Quincy University has responded to the COVID-19 emergency by moving classes online and extending spring break until March 22.

Here is the full email from President Brian McGee:

Dear Quincy University Community,

Note: This message contains important information about the Quincy University academic calendar, QU courses, and QU events.  Please read it carefully.

As you know, Quincy University is now on its previously scheduled spring break.  In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Quincy University is now announcing that spring break will be extended for one week through Sunday, March 22.   On Monday, March 23, classes will resume but will be exclusively online (without exception) and will continue online through at least April 3.   

Quincy University intends to resume face-to-face instruction in April, but will only do so with the advice of public health professionals working for such institutions as the CDC and the Adams County Health Department.

There are no known cases of COVID-19 on the QU campus or in the Quincy region.  However, we are adjusting our campus calendar and taking these precautions to protect the safety and well-being of our students, faculty and staff.

Residence halls will remain open and many students continue to live on campus. Students who are currently away from campus are encouraged, but not required, to stay where they are and not travel.  Students who are currently in Quincy are strongly encouraged, but not required, to stay in Quincy and not travel.

Campus dining services will continue this semester, with limited hours of operation.  As previously announced, dining services staff will be serving food to students instead of providing for self-service.  Some foods will be prepackaged. 

The GLVC, our NCAA Division II athletic conference, has suspended all athletic activity, including competitions and practices.  The Presidents of the 16 GLVC universities will reconvene on April 6 to reevaluate the viability of reinstating some competitions and practices in April.  However, all spring GLVC championships have been canceled.  In addition, MIVA, our athletic conference for Men’s Volleyball, has cancelled all games and tournaments for the remainder of the semester.

Faculty and staff will be available to support students and will undergo training during the week of March 16 to augment their ability to provide instruction online.  In addition, our campus Facilities employees will spend the next week continuing our deep cleaning of campus buildings as we continue our aggressive efforts to maintain a safe environment.

Attendance at most university-sponsored events through April 3 will not be open to the general public.  Information regarding POLIS will be forthcoming to participants in that program. Masses in the QU Chapel will continue as regularly scheduled. Beginning March 17, the university calendar on www.quincy.edu will provide up-to-date information regarding events.

Regular campus operations will continue, and all QU offices will remain open during their normal hours.   All student resources such as the Health & Fitness Center, the Health & Well-Being Clinic, Brenner Library and the Student Success Center will remain open for student use.  Prospective students may continue to visit our campus during normal business hours.

All international business travel is banned through July 31, 2020 and personal international travel is strongly discouraged.  Domestic business travel through July 31, 2020 will require the approval of a Vice President or President.

Additional information for students, faculty and staff will be made available by email over the next several business days.  For example, Dr. Tracy will be sending students an email regarding the conditions students must meet in order to live in our residence halls.  We ask for patience as we work to create a safe and healthy learning and work environment that responds to the guidance we are continuing to receive from public health professionals. The university’s Communicable Disease Task Force and the President’s Cabinet will continue to monitor the latest information from public health professionals for managing the COVID-19 pandemic.   

If you have recently been in areas with a high incidence of infection and are showing signs of fever, dry cough and/or shortness of breath, or you have been in close contact with someone who is known to have recently traveled to these areas and is experiencing these symptoms, we ask that you self-quarantine off campus at home for a period of two weeks and contact Dr. Christine Tracy at tracych@quincy.edu .  If you are unable to quarantine at home please contact Dr. Tracy as well.

These are the steps recommended by the CDC to avoid infectious illnesses, including COVID-19 infections:

·       Wash hands: Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food. 

·       Hand sanitizer: If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, covering all surfaces of your hands and rubbing them together until they feel dry.  

·       Avoid touching: Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.  

·       Sneezing or Coughing: Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing and either sneeze or cough in a tissue and then throw it away or sneeze or cough into your elbow.

Should you become ill while on campus, (i.e. vomiting or fever) please contact Dr. Tracy at tracych@quincy.edu.  If students aren’t feeling well they should go to the Health and Well-Being Clinic on campus. The clinic hours are:

• Monday: 1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
• Tuesday: 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
• Thursday: 12:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m

We will assist any student who requests help in getting medical attention outside these hours.  

Updates relevant to Quincy University’s COVID-19 response will be announced as they are available.  For the latest information please monitor campus email, www.quincy.edu/coronavirus or our social media platforms
If you need assistance or have concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us.  QU is a warm and caring community, and we are here to help you.  Even in these trying times, we firmly believe that every day is a great day to be a Hawk.
Sincerely,

Brian McGee, President

Christine Tracy, Vice President for Student Development