August 10, 2020

Dear UD Students,

With the fall semester just a few weeks away, we are excited that you’ll be continuing your academic journey at the University of Delaware. The next few months will certainly look and feel different for all of us. But wherever you might be, we are here to support you and help you make the most of the UD student experience.

Over the past several months, the University has developed a comprehensive plan to help protect the health of our entire community from the COVID-19 pandemic. As members of the UD community, it’s up to all of us to keep each other safe. Testing and health screenings are essential elements of this plan for everyone on our campuses. If you will be on campus this fall for classes, research or any activity, there are important steps that you need to take now. You can get all of the detailed information and instructions at UD's coronavirus website. The key takeaways are:

• You must get a COVID-19 molecular diagnostic test (PCR) within 14 days before you arrive on campus and submit the results to Student Health Services. If you cannot get a test, please contact Student Health Services before Thursday, Aug. 13.
• After your test, you must self-quarantine until you arrive on campus. This applies whether the test result is positive or negative.
• Once on campus, you will need to complete daily health questionnaires and periodic COVID-19 testing to help the University identify any potential cases and contain a possible COVID-19 outbreak.

Regardless of whether you are on campus, at your home or at another location, your health and wellbeing are the University’s top priorities. UD Student Health Services and the Center for Counseling and Student Development are available to all students in person and remotely via telehealth. We encourage you to be safe and protect others throughout this pandemic by wearing a face covering in public, maintaining safe physical distancing from others, practicing good personal hygiene and staying home if you become sick.

United by our strong Blue Hen Spirit, we will all work together to overcome current challenges and realize our shared goal to be back on campus again as soon as health conditions permit. Until then, thank you for your attention to these important steps to look out for yourselves, and for each other. Stay healthy and be safe.

Sincerely,

José-Luis Riera
Vice President for Student Life

Doug Doren
Interim Dean of the Graduate College

Tim Dowling
Director of Student Health Services