Dear Members of the UNH Community—
Like all of you, I have been closely following the latest news about the spread of the coronavirus disease known as COVID-19. It is truly an anxious time for people around the world. I want to assure you that we have been monitoring closely the outbreak. These are extraordinary circumstances and we appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigate this quickly evolving and dynamic situation that is evolving every day. Check your UNH email regularly as the following guidelines could change as further information becomes available.
In consultation with University System of New Hampshire and state authorities, we are making these decisions to balance our educational mission with concern for our students’ health and the health of our communities. The same policies are being implemented at all USNH campuses, including Keene State and Plymouth State.
Spring break for our Durham and Manchester campuses, which begins this Friday, March 13, will go on as planned. When UNH spring break ends, classes will resume Monday, March 23, as scheduled. Residence halls will reopen Sunday, March 22, at 9 a.m. as scheduled. Whether students should return to campus depends on their experiences during spring break, as outlined below. For students who are required to self-quarantine off-campus, classes will be available online or via alternative course delivery.
14-Day Self-Quarantine Policy for All Students, Faculty and Staff
If you traveled to the following areas over spring break, please remain off campus for 14 days of self-quarantine:
- Anyone who has traveled outside North America including Europe and Asia
- Anyone who has traveled on a cruise ship
- Anyone who has traveled to, visited or spent time in the New York City metro area, Seattle metro area and San Francisco
- Anyone who has travelled to a municipality that has announced active measures to limit community exposure such as closing schools and limiting large gatherings (for example, Westchester and New Rochelle, NY)
- Any student that travels to a U.S. state with more than 100 individuals diagnosed with COVID-19
- Any other location identified by federal and state health officials that is added during spring break.
Additionally, anyone who has been exposed to a suspected or confirmed carrier of the COVID-19 virus or has been diagnosed with the COVID-19 virus should remain off campus for 14 days of self-quarantine. If you have flu like symptoms, we do not ask that you self-quarantine, but we do request that you remain off campus until the symptoms have retreated or you have received medical clearance.
Guidance and support will be provided to faculty for both online and other forms of non face-to-face instruction. Faculty and staff who need to self-quarantine should notify their supervisor.
We will continue to closely monitor and evaluate information and guidance provided by state and federal agencies in order to inform future decisions. Students and other members of our community who are traveling should take with them any devices, textbooks and other critical materials to be able to continue their coursework remotely as well as any personal effects, valuables, medications or other items they may need in the event they need to self-quarantine. Check our coronavirus page regularly for updates and please monitor your UNH email regularly as changes are happening rapidly.
James W. Dean Jr.
President
