Wednesday, March 11, 2020: College officials reconvened. Communication from the president was sent:

Dear Juniata Community, 

Juniata College continues to monitor the ongoing outbreak of Coronavirus (COVID-19). There are currently no confirmed or suspected cases of COVID-19 at Juniata College. However, as the number of COVID-19 cases continues to increase, we must act to ensure the health and safety of Juniata’s students, faculty, staff, and the broader Huntingdon community.  

While Juniata College remains open and operational at this time, we have made several decisions, based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the PA Department of Health, to best be able to keep the wellbeing of our campus community our top priority.  

As confirmed cases of COVID-19 are expected to grow domestically, and globally, in the coming weeks, Juniata is taking the following actions: 

Spring break has been extended until March 20; classes will be delivered virtually until Friday, April 3. 

  • We are extending spring break by one additional week, through Friday, March 20, to enable faculty and instructors the time to adequately prepare to deliver coursework online.
  • Students are asked not to return to campus following this extended spring break and instead will meet academic requirements remotely when classes resume on Monday, March 23. Classes will be delivered virtually until Friday, April 3.
  • Students should expect to hear from their instructors via Moodle or email by Monday, March 16 with plans to adjust course syllabi to ensure that the class can continue remotely with the goal of providing a meaningful experience.
  • Provost Bowen will provide additional guidance to faculty via email regarding remote delivery of the curriculum.  
    Conditions permitting, in-person instruction will resume on the Juniata College campus on Monday, April 6. Updates will be provided as we monitor conditions and the situation over the coming weeks.
  • Some students may need to arrange or access housing during the extended break or online instructional period. Residential Life will communicate procedures for students to request housing or arrange to retrieve belongings. For students remaining in residence, dining services will continue with adjustments to operations and hours.
  • For students with concerns about sustained internet access, please contact Dawn Scialabba, acting registrar and coordinator of academic advising, at scialad@juniata.edu or 814-641-3171.
  • The semester will conclude as currently scheduled.
     

Athletics

  • The Landmark Conference institutions are making decisions this week regarding the continuation of athletic practices and contests. More information will follow as available and shared directly by Athletics with our affected student-athletes.
      

Additional Efforts

  • Until April 3, we are canceling public events and campus gatherings hosted at the College. Updates will be provided as we monitor conditions and the situation over the coming weeks.
  • Juniata has now suspended all College-sponsored international and domestic travel. If you have any questions, please speak with your respective vice president.
  • Personal travel, domestic and international, is strongly discouraged for our students, staff, and faculty.
  • Staff are expected to continue to report to campus and should work with their direct supervisor as decisions will be made on a case by case basis regarding alternate work plans.
  • The Fitness Center and Binder Natatorium will be closed through April 3. 
  • As a reminder, campus community members are expected to adhere to the CDC’s after-travel precautions for anyone who has traveled to China, South Korea, Iran, and Italy: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/after-travel-precautions.html.
  • Individuals are encouraged to practice preventative measures and social distancing per the CDC recommendations (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/index.html). 
     

We recognize that this decision raises a set of logistical, financial, and operational questions about which we will have more to say as we continue to monitor and address this matter. For now, however, we wanted to convey these decisions as soon as possible to give the Juniata community the opportunity to make plans. As we continue to assess events daily, updates will be provided at www.juniata.edu/coronavirus.php. 

For further information, students and parents are invited to contact the Dean of Student’s office at damschm@juniata.edu or 814-641-3157.  Faculty can contact the Provost’s office at bowenl@juniata.edu or 814-641-3121, and employees may contact their vice president. 

Thank you for your patience as we work through this very fluid situation. We also understand the tremendous impact these decisions will have on members of the Juniata community. Please know how appreciative we are for your cooperation and continuing understanding.