duny.edu.

 With every good wish for a successful return to campus, I am

Sincerely,

Sister Mary Eileen O’Brien

President

May 14 (updated June 23)

Coronavirus AID, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funds disclosure

This is to satisfy the federal Department of Education initial disclosure requirement regarding CARES Act funds distributed to students in the form of emergency grants under the Higher Education Emergency Relief Find (HEERF).  Therefore, Dominican University hereby acknowledges:

• That it has signed and returned the Certification and Agreement and intends to use at least 50 percent of the Cares Act funds received for emergency grants to students.
• The total amount of funds it will receive from the Department of Education is $1,807,795.
• The total emergency grants distributed to students as of June 2, 2020 is $879,783.
• The estimated number of students eligible to participate in the emergency grant program (the number of Title IV eligible students under Section 484 of the Higher Education Act) is 1,450.
• The amount of the distribution to each student for the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund-Student Aid is based upon an average amount awarded after adjusting for the individual student’s need as defined by Pell eligibility.  Pell eligibility is based the calculated EFC when a student completed a FAFSA for the 19/20 academic year.  Notice was sent to all students on April 5, 2020 allowing those who did not complete a FAFSA but believe they may be eligible to complete an attestation to that effect and return no later than May 15, 2020 to determine eligibility for this award. 
• The distribution to students from the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund-Minority Serving Institutions is based upon FAFSA eligibility.  The College identified students who had filed a FAFSA, had account balances for the spring semester, and had been making efforts to make payments.  Funds were then credited to their accounts to reduce or eliminate their balances.
• Along with the check, students will receive a letter informing them that the award is based on funds from the CARES Act and that it is intended to cover expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus for items such as food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and child care.  They will also be told that this award is not taxable and that they should keep records of these expenses should they be needed in the future.

April 27

Information on Move Out from the Residence Halls

Dear Students,

Residence Life is beginning its move out process.

For everyone’s health and safety and to promote social distancing, we are limiting the number of students at one time, per building, per day. Appointments will consist of three hour time blocks, seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. or 1:00 p.m. to 4 p.m. Appointments will begin starting on April 27 and continue through May 29.

Due to New York’s “PAUSE” directive, access to campus and residence halls will be granted only to students who have confirmed appointments with the Office of Residence Life. Residents may bring no more than one (1) guest to assist them with move out. Elevators are limited to use per family and should not be shared by students or guests. Per CDC guidelines, guests who have compromised immune systems and/or are being monitored/quarantined cannot accompany residents. To maintain appropriate social distancing, roommates/suitemates will not be permitted to move out during the same appointment day.

1.       Reserve Your Move Out Time

a.       Hertel Hall Signup Sheet

b.       Guzman Hall Signup Sheet

c.       Rosary Hall Signup Sheet

During your reserved move-out time, your ID will be turned on for your residence hall and it will shut off when your window of time expires. Move out times are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

2.       Pack & Clean Your Room (On Selected Date and Time)

a.       Bring ID and room keys with you to campus. Upon arrival proceed directly to your residence hall and pack all item. Adhere to social distancing guidelines during your visit. You must be fully moved out of your room by the end of your appointment time.

b.       Trash should not be left in your room or in the hallways. All trash should be thrown away in the dumpster outside of your residence hall. The deadline to remove items from your residence hall room is May 29. Items left in your room after your confirmed move out date and time will be disposed of.

Refer to Point 6. below for  guidelines for entering the building.

3.       Return Your Key & Check- Out

a.       After cleaning out your room you must pick up an express check out envelope. Express check out envelopes can be picked up outside your AD’s office. Lastly, please do not forget your key!

b.       Fill out Express Check Out envelope COMPLETELY

c.       Drop in Key Mailbox on your AD’s office door.

4.       For those not returning to housing in the Fall of 2020

a.       The student must fill out a Residence Hall Withdrawal form. à HERE The student will not be eligible for consideration of a refund of their security deposit unless the Residence Hall Withdrawal form is filled out. Failure to complete any of these steps may result in continued charges to your account.

5.       Important Reminders

a.       Bring your own hand truck to make the process move as smoothly as possible.

b.       DO NOT FORGET YOUR KEY

c.       Only one person can come in to help you move.

d.       If you show up before or after  your selected time you will not be allowed in the Hall.

6.     PLEASE ENSURE YOU FOLLOW ALL THE GUIDELINES LISTED BELOW WHEN ENTERING THE BUILDING:

a.      IF YOU ARE SICK OR RECOVERING FROM BEING SICK, PLEASE DO NOT ENTER THE BUILDING

b.     RESIDENT STUDENTS MAY ONLY BRING ONE GUEST INSIDE THE RESIDENCE HALLS WITH THEM

c.      EACH PERSON MUST HAVE A MASK OR FACE COVERING ON WHEN INSIDE THE BUILDING

d.     KEEP A MINIMUM OF 6 FEET OF DISTANCE FROM OTHERS

e.     ALL GARBAGE MUST BE TAKEN TO THE DUMPSTER LOCATED OUTSIDE THE BUILDING

f.       ONLY ONE PERSON MAY USE THE ELEVATOR AT ANY GIVEN TIME

All library books can be dropped off at the box next to your AD office door.

If you have any questions or concerns about the information just given, please contact your AD.

Building	Name	Phone	Email
Guzman	Jonathan Delgado	845-848-7420	Jonathan.Delgado@dc.edu
Rosary Hall	Debra Fergusson	845-848-5000	Debra.Ferguson@dc.edu
Hertel Hall	Joseph Dratch	845-848-7600	Joseph.Dratch@dc.edu

Please know, we realize that this is a difficult, unexpected and unprecedented situation. We appreciate your patience and consideration as we work through this together.

April 13, 2020

Letter to the Class of 2020 

Dear Graduate of the Class of 2020,

It has come to our attention that there is some confusion regarding Dominican University’s upcoming plans for Commencement.  Please allow me to take this opportunity to hopefully clear up any misunderstanding. 

We look forward to welcoming all of our graduates back to campus for graduation ceremonies when it is safe to do so.  At that time, probably in early fall, the graduates will wear their caps and gowns and be recognized in the presence of friends and family.  Since we are unsure exactly when and how we will be able to gather in person, we decided to also hold a virtual Commencement on May 17, 2020. This virtual Commencement is in addition to – not in place of -- the in-person exercises that will take place with students, faculty, administrators, and invited guests. 

As you are well aware, this school year has been particularly challenging because of the COVID-19 outbreak.  Like you, we are very disappointed that Commencement Exercises could not take place at the Westchester County Center (WCC), as originally planned. Unfortunately, due to a lack of available dates at the WCC, a full Commencement ceremony cannot be held there for this year’s graduating students. Under the circumstances, however, we believe that holding both virtual and in-person celebrations is the best solution to commemorate the wonderful accomplishments of all of our graduating students.

We continue to pray that our nation recovers from this pandemic and we look forward to seeing you on campus in the not too distant future.

Best wishes to you and your loved ones.  May you all remain healthy and safe.

Sincerely,

Sr. Mary Eileen O’Brien, O.P., Ph.D.
President

April 5, 2020

Letter Regarding Refunds for Housing and Meal Plans

Dear Parents and Students,

I hope this reaches you and your families in good health.

As previously noted in the March 24, 2020, email from Joe Dratch, Dominican University has considered the response to the current situation requiring resident students to prematurely leave the residence halls.  Students expected to continue into the Fall 2020 semester will be allowed to carry forward their current meal plan balance.  The College is waiving the rollover policy that does not permit meal plan balances to be carried over from the spring to fall semester).  The remaining Room and Board charge will be credited to the student’s account on a prorated basis. 

This letter identifies how the credits will be calculated and applied to help you to prepare for the Fall semester’s upcoming registration.  It is our intention to have these calculations completed before registration begins on Monday April 6, 2020.  This continues to be a detailed and time consuming process that affects each student individually.  We appreciate your patience as we all work through this process. 

Application of net housing credit:

Housing credits will be calculated on a prorated basis after adjusting for meal plans and financial aid where appropriate.  Please note that after all adjustments are taken into account, a student will not owe additional amounts. 

• Students with outstanding balances will have this credit applied to the balance due.
• If the credit creates a balance due to the student, the credit will be applicable to the Fall 2020 semester.  
• If the credit creates a balance due to a graduating senior, the student will get a refund check.

The calculation is based on the day housing was unavailable beginning March 16 and continuing until scheduled move-out on May 8.  Applicable dates may vary depending on individual student circumstances.  All meal plan balances and Dominican Dollars will carry forward into the Fall 2020 semester.  The College is waiving the rollover policy that limits meal plan amounts allowed to be carried over.  Students who do not return for the Fall 2020 semester will forfeit their remaining meal plan balance.  Potential changes to financial aid will vary because each is based on the individual student’s package for the current academic year.  Students can access their student account balance at any time via www.dc.afford.com.  

Please note that in consideration of the current circumstances, the College is waiving finance charges on student accounts effective March 1 through June 30.

Questions should be directed to any staff member in the Financial Aid office (financial.aid@duny.edu; 845-848-7821) or the Bursars Office (Bursar@duny.edu; 845-848-7805).

Best Regards,

Tony Cipolla
VP for Financial Affairs/CFO

Brian Fernandes
VP for Enrollment

April 1, 2020

Message from Human Resources

To all employees:

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) provides COVID-19 related paid sick and expanded family and medical leaves. All employers with fewer than 500 employees have been asked to post information about this act.

Information about the Families First Coronavirus Response Act

I hope you and your families are all well and safe.

Best,

Marybeth Broderick
Director of Human Resources

March 26, 2020

Message from the Academic Dean

Dear Students and Faculty,

To address the unusual disruptions caused by the COVID-19 outbreak, Dominican University is postponing the start date for registration for Summer 2020 and Fall 2020 for all undergraduate students

The revised registration schedule for Summer and Fall 2020 classes will begin on Monday, April 6 (rather than the original March 30 start date).

The revised schedule is as follows:

FALL 2020 REGISTRATION
DAY/EVENING
CLASSES BEGIN		August 31
REGISTRATION	GROUP	BEGIN REGISTERING ONLINE	TIME
	Athletes/Honors/Veterans	April 6, 7	12:00 AM
	90 + credits earned 60 – 89 credits earned	April 8, 9	12:00 AM
	30-59 credits earned	April 13, 14	12:00 AM
	1-29 credits earned	April 15, 16	12:00 AM

A delayed start date will give students and their academic advisors more time to plan their fall academic schedules.

Sincerely,

Dean Thomas Nowak
Academic Dean/Vice President for Academic Affairs

March 24, 2020

Letter from the Director of Residence Life 

Good Morning,

I am writing to you to provide additional information and clarification of the message you received on March 20^th regarding the College’s decision to move all classes online. That message indicated that I would provide instructions about moving out procedures. Our main goal at that time was, to allow our residents access to their personal items as soon as possible while providing for the safety and well-being of all concerned. However, on Friday Governor Andrew Cuomo asked New York State to PAUSE.

In support of Governor Cuomo’s executive order, we are postponing in-person checkouts from Dominican University residence halls until further notice. Access to Dominican’s residence halls will be restricted, effective immediately. We strongly encourage you to stay where you are and not travel. Only students who are granted permission to remain on-campus due to extenuating circumstances will be permitted to enter any residence halls.

These times are confusing and stressful. The College is making every decision based on the facts and information. The information and guidance surrounding COVID-19 is constantly evolving, every day brings something new.

I will advise you when this restriction has been lifted, and we are able to resume in-person checkouts.

Please know that your belongings will remain secure in your room until you are able to safely return to campus to retrieve them.

Lastly, I encourage you to DO THE FIVE

1. HANDS Wash them often
2. ELBOW Cough into it
3. FACE Don't touch it
4. SPACE Keep safe distance
5. HOME Stay if you can

I understand the inconvenience this may cause you and your family. I am appreciative of your understanding and patience during this unprecedented time.

Dominican University has considered the response to the current situation regarding resident students prematurely leaving the residence halls.  Students expected to continue into the Fall semester will be allowed to carry forward their current meal plan balance.  The remaining Room and Board charge will be credited to the student’s account on a prorated basis.  This calculation is specific to each student’s circumstance.  We therefore continue to appreciate your patience in this as we work through the details.  We will be back to you soon with more details.

If you have any questions or concerns about the information just given, please contact your AD.

Building	Name	Phone	Email
Guzman	Jonathan Delgado	845-848-7420	Jonathan.Delgado@dc.edu
Rosary Hall	Debra Fergusson	845-848-5000	Debra.Ferguson@dc.edu
Hertel Hall	Joseph Dratch	845-848-7600	Joseph.Dratch@dc.edu

Please continue to monitor your DC email and the Colleges COVID-19 web page Here.

Updated March 20

Letter from the President

Dear Dominican University Community,

Dominican University’s Crisis Communication Team has been monitoring the ever changing situation related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. The Team has reviewed guidance and directives from local health officials, the Rockland County Executive, the Governor of the State of New York, the CDC, and the federal government.

The infection numbers have grown and are projected to grow in New York State and in our immediate region. Consequently, several public spaces have recently been ordered closed or limited in operational hours, including facilities like gyms and fitness centers. These events have made it abundantly clear that it would not be prudent to resume campus activities in order to help protect the health and well-being of faculty, administrators and staff. Hence, all undergraduate and graduate classes will continue to be offered online for the rest of the spring term. Students should not return to the campus for the rest of the term. Resident students will receive an email from the Director of Residence Life, Joe Dratch, on March 24 with instructions about moving out procedures.

All on-campus events for the spring term are cancelled or postponed. Administrators and staff will work remotely wherever possible. Their offices and support services will be accessible via phone, email, and/or online.

Those of you who anticipate graduating this summer will understandably be concerned about pre-Commencement activities (pinning, hooding and the Baccalaureate Awards ceremonies), as well as Commencement itself. We appreciate that graduation is the celebration of an achievement that you will have earned and that you are looking forward to sharing this accomplishment with your family and friends. It is too early to decide whether or not we should implement the traditional plans for these activities. We will continue to monitor this evolving situation and inform you as decisions are made.

The College is developing a plan to address the room and board charges applicable to resident students for this semester. Information about the plan will be provided in the near future.

In the meanwhile, you should continue to remain in contact with your course faculty and your academic advisor as you plan the rest of this term and your summer/fall courses. Please know that the support services including the Academic Success Center, the Sullivan Library, Career Development Center, Office of Special Services and counseling services will remain available to you via email/phone or online.

These are unprecedented times and circumstances that require all of us to work together. Thank you for your understanding and support. You and your families are being remembered prayerfully during this stressful time.

Mary Eileen O’Brien, O.P., Ph.D.
President

Updated March 17

Letter from the Director of Residence Life 

Good Afternoon,

In an email on March 10, I stated that it is the College’s expectation to have residence halls reopen at 3 pm on Sunday, March 22. After reassessing the circumstances around the coronavirus situation, the College has modified the original plan. As of today, the President notified the college community that in-person classes are anticipated to resume on April 13^th. This means the updated anticipated opening of the residence halls will be on April 12 at 3 PM.

Residence Life will continue to allow you to access your belongings during the times below.

Date	Time Slot 1	Time Slot 2
Friday, March 13, 2020	7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Monday, March 16, 2020	2:00 PM - 4:00 PM	7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday, March 17, 2020	2:00 PM - 4:00 PM	7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday, March 18, 2020	2:00 PM - 4:00 PM	7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Thursday, March 19, 2020	2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Friday, March 20, 2020	11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Saturday, March 21, 2020	11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Before going up to your room, you must check in with a residence life staff member. In addition, you must be present when gathering belongings. No one else may enter your room for you to collect items. Lastly, please do not forget your key!

Below are the phone numbers and emails of residence life staff. If you have any questions please contact your AD of the building.

Building	Name	Phone	Email
Guzman Hall	Jonathan Delgado	845-848-7420	Jonathan.Delgado@dc.edu
Rosary Hall	Debra Fergusson	845-848-5000	Debra.Ferguson@dc.edu
Hertel Hall	Joseph Dratch	845-848-7600	Joseph.Dratch@dc.edu

Thank you for your patience and cooperation during this time. As always, the health and well-being of our students and staff are of utmost importance to us in making these decisions.

Joseph Dratch
Director of Residence Life
(845) 848-7600
Joseph.Dratch@duny.edu

Updated March 17, 2020

Letter from the President

1. There will be no in-person classes through April 12, and learning will continue through our online delivery system. In-person classes are anticipated to resume on April 13. However, we will be assessing this evolving situation and will inform you of any further changes in a timely fashion.
2. Access to the library will continue through the College’s portal (my.dc.edu), and online tutoring will be available through the Academic Success Center on a limited basis.
3. The fitness center and the gym will be closed per the directive of the Governor of the state of New York.
4. Students who must live in the residence halls due to special circumstances will be provided “grab-and-go” cafeteria services.
5. All College sponsored events on-campus have been cancelled through April 12.
6. Administrative services will continue to be available online and by phone. Faculty advisors will be available by email.

Updated March 12, 2020

Letter from the Director of Residence Life 

Good Afternoon,

I would like to update our resident students on the College’s decision to deliver courses in an online format and the impact that it may have on you.

As per the communication shared with the Dominican University community on March 10 the residence halls are closed to ALL but international students and those living more than 250 miles from the campus.

If you need to access some belongings from your room you may do so during the following dates and times.

Date	Time Slot 1	Time Slot 2
Friday, March 13, 2020	7 pm - 9 pm
Monday, March 16, 2020	2 pm - 4 pm	7 pm - 9 pm
Tuesday, March 17, 2020	2 pm - 4 pm	7 pm - 9 pm
Wednesday, March 18, 2020	2 pm - 4 pm	7 pm - 9 pm
Thursday, March 19, 2020	2 pm - 4 pm

Before going up to your room, you must check in with a residence life staff member. In addition, you must be present when gathering belongings. No one else may enter your room for you to collect items.

At this point, it is the College’s expectation to have residence halls reopen at 3 pm on Sunday, March 22. The college will be reassessing the situation as the week progresses. You will be informed of any changes to this plan.  The health and well-being of our students and staff are of utmost importance to us in making these decisions.

Below are the phone numbers and emails of residence life staff. If you have any questions please contact the AD of your building.

Building	Name	Phone	Email
Guzman	Jonathan Delgado	845-848-7420	Jonathan.Delgado@dc.edu
Rosary Hall	Debra Fergusson	845-848-5000	Debra.Ferguson@dc.edu
Hertel Hall	Joseph Dratch	845-848-7600	Joseph.Dratch@dc.edu

Thank you for your patience and cooperation during this time.

Joseph Dratch
Director of Residence Life

Student Health Center  (845)848-7918

Student Development

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Federal Loans: For information regarding the relief that the US Department of Education provides for federal student loan borrowers click here. If you need assistance from Dominican University please email nancy.petronella@duny.edu