SCHEDULE: Return to in-person instruction October 5
CHAMINADE UNIVERSITY CONTACT INFORMATION >>
COMMUNICATIONS FOR THE CHAMINADE UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY:
- November 17, 2020: Campus Notification – Positive Case >>
- September 30, 2020: Academic Calendar Update: Spring Term 2020 >>
- September 2, 2020: Return to In-Person Instruction on October 5 >>
- September 2, 2020: Return to In-Person Instruction on October 5 for Day Undergraduate Students >>
- September 2, 2020: Return to In-Person Instruction October 5 for PsyD Students >>
- August 18, 2020: A Message from President Babington for Undergraduate and PsyD Students >>
- August 10, 2020: Important Update for Fall Term for PsyD Students >>
- August 10, 2020: Important Update for Fall Term for Undergraduate Students >>
- August 10, 2020: In-Person Grad Classes Moving Online for Remainder of Summer >>
- August 5, 2020: Fall Term Online Course Option for Day Undergraduate Students >>
- July 17, 2020: Important Travel Update for Out-Of-State Students >>
- July 10, 2020: Information to Assist with Your Return to Chaminade University >>
- June 24, 2020: Travel Information for out-of-state travelers >>
- June 15, 2020: Preparing for the Summer Term – Graduate >>
- June 5, 2020: Preparing for the Fall Term – On-Campus Undergraduate >>
- May 1, 2020: Student Awards for CARES Act – PsyD >>
- May 1, 2020: Student Awards for CARES Act – Graduate >>
- May 1, 2020: Student Awards for CARES Act – Undergraduates in Residence Halls >>
- May 1, 2020: Student Awards for CARES Act – On-Campus Undergraduate >>
- May 1, 2020: Information on Storage/Shipping of your Belongings >>
- Letter to Government Leaders: Policies and Procedures for Reopening During Phase I >>
- April 22, 2020: Important Update: Fall In-Person Classes >>
- April 20, 2020: Weekly Message from President Babington >>
- March 23, 2020: Coronavirus Update: Response to State Leadership’s Announcements >>
- March 23, 2020: Coronavirus response update March 23, 2020 (residence halls) >>
- March 20, 2020: Spring Commencement 2020 Postponed
- March 18, 2020: Distance learning extended through the end of Spring term, campus remains open
- March 16, 2020: Message from President Babington
- March 15, 2020: Coronavirus Update: In-Person Classes Move to Online Monday, March 16
- March 12, 2020: Coronavirus Update for Spring Term
- March 11, 2020: An Update on Academic Affairs’ Pandemic Response Guidance
- March 11, 2020: Coronavirus Update
- March 3, 2020: Academic Affairs Guidance for Responding to a Potential Pandemic of COVID-19
- February 28, 2020: Coronavirus Campus Update
- February 6, 2020: 2019 Novel Coronavirus: Update to CUH Students, Faculty, and Staff, 2/6/2020
- January 29, 2020: Important Health Information: Novel Coronavirus in China
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2020
To Chaminade Campus Community
From Chaminade Compliance
Aloha Chaminade Community,
We are writing to let you know a student who lives on campus has tested positive for COVID-19. The student and the student’s roommates are now in isolation.
Here are the latest details we can share with you:
- The student’s last day on campus was November 16.
- All individuals known to have close contact with the impacted student have already been alerted by the university’s contact tracing team and apprised of what steps they should take.
- The state Health Department has been notified and they are working closely with our Chaminade contact tracing team, whose swift work after notification of the positive case ensured that all close contacts could seek appropriate medical attention.
Per CDC guidelines, we will also deeply clean the residence hall’s common areas and other shared spaces. As you know, this work is in addition to regular disinfecting that’s occurring across campus.
In alignment with CDC and state Health Department guidance, anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 is not permitted to return to campus until cleared by a healthcare provider.
We ask that you also respect the privacy of those involved. In responding to this case, we are following all confidentiality laws, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.
This is the first COVID-19 case reported of a student residing on campus and a reminder of the importance of vigilance. Simple steps like wearing a face mask while on campus, maintaining a 6-foot distance and practicing hyper-hygiene by washing your hands and sanitizing your area can help prevent the spread of coronavirus. Health screenings are also vital to protecting our University community.
For more information on CDC and DOH guidelines on COVID-19, visit chaminade.edu/coronavirus.
Mahalo your continued caution and care as we respond to the pandemic as a University community.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2020
To Day Undergraduate Students
From President
Aloha Chaminade ‘ohana,
I am writing today about several important changes to the Spring Term academic calendar for day undergraduate students. We did not make these changes lightly, but believe they appropriately balance our health and safety considerations amid the pandemic with academic needs.
Under our new plan:
- The Spring Term will begin on Feb. 1, 2021, extending our winter break by three weeks. (While we have sought to standardize the schedule as much as possible, students in a handful of programs may need to return for the Spring Term prior to the official start date for required major-related activities.)
- Because of the extension of our winter break, we will have no spring break period.
- The academic year will end as previously scheduled on May 6, 2021.
Extending the winter break will decrease the risk of COVID-19 spreading within our university ‘ohana, offering everyone additional time after the holidays to prepare for a safe return to campus. Doing away with the spring break period will similarly decrease the chances of COVID-19 exposure within our university community, which remains our central focus.
We also want to stress that with these changes, course objectives and learning outcomes will remain the same—and that students will receive the same individualized instruction as expected. And we hope the longer winter break will offer a substantive recovery after a hectic term.
The pandemic has presented us all with no shortage of challenges and disruptions. We greatly appreciate your understanding and resilience in tackling each one of them. Please know our top priority is the health and safety of our Chaminade community, and that we are taking all precautions to keep our ‘ohana safe.
Students: if you have any questions about these Spring Term schedule changes, please reach out to your advisor.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2020
To Employees
From President
Aloha faculty and staff,
I am writing today to let you know about an important change to our plan for resuming in-person instruction. Given ongoing concerns about the number of new COVID-19 infections on Oahu, we are extending the fall term’s period of online learning by three weeks.
Rather than bringing undergraduate, graduate and PsyD students back to campus for class on September 14, we will resume in-person classroom instruction on Monday, October 5.
Extending remote instruction is something we hoped to avoid, but this decision reflects our highest priorities: the wellbeing and safety of our students, staff, faculty and our broader Chaminade ‘ohana. This new date gives our state an opportunity to slow the spread of coronavirus in communities.
The COVID-19 crisis has created an incredibly dynamic situation for all of us at Chaminade, and we sincerely appreciate your flexibility and resilience with every twist and turn. Your support of new government and University protocols underscore your commitment to keeping our community safe.
This year has presented no shortage of challenges—and it promises more ahead.
But through it all you have put our students first, offering them a strong and responsive network of support so they can continue to achieve their goals. When our students needed you, you were there—again and again and again—oftentimes at considerable personal sacrifice.
I am so grateful for all you do for Chaminade. And I know our students feel the same way.
We are all excited to be resuming in-person learning on October 5. I am certain you will agree there is nothing like face-to-face learning, gaining insight and inspiration from each other and participating in a vibrant, diverse and academically robust campus community. As we near this switch, please prepare your students for the transition back to in-person classes, especially first-year students.
We will also all need to remain vigilant during this period and remind our students of the critical importance of following safety protocols, especially as they meet up with friends and gather in classes. Wearing face masks, practicing social distancing and avoiding gatherings are part of our “new normal.”
As we move into the next few weeks and continue with the fall term, please also consider reminding students about the value of participating in upcoming campus events. These virtual and in-person activities are designed to help our students stay connected to their fellow Silverswords.
With everything going on, it has never been more important to keep our bonds as one ‘ohana strong.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2020
To Undergraduate Students
From President
Aloha,
We have made an important change to our plan for resuming in-person instruction.
Given ongoing efforts to address COVID-19 on Oahu, we are extending the fall term’s period of online learning. Rather than bringing undergraduate students back to campus for class on September 14, we will resume in-person classroom instruction on Monday, October 5.
This new date gives our state an opportunity to slow the spread of coronavirus in communities. Extending remote instruction is something we hoped we could avoid, but this decision reflects our highest priorities: the wellbeing and safety of our students, staff, faculty and our broader Chaminade ‘ohana.
We hope you know that while our faculty members have worked hard to bring excellent, engaging instruction to you online, they are so looking forward to your return on campus. The same goes for our staff members and administrators. There is nothing like learning face-to-face, gaining insight from each other and participating in a strong and vibrant campus community.
While online instruction continues for now, our student support services remain open and available to you—both in person and remotely. These include:
- Advising and Career Development
- Tutoring Center (Kokua Ike Learning Center)
- Counseling Center
- Sullivan Library
- Campus Ministry
- Student Activities and Leadership
- Residence Life
- Financial Aid
- Records and Registrar
- Business Office (email: CUH-BusinessOffice@chaminade.edu)
- Campus Bookstore
We are counting down the days until October 5 when in-person learning returns.
In the meantime, our team continues to plan upcoming events—both on-campus and virtual—so you can connect with your fellow Silverswords!
Check out the full list of upcoming events by clicking here.
Finally, while we have set a new firm date for resuming instruction on campus, students can still choose to learn fully online for the remainder of the fall term if they feel more comfortable doing so. Those who want to continue with online instruction through the Fall Term should send an email to advising@chaminade.edu by September 25.
Before making up your mind on whether to select the remote option, we urge you to have a discussion with your family and with your advisor. This is a big decision and one that should not be taken lightly. Whatever you choose, know that we are here to support you.
And if you opt to go fully online, we will look forward to you returning to campus in the spring.
Thank you for your flexibility as we face this year’s challenges and celebrate its triumphs together—as one unified Silversword ‘ohana. Wherever you are in your academic journey, we are here for you every step of the way to help you achieve your goals.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2020
To PsyD Students
From President
Aloha,
We are writing to let you know about an important change to our plan for resuming in-person instruction. Given ongoing concerns about the number of new COVID-19 infections on Oahu, we are extending the fall term’s period of online learning by three weeks.
Rather than bringing PsyD students back to campus for class on September 14, we will instead resume in-person classroom instruction on Monday, October 5.
Extending remote instruction is something we hoped we could avoid, but this decision reflects our highest priorities: the wellbeing and safety of our students, staff, faculty and our broader Chaminade ‘ohana. This new date gives our state an opportunity to slow the spread of coronavirus in communities.
We hope you know that while our faculty members have worked hard to bring excellent, engaging instruction to you online, they are so looking forward to your return on campus. The same goes for our staff members and administrators. There is nothing like learning face-to-face, gaining insight from and collaborating with one another and participating in a strong and vibrant academic community.
While online instruction continues for now, our student support services remain open and available to you—both in person and remotely. These include:
- Tutoring Center (Kokua Ike Learning Center)
- Counseling Center
- Sullivan Library
- Campus Ministry
- Residence Life
- Financial Aid
- Records and Registrar
- Business Office (email:CUH-BusinessOffice@chaminade.edu)
- Campus Bookstore
Finally, while we have set this firm new date for resuming in-person instruction, PsyD students can still choose to learn fully online for the remainder of the fall term if they feel more comfortable doing so. Those who want to continue with online instruction through the Fall Term should send an email to Hawaii School of Professional Psychology Director Sean Scanlan at sean.scanlan@chaminade.edu by September 25.
Before making up your mind on whether to select the remote option, we urge you to have a discussion with your advisor about your learning needs and consider the pros and cons of online instruction.
Whatever you choose, know that we are here to support you.
And if you opt to go fully online, we will look forward to you returning to campus in the spring.
Thank you for your resilience as we continue to face this year’s challenges and celebrate its triumphs together—as one unified Silversword ‘ohana. Wherever you are in your academic journey, we are here for you every step of the way to help you achieve your goals.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2020
To Undergraduate and PsyD Students
From President
Aloha,
The start of the new school year is right around the corner.
As you know, we will be delivering the first three weeks of the Fall 2020 term—from August 24 to September 11—fully online. This is certainly not what we had planned for, but the rising number of new COVID-19 cases in Hawaii prompted us to take swift action to protect everyone’s safety.
Our decision to switch to remote instruction reflects our top priority: your health and wellbeing.
That said, I know this change may be difficult for some. Please know that your Chaminade faculty mentors and staff remain ready to support you at every step of your academic journey—and ensure that you experience no disruptions as you work to achieve your goals and get to graduation day.
While you will not be returning to campus for now, please continue to take safety precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and keep yourself healthy. Wearing a face mask is vital to protecting you and those around you. You should also be practicing social distancing, avoiding gatherings and regularly washing your hands. If you feel sick, stay home and reach out to your doctor for advice.
For the latest on how Chaminade is responding to COVID-19 and an FAQ section, click here.
A note for incoming first-year or transfer undergraduates: you should have received an Advising and Career Development email about the switch to a virtual format for New Student Orientation. While the event will be delivered differently this year, it is still jam-packed with opportunities to connect with other members of the Chaminade ‘ohana, including faculty, and learn about the many offerings here. For more information, visit chaminade.edu/advising/nso.
Finally, wherever you are in your pursuit of your degree, please accept my thanks for your understanding and resilience as we get through this difficult period together. Our Marianist values at Chaminade offer a strong foundation in this moment, underscoring the importance of adaptation, service to your community and compassion and kindness to those around you.
Very soon, we will be able to join each other on campus again. We are so looking forward to that day!
In the meantime, please remember to seek out answers to your questions from our team at Chaminade. At a distance or in person, we are here to support you as you work to achieve your goals.
MONDAY, AUGUST 10, 2020
To PsyD Students
From President
After months of preparation, unprecedented vigilance, new social distancing protocols and an overhaul of learning spaces for an in-person return, the University’s COVID-19 Task Force and I have made the difficult decision to begin the academic year fully online. This will be in effect for the first three weeks of the term (August 24–September 11) as we continue to monitor the situation locally. We are determined to resume in-person instruction as soon as we feel we are able to do so safely.
We made this important decision now because we believe this is the right thing to do for us as a university community. This is our kuleana (responsibility) and who we are as Chaminade. This is also for the continued health and well-being of each one of you as a student and our entire campus community.
Rest assured, we are ready to begin the term online thanks to the amazing dedication and preparation by our staff and faculty over the past four months. Throughout the summer, faculty received intensive online training to further refine your interactive learning experience so you will continue to receive a quality education regardless of modality.
During the first three weeks of the term being online, all offices and student services will continue to operate in person as normal. Our residence halls will welcome those of you who are boarding next week.
While the number of confirmed cases in Hawaii seems relatively low compared to national figures, the virus’s positivity rate and trajectory here are concerning. I am sharing the resources and information below so we may monitor this situation together:
- Tracking the Pandemic (National Public Radio)
- Coronavirus Resource Center – Testing Hub (Johns Hopkins University)
- Get the Facts About Coronavirus (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
- COVID-19 Proclamations, Orders & Rules (City and County of Honolulu)
- Current Impact Level (State of Hawaii – Recovery Navigator)
This email may spark new questions and we are here for you. Please visit the contact section of the University’s COVID-19 webpage for specific contacts, or reach out to our student support offices below:
- Advising: (808) 739-7424 • psyd@chaminade.edu
- Modified Quarantine Information for Out-of-State Students: (808) 735-4767 • covid-19@chaminade.edu
- Student Life: (808) 735-4710 • deanofstudents@chaminade.edu
- Residence Life: (808) 739-4648 • reslife@chaminade.edu
- Counseling: (808) 735-4845 • counselingcenter@chaminade.edu
- Campus Ministry: (808) 735-4774 • jeremiah.carter@chaminade.edu
While this may feel like a step back in your educational journey, this is temporary and we will get through this together. I look forward to the day I can officially welcome you back to campus. Until then, delve deeper into your passion through your studies, take good care of yourself, seek out help when you need it, stretch yourself to support those who need it most right now, and continue to safely connect with your friends and loved ones.
MONDAY, AUGUST 10, 2020
To Day Undergraduate Students
From President
Aloha Chaminade students:
I am writing to you today with an important update regarding our fall term.
After months of preparation, unprecedented vigilance, new social distancing protocols and an overhaul of learning spaces for an in-person return, the University’s COVID-19 Task Force and I have made the difficult decision to begin the academic year fully online. This will be in effect for the first three weeks of the term (August 24–September 11) as we continue to monitor the situation locally. We are determined to resume in-person instruction as soon as we feel we are able to do so safely.
We made this important decision now because we believe this is the right thing to do for us as a university community. This is our kuleana (responsibility) and who we are as Chaminade. This is also for the continued health and well-being of each one of you as a student and our entire campus community.
Rest assured, we are ready to begin the term online thanks to the amazing dedication and preparation by our staff and faculty over the past four months. Throughout the summer, faculty received intensive online training to further refine your interactive learning experience so you will continue to receive a quality education regardless of modality.
During the first three weeks of the term being online, all offices and student services will continue to operate in person as normal. Our residence halls will welcome those of you who are boarding next week. Orientations for first-year and transfer students will transition to socially distanced small gatherings or a virtual format.
While the number of confirmed cases in Hawaii seems relatively low compared to national figures, the virus’s positivity rate and trajectory here are concerning. I am sharing the resources and information below so we may monitor this situation together:
- Tracking the Pandemic (National Public Radio)
- Coronavirus Resource Center – Testing Hub (Johns Hopkins University)
- Get the Facts About Coronavirus (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
- COVID-19 Proclamations, Orders & Rules (City and County of Honolulu)
- Current Impact Level (State of Hawaii – Recovery Navigator)
This email may spark new questions and we are here for you. Please visit the contact section of the University’s COVID-19 webpage for specific contacts, or reach out to our student support offices below:
- Advising: (808) 735-4815 • advising@chaminade.edu
- Modified Quarantine Information for Out-of-State Students: (808) 735-4767 • covid-19@chaminade.edu
- Student Life: (808) 735-4710 • deanofstudents@chaminade.edu
- Residence Life: (808) 739-4648 • reslife@chaminade.edu
- Counseling: (808) 735-4845 • counselingcenter@chaminade.edu
- Campus Ministry: (808) 735-4774 • jeremiah.carter@chaminade.edu
While this may feel like a step back in your educational journey, this is temporary and we will get through this together. I look forward to the day I can officially welcome you back to campus. Until then, delve deeper into your passion through your studies, take good care of yourself, seek out help when you need it, stretch yourself to support those who need it most right now, and continue to safely connect with your friends and loved ones.
MONDAY, AUGUST 10, 2020
To Graduate Students
From Chaminade University
Aloha, Graduate Students,
We know you take your commitment to your education very seriously, and Chaminade does as well. While we were pleased to return many of you to in-person coursework on July 6, our commitment to continuing in-person classes has always been contingent upon our conservative approach to the safety of our learning environment, our campus, and the broader community. Accordingly, after careful analysis of current public health data, and out of an abundance of caution, we have decided to transition all in-person graduate classes to online teaching and learning formats for the duration of the Summer graduate term. This was a difficult decision, but one that was made in order to prioritize the health, safety and well-being of our community.
Beginning Monday, August 10, 2020, all in-person graduate courses will be delivered virtually for the remainder of the Summer term. Many of your faculty will utilize Zoom to continue your classes synchronously (e.g., at the scheduled class time), but others may utilize our learning management system, Canvas, to deliver asynchronous classes for the next four weeks. Please make sure to reach out to your individual instructors for specific details for each of your classes.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to me at jdavidso@chaminade.edu or 808-739-7469 should you have any questions or concerns. Thank you again for your commitment to your education and to Chaminade. We look forward to helping you move towards your degree completion and future career advancement.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2020
To Day Undergraduate Students
From Chaminade University
Aloha,
We are only a few weeks away from the start of the fall semester on August 24 and the return of undergraduate students to campus. With the recent increase in new COVID-19 cases on Oahu, we wanted to reassure you that your health and wellbeing remains our top priority.
As part of our reopening plan, we have put in place a long list of protocols to keep our campus community safe, including requiring masks, instituting health screenings and voluntary temperature check stations, reorganizing classrooms and commons areas to ensure people can remain at least 6 feet apart, frequently sanitizing all shared spaces and postponing large gatherings indefinitely.
The COVID-19 crisis continues to rapidly develop, and we are working with public health experts in Hawaii and nationally to ensure we are following the best practices. Our focus is to support you every step of the way in your academic journey and ensure there is no disruption in meeting your goals.
While we are looking forward to welcoming students back for in-person classes, we also understand that returning to in-person instruction may be uncomfortable for some. For those concerned about resuming classes on campus at this time, we are offering a fall term online course option that has the same rigor as in-person courses and will meet all core academic requirements.
Every student’s journey is unique, but we are committed to ensuring the online program offers a seamless transition while also providing students with the hands-on, individualized instruction they are accustomed to. While we hope that you will decide to join us for in-person classes on August 24, we are ready to support you if you choose to take the online option instead. In any case, we are here to answer all of your questions and we hope you will also discuss your decision with your family.
If you have any questions or if you would like to learn more about the online option for day undergraduates this fall, please contact an academic advisor in the Advising Office at advising@chaminade.edu or (808) 735-4815. Director Danielle Masuda and our team of advisors are here to support you in your academic journey.
Those who choose to move forward with our fall term online course option will be transitioned back to in-person instruction in the spring term. We will keep participants updated as the fall term progresses.
And regardless of which option you choose, we want you to know that the Chaminade ‘ohana— including our counseling, student life, and campus ministry teams, our faculty members and our administrators—are here to support you as you work to accomplish your academic goals.
For those students returning to campus on August 24 for in-person or hybrid instruction, we look forward to seeing you soon. And if you decide if the online option is right for you, know that you remain a valued member of the Silversword family—and that we will reunite in person soon.
FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2020
To Out-of-State Students
From Chaminade University
Following discussions with Chaminade University and other institutions of higher learning in Hawaii, Governor David Ige has announced special modifications to the State’s 14-day quarantine for out-of-state college students registered for classes this fall.
The modifications, coupled with strong safety protocols, are meant to protect the broader community while recognizing the importance of student participation in their own learning―and in university activities at the beginning of term.
“At Chaminade, we have worked hard to institute a host of protocols aimed at protecting our campus and community from the spread of COVID-19,” said Dr. Lynn Babington, Chaminade president. “These quarantine modifications balance the needs of our incoming out-of-state students with the appropriate safety concerns of the Ige administration, and we are happy to offer them to our students this fall.”
Details of the modified quarantine for out-of-state students have just been finalized and include allowing out-of-state students who have tested negative for COVID-19 to adhere to a “bubble” quarantine within the university community―releasing them to participate in classes and safe university-sanctioned activities―rather than a strict lockdown. When students in the “bubble” quarantine program are not participating in university activities, they must remain in their places of residence.
No family members will be eligible for “bubble” quarantine modifications. This means that family members traveling with the student will need to adhere to the State’s mandatory 14-day quarantine.
This program, exclusively for university students in Hawaii, will work in parallel with the State’s mandates for face coverings and social distancing. It is also coupled with the university’s existing daily health screenings and evolving guidelines to protect our campus community.
There are three scenarios for the modified quarantine. Please understand this continues to be a dynamic situation, and parameters from State leadership are continually evolving. The university will continue to communicate the latest updates via email and on the COVID-19 section of the university website.
- Category A (STRONGLY RECOMMENDED): Student has obtained a negative result for pre-travel COVID-19 test taken with 72 hours of travel to Hawaii. All students in this category will be required to provide a written attestation to several health- and exposure-related questions. Students who return a positive test result must contact the university for additional assistance and full quarantine procedures. (The COVID-19 test must be a nucleic acid amplification test or NAAT test conducted at a CLIA-certified laboratory per the State of Hawaii’s mandate.)
- Category B: Student is awaiting COVID-19 test result (after arrival in Hawaii). Students in this category will report directly to their intended place of residence and enter the State’s 14-day mandatory quarantine. A negative result (during the 14-day quarantine) will allow students to break quarantine to attend university events with proof of University Modified Quarantine Approval. Students who return a positive result will be assisted by the university with full quarantine procedures and requested health-related support.
- Category C: Student does not have State-approved COVID-19 testing available in their area (outside the State of Hawaii). Please email covid-19@chaminade.edu immediately for support and further assistance with possible testing options in your area.
STUDENTS: Please complete this form today to express your interest in qualifying for this modified quarantine program.
The announcement of the quarantine modifications for out-of-state students comes as Chaminade prepares to welcome undergraduate students to campus on August 24.
As part of safely reopening campus, the university’s COVID-19 task force has re-spaced learning areas and classrooms to ensure social distancing guidelines can be followed. Signage is also posted across campus to remind everyone of the importance of face coverings, maintaining a six-foot distance from others and regularly washing hands. In addition, the university is conducting regular health screenings and has installed contactless temperature stations throughout campus.
For the latest on Chaminade’s coronavirus response, go to chaminade.edu/coronavirus.
For questions concerning the modified quarantine program, please contact Stari Nakano, Assistant to the Dean of Students, at 808-735-4710 or deanofstudents@chaminade.edu.
FRIDAY, JULY 10, 2020
To Returning Students
From Dean of Students
Aloha Silverswords,
Over the last several months, Chaminade staff, faculty, and administrators have been working hard to develop and execute a reopening plan that incorporates the latest state and federal guidelines to ensure that everyone stays safe.
As you begin to plan for your return to campus in August, we wanted to provide some information to assist you. It is important that all of us be prepared to contribute to the overall wellness of our campus community.
What to Expect On-Campus
- Everyone is asked to follow social distancing guidelines. When you return to campus, you will notice important changes to classroom spaces, common areas, and campus offices designed to make it easier to socially distance – or remain at least six feet apart. Wherever you are on campus, please remember to give people the appropriate space, and do not forget to forgo the hugs and offer a shaka instead
- Mask wearing is required. Face coverings are now a powerful tool in the fight against COVID-19. We are asking all members of our campus community to wear a face mask or covering in classes and common areas on campus.
- Sanitizing shared spaces regularly. Our team is thoroughly cleaning shared spaces often so that whenever you are on campus, you can focus on what is most important – your education. We also will have stations across campus equipped with hand sanitizer, but continue to encourage you to wash your hands frequently, as public health experts recommend.
- Daily health screenings will be conducted. To reduce the risk of anyone getting sick, we will be conducting health screenings on campus. We ask that you utilize the self-screening tool daily and show the results of your screening to Security staff at the checkpoint as you enter campus.
- Stay home if you are not feeling well. Let your instructor know that you will be absent from class so that you can develop an alternate plan for completing your coursework.
Travel to Hawaii
Governor David Ige announced a new travel protocol, starting August 1st, that will allow out-of-state travelers (including students and their families) to avoid the 14-day mandatory quarantine. The State of HI Health Department is still in the process of developing this program but anticipates requiring an FDA-approved PCR test from a CLIA certified laboratory. Those who provide certification of a negative test result will avoid the 14-day quarantine. We will work together to ensure that our campus culture is in step with the statewide commitments to staying safe and healthy.
As information and details can change, we will continue to share any updates through Dr. Babington’s weekly emails to the campus community as well as through Chaminade’s COVID-19 website.
Chaminade University will reimburse all out-of-state students for any costs incurred for your individual COVID test (students only). Please keep any receipt as you will need to hand that in for reimbursement. More information on that process will be available when you arrive on-campus.
Travel Offers
We have been working with the Courtyard Waikiki Beach Marriott to secure a Chaminade University Student/Parent Room Block offering reduced rate rooms. Chaminade students and family members will be able to reserve rooms starting from Thursday, 8/6, through Monday, 8/24. The reservation cut-off date is Friday, July 24, 2020. Click here to book your group rate for Chaminade University Student/Parent Room Block.
We are also pleased to announce that Hawaiian Airlines launched a travel assistance program for Chaminade University and other local university students. You may use this link to access the Hawaiian Airlines Chaminade Preferred Affiliate account. No program code or password is needed. The discount is valid for both one-way and roundtrip itineraries.
With everyone’s help, our campus will remain a safe and welcoming learning environment. Please know that our top priority remains your well-being. And as always, we are here to support you as you pursue your educational goals and set out to make positive change in the world. We look forward to seeing you in August.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2020
Update
Governor David Ige announced a new travel protocol, starting August 1, that will allow out-of-state travelers (including students and their families) to avoid the 14-day quarantine. Prior to arriving in Hawaii, out-of-state travelers may obtain a PCR test for COVID-19 from any testing location approved by the Hawaii State Department of Health. Those who provide certification of a negative test result will avoid the 14-day mandatory quarantine. Travelers who are unable to provide evidence of a negative test result will be subject to the 14-day quarantine.
We continue to collaborate with Governor Ige and the State Department of Health on a modified set of travel and quarantine guidelines for our campus community. We hope to have a favorable response this week and will notify our Chaminade ohana first.
TUESDAY, JUNE 23, 2020
Update
As we continue to prepare our beautiful Kalaepohaku campus for the return of undergraduate students on August 24, we recognize the need for families to begin travel plans for the fall semester.
With the mandatory 14-day quarantine currently in place for travelers to Hawaii, we partnered with universities across Hawaii in requesting an exemption from the current quarantine for students attending college in Hawaii.
As of June 23rd, we are pleased to report that Governor Ige is working with the State Department of Health to determine how this can be safely achieved in an accelerated timeframe. Please know that we are in constant communication- collaborating with state officials, the Department of Health and fellow university colleagues to make this proposal a reality. We hope to have a favorable response later this week and will notify our Chaminade ‘ohana first.
MONDAY, JUNE 15, 2020
To Graduate Students
From President
Aloha,
Thank you for all your flexibility and understanding as we respond to the COVID-19 crisis.
As you prepare for the Summer 2020 term to begin, I wanted to share some positive news: we will resume in-person graduate instruction on Monday, July 6.
That means any in-person course you’ve registered for will be held on campus.
Over the last several months, we’ve been working hard to develop and execute a reopening plan that incorporates the latest state and federal guidelines to ensure that everyone stays safe.
Here are some of the things you should expect:
Everyone is asked to follow social distancing guidelines.
When you return to campus, you’ll notice important changes to classroom spaces, common areas and campus offices designed to make it easier to socially distance—or remain at least six feet apart. Our COVID-19 task force has worked hard to oversee this work, but we’re also asking you to do your part. Wherever you are on campus, please remember to give people the appropriate space, and don’t forget to forgo the hugs and offer a shaka instead.
Mask wearing is required.
Face coverings are now a powerful tool in the fight against COVID-19. We’re asking all members of our community to wear a face mask or covering in classes and common areas on campus.
We’re sanitizing shared spaces regularly.
Our team is thoroughly cleaning shared spaces often so that whenever you’re on campus, you can focus on what’s most important: your education. We also have stations across campus equipped with hand sanitizer, but encourage you to wash your hands frequently—as public health experts recommend.
Daily health screenings will be conducted.
To reduce the risk of anyone getting sick, we’ll be conducting health screenings on campus.
If you don’t feel well, please don’t come to campus. Let your instructor know that you’ll be absent from class so that you can develop an alternate plan for completing your coursework.
With everyone’s help, our campus will remain a safe and welcoming learning environment.
Please know that our top priority remains your wellbeing. And as always, we’re here to support you as you pursue your educational goals and set out to make positive change in the world.
FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 2020
To On Campus Undergraduate Students
From President
Aloha,
I hope you’re enjoying some rest and relaxation during your summer break. In this email, I wanted to offer you the latest updates on our plans for the fall term and outline what we are doing to ensure everyone’s safety when in-person classes resume.
Most importantly, we are looking forward to welcoming students back to campus on August 24.
In a change to the academic calendar, we will complete the fall undergraduate term before Thanksgiving this year on Wednesday, November 25. While the semester is slightly shorter, you’ll get the same academic rigor and development opportunities.
Our top priority remains your health and safety, so we are working closely with public health experts to execute a robust COVID-19 plan that reflects best practices for resuming in-person classes in the fall. When you return to campus, you will notice changes to classroom spaces and common areas to ensure that group sizes remain small and people can remain six feet apart.
Everyone on campus will also be required to wear a face covering in designated areas. This “new normal” may seem strange at first, but please know that all these changes are designed to ensure everyone’s safety. Here are some of the key elements of our plan to return to in-person instruction in August:
Flexible class delivery methods.
All classes will resume in-person instruction and many classes will be held wholly in-person. In some cases, other instructional formats may be used. In cases where class or classroom size do not allow for all students to be present at all times due to social distancing guidelines, a hybrid instructional format may be used. Hybrid class formats will combine majority in-person classes with limited online instruction as needed. In other cases, small group experiential or project-based learning may be assigned as well.
New safety protocols for everyone.
With the return of staff to campus in June, the University instituted new safety protocols that apply across the board. Everyone on campus must now wear a face covering and adhere to social distancing guidelines, which means remaining at least six feet from others. To help remind you of these changes, we will be posting new signage on campus and sending out other communications.
Changes to common areas.
We’ve formed a task force to oversee making changes to classroom spaces, residence halls and common areas to comply with safety guidelines, including limiting the size of gatherings and other local and national social distancing recommendations.
Ensuring an active campus life.
With students back on campus, Student Life will be thinking outside the box about how to offer engaging and safe events and programming while following social distancing guidelines. We will also be working with campus departments and student clubs to ensure all sponsored student gatherings adhere to the University’s new safety protocols.
Rolling out health screening.
We are working with the state and other universities in Hawaii to research various options for COVID-19 testing and contact tracing, and will update you when final plans are complete. Because of our relatively small student population, we have several options available to us that will assure the health and safety of our community.
Maintaining health at residence halls.
We will be reviewing our cleaning procedures and putting protocols in place for students returning from out-of-state or international locations. This, along with other protocols in development for universities of our size, is part of a broader strategy to minimize exposure to coronavirus on campus.
Training faculty and staff.
Our faculty and staff play a central role in our efforts to make sure campus remains a safe environment in which to learn, work and visit. We’ve instituted training to ensure staff understand the latest guidelines.
Thank you for your continued flexibility as we take this next big step in our response to the COVID-19 crisis. We look forward to welcoming you back to campus soon, and appreciate your support as we overcome the challenges presented to us. We are Chaminade strong and together we will achieve our goals—unified in our mission and focused on making positive change.
Looking forward to seeing you soon.
FRIDAY, MAY 1, 2020
To PsyD Students
From President
Aloha Students,
I wanted to take an opportunity to thank you for your flexibility in what have been incredibly challenging times for many of us, and to share some much-needed good news.
As part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, Economic Security (CARES) Act funding that Chaminade University received from the federal government, we will be dispersing emergency funds to students whose education has been affected by COVID-19.
You will receive $500 as a qualified, full-time PsyD student.
These funds will be disbursed directly into the student account you have on file with BankMobile (bankmobiledisbursements.com) on or before May 13, 2020. If you do not have an account on file, you will receive an email from BankMobile asking you to select between having a check mailed to the home address on file or setting up an account for direct payment.
Award notifications for those of you who applied (and qualify) for emergency funding for tuition, housing, food, books, technology, childcare and healthcare will be sent at the end of next week.
I hope this news provides a little bit of relief. As our founder Father Chaminade once said, “New times call for new methods.” You have taken this to heart, and you have exhibited what it means to adapt and change. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need support. We are here to help in any way we can.
E hele me ka pu’olo.
Make every person, place or condition better than you left it, always.
FRIDAY, MAY 1, 2020
To Graduate Program Students
From President
Aloha Students,
I wanted to take an opportunity to thank you for your flexibility in what have been incredibly challenging times for many of us, and to share some much-needed good news.
As part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, Economic Security (CARES) Act funding that Chaminade University received from the federal government, we will be dispersing emergency funds to students whose education has been affected by COVID-19.
You will receive $500 as a qualified, full-time graduate student.
These funds will be disbursed directly into the student account you have on file with BankMobile (bankmobiledisbursements.com) on or before May 13, 2020. If you do not have an account on file, you will receive an email from BankMobile asking you to select between having a check mailed to the home address on file or setting up an account for direct payment.
Award notifications for those of you who applied (and qualify) for emergency funding for tuition, housing, food, books, technology, childcare and healthcare will be sent at the end of next week.
I hope this news provides a little bit of relief. As our founder Father Chaminade once said, “New times call for new methods.” You have taken this to heart, and you have exhibited what it means to adapt and change. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need support. We are here to help in any way we can.
E hele me ka pu’olo.
Make every person, place or condition better than you left it, always.
FRIDAY, MAY 1, 2020
To On Campus, Resident Undergraduate Students
From President
Aloha Students,
I wanted to take an opportunity to thank you for your flexibility in what have been incredibly challenging times for many of us, and to share some much-needed good news.
As part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, Economic Security (CARES) Act funding that Chaminade University received from the federal government, we will be dispersing emergency funds to students whose education has been affected by COVID-19.
You will receive $1,000 as a qualified, full-time, on-campus undergraduate student. In addition, you will also receive an additional $300 (for a total of $1,300) as a student living in a University residence hall this term. (The latter is above and beyond the pro-rated room and board rebates you will receive later this month.)
These funds will be disbursed directly into the student account you have on file with BankMobile (bankmobiledisbursements.com) on or before May 13, 2020. If you do not have an account on file, you will receive an email from BankMobile asking you to select between having a check mailed to the home address on file or setting up an account for direct payment.
Award notifications for those of you who applied (and qualify) for emergency funding for tuition, housing, food, books, technology, childcare and healthcare will be sent at the end of next week.
I hope this news provides a little bit of relief as you prepare for your final exams. As our founder Father Chaminade once said, “New times call for new methods.” You have taken this to heart, and you have exhibited what it means to adapt and change. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need support. We are here to help in any way we can. Best of luck on your final exams, and we hope you have a restful and relaxing summer break.
E hele me ka pu’olo.
Make every person, place or condition better than you left it, always.
FRIDAY, MAY 1, 2020
To On Campus, Non-Resident Undergraduate Students
From President
Aloha Students,
I wanted to take an opportunity to thank you for your flexibility in what have been incredibly challenging times for many of us, and to share some much-needed good news.
As part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, Economic Security (CARES) Act funding that Chaminade University received from the federal government, we will be dispersing emergency funds to students whose education has been affected by COVID-19.
You will receive $1,000 as a qualified, full-time, on-campus undergraduate student.
These funds will be disbursed directly into the student account you have on file with BankMobile (bankmobiledisbursements.com) on or before May 13, 2020. If you do not have an account on file, you will receive an email from BankMobile asking you to select between having a check mailed to the home address on file or setting up an account for direct payment.
Award notifications for those of you who applied (and qualify) for emergency funding for tuition, housing, food, books, technology, childcare and healthcare will be sent at the end of next week.
I hope this news provides a little bit of relief as you prepare for your final exams. As our founder Father Chaminade once said, “New times call for new methods.” You have taken this to heart, and you have exhibited what it means to adapt and change. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need support. We are here to help in any way we can. Best of luck on your final exams, and we look forward to welcoming you back to campus in August.
E hele me ka pu’olo.
Make every person, place or condition better than you left it, always.
FRIDAY, MAY 1, 2020
To Students
From Director of Residence Life
Aloha Residents,
On May 8th the residence halls will be closing for the summer. If you would like to have the Chaminade University staff pack your remaining belongings at no cost to you, please complete this form before May 8, 2020.
The University is working with M. Dyer and Sons, a local moving company to facilitate any shipping and/or storage needs you may have. Cost for shipping and storage will be your responsibility as an individual student. Please review and complete these documents by May 8, 2020.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact me or M. Dyer and Sons directly.
Thank you and good luck on finals.
MONDAY, APRIL 22, 2020
To Students
From President
Aloha,
I hope this message finds you safe, healthy and well. I know these are stressful times and I have been incredibly impressed with the flexibility, dedication and creativity you have all shown over the past few weeks. Thank you for all of your hard work.
COVID-19 has brought tremendous change and uncertainty to our lives. It has changed the way we work, the way we study, the way we learn and the way we connect with one another. We anticipate that things will continue to change, and we are prepared to adapt when they do.
I know there are a lot of questions about what the future brings. Our university leadership is working at the state level to reopen campus and restore as much normalcy as possible in advance of our planned return to in-person instruction this fall.
While we cannot predict what the future holds, we are in constant communication with our state and national partners to monitor the COVID-19 situation closely and we will continue to follow state recommendations and orders.
Your health and safety remain our top priority. Whatever decisions arise will be made in the best interest of you—our students, and the faculty and staff here on campus who support your educational journey at Chaminade.
We will continue to keep you informed and updated as developments occur and decisions are made. Please continue to reach out to one another to offer support and connection while we all do our best to navigate these difficult times.
MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2020
To Chaminade Community
From President
Aloha Chaminade faculty, staff and students,
I hope you’re all doing well and staying safe.
In this week’s email, I wanted to update you on two funding sources newly available to Chaminade from the federal government to address the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic—and what we’re doing to disburse these monies quickly to our University community.
First, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) allocated $1.48 million to Chaminade for emergency relief. By law, half of these funds ($741,000) must be distributed to students in the form of grants and the other half must go to pandemic-related institutional expenses.
We are grateful for this funding, which will help support our students in this difficult time.
Student grants are aimed at helping those facing financial distress because of the COVID-19 crisis, and can go to expenses such as food, housing, healthcare, childcare, tuition aid and course materials or technology.
We’ve launched an online form for students to apply.
The application and supporting materials are due by 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 22. Chaminade will begin disbursing grants as quickly as possible after the deadline, and has also formed a special committee comprised of Dean of Student Affairs Allison Jerome, Vice President of Finance Aulani Kaanoi, Director of Financial Aid Amy Takiguchi and myself to oversee emergency support efforts for students.
Also through CARES Act appropriations, the University was able to secure a $4.17 million forgivable loan through the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program. The loan will be used to cover our payroll expenses for two months.
In other news, we’re happy to announce Chaminade’s Undergraduate Research and Pre-Professional Program will offer its invaluable research experiences fully online this summer. As part of the program, students are paired with Chaminade professors to explore a research question of interest to them and receive a $2,000 stipend for their participation.
If you’re interested, submit your application by April 27.
Finally, mark your calendars for two opportunities to connect with fellow Silverswords remotely:
- On April 22, our Office of Student Activities and Leadership will be coordinating a special Earth Day Recycle Challenge;
- And on Friday, April 24, jump onto Zoom for virtual Zumba at 12:30pm.
Wishing you a productive week ahead.
MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2020
To Students in Residence Halls
From Dean of Students
Dear Resident,
Please carefully read the following information as it impacts your stay in the CUH residence halls. Our intention is to keep the residence halls open until the end of the academic year. It is critical that you follow the guidelines set forth by the Governor, Mayor, and the University.
If all members of our residential community remain vigilant, the halls can safely remain open. We do not want to be forced to close due to a member of the residential community being infected.
You should have seen an email that went out to the entire Chaminade community this morning from President Babington regarding the University’s response to Mayor Caldwell’s Stay at Home/Work from Home Order. This order goes into effect at 4:30pm today, 3/23/2020.
Governor Ige issued a mandatory 14-day quarantine (effective Thursday, March 26, 2020, until further notice) for all visitors and returning residents to Hawaii. As self-quarantining means staying home and away from other people as much as possible for that 14-day period (including staying in a separate room and using a separate restroom), we are not able to accommodate students needing to self-quarantine in the residence halls. If you return to Hawaii, you will need to self-quarantine in a hotel or another location outside of campus for the 14-day period.
This message is a follow up to ensure that you understand how this impacts you as a Chaminade University resident student.
The Emergency Order to Stay at Home/Work from Home goes into effect today (March 23, 2020) at 4:30pm and lasts through April 30, 2020.
Essential outside activities are allowed which include:
- Activities related to coursework and other educational requirements
- Outdoor exercise
- Shopping for groceries and other necessities
- Attending medical appointments
The intent of this order is to ensure that the maximum number of people self-isolate in their places of residence to slow the spread of COVID-19 to the maximum extent possible. When individuals do need to go out to attend to essential business, Social Distancing Requirements should be followed:
- maintain at least a 6-foot social distance from other individuals
- wash your hands with soap & water for at least 20 seconds as frequently as possible or using hand sanitizer
- cover coughs or sneezes (into the sleeve or elbow, not hands)
- regularly clean high touch surfaces
- not shaking hands or making physical contact with other individuals.
In addition, please review these other important Residence Life & University updates:
- The Carlson Fitness Center will be closed until further notice beginning at 6:00pm, Monday, March 23, 2020.
- Vi & Paul Loo Student Center will be closed until further notice.
- The Residence Life office will open however residents are asked to call the office prior to visiting. Staff will continue to monitor the reslife@chaminade.edu email address and check voicemails on the main housing line 808-739-4648. Residents can also contact Security at 808-735-4792, 24/7.
- RA Duty phone numbers, 7pm-7a
- Hale Lokelani: 808-594-8159
- Hale Pohaku: 808-594-8046
- Kieffer Hall: 808-594-8537
- Waialae: 808-594-8715
- Dining services and hours will remain in effect as stated in the email on March 20. Food delivery will be arranged for any student who is unable to leave their room. Dining services will resume after Spring Break, March 28th for dinner.
- CUH Mailroom will operate on a modified schedule. Mailroom will be open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 11am-2pm. Mail will be delivered and packages may also be picked up from the mailroom on those days.
Residents should continue to submit maintenance requests as needed via myschoolbuilding.com.
The Security Office will continue to be staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days per week. You can reach Security at (808) 735-4792.
Guests-Until further notice, guests are restricted from access to the residence halls.
If you feel sick, please stay at home and call your medical provider. It is also important to call your RA to inform her/him if you are sick.
Move out for all residents is 12pm, Friday, May 8, 2020. If a resident would like to coordinate a check out, please call the Residence Life Office to coordinate a date and time.
We appreciate you and know that this is a time when everyone in our Silversword ohana will demonstrate how they can truly adapt and be flexible. Please reach out to your RA if you have any additional questions. We appreciate your full cooperation in keeping our entire community safe.
MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2020
To Chaminade Community
From President
Good morning Chaminade ‘ohana,
I’m writing you to share several updates in response to this weekend’s announcements by our state’s leadership and reiterate our distance learning plans for the remainder of the spring term.
Business Operations, Student Services and Campus Offices
University leadership met late yesterday to discuss and determine a revised course of action after Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s emergency order. Staff supervisors will connect with each of their staff this morning to confirm work plans for the weeks ahead. (Staff should continue to submit their telework form as the mayor’s order takes effect later today and runs through April 30.) The continued safety and well-being of our campus ‘ohana is tantamount to our mission and we are using the mayor’s order to further refine our existing plan. Because the University initiated this effort early, we are confident that all essential business operations will continue with minimal interruption. All campus offices are committed to providing student services via an enhanced suite of delivery methods.
Governor David Ige’s 14-Day Self-Quarantine
Dean Allison Jerome and the Residence Life staff have already begun notifying students residing in our residence halls of Governor David Ige’s order for a 14-day mandatory self-quarantine for all travelers to Hawaii effective Thursday, March 26. It is critical students (and parents) understand the implications of this order if they plan to return to residence halls this weekend. Please reach out to our Residence Life team with any questions.
Distance Learning Through the End of Spring Term
The emergency orders announced this weekend have no impact on our distance learning plans. As I reported earlier, we will continue online instruction through the end of spring term for all students. Our faculty have spent countless hours transitioning their coursework online and we are grateful for their early adoption, flexibility and continued support.
As this dynamic situation continues to unfold, we’ll keep you updated on all we’re doing to respond. Please visit chaminade.edu for the latest campus updates.
We want you to know that there’s nothing more important to us than the health and safety of the members of our Chaminade ‘ohana and the broader community — all of you and those you hold dear. At this difficult time, we’re heartened by the incredible acts of aloha and solidarity we’ve seen all around us and the continued resilience of our students, our faculty and our staff.
We’re also buoyed by one simple truth: We have always been strongest when we work together.
Together, there’s nothing we can’t overcome.
FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 2020
To Chaminade Community
From President
Aloha,
As president of Chaminade, there are few things that bring me greater joy than our commencement exercise. It is a well-earned celebration for an accomplishment years in the making. That’s why it brings me great sadness to let you know I’ve made the difficult but appropriate decision to postpone commencement, along with the baccalaureate mass and honors ceremony.
We plan to re-schedule these important events for December.
To Chaminade University’s Class of 2020 graduates: I’ve included a special video message to offer you my support and my thanks for your empathy and understanding. While we are not gathering in May to recognize your accomplishments as we normally would, you deserve our heartiest congratulations for all that you’ve achieved.
In a short amount of time, COVID-19 has changed daily life in so many ways. At Chaminade, we’ve transitioned entirely to online learning, canceled large events and put in place other measures aimed at keeping our students, faculty, staff and broader community safe. These disruptions haven’t been easy, but they were all necessary. And despite the difficulty, we adapted together.
Postponing commencement was something we hoped to avoid. But as this dynamic situation continues to evolve, I ultimately realized I needed to make this tough decision. While we won’t be able to celebrate our graduates in May, we can all find comfort in the fact that we are doing our part and practicing leadership and service by putting the health and safety of our community first.
I wouldn’t expect anything less from a Silversword.
Indeed, over the last several weeks, I’ve been struck by the resilience I’ve seen in our students, our faculty, our staff and our broader ‘ohana. And I’ve been moved by so many loving acts of aloha, people reaching out—despite their own challenges—to offer support and a helping hand.
At Chaminade University, our mission of public service unites us. And once united, we can accomplish anything we set out to do. During this crisis, even as we’ve physically distanced ourselves, we’ve all grown closer emotionally and spiritually. We’ve relied on one another—as a family does.
I know, we will all emerge from this stronger than ever before. Because we got through it together.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 2020
To Chaminade Community
From President
Aloha Chaminade University ‘ohana:
As the coronavirus situation continues to unfold, our leadership has made the difficult but necessary decision to extend online instruction for all students through the end of the term. While not ideal, we believe this change and early notification will minimize further disruption to our students’ education and academic progress. We remain deeply committed to maintaining and further improving our service to students in the weeks ahead. Here are the key decisions made today:
Distance Learning Extended Through the End of Spring Term
We will continue online instruction through the end of spring term for ALL students. Faculty has already begun this transition and remain committed to the academic progress of all students.
Campus to Remain Open
All offices and departments will continue business with no disruption in service to our students and campus community. This includes but is not limited to counseling, student life, records, financial aid, advising and career development, campus ministry, admissions, business offices, bookstore, mail room, Sullivan Family Library and Carlson Fitness Center. The dining hall (closed for spring break) and POD market (modified hours for spring break) will both remain open. (Further information regarding employee telework plans is forthcoming this afternoon.)
Residence Halls to Remain Open
All residence halls will remain open through the end of the spring term. Students are urged to contact their Resident Assistant or visit the Residence Life office at Kieffer Hall with any questions or concerns.
We know the changes we’ve made to your schedule are disruptive, and we appreciate you understanding why they’re necessary. Nothing is more important to us than our ‘ohana — all of you and those who you hold dear. Taking these steps now is tough, but vital to our students’ progression.
We’ll keep you updated on all we’re doing to respond. Visit our coronavirus update page for information as well as important reminders for social distancing, self care and prevention.
And please know that we are here to offer you support as we all get through this together.
MONDAY, MARCH 16, 2020
To Chaminade Community
From President
To our Chaminade faculty, staff and students:
As we respond to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), your health and safety remain our top priority.
Out of an abundance of caution, and in dialogue with public health officials, we’ve taken a series of decisive actions to prevent the potential spread of COVID-19 in our community. We’ve made these changes with you and your ‘ohana in mind. As we shared yesterday, a campus member was exposed to an individual who tested positive for COVID-19. While the campus member continues to show no symptoms, we believe our continued preemptive steps will allow us to prepare campus appropriately and adjust quickly should our situation change.
Here’s what we are doing to keep our campus safe:
- We have begun to deliver all instruction online effective today, Monday, March 16.
All classes, including those that normally meet in person, are being delivered in a distance learning format. - We are remaining vigilant.
While classes are being delivered online, the campus remains open. All of Chaminade’s offices and departments are operating normally, including student life, advising and career development, counseling, business, residence halls and dining facilities. To ensure everyone’s safety, our maintenance team has ramped up their efforts to sanitize common spaces and high traffic areas. We are also promoting social distancing and asking everyone to practice good hygiene through self-care and prevention. - We are not holding large events — or traveling for studies or business.
During this time, it’s important we all do our part to avoid crowds. We have canceled or rescheduled all large events on campus through April 10. As a precaution, we have also canceled all University-sponsored travel, including study abroad programs. - We have established an online resource page to keep you informed.
Here you will find curated information from expert resources as well as the latest on the University’s decisions and support services available.
We know the changes we’ve made to your schedule are disruptive, and we appreciate you understanding why they are necessary. Nothing is more important to us than our ‘ohana — all of you and those who you hold dear. Taking these steps now is tough, but vital to keeping everyone safe.
As this dynamic situation continues to unfold, we’ll keep you updated on all we are doing to respond. And we want you to know that we’re here to offer you support as we all get through this together.
In the days and weeks ahead, we’ll be well served to remember these words from our University’s namesake, Father Chaminade: “On every occasion, let us preserve charity and union.” On this occasion, then, let us do all we can to help those around us, including by taking steps to protect the most vulnerable members of our community. And let us seek strength in the community we share.
SUNDAY, MARCH 15, 2020
To Chaminade Community
Chaminade community ‘ohana:
A member of Chaminade University’s campus community was informed today that they were in contact with an individual who tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) on March 7. As of today, March 15, the campus member has no symptoms. While this interaction did not occur on campus, the University is vigilant in protecting the continued health of our campus community and following the Hawaii Department of Health’s recommendations to notify all appropriate parties.
Effective Monday, March 16, we will institute the following measures in an abundance of caution and to maintain the health and well-being of our campus community:
- Chaminade will move to online delivery of our in-person classes until further notice. Faculty will contact students via their university email accounts.
- The campus will be open for normal business operations. Administrators will contact all staff members who wish to work remotely or employ alternative business options.
- Student Life will notify students residing in residence halls of this plan and provide any additional support. The residence halls, dining facilities and all essential student services will remain open.
The University’s Coronavirus Update section will be continually updated as new information becomes available.
THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2020
To Chaminade Community
From President
Aloha Chaminade University ‘ohana,
Our leadership team met this morning to discuss the latest changes and updates regarding COVID-19. After careful consideration and consultation with health officials, Chaminade University will institute the following changes for our spring term. We will continue to hold classes on campus (face to face) next week, March 16 through March 20, followed by Spring Break (March 23-27). Beginning Monday, March 30, classes will be taught using a distance format for two weeks through April 10. We will continue to assess the situation and determine whether or not in-person classes can safely resume.
I can assure you that this decision was not made lightly, and that your Chaminade leadership has taken into consideration the health and well-being of our students, faculty and staff. We are confident that in adopting these proactive measures, we can reduce the potential transmission and spread of the virus through social distancing and other recommended measures.
Spring Schedule & Distance Learning Plans
Unless the current situation on campus changes, we will continue in-person instruction through next Friday, March 20:
- Monday, March 23 – Friday, March 27 – Spring Break (undergraduate students)
- Monday, March 30 – Online instruction (distance learning) begins for existing in-person classes (two weeks)
- Friday, April 10 – Online instruction (distance learning) concludes
- Monday, April 13 – In-person instruction resumes on campus
Campus to Remain Open
All offices and departments will conduct business normally in service to our students and campus community. This includes counseling, student life, advising and career development, business, residence halls and dining facilities (except during spring break).
Transition to Online Instruction
Over the next week, faculty will work directly with our students to make the transition to online as smooth as possible. While we understand nothing can replace face to face instruction, please know they are deeply committed to the academic progress of our students and have received access to supplemental training over the past several weeks.
Campus Events
Large campus events have been canceled or rescheduled through April 10. Please visit our events section for a list of impacted campus activities.
Resources
Your health and well-being continue to be our priorities here at Chaminade. Students, staff and faculty are urged to visit our coronavirus update page for updated resources and expert recommendations on self-care and prevention.
Amidst this uncertain time, we remain steadfast in our Marianist values and our commitment to our community. Thank you for trusting us and standing with us as we work to protect our campus ‘ohana, and please join me in continuing to keep those affected by the coronavirus in your thoughts and prayers.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 2020
To Faculty and Adjuncts
From Provost
Dear Faculty Colleagues:
As a follow-up to Dr. Babington’s email and announcement of the updated CUH coronavirus webpage, I am writing with a gentle reminder that you should be preparing yourself for the possibility of a disruption to face-to-face classes in the coming days or weeks due to recommended social distancing strategies to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. While no decision or recommendation has been made to transition to online/distance instructional formats right now, we must all recognize that the circumstances for such a decision could occur with little [additional] time to prepare.
Accordingly, please take time now to reacquaint yourself with the Academic Affairs’ pandemic response guidance that I shared with you last week (available here under ‘Distance Learning’) and ensure that you are familiar with our learning management system (LMS), Canvas, and the steps required to transition your course instruction into an online/distance medium on short notice. While you may use differential assignments and other forms of collaboration (email, chatrooms, videoconferencing, etc.) in addition to the LMS, everyone should be prepared to make essential use of Canvas as required.
Please remember that Scott Wiley has created many hours of customized video tutorial trainings for CUH faculty to navigate every aspect of the Canvas LMS; and he has also created a special guide for transitioning your existing face-to-face class instruction into the Canvas shell. Please visit the Canvas Vault to access these resources and step-by-step guides for adapting your face-to-face coursework to Canvas this semester. Please also remember that the CTL continues to offer regular workshops and individual consultations to transition your coursework online; additional consultations are available via online and videoconference mediums as well. Please reach out to Scott Wiley (scott.wylie@chaminade.edu) for Canvas or Canvas Vault questions and contact Jim Sutton (james.hellersutton@chaminade.edu) in the CTL for questions related to workshops and consultations.
As we continue to plan, prepare and anticipate the contours of this global pandemic, I would like to remind everyone that we are well prepared to navigate this situation as a university and a community. Over the past few days, I have spoken with dozens of faculty and many students to ensure that our community is doing well and to answer any questions that people may have. Throughout these conversations, I have been heartened and impressed to observe not only a calm resolve in the dispositions of both faculty and students alike, but also a consistent concern for others who may be particularly vulnerable to the health and economic impacts of this pandemic within and beyond our community. As we continue to do everything that we can to ensure our own health and well-being, alongside that of our students, l hope that we can also continue to concern ourselves with those who are facing exacerbated risks during this difficult time.
I would like to continue my conversations on this topic with all of you, but I am sensitive to the complexities of organizing any large group gathering right now. I would therefore like to invite those of you with questions, comments or concerns to reach out to me directly; you may do so by phone x4825, email or by stopping by my office (257 Ching). I will also be hosting several small-group discussions for any interested faculty on the following days and times. I will be limiting attendees to a maximum of 15 during each session. Please RSVP to me directly by responding to this email.
- 3:00pm on Friday (3/13) in the President’s Conference Room
- 9:00am on Monday (3/16) in the President’s Conference Room
- 11:00am on Tuesday (3/17) in the President’s Conference Room
Finally, please allow me to enjoin you to think of your own health as well; please make every effort to take good care of your physical and mental well-being during this challenging period. If you do become ill — or otherwise find yourself feeling under-the-weather — please stay home for your own good as well as the good of your students, colleagues and community. We each have a solemn responsibility to one other, as we do to ourselves, to contribute to a shared sense of good health and well-being in every way possible. If you need help from your colleagues, deans or university leadership, please ask. We are here to support you in this noble endeavor.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 2020
To Chaminade Community
From President
Aloha Chaminade University ‘ohana,
We appreciate the trust you place in us as a valued member of the Chaminade community. This is why I want to personally update you on the situation with COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) and the steps we are taking to ensure the health and safety of our students, staff and faculty.
While COVID-19 remains a serious threat to countries like China, Iran, South Korea, Italy and other areas with CDC Level 3 and 4 Travel Warnings, Hawaii’s vulnerability to the virus is still low. We continue to follow the guidelines as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Hawaii Department of Health (HDOH), and U.S. federal policy, and will update our policies as the situation develops.
As a reminder, we continue to encourage frequent handwashing, disinfecting of common areas and shared learning tools, and recommended respiratory etiquette. In addition, we have suspended all university-sponsored travel for students, faculty and staff outside of Hawaii through May 1 and all university-sponsored international travel (including study abroad programs) through the end of the year.
We also continue to work with our Division of Academic Affairs to provide guidance for distance learning accommodations or alternative assignments to maintain academic progress should regular class meeting schedules eventually become disrupted.
To ensure you have access to the latest updates and news regarding Chaminade’s response and actions related to COVID-19, we have developed a comprehensive information center on our website. Please use this link for future updates.
Please join me in continuing to keep those affected by and assisting with the coronavirus in your thoughts and prayers.
TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2020
To Faculty
From Provost
Dear Faculty Colleagues:
I am writing to share some important academic guidance (attached) that will help you respond to potential changes in class schedules and/or attendance due to a pandemic of the novel corona virus (COVID-19). While there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 spread in Hawaii as of today, March 3, we should all be prepared to accommodate student absences and, if necessary, quickly transition to online modes of instruction in the event that a pandemic is declared in the future. Preparing and planning to offer your coursework online or via alternative assignments will help ensure that our students can continue to learn and make progress towards their course and degree completion despite any disruptions to face-to-face class meetings. Please review the attached guidance carefully and remember that each of you has broad discretion to reinterpret your course requirements, assignments and assessments as long as the learning goals for the course are otherwise achieved.
If you have questions about transitioning to online or modified coursework, please speak to your academic dean and take advantage of our online and face-to-face trainings for the Chaminade learning management system, Canvas, through the Center for Teaching & Learning and the Canvas Vault. I am also attaching a brief guide on transitioning your face-to-face coursework to online instruction via Canvas that was prepared by Scott Wiley specifically for this current situation; this guide is available in the ‘Growing with Canvas’ module on the Canvas Vault. Academic Affairs also stands ready to assist you and your students as needed. If you wish to speak with me about any of this, I invite you to reach out to me by email, phone or simply drop by my office for a chat.
I anticipate that many of you have questions during this period of uncertainty; and I also expect that many of you are feeling anxious for our students, your families and our broader community right now. Please know that I have full and complete confidence in you and your ability to navigate these challenges with alacrity and distinction. Please also know that you are served by an administrative leadership team who are unwavering in their fidelity and support for you and the important work that you do. We are well prepared to face and overcome these challenges together. Let us all project a sense of confidence, unity and calm as we continue to set the tone for our students and colleagues — who look to us as models for their own dispositions.
Finally, I would also ask that you be mindful of your own health and well-being over the coming weeks: If you need help, please ask for it; if you are feeling under the weather, please stay home and rest. Let us support each other holistically as we navigate these challenges as an ohana.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020
To Chaminade Community
From President
Aloha Chaminade University ‘ohana:
In light of increased reports of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) cases around the world, we are writing with an update for our Chaminade campus community. While there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Hawaiʻi as of today (February 28), we remain vigilant and prepared should the virus find its way to our islands. Using guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Hawaii Department of Health (HDOH), and US federal policy, we are continuing to monitor the situation to ensure the health and safety of our campus community as this situation develops. Here are several important reminders and updates:
PREVENTION
According to the Hawaii Department of Health (HDOH), the best way to prevent transmission of the coronavirus is to:
- Wash your hands often, with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you’re sick. Do NOT come to school/work.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched items and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Get your flu shot. With current seasonal influenza activity it is likely there will be confusion, and those with influenza will exhibit similar signs and symptoms such as fever and cough.
TRAVEL
In order to protect and ensure the safety of our entire community, we have currently suspended university-sponsored student travel to countries with a CDC Level 3 Travel Warning. We also strongly discourage personal travel to countries with current CDC Level 3 Travel Warnings. In the event of personal travel to these countries, community members trying to re-enter the United States will not be provided re-entry assistance by the university, and travelers returning from CDC Level 3 countries will be restricted from coming to campus for 14 days, as recommended by HDOH. Exceptions to this restriction will not be granted.
ACCOMMODATIONS FOR DISTANCE LEARNING
The Division of Academic Affairs will provide guidance for distance/online learning accommodations or alternative assignments to maintain academic progress if regular class meeting schedules are disrupted.
SUPPORT
Your well-being is our priority. Here are several resources available to community members year-round:
- Students may contact the Counseling Center at 1 (808) 735-4845, or email counselingcenter@chaminade.edu. Chaminade University offers free, confidential counseling for all currently enrolled students.
- Staff and faculty may access counseling services through the university’s Employee Assistance Program. Details are available on Northwestern Mutual’s site. You can also call 1 (888) 893-6585 for more information.
- Pastoral support is available for all members of campus through our University Chaplain, Fr. Marty Solma, at martin.solma@chaminade.edu, or the Campus Ministry team at cuhministry@chaminade.edu.
For more information and to stay current on all COVID-19-related news, visit the Hawaii Department of Health website or the “Coronavirus Update” link at the university’s website.
Please join me in continuing to keep those affected by and assisting with the coronavirus in your thoughts and prayers.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2020
To Chaminade Community
From Dean of Students
Chaminade University continues to work in partnership with and monitor government agencies’ directives regarding the spread of 2019 Novel Coronavirus. At this time, there have been no reported cases in Hawai‘i.
The U.S. Department of State issued a level 4 advisory on February 2, 2020, warning not to travel to China. The State of Hawai‘i, Department of Health is also recommending no travel to China. Following these precautions, Chaminade University is suspending any university-sponsored travel to China immediately and indefinitely (including study abroad, immersion, and/or internship programs).
With current seasonal influenza activity, it is likely there will be confusion as persons with influenza will exhibit similar signs and symptoms such as fever and cough. The State of Hawai‘i, Department of Health strongly recommends residents 6 months and older protect themselves against flu by receiving the seasonal influenza vaccination. If individuals are sick with flu-like symptoms, please do not come to work or school.
The following resources are available with information on 2019-nCoV:
CDC Information on 2019 Novel Coronavirus
CDC Travelers’ Health: Novel Coronavirus in China
World Health Organization, 2019 Novel Coronavirus
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2020
To Chaminade Community
From Dean of Students
Dear Chaminade Community,
In recent days, you have likely heard intensifying reports about a new coronavirus that originated in Wuhan, China. There are no reported cases in Hawai‘i and no direct flights from Wuhan to our state. This new disease has mainly impacted the health of people in China with more than 6,150 cases and at least 132 deaths (as reported by the World Health Organization this morning, 1/29/2020). The threat to Hawai‘i and the Chaminade University community currently is considered low, but outbreaks of new viruses in humans are always a public health concern. There have been five reported cases in the continental United States with no deaths.
Multiple federal and state agencies are monitoring this evolving situation and we are writing today to provide a general update. Since information regarding this disease is changing quickly, we advise you to check the CDC website for the most up-to-date details and guidance.
This new coronavirus is not currently spreading in the U.S. However, the CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- 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.
Chinese visitors coming to the U.S. from Wuhan are now being screened at several U.S. airports, including the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport here in Honolulu.
The university will continue to provide updates, when necessary.
Important Resources
The following resources are available with information on 2019-nCoV
CDC Travelers’ Health: Novel Coronavirus in China
