ÁùºÏ±¦µä

May 1, 2020

This message was sent to students, faculty and staff at the University of ÁùºÏ±¦µä, Reno.

To our University community:

As we move into May, and toward completion of our spring semester, there is no doubt that the students, faculty and staff of our University have faced unprecedented challenge and change with an extraordinary capacity to adapt, to make sacrifices for the good of all, and to work proactively and successfully in achieving and furthering the missions of our institution. We continue to strive to support one another as a campus community, particularly in the face of the heightened anxiety and uncertainty that this time brings. Thank you for all that you are doing, and for continuing to look out for one another.

On Thursday, Gov. Steve Sisolak announced the (external PDF). Gov. Sisolak’s plan included:

• An official continuation of the “Stay Home For ÁùºÏ±¦µä directive through May 15.
• In accordance with this executive order as well as a directive from ÁùºÏ±¦µä System of Higher Education Chancellor Thom Reilly, the University will continue to “Stay at Home and adhere to the alternative operations model we have maintained since mid-March.
• The University will continue to conduct instruction online and to deliver services and functions remotely.
• All nonessential employees are to continue to work remotely until further notice.
• Summer instruction will be presented online through the end of the first session, which concludes on July 10. All campus events remain either cancelled, postponed, or to be delivered online until further notices.

Here are a few more updates:

Issues Management Team and Recovery Working Group

The Issues Management Team (IMT) continues to meet and has directed the formation of a Recovery Working Group (RWG), bringing together a cross-section of University leaders to ensure a comprehensive re-opening strategy. Although we cannot conjecture when re-opening might occur, this sort of proactive planning is a productive necessity. The Recovery Working Group is charged with developing a range of scenarios and recommendations for our re-entry to working, studying, living and learning on campus. The RWG’s recommendations are being reported and shared with the IMT. All working, studying, living and learning re-entry decisions on our campus will be informed and guided by the public health status of Washoe County and the State of ÁùºÏ±¦µä, as well as current directives from Gov. Sisolak and Chancellor Reilly.

New Student Summer Orientation

On Wednesday, the University announced that all new student summer orientation sessions will be delivered online. The staff of New Student Initiatives has been hard at work preparing a high-quality online program for new students and their families to participate in. Through the online program, the students will still meet other new students, connect with student orientation leaders and learn about campus life and receive academic advising for the first semester of their academic careers. The family orientation program will also be presented online. The goal remains the same even as we go virtual: to help new students feel connected and confident as they prepare for their first year as one of the Wolf Pack. Check out the New Student Orientation and FAQ page for more information.

CARES Act Funds

As part of the federal government’s Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the University has been approved for a one-time, limited allocation of funds designed to assist degree seeking students in need because of the COVID-19 pandemic and its disruption of campus operations. All current degree-seeking students (graduate, undergraduate, medical) enrolled in Spring 2020 affected by the COVID-19 pandemic who have successfully completed a 2019-20 FAFSA (or are eligible to file a FAFSA) are eligible for CARES Act Funds. The University has developed a CARES Act FAQ page with important information regarding this funding.

As I mentioned at the outset of this message, the resiliency of the people of our University during this season of disruption and uncertainty has been remarkable. Remember to continue to take care of yourselves, your friends and your loved ones. We shall continue to navigate this time together. Please continue to seek out the University’s latest coronavirus information and updates.

Sincerely,

Marc A. Johnson
President