COVID-19 Update: Changes to class schedule, suspending in-person classes

President Hatch emailed the following message to students, faculty and staff on March 11:

Dear Wake Forest Community,

I write today with important information for the Wake Forest community. Let me begin by saying how deeply grateful I am for all the dedicated professionals in our community who, in recent days, have worked diligently to enable the University to respond to the current COVID-19 situation. In these efforts, our first priority has been to safeguard the health of the Wake Forest community and our neighbors, even as we sustain our vital educational mission. In coming days, the disruptions caused by this situation will demand much from all of us.

Throughout the past week, we have continued to monitor the spread of COVID-19, particularly in North Carolina. We have been in regular contact with peer institutions, many of whom are moving to remote delivery of class instruction, to share plans and best practices. After extensive consultation with public health officials, we have come to the conclusion that it is in the best interest for our campus community, local Winston-Salem community and the broader community, that we take measures to help contain and mitigate the spread of COVID-19. 

Therefore, we have decided to suspend all in-person classes, both in Winston-Salem and Charlotte, until further notice. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide regular updates. 

  1. Classes are cancelled from Monday, March 16, through Sunday, March 22, so that faculty and staff can plan for academic continuity and prepare for remote delivery of course instruction.
  2. Classes will resume remotely on Monday, March 23. Students should expect to hear directly from their respective professors and/or degree program leaders soon about how to prepare for class. It is unknown at this time when classes will return to an in-person format.
  3. Students should not return to campus if at all possible. All undergraduate residential students must register their plans with the Office of Residence Life and Housing at go.wfu.edu/housingportal by Friday, March 13. Housing will be made available for students with appropriate circumstances.
  4. Campus will remain open. Deans will provide additional information and guidance to support remote course delivery and continuity of needed student services. Staff should consult with their supervisors about specific expectations and resources to complete job assignments if remote work is needed due to health concerns.

With such a significant disruption to studies, research and work, we know there are many questions and concerns. More information is available on The Wake Forest University COVID-19 website. This situation is changing rapidly, and we will continue to communicate as the situation changes and decisions are made.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the continued support of Wake Forest staff working to sustain our community, especially our front-line staff serving in health care, custodial, law enforcement, security, housing and food service roles. 

The safety and wellbeing of our Wake Forest community remains our first priority. I am grateful for your patience, cooperation and flexibility.

Sincerely,

Nathan O. Hatch
President

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