Message from President Mary Finger

March 6, 2020

Seton Hill University and its Health Services Office continue to monitor the outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a novel coronavirus, 2019-nCoV, first detected in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. At this time, no suspected cases have been reported at Seton Hill or in the Greensburg or Pittsburgh region.  Two presumed cases have been identified in Delaware and Wayne counties, located in the southeastern and northeastern parts of Pennsylvania.

The University continues to be vigilant in monitoring Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Pennsylvania Department of Health, World Health Organization (WHO), Allegheny County Department of Health, and the American College Health Association bulletins and guidelines in regards to coronavirus. 

At Seton Hill, we are taking the following precautions:

  • Cleaning all campus spaces thoroughly using best practices, including sanitizing door knobs, table tops, faucet handles and other commonly touched hard surfaces multiple times a day;
  • Creating a Seton Hill University webpage that provides all members of the Seton Hill community with regular updates regarding coronavirus and the latest guidance. Please know the webpage is not intended to serve as a single reference about this rapidly evolving situation. 
  • Following protocols issued by our food service vendor, Aramark, by requesting that refillable containers not be used at beverage dispensers;
  • Following guidelines established by the Diocese of Greensburg and suspending the distribution of wine at Mass and handshakes/physical contact during the Sign of Peace; 
  • Monitoring guidance from the NCAA, which is warning that some athletic events could be canceled to protect students;
  • Continuing to share with the Seton Hill community the importance of hand washing and proper hygiene to prevent the spread of coronavirus as well as influenza and other illnesses; and,
  • Reaching out to any members of our community who may have been impacted by the coronavirus.

At this time individuals traveling from any country that the Department of State or the CDC classifies as a Warning Level 3 (avoid nonessential travel) or higher will not be allowed to return to campus until they are 14 days without symptoms from the date of arrival in the United States, or the current CDC-recommended quarantine period (whichever is longer). Seton Hill will assist students with accommodations during their self-quarantine as necessary. Please contact the Office of Counseling, Disability and Health Services at 724-830-4606. Faculty and staff should be in touch with their direct supervisor. Students impacted will be asked to contact their faculty advisers.

In addition, any student, faculty or staff member experiencing stress or concern about family members in areas impacted by coronavirus can visit Seton Hill’s Office of Counseling, Disability, and Health Services located on the fifth floor of the Administration Building for support.

If you or someone you know may have been exposed to or infected with the coronavirus, please seek medical care immediately. Current guidance states that before you go to a doctor’s office, clinic, or emergency room that you call ahead and tell them about your symptoms and any recent travel or contact with someone who has traveled. If you plan to use the Office of Counseling, Disability and Health Services, please call ahead at 724-830-4606. 

The Innovative Teaching and Learning Center will host a series of workshops for faculty the week of March 9 to provide additional training on online teaching resources. Please refer to MySHU under Announcements for additional information.

Seton Hill University has a robust Emergency All Hazards Plan in place that provides guidance on closing campus and/or initiating a quarantine. We will continue to adapt the plan if needed as federal and state guidelines on coronavirus are updated.

The safety of all members of the Seton Hill community, their welfare and well-being remain a primary concern for all of us at the University.  I am thankful for the steps many have taken to be helpful and supportive of ensuring safety and security of the Seton Hill community. We will continue to provide updates as new and relevant information or policy developments arise.

Please continue practicing good hygiene and making healthy choices.

Sincerely,

President Mary Finger