Dear Drew community and families,

The health and safety of our students and school community are always our highest priorities. As Spring Break comes to an end, please know that we have been closely monitoring the rapidly changing situation related to 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV or COVID-19) and will continue to update you throughout the semester as new information unfolds. We have developed a Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) website to share important information, which also contains all of our campus announcements to date

We encourage you to check the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) website and your Drew University email account to ensure you are current with the latest information as it relates to Drew. Additionally, you should continually monitor ongoing guidance from the U.S. Department of State and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Today, New Jersey announced its first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Bergen County, illustrating the rapidly evolving conditions around this virus. Drew University continues to work with our industry and government partners on the federal, state and local levels to stay current with the latest best practices and recommendations. In accordance with the New Jersey Department of Health guidance, University leaders have been engaged in extensive contingency planning efforts throughout the last several weeks to ensure business and educational continuity. Our leadership team has

• Reviewed and updated our outbreak response/pandemic plan
• Prepared to offer distance learning to students who may be impacted by quarantine and/or travel restrictions
• Updated attendance and sick leave policies for appropriate flexibility
• Strengthened our long-held relationships with local public health officials
• Reviewed our emergency communication plan (If you have not signed up for emergency notifications, you can do so here.)
• Planned workshops and trainings to educate staff and faculty on prevention measures and the science of COVID-19
• Proactively cancelled Drew-sponsored shortTREC and some other travel

If you are returning from Spring Break and have not yet done so, please complete the Drew travel registry. In collaboration with the Madison Health Department, Drew requires a 14-day off-campus quarantine and self-monitoring of symptoms for those returning from an area where a CDC Level 3 travel alert has been issued.

Drew University continues to follow its practices and guidelines for cleaning during flu season. Students and employees may choose to purchase sanitizing wipes to use in their personal areas. As always, please be mindful of the following best practices to help impede the spread of respiratory viruses, as recommended by the CDC:

• Get your flu shot.

• Wash your hands often. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

• Avoid close contact with those who are sick.

• Likewise, if you are sick, limit your contact with others to avoid spreading illness. This means staying out of work, class, and avoiding public places such as the gym and dining hall. Stay home until you are fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication.

• Cover your coughs. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or crook of your arm when you cough or sneeze (not your hands). Toss the tissue in the trash, and wash your hands or use hand sanitizer immediately after.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Germs spread this way.

• Practice other good health habits such as cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, drinking plenty of fluids, getting enough rest and sleep, and eating nutritious foods.

We will continue to update you through Drew’s Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) website and via your Drew University email account. Should you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me at stuaff@drew.edu.  

Thank you for your continued understanding and cooperation as we work together to ensure the health and safety of our community.

Sincerely,
Frank Merckx, D.M.H.
Vice President of Campus Life and Student Affairs
Dean of Students

Dear Drew community,

Drew University’s International Travel Oversight Committee made the decision today to cancel our spring break shortTRECs to France and Switzerland. This decision was made after careful analysis of the rapidly evolving health situation in Europe, and after consultation with education abroad professionals in the region.  

The reason for the cancellation has to do with the uncertainty posed by the quickly changing circumstances related to the spread of COVID-19, known as the coronavirus. Only one week ago, there were very few cases in Italy. The pattern there now seems to be mirroring that of China, with significant spread, impact, disruption, and travel restrictions. Given the rapidly changing situation in Europe and the overall risk associated with international travel at this time—coupled with the uncertainty of what is to come in the weeks ahead—Drew and the Center for Global Education are not confident that we can provide the quality academic and cultural experience that we want for our students studying on a shortTREC, as well as assure our students’ and faculty leaders’ health and safety. 

The ShortTREC trip to Belize remains as planned, as no infections or warnings have been identified in Central America.

Because the risk of the virus outbreak is still not fully understood, we strongly recommend you do not travel abroad to countries where cases have been reported (you can find a list of those at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website). If you pursue personal international, non-Drew trip over Spring Break, we request that you complete the Drew travel registry and also register with the U.S. Department of State through the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. You should continually monitor ongoing guidance from the U.S. Department of State and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Please note that those traveling internationally may experience disruption to their travel plans within countries, resulting in the alteration of their plans for re-entry to the United States due to U.S. or other nations’ quarantine decisions. If traveling to an impacted area, you may need to self-isolate and/or be quarantined for at least 14 days. 

If you are now in need of housing within your Residence Hall for Spring Break, you should complete the Break Housing Form found in your housing portal or email reslife@drew.edu. 

We anticipate sending additional guidance next week as we prepare to fully re-open the Drew campus post–Spring Break.

Sincerely,

Debra Liebowitz, Ph.D.
Provost
Dean, College of Liberal Arts and Caspersen School of Graduate Studies

Frank Merckx, D.M.H.
Vice President of Campus Life and Student Affairs
Dean of Students

Dear Drew community,

Drew University continues to monitor the impact of the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV or COVID-19). As we approach Spring Break, we wanted to share information and resources that could inform your travel plans.

• Residential students who have changed travel plans resulting in a need to reside on campus during Spring Break should complete the Break Housing Form found in your housing portal or email reslife@drew.edu. (Academic English and Pathway students do not need to complete this step, as it’s already been taken care of for you as a courtesy.)

• The U.S. Department of State has listed China as “Do Not Travel.” All students and employees should refrain from traveling to China. Those who ignore this warning may not be allowed to enter back into the United States if they are not U.S. citizens, and U.S. citizens will have to self-isolate after their return.

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have recently changed their guidance on travel to South Korea, advising that you avoid all non-essential travel.

• If you are planning to travel internationally for personal, non-Drew trips over Spring Break, we request that you complete the Drew travel registry and also register with the U.S. Department of State through the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. You should continually monitor ongoing guidance from the U.S. Department of State and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• The University is monitoring conditions in countries where our shortTREC Programs are scheduled for Spring Break. Decisions about these trips will be communicated directly to those who are participating as quickly as they are made. The International Travel Oversight Committee is currently reviewing all travel and will reconvene on Thursday, February 27, 2020 for any additional decisions.

• If you wish to monitor yourself after a trip abroad, you can use this form to track any symptoms. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated their guidance on Preventing the Spread of COVID-19 on February 25, 2020.

• If you would like to advise the university of a student who may need support, you can complete the Student of Concern form to alert appropriate staff.

General Information

As mentioned in the communication on February 4, 2020, students and employees should use similar precautions as with the seasonal flu. As a reminder, the CDC always recommends the following everyday preventive actions to help impede the spread of respiratory viruses:

• Get your flu shot.

• Wash your hands often. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

• Avoid close contact with those who are sick.

• Likewise, if you are sick, limit your contact with others to avoid spreading illness. This means staying out of work, class, and avoiding public places such as the gym and dining hall. Stay home until you are fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication.

• Cover your coughs. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or crook of your arm when you cough or sneeze (not your hands). Toss the tissue in the trash, and wash your hands or use hand sanitizer immediately after.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Germs spread this way.

• Practice other good health habits such as cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, drinking plenty of fluids, getting enough rest and sleep, and eating nutritious foods.

Please be safe and enjoy your Spring Break.

Thank you,
Frank Merckx, D.M.H.
Vice President of Campus Life and Student Affairs
Dean of Students

Dear Drew community,

Your health and well-being are our first priority. Acknowledging you may have questions or concerns resulting from recent news media coverage of the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019‐nCoV), I write to share the latest information from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH). The CDC considers the immediate health risk to the general U.S. public low at this time, and according to the NJDOH, there are no cases of 2019-nCoV in New Jersey. For more specific information, please see “2019 Novel Coronavirus Update” below.

It’s important to note that at this time, the seasonal flu is the primary public health concern in New Jersey. The best way to prevent infection of viruses like seasonal flu is to avoid exposure. The CDC always recommends the following everyday preventive actions to help impede the spread of respiratory viruses:

• Get your flu shot. The single best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated, and the CDC recommends that all persons aged 6 months and older get a flu shot each year. It’s not too late! Health Service has a limited supply of flu vaccine available; call 973-408-3414 to schedule your appointment. 
• Wash your hands often. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid close contact with those who are sick.
• Likewise, if you are sick, limit your contact with others to avoid spreading illness. This means staying out of work, class, and avoiding public places such as the gym and dining hall. Stay home until you are fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication.
• Cover your coughs. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or crook of your arm when you cough or sneeze (not your hands). Toss the tissue in the trash, and wash your hands or use hand sanitizer immediately after.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Practice other good health habits such as cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, drinking plenty of fluids, getting enough rest and sleep, and eating nutritious foods.

2019 Novel Coronavirus Update

Since early January 2020, we have been monitoring the 2019-nCoV (commonly referred as novel coronavirus) and abiding by the guidance of the CDC and NJDOH. Prior communication can be found here.

While the CDC and NJDOH consider the risk to the general U.S. public low, on February 2, 2020, additional guidance was announced by the NJDOH. In addition to using the best practices mentioned above, we ask the following of you:

• Keeping the current situation in mind, evaluate and accordingly change any travel plans you may have for Spring Break to impacted countries.
• If you were in China between January 18, 2020 and February 2, 2020, please complete this form and inform Health Services (973-408-3414 or health@drew.edu) if you have traveled back to the United States from China in the last 14 days (as our semester began early this year, 22 days ago on January 13, we believe all employees and students returned to  the United States and have been living symptom free for well beyond this 14-day period).
• Please note:
  • There is no need for the university to cancel or alter events at this time. There are no cases of 2019‐nCoV in New Jersey, and there are no restrictions on public gatherings. 
  • All university-sanctioned travel is reviewed and routinely monitored. At this time, no trips are scheduled to or around any areas impacted by 2019-nCoV.
  • Health Services and University administration remain in constant contact with local and state authorities to ensure the most up-to-date practices are in place and communicated to the University community.
  • If you would like a copy of I-94 form for travel documenting your arrival into the U.S., please contact any of the staff in International Student and Scholar Services.

It is common to feel anxious during any public health crisis, and we need to show care for each other. Likewise, we should refrain from making assumptions about others’ perceived symptoms or any characteristics of identity. The compassion and empathy you display for each other makes a difference. 

If you have any concerns or questions about your health, contact the Health Services or your healthcare provider. 

Thank you,
Frank Merckx, D.M.H.
Vice President of Campus Life and Student Affairs
Dean of Students

The CDC is closely monitoring an outbreak of a respiratory illness caused by a novel (new) coronavirus (2019-nCoV) that was first detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China, and continues to expand. A number of countries, including the United States, have been actively screening incoming travelers from Wuhan. Infections with 2019-nCoV have been confirmed in Taiwan, Thailand, Japan, and South Korea. The first case in the United States was identified on January 21, 2020, in a traveler returning to Washington State from Wuhan. While the CDC considers this a serious public health concern, the immediate health risk from 2019-nCoV to those residing in the United States is considered low at this time. Nonetheless, the CDC is taking proactive preparedness precautions.

Symptoms of 2019-nCoV include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. At this time, the CDC believes that symptoms may appear within two to 14 days after exposure. If you develop any of the above mentioned signs and symptoms, you should seek medical help right away.

The Drew University Health Service is continuing to monitor the situation as it evolves. Precautionary measures such as posting signage in our waiting room with surveillance criteria have been implemented. We will work with our International Office as well as local and state Departments of Health on an as needed basis. For more information on the coronavirus, click here.

Dear members of the Drew community,

Drew University will have a delayed opening today, Tuesday, December 17. Administrative offices will open at 10:30 a.m.

The EC will open at 10 a.m.

The temperatures are expected to drop below freezing beginning at 7 a.m. If we need to adjust our opening plan, we will do so by 8:30 a.m. Thank you for your patience as we navigate uncertain weather.

Dear members of the Drew community,

Drew University is closed today, Monday, December 2, due to the forecasted ongoing snow and freezing precipitation throughout the day. All classes and activities are cancelled.

Classes that are scheduled to meet online will occur as scheduled.

Arts & Sciences faculty: If your class has been cancelled, you will need to make up the session. One option for doing so is to hold your class via Zoom at the regularly scheduled time. If you are interested in exercising this option, please contact Shawn Spaventa for a Zoom link. Zoom license availability is limited; class block bookings are on a first-come, first-served basis. Once you have received the Zoom link, please directly share it with students in your class.

The Commons will open on a normal schedule. All other eateries are closed.

Stay safe!

Dear Drew community,

Due to an unclear weather pattern on Sunday and Monday, Drew University will open residence halls at 10 a.m. on Saturday, November 30th.

The Ehinger Center Food Court will be open Saturday for brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and again for dinner from 5 to 7 p.m. Students who have not signed up for break housing will need to use cash or debit/credit cards to make food purchases.

Please examine the weather patterns for your region, as well as for the Madison area, when making travel plans. Those traveling by commercial means may wish to check with your carriers to see if any change fees can be waived, should you opt for an earlier arrival back to Drew. You should make your own travel decisions based upon what is safest, and best, for you.

We are monitoring the weather and will send additional alerts if a delayed opening is required on Monday. As of now, there is no clear guidance on precipitation type or quantity.

We are excited to have our students back for one more week of classes and a week of exams. Safe travels back to The Forest.

Evening Update, Friday, Nov. 1, 2019

Dear campus community,

Thank you for your cooperation as we manage the aftermath of last evening’s storm.

Please use caution, especially after night falls, if you are walking on campus. You are advised to stay on pathways and roads as there is still a risk from leaning trees and hanging branches, and do not walk in the Arboretum, Hepburn Woods and any partitioned areas. To avoid injury, please do not climb on downed trees. Please note there is no power in the Glenwild parking lot, and avoid the Sitterly House parking lot for the time being.

Planned activities will resume as scheduled beginning Saturday morning, Nov. 2. The library and Simon Forum will be open.

Clean-up efforts—including active tree removal—will continue throughout the weekend and into next week, with the removal of any trees on vehicles as a top priority.

As a reminder, if there was damage to your vehicle, please contact Public Safety at 973-408-3379 so that they may assist in filing a report with the Madison Police Department.

The safety of our campus community is our most important concern. Thank you for observing our warnings and for your continued assistance making way for the clean-up effort.

Follow-Up Message, Friday, Nov. 1, 2019

Please note that the Commons, EC and Starbucks are open. You are now able to leave the residence halls, but only for dining services. Please stay out of parking lots and other areas until further notice. The library and Simon Forum remain closed. NOTE: The pathway behind Health Services is closed.

In order to access dining facilities:

Suites, McLendon, Tolley and Brown – must walk through the circle to the center/main path, please do not take the path in front of Brown;

Haselton, Eberhardt, Riker, Baldwin and Townhouses – must walk out into the HERB circle and over, please do not use rear doors leading onto Riker Road;

Welch and Holloway – must use the doors facing the Commons, please do not use the rear doors leading onto Riker Road;

Hoyt and Asbury – please use the main path, but note, there are still trees blocking some pathways. Eating at the EC may be easier for you.

Please avoid all other areas of campus until notified.

If there is damage to your vehicle, please contact Public Safety at 973-408-3379 so that they may assist in filing a report with the Madison Police Department.

Please be advised that the Borough of Madison is operating under a local state of emergency; therefore, Madison Police Department responses for damage reports will experience some delay. Visit the Borough of Madison Facebook page for a list of road closures.

Thank you for your patience while the Madison and Drew communities work together through this event.

Initial Alert, Friday, Nov. 1, 2019

Dear members of the Drew community,

The storm that impacted Drew in the early morning hours of today also impacted some of the surrounding roads to campus. Many of our faculty, staff and commuting students are also dealing with damage within their own neighborhoods.

In order to provide access for workers to remove downed trees and reduce the impact that student and employee travel will have on Madison and the campus, Drew University classes are canceled and all administrative offices are closed for today, Friday, November 1. Essential employees will be notified by their supervisor to report to the campus.

Classes that are scheduled to meet online will continue to do so.

Those on campus please remain in residence halls until further notice. Those not on campus, please do not come to campus until further notice.

When cleared to move around the campus, we ask that you observe and respect the areas that are blocked due to downed trees and wires by limiting your travel around campus. Please be aware that winds throughout the day may bring down additional limbs or trees. Please refrain from entering the Arboretum and Hepburn Woods.

The Commons, Starbucks, and the EC will be open on a normal schedule. Peet’s will be closed.

If there is damage to your vehicle, please contact Public Safety at 973-408-3379 so that they may assist in filing a report with the Madison Police Department.

Updates will be found at this site.

Thank you for your cooperation in accord with today’s emergency notification. The safety of our campus community is our top priority.

Earlier this morning, out of an abundance of caution, we put a shelter in place in effect because we received an unverified report that a community member was in possession of a firearm on campus.

Because of the nature of the report, we immediately contacted the Madison Police Department to assist Drew Public Safety in an investigation. 

An investigation was performed, and it was determined that there was no threat to the Drew or surrounding communities.

As we noted in the final emergency notification, all activities have resumed as normal. 

Jim Mandala, director of counseling, is available to offer services to any community member who may have been impacted emotionally by today’s event. He may be reached at 973-408-3398 and counseling@drew.edu.

An event like today’s is extremely rare on our safe campus. But when the need arises, as it did today, we act accordingly. Fortunately in this case there was no threat.

Thank you again.

All clear. The shelter in place has been lifted. There is no threat. A community message will follow. Resume activities as normal.

Remain sheltered in place. There is no active threat. An ongoing investigation is being conducted. If you’re off campus, please stay off until further notice.

We have activated a shelter in place. Madison PD is on campus conducting an investigation.

Stay in your location until you receive a follow-up message.

Drew University is closed for business from 12 a.m. on Friday, August 9 through the early evening of Monday, August 12, due to a scheduled full campus electric power shutdown, allowing for planned infrastructure upgrades. All buildings on campus are closed for business and to visitors during this period. Accommodations have been made for all classes, camps and events scheduled to occur on August 9 and 12; these will take place in their scheduled building or area, at their normal meeting time.

Drew University will have a delayed opening tomorrow, Monday, March 4. Administrative offices will open at 11 a.m. As always, please use your judgment when traveling to campus. If you anticipate having an issue arriving by opening time, please contact your manager.
For those students on campus, the EC will be serving meals on the established Spring Break schedule.

Drew University will have a delayed opening today, Friday, March 1. Classes will begin at 10:25 a.m. and administrative offices will open at 10:30 a.m.
Classes that are scheduled to meet online will occur as scheduled.
All food services will open on a normal schedule.
Given the timing of the snow, the roads around Madison have not yet been plowed and we are working to make campus safe. Please use caution as you walk around campus paths and buildings.

Drew University will have a delayed opening today, Thursday, February 21. Classes will begin at 10:25 a.m. Administrative offices will open at 10 a.m.
Classes that are scheduled to meet online will occur as scheduled.
The Commons will open on a normal schedule. Peet’s and Starbucks will open at 10 a.m. and the EC will open at 11 a.m.

Drew University will be canceling all classes that begin after 11:45 a.m. today, Wednesday, February 20, 2019. Administrative offices will also close at 11:45 a.m. Classes that are scheduled to meet online will continue to do so.
The Commons will be open on a normal schedule. Peet’s, Starbucks and the EC will close at 11 a.m.

Due to the forecast for snow and ice throughout the day, Drew University will be closed Tuesday, February 12. The Commons will be open for all meals. Classes and all other events for the day have been canceled.

Drew University will have a delayed opening today, Wednesday, January 30. With the exception noted below, classes will begin at 10:25 a.m. and administrative offices will open at 10:30 a.m.
All classes and labs scheduled in the Hall of Sciences are canceled today. The supplementary heating system is not working, and because the temperatures have dropped below freezing, the building is likely to be uncomfortably cold.
Classes that are scheduled to meet online, and classes that meet in all other campus buildings, will occur as scheduled.
The Commons and Starbucks will open on a normal schedule. Peet’s will open at 10 a.m. and the EC will open for lunch at 11 a.m.
If we need to delay further for any reason, we will communicate via email and additional alert notices. Additional information about the Hall of Sciences will be shared via email and the University website once more is known about the timing of the repair.
As always, please use your judgment when traveling to campus. If you anticipate having an issue arriving by opening time, please contact your manager or professor.
Thank you for your understanding. Stay warm!

Drew University will have a delayed opening today, Friday, November 16. Classes will begin at 10:25 a.m. and administrative offices will open at 10:30 a.m. The Commons will be open on a normal schedule.

Due to the storm forecasts intensifying for later today, we will be closing the Drew University campus at 4 p.m. All classes that begin at or after 4 p.m. are canceled. Classes that are meeting online will continue to do so.

Administrative offices, the Drew University Library and the United Methodist Archives will close at 4 p.m. Again, if you have individual circumstances that require an earlier departure, please discuss them with your manager.

The Commons will be open for tonight’s Thanksgiving dinner on a regular schedule.

Thank you for your understanding as we deal with changing weather and please be safe today!

Due to the continued snow and on-campus conditions, Drew will operate on the following schedule on April 2: All classes held before 4:30 p.m. are canceled. Classes held at 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. will be held as usual.

The Commons is open and will remain open. The EC opens at 11 a.m. Administrative offices are closed.

We are currently working with the Facilities team to estimate when we might be able to open the Forum and the Library with limited services and will communicate further details as they are available.

Thank you for your patience as we welcome Spring on Drew’s campus with an 6 inches of snow and ice! Be safe!

Please note that Drew University will have a delayed opening today due to the inclement weather moving quickly through our area. Offices will open at 11:30 a.m. and the first class will begin at 11:50 a.m. The Commons will be open for regular hours and the EC will open at 11 a.m.

As always, please use your judgement traveling to and around campus. If you anticipate having an issue arriving by opening time, please contact your manager or professor. If there is any additional reason to delay, we will send an updated message.

Due to ongoing snow cleanup on campus and the roads surrounding campus, Drew University will open at 10:15 a.m. today. Classes will begin at 10:25 a.m.

If you have any questions or concerns about your individual circumstances, please notify your professor or manager.

Due to the impending storm, Drew University will be closed tomorrow, Wednesday, March 21. The Commons will be open for all meals. Classes and all other events for the day have been cancelled.

Please be safe in the snow and we hope you enjoyed the first day of spring. We are back to winter tomorrow! Thank you!

Drew University will be closed on Thursday, March 8 due to ongoing campus cleanup from the significant snowfall and falling branches and trees. We hope that you have all been safe and warm today and continue to take care digging out tomorrow. Thank you for your patience as we make campus safe for your return.

Due to the impending storm, Drew University will be closed on Wednesday, March 7. For those students on campus through Spring Break, the Commons will be serving meals on the established Spring Break schedule.

Thank you very much and stay safe and warm!

Due to impending weather, Drew University will have a delayed opening Wednesday, February 7, 2018. All offices will open at 11:30 a.m. and classes will begin at 11:50 a.m. Dining services will be available during their regular hours.

As always, please use your best judgement when driving to and walking on campus. If you anticipate having a challenge with this arrival time, please contact your professors or supervisors.

If there are any additional updates, we will send a follow-up communication. Thank you and be safe!

Drew University will have a delayed opening today, Wednesday, January 17. Classes will begin at 10:25 a.m. and administrative offices will open at 10:30 a.m. We will use email and the University website should any additional updates or changes occur. The Commons will be open on normal schedule.

Due to the change in forecast and new anticipated snow accumulations through mid-afternoon, Drew University will be closed today. Thank you for your cooperation and be safe.