Lock Haven University Readies for Fall Semester
LOCK HAVEN – It will be a different fall semester beginning later this month at Lock Haven University. Given the affects of COVID-19, the university will be offering primarily online classes. On Wednesday, school president Robert Pignatello shared this update with the campus community:
President’s Message
Dear Campus Community,
I’m pleased to provide several updates on campus operations and additional information regarding our fall Return to The Haven. On July 27, we announced the move to primarily online instruction for the fall semester with up to 85% of classes taking place remotely. Those courses with hands-on, experiential components, including studio art, labs, clinicals, and some first-year experience courses will still be taught face-to-face. The plan involves limited on-campus residency at rates two-thirds or more below the typical level.
More information about the move to primarily remote instruction is available online.
Consistent with our efforts to mitigate the spread of infection, no organized or formal athletic activities will occur this fall. We encourage all students, including student-athletes, to use the gym, tracks and other appropriate facilities to maintain conditioning. Such activities must adhere to social distancing and the wearing of facial coverings, especially when indoors.
Students who submitted an Emergency Housing Application have now been notified of their housing status. Move-in dates for students residing on campus are August 20-23. Students and their families have received information regarding the protocols in place to ensure a safe and smooth move-in process.
Our faculty and student affairs staff continue to do a tremendous job of communicating these changes to students and walking alongside them to be sure they are prepared and ready to begin the fall semester.
On Thursday, August 20 the opening semester meeting will be held virtually. All LHU faculty and staff are invited to attend. The meeting will be a time to celebrate the start of the academic year and look ahead to new opportunities. Members of the executive team will join me to provide several important updates about our pandemic mitigation plans for the semester, LHU’s Middle States accreditation process, our sustainability plan, and System redesign integration plans. It will also be a time to recognize new employees and welcome them to our Haven family.
Then, on Sunday, August 23 at 2:30pm all incoming and returning students, along with LHU faculty and staff, are invited to attend a virtual welcome session to kick-off our Fall 2020 Welcome Week. Our Welcome Week programming will be much different than in years past, but will provide students a warm introduction to The Haven whether they are studying online or on campus.
Welcome kits featuring two LHU branded facial coverings, a no-touch tool, hand sanitizer, COVID-19 symptom checker, and health resource card will be mailed and otherwise distributed to all students.
While most of our events to commemorate our 150th anniversary were canceled or postponed indefinitely, on Saturday October 3, a new Bald Eagle statue will be unveiled on the LHU commons. The statue is a gift from the class of 1966 and we are grateful to them for their support. Those of you who have been on campus recently may have noticed the work taking place to prepare for placement of the statue. We look forward to unveiling this new piece of LHU history and ushering in new traditions in our 150th year.
I am also very pleased to report that the U.S. Department of Education has selected Lock Haven University’s TRIO grant application for funding. The award of $338,971.00 beginning September 1, 2020. It is anticipated that the grant will be for five years. TRIO SSS began at Lock Haven University in 1980; this Fall will be its 40th anniversary. I would like to commend Dr. Julie Story for her work with TRIO SSS for the last 17 years. This grant award is worthy of great celebration and appreciation. TRIO SSS is such an important part of how we help so many of our students succeed. I look forward to continuing to build up our capacity to provide students the services and support they need to realize their potential and their dreams.
In closing, for now, I would like to thank our entire campus community for their hard work and flexibility as we work to prepare for a successful fall semester. Together we will continue to create a positive learning environment for our students so that they may Soar Higher as Bald Eagles and help us to fulfill our vital mission.
Let me know what you think at president@lockhaven.edu.
Robert Pignatello,
President
