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A New Message from Interim President John P. Galovic


March 17, 2020

Dear Members of the Notre Dame College Community,

As COVID-19 continues to spread in the United States and Ohio showing no signs yet of relenting, our lives will continue to change in unpredictable ways in the coming days, weeks and months.

Notre Dame College, based on information from the Ohio Department of Health, is making frequent recommendations for our campus with your health and safety, and that of your families and our community, in mind.

Most recent developments include:

  • Staff are encouraged to work remotely, if possible, by the end of the workday, Friday, March 20. All who are able to should work from home. Managers are working directly with the Director of Human Resources and IT to provide access for employees to work remotely. Employees will be notified by IT when their computers have been updated to support off-site use. Specific communications regarding work schedules will be handled by each department supervisor. Eligible staff can begin working remotely immediately upon approval of their supervisor and the Director of Human Resources. Essential personnel who must work on campus will be identified by their supervisors.
  • We have made the very difficult decision to not hold Commencement 2020 as planned. Following the CDC’s recommendations to limit gatherings and in anticipation of additional restrictions that may be forthcoming, we are not moving forward with our Commencement exercises as previously planned for May 9, 2020. We will explore other possibilities to celebrate the accomplishments of the Notre Dame Class of 2020.
  • We have decided to extend our virtual learning method of instruction through the end of the spring semester. We believe this is necessary to protect the health and safety of our community and to limit the potential spread of COVID-19 on our campus and within our larger Notre Dame community. It will also provide academic consistency with remote learning extending for the remainder of the semester.Beginning Monday, March 30, classes will resume remotely until the end of the spring semester. The Office of Academic Affairs is providing specific guidance to faculty and students to maximize the use of Moodle as a learning platform over the coming weeks. Please watch for information provided by Academic Affairs regarding remote learning expectations. Notre Dame is committed to quality instruction even during these unexpected and challenging times.
  • Our campus remains open, but on-campus services will be limited. As of Friday, March 20, 2020, at 4:30 p.m., ONLY the Administration Building will be open/unlocked from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Computer labs in Rooms 208 and 211 will be open and all other classrooms will be locked. Faculty and staff who have badge access to specific buildings not open/unlocked (to include Regina Hall, Regina Auditorium, Clara Fritzsche Library, Keller Center, Falcons’ Nest) may continue to use their badges for access from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays. While the Clara Fritzsche Library is closed, all services will continue to be available virtually to students and faculty for the remainder of the semester.
  • Residence Halls are to be vacated by Tuesday, March 31. Residential students will receive an email from Residence Life detailing the plan for moving out. Given the guidance we have received and our concern for our students, their families and our community, the move out process will need to be completed March 31, 2020. Only students with approved exceptions may remain. Contact housing@ndc.edu with any questions.
  • The College is working on decisions related to prorated housing and campus meal plans. These arrangements will be communicated by the end of the semester.
  • All indoor and outdoor recreational and athletic facilities are closed until further notice.
  • Before coming to campus, students should call or email the office or department they plan to visit to ensure it is open. Faculty, academic staff and support staff are available through phone and email.
  • At this time, all campus events are canceled through the end of the spring semester. Watch for updates as this date is likely to be extended.
  • We know you will continue to have questions that have not been answered. Please know that we are working diligently to provide answers. Frequently check the NotreDameCollege.edu website for updates. Members of the community can submit questions to pr@ndc.edu.

During this unprecedented time, we thank you for your adaptability, understanding and support of Notre Dame College. We are committed to your success as a student, your continued relationship as a friend or graduate of the College or an employee of this outstanding institution. Working together, we will get through this global crisis and be stronger as a result.

Though we are disappointed by having to make many of the actions we must take under these dire circumstances, we trust that you know we are doing so for the health and well-being of the entire Notre Dame family.

Thank you for your understanding, cooperation and prayers. Our good and provident God will get us through this critical point of time, a time for caution, cooperation and a calm, measured approach to decision making.

John P. Galovic, Ed.D.
Interim President
Notre Dame College