Friday, March 20, 2020
Dear Members of the Wilkes Community,
The order issued yesterday by Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf to close all non-life-sustaining businesses has caused us to reevaluate even the minimal services we are providing on campus. I appreciate your patience as we work through the expectations of the state government and our best interpretation of what this means for Wilkes University.
Building closure does not mean abandonment. Over 100 students remain on campus who need our help and care. We must continue to work and learn remotely while recognizing that some efforts require in-person attention. And we must protect the safety of our students and the continuity of their instruction so they can continue toward academic goals.
Building Access: Access to University buildings will be granted only for urgent needs and critical personnel. Examples include:
- University police officers
- Students with special housing arrangements
- Facilities personnel who clean and disinfect campus
- Preapproved staff members from departments maintaining operations
With dean approval, faculty can briefly come to campus to upload course content that is imperative to the student experience or care for animals and essential lab equipment. If you absolutely must come to campus, contact the Wilkes University Police Department in advance and report directly to their office for assistance, with your Wilkes identification. Please understand that safety issues take precedence.
Food Service: The Henry Student Center dining hall will move to takeout only. Lunch pick up is available from 11 a.m. to 12 noon and dinner pickup will be held from 4 to 5 p.m. daily. Dinner will also offer breakfast options for the following morning. Patrons will swipe in, collect to-go containers and select their meal choices.
Health Services: Health Services will be closed until further notice but staff are available remotely for routine questions. The Wright Center, located just a block from campus at 335 S. Franklin St., is available for appointments from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. To make an appointment, please call (570) 591-5283. See this link for a list of pharmacies, clinics and urgent care centers where you can seek medical assistance. In the event of a medical emergency, call 911.
Library: The entirety of the Farley Library will close for the foreseeable future. This includes lower-level 24/7 access.
Diversity Affairs: Staff from the Center for Global Education and Diversity are available remotely to discuss any student needs. Contact Georgia Costalas for assistance at (570) 408-7854.
If you have any questions, please let us know. And of course, continue to monitor your Wilkes email for updates and information.