Message from President Mary C. Finger

March 16, 2020

Message to the Seton Hill Community 

Dear Members of the Seton Hill Community,

I am writing to provide an important update regarding operations at Seton Hill University for the remainder of the Spring 2020 semester. Given the dynamic circumstances we continue to experience regarding the COVID-19 global pandemic, I ask that you give special attention to this message. 

All of us at Seton Hill continue to work to make the best decisions for the well being of our students, faculty and staff. Since my email to you on March 12, the nation is under a State of Emergency as is the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and Westmoreland County.

Class Schedule

In our initial message, we conveyed a plan to move to an online and alternative delivery format for classes through March 31 with the potential for an extension. At this time, we have decided that Seton Hill University will be extending the suspension of all face-to-face classes and maintaining an online and alternative delivery format through the end of the Spring 2020 semester. As announced previously, all existing online courses will continue their normal class schedule.  

Faculty members will continue to be in contact with students regarding online class work and the completion of senior projects, internships, student teaching and other unique circumstances. Additional information will be communicated by the Provost, School Deans and Registrar.

Residence Halls 

As of Friday, March 20 at 5:00 p.m., the Residence Halls will be closed for the remainder of the semester. We recognize that this will require some time and coordination for students and families. Any student in need of alternative housing arrangements to remain on campus past March 20 should complete the Spring 2020 Resident Exemption Form available through the Office of Student Affairs by Wednesday, March 18 to receive assistance and make appropriate arrangements.  

For those students who previously vacated the Residence Halls and need to collect their belongings, please be in touch with Cory Campbell, Director of Residence Life, at ccampbell@setonhill.edu or 724-838-4260.

Support Services

Access to academic support services, Reeves Library, the Counseling, Disability and Health Services Office, the Career and Professional Development Center and the Solution Center will be available in a virtual format for all students. Please refer to the links on MySHU to access these services. 

Facilities

Lowe Dining Hall will continue to be used as the location for all food service. At this time, Aramark has eliminated self-service stations and all food will be served by staff. 

Reeves Learning Commons, the McKenna Center, Campus Ministry Lounge, Commuter Lounge and other common spaces are closed for the remainder of the semester.

Shuttle Service

Shuttle service will be suspended for the remainder of the Spring Semester. 

Events

All campus events and meetings larger than 25 people are cancelled for the remainder of the Spring 2020 semester. 

Center for Orthodontics

The Seton Hill University Center for Orthodontics is operating on a reduced schedule and is handling only emergency cases at this time.

Essential Personnel

The business of the University continues. However, beginning Tuesday, March 17, only essential personnel defined by area Vice Presidents and Deans will work on campus.  All other staff members will work remotely from their homes until further notice under the direction and guidance of their immediate supervisors.  Employees should take with them all the tools and materials they will need to work remotely. I encourage the use of virtual and flexible work arrangements during this time period. 

I recognize these steps bring about significant disruption, especially for our students. Please know we are all working out of an abundance of caution and with the highest regard for the health and safety of the entire Seton Hill University community, as well as in the best interests of our families, friends, and neighbors. 

We remain actively engaged in monitoring and responding to COVID-19.  We are vigilant in these efforts and will continue to provide the university community with regular updates. 

Thank you for your flexibility, patience, and understanding as we work through this most challenging time together.

Sincerely,

Dr. Finger

President