The health and well-being of Lock Haven students, faculty, staff and visitors is our highest priority.

This is a rapidly evolving situation and requirements and recommendations are likely to change. For the most up-to-date information about LHU’s actions related to the global outbreak of the COVID-19 coronavirus, visit this webpage

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UPDATED AS OF: MARCH 31, 2020

The consequences and impact of the coronavirus pandemic continues to dominate and dramatically alter our lives. Our sense of normalcy has been up-ended. 

I know all of us are struggling to teach and learn and support those efforts under extremely difficult and stressful conditions. And of course, we must all live our personal lives in ways to protect ourselves and each other. It has not been easy. Faculty and staff continue to do extraordinary work and our students are doing their very best to absorb their instruction in ways they are not all used to while also facing technology challenges. Many of us are getting used to the very limited ways we now have to connect with each other and work. And we miss the personal and social interaction that for now has been placed on hold.

Developments of course continue to evolve. Chancellor Greenstein over the weekend made an important announcement. “In keeping with the strategy being pursued by the Governor to protect the health and safety of all Pennsylvanians, and in the interest of securing the safety of our faculty, staff and students, as well as our communities”, the Chancellor is directing:

• continuation of no in-person instruction occurring at our 14 universities during all scheduled 2020 summer sessions
• that university presidents cancel, postpone or move to a remote delivery modality all face-to-face events (both academic and non-academic) that have been or would have been scheduled during the summer 2020 months. Presidents will closely monitor the situation on the ground and upon consultation with the Chancellor may grant exceptions for face- to-face on-campus programs where such programs can be managed in a way that ensures the health and safety of participants and the broader community
• that no in-person experiential learning occur, including but not limited to clinical rotations, student teaching, internships, field experiences, and other types of academically-related placements. Classroom faculty and experiential learning supervisors shall continue to provide remote-learning opportunities for students to achieve appropriate learning outcomes. Presidents may grant exceptions to students in extraordinary circumstances, for example where they are satisfied that safety considerations are met by their experiential learning opportunities, e.g. with respect of virtual internships, internships cited in locations determined to be “safe” from the risk of infection, etc.”

Travel restrictions continue to be in place until further notice.  I would like you also to know that key leaders in the community including the County, City, School District, UPMC, and our University, have begun development of an emergency plan for the county.     

We currently have 29 students remaining in our residence halls and 66 students in Evergreen Commons because of exigent circumstances.  The Haven Cupboard is operational for our students, both on and off campus, with food insecurity.  Donations of non-perishable items are needed and can be delivered Wednesdays from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm at the Synagogue across from the East Campus Science Center.   

Unfortunately, and not surprisingly, the financial impact of this crisis is taking a mighty toll on us as it is for higher education institutions in and out of PASSHE. To help our students directly we launched over the weekend a special emergency fundraising effort and have begun soliciting alumni and friends of The Haven. The response so far has been very encouraging.  

Please know that the leadership team and I are working tirelessly to get us through these difficult times. I appreciate the incredible efforts each and every one of you are making as we act together to carry out our mission.

In the days and weeks ahead this will all become even more difficult. Let’s remember to spread as much love and compassion among each other as we can.

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UPDATED AS OF: MARCH 20, 2020

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UPDATED AS OF: MARCH 19, 2020

Dear Campus Community,

You may have seen the reports this evening that the Governor has ordered that all non-life sustaining businesses in Pennsylvania must close. After consultation with PASSHE’s Office of the Chancellor, it has been determined that Lock Haven University and all PASSHE universities will be permitted to continue our present course of action to provide remote instruction and operate with only selected essential staff on campus.

Again, no changes have been made at this time to our operating status.  We will keep you informed with any updates.

Dr. Robert M. Pignatello
President

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UPDATED AS OF: MARCH 17, 2020

Dear Campus Community,

The past several weeks have been a time of incredible challenge and uncertainty. We are committed to making decisions that are in the best interest of our Haven family—to keep us safe and maintain the delivery of instruction and support to our students. Our continuing actions, and those I am announcing this morning, are in response to the still evolving and growing global health crisis we are facing.

We initially planned to convert to remote/distance learning for all courses beginning Monday March 23 for a two-week period. We wanted to then use that time to monitor the situation and decide when and if we might resume face-to-face instruction. Given the recommendations and guidance made this week by the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the CDC for social distancing—which will need to occur for the foreseeable future—and the emergency declarations by Governor Wolf to further reduce social contact, I have made the difficult decision to extend remote learning through the end of the semester. In times like these, the health and safety of our campus community must come before all else. This decision is consistent with almost every PASSHE campus.

• As previously announced, existing online courses began instruction yesterday, March 16.
• Face-to-face courses will begin remote delivery on Monday, March 23rd and now will continue through the end of the spring semester.

Students, I know that this is disappointing to so many of you. It is for all of us. But know that your professors and our staff are working hard to transition your courses to remote delivery and to create a learning environment that will help you reach your goals.

Looking ahead, as you know, all campus events, including athletic competitions, recognition ceremonies, and other events are cancelled for the remainder of the semester.

Unfortunately, our spring commencement ceremonies will also be postponed.  More information will be forthcoming at a later time regarding how and when we will celebrate our students’ achievements. Know that we are diligently working to answer the many questions you have. But that must be done by phone or online. Not in person.

Later today, all employees will receive a message from Human Resources regarding the designation of essential employees and teleworking arrangements as we move to a period of more limited operations.

As a result of today’s announcement,  all students living in University residence halls must remove all belongings and move out of the residence halls.  Later today students will receive additional information about the move-out schedule and process from the Student & Residence Life Office.

Students, we ask that you please do not show up to retrieve your belongings without an appointment, as we are trying to avoid large groups coming together at one time in order to support social distancing.  Showing up unscheduled and unannounced will undermine this effort.  Further information will be provided concerning options for students who may have a hardship and need to remain in University housing due to emergency situations. Campus housing will be limited and only available for extenuating circumstances. Dining facilities will be available only for grab and go / take-out meals – No dining on site will be permitted.

A hotline has been established at 570-484-3700 for students and parents with questions regarding these decisions. Questions may also be sent to update@lockhaven.edu.  Please regularly check your University email and visit the University’s virus information page for updates.

COVID-19 effects all of us young and old, and especially those with underlying health problems. It is a virus that does not necessarily follow the patterns of others that we are more familiar with and must be taken very, very seriously by all of us.

I want to thank you all again for your continued patience, understanding, and cooperation as we navigate this unprecedented situation together. If you have questions, or face issues, please reach out. Together we will get through this—that’s what families do.  I know our Haven family is strong enough to face any challenge – even this one.

Robert M. Pignatello
President

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UPDATED AS OF: MARCH 16, 2020

To our Lock Haven Family,

Though we may not be together today on campus and for some time to come, know that we are together in spirit. I am proud at how our Bald Eagle family has come together to support one another during this unprecedented period. The health and well-being of the Haven community has always been and will continue to be our top priority. This is what is driving our decisions.

Our faculty are working hard to adapt their courses for online delivery. Our staff are focused on keeping the University moving forward. Students, I encourage you to take this week to familiarize yourself with our online learning platform D2L. If you have questions, or concerns, reach out. The executive team is in constant contact to review and modify our plans and the PASSHE presidents and Chancellor’s office are also in constant contact.

I know there is tremendous disappointment across Haven Nation whether from athletes who prepared for competition, students whose extra-curricular and co-curricular activities of all kinds were cancelled, events that celebrate our success and the work of our students and faculty and just the discontinuance of the campus engagement that we all cherish so much. Know that I share this pain too. I especially feel it for our seniors.

There are many things we don’t know, but what we do know is that we need to keep ourselves safe.  Practice healthy habits. Make sure you are getting enough rest and exercise. Wash your hands. Practice social distancing. Stay home if you are sick or if you believe you’ve been exposed. If you experience symptoms such as cough, fever, or shortness of breath, reach out to your medical provider. Please take precautions as recommended by the PA Health Department and the CDC.

This is a fluid situation that is changing daily and right now seemingly by the hour. We are on this journey together and together we will get through this. It is important now, more than ever, that we take care of each other.  I want to thank you for your patience and flexibility during this very challenging time. As the situation evolves, we will continue to communicate any future plans and decisions to you.

Robert M. Pignatello
President

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UPDATED AS OF: MARCH 11, 2020

Dear Campus Community:

This is an important update and announcement of action by Lock Haven University in response to the global coronavirus outbreak. At this time, Lock Haven University has no reported or confirmed cases of COVID-19.

University officials have been closely monitoring the spread of the virus globally and here in the US and have made the decision to temporarily suspend face-to-face instruction following spring break. This is a pre-emptive action aimed at preventing the potential spread of the infection on campus and in our community. The health and well-being of our campus community is our highest priority and remains at the forefront of our decision making.

Consequently, we have decided that face-to-face instruction will be suspended for the week following spring break.

• Courses will resume by remote instruction on Monday, March 23rd and continue through April 3rd.
• Face-to-face classes are expected to resume normal delivery in classrooms on Monday, April 6, but this is subject to change.
• For those students currently enrolled in online courses, both undergraduate and graduate, classes will resume on Monday, March 16th as scheduled.

Our faculty will use the week of March 16 to prepare their courses for remote and online modes of instruction. Professors will be in touch with students via email to share more information regarding remote delivery of coursework. Students, please check your University email account regularly during this time.

Students taking part in internships, clinicals and practicums, or serving as student teachers should follow their established schedules so long as their placement sites remain open and willing to host students in the program.

During this time, students will be expected to temporarily live off campus. Our residence halls will remain open to house a limited number of students. Students needing to live on campus between March 16th and April 3rd must have a justifiable reason for doing so and must make their request via a form located on LHU Housing’s webpage. All University offices will remain open. Hours of operation may change. We will keep you updated.

More information about residence hall availability for students who will need to return to campus to collect their belongings will be forthcoming. For questions about residence hall access please check the COVID-19 FAQ page or email update@lockhaven.edu.

Given the rapid global spread of COVID-19 and the rate at which the situation continues to evolve, the University has suspended all international travel and domestic travel will be evaluated on case-by-case basis.

All University-sponsored non-Athletic events and gatherings are cancelled through April 3rd. In addition, the University will be restricting visitors to campus.

At this time, no adjustment will occur in administrative operations for the University, and University staff will report to work as usual. We ask employees to continue following CDC recommendations for healthy practices to limit the spread of COVID-19. If you are sick, please stay home. Managers and supervisors are committed to working with staff to ensure the health and safety of our campus community.

Lock Haven University is committed to the health and well-being of our Haven family and supporting our students through this challenging period by delivering continuity of instruction. This is a rapidly evolving situation and University officials will continue to monitor the situation and make decisions that are in the best interest of the health and safety of our campus community. As the situation is evaluated we will keep you updated regarding any pending changes to the schedule. A hotline has been established at 570-484-3700 for students and parents with questions regarding this decision. Questions may also be sent to update@lockhaven.edu. Please regularly check your University email and visit the University’s virus information page for updates.

Robert M. Pignatello
President 

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UPDATED AS OF: MARCH 6, 2020

Currently, there are no known cases of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) at Lock Haven University.

For the latest information about the presence of COVID-19 in Pennsylvania, visit the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

Symptoms of COVID-19 can be very similar to the flu—which is active across Pennsylvania at this time. LHU officials recommend that anyone with flu-like symptoms contact their health care provider for an evaluation.

Consistent with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations for travelers returning to the United States from China, Lock Haven University is recommending a 14-day quarantine period for travelers from CDC Level 3 and Level 2 countries before they return to campus.

At this time, these countries include: China, Iran, Italy, South Korea, and Japan (CDC Level 2).

Students and employees who traveled to one of these countries should isolate themselves from others in their place of dwelling while monitoring for signs and symptoms of illness as described below. Of note, many students may be returning to a home away from campus; however, students and their families should follow the same recommendations and advice.

Guidance for home/self-quarantine

• Stay home except to get medical care — as noted above, call ahead before visiting your doctor.
• Separate yourself from other people and animals in your home.
• Wear a facemask when you are around other people or pets.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze; wash your hands afterward with soap and water or use an alcohol-based sanitizer.
• Clean your hands often with soap and water or with an alcohol-based sanitizer; use soap and water preferentially if your hands are visibly dirty.
• Avoid sharing personal household items.
• Clean “high-touch” surfaces daily with a household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Monitor your symptoms and if they develop or worsen then call your health care provider BEFORE seeking in-person care.

Guidance for household members during home/self-quarantine

• Help with basic needs in terms of food, medications, and other personal needs.
• Stay in another room or be separated from the patient as much as possible; use a separate bedroom and bathroom if possible.
• Prohibit visitors without an essential need from coming into the home.
• Household members should care for any pets.
• Clean your hands often with soap and water or with an alcohol-based sanitizer; use soap and water preferentially if your hands are visibly dirty.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• The patient and household members should wear disposable facemasks when in the same room; throw masks away after using them.
• Avoid sharing household items with the patient.
• Clean “high-touch” surfaces with a cleaning spray or wipe.
• Wash laundry thoroughly: use disposable gloves while handling; wash hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based sanitizer after removing gloves.

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 The following information details Lock Haven University’s recommendation for those that are returning from CDC “Level 3” countries. Also, information and guidance is provided for those who have traveled from a CDC “Level 2” country, for those that may feel sick, may be traveling in other areas, and general hygiene and prevention.

Lock Haven University recommendations

If you are returning from a country with a CDC “Alert Level 2” or “watch” level you should follow many of the below recommendations — including maintaining vigilant hygiene practices, self-monitor for symptoms and assess temperature twice per day for 14 days after return.

If you feel sick

If you spent time in a CDC “Alert Level 2” or “Warning Level 3” country during the past 14 days and feel sick with fever or cough or have difficulty breathing:

• Take your temperature.
• Seek medical advice. Call ahead before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room. Tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms.
• Avoid contact with others.
• Do not travel while sick.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Clean your hands often by washing them with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60%-95% alcohol immediately after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose. Soap and water should be used if hands are visibly dirty.

Prevention is the best way to limit the spread of disease. If you find that you are not feeling well after returning, then please seek medical care as described. Otherwise, quarantine yourself for the specified time so that if you do become ill, the risk of spread of your illness to others is minimal.

Returning from a country without a coronavirus warning

At this time, domestic travelers and travelers to countries that do not have an elevated CDC Warning Level do not need to take any action other than monitoring their health and practicing good hygiene and prevention. However, if you begin to have symptoms it is important to follow up with your health care practitioner.

Upcoming international travel

Lock Haven has placed CDC “Warning Level 3” and “Warning Level 2” countries on the restricted travel list for University-affiliated student travel. Faculty and staff travel to these countries also has been restricted and would require approval from the provost or president.

Further, the University strongly discourages personal travel to these countries. Travelers to these countries may be required to quarantine themselves in their dwelling for 14 days before being permitted on campus.

Before booking travel and departing the country, travelers should check the CDC website for the latest threat level rating for their destination. The CDC website also includes answers to frequently asked questions regarding travel abroad. This is a rapidly evolving situation with government policies and recommendations changing as the situation changes. Travelers should exercise caution when traveling abroad as quarantines and re-entry restrictions, particularly for non-U.S. nationals, could be implemented as the situation evolves.

While traveling domestically or abroad, take the following precautions:

• Avoid contact with sick people.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Clean your hands often by washing them with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at 60%–95% alcohol; soap and water should be used if hands are visibly dirty. It is especially important to clean hands after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose.

Domestic travel recommendations

The potential public health threat posed by COVID-19 is high, but individual risk is dependent on exposure. For members of the general American public, who are unlikely to be exposed to the virus at this time, the immediate health risk from COVID-19 is considered low. More cases are likely to be identified in the coming days, including more cases in the United States. It’s also likely that person-to-person spread will continue to occur, including in the United States.

Upon returning from domestic travel, if you feel sick with fever, cough or difficulty breathing, particularly within 14 days after you left, you should:

• Seek medical advice — call ahead before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room. Tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms.
• Avoid contact with others.
• Not travel on public transportation while sick.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds to avoid spreading the virus to others. Wash your hands with soap and water immediately after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose. If soap and water are not readily available, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains 60%–95% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

Hygiene and prevention

To prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus and other respiratory infections, the CDC recommends the following prevention measures:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Voluntary Home Isolation: Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
  • Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
  • CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
  • Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.