STATUS: CLASSES MOVED TO ONLINE THROUGH END OF SPRING TERM, CAMPUS CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC
As a valued member of the Chaminade ‘ohana, your health and safety are our top priority. We are closely monitoring the situation with COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) and continue to take active steps to ensure the safety of our Chaminade community. Please find the below policies and procedures we currently have in place to provide an added layer of care and support for our students, faculty, and staff. And join us in extending our thoughts and prayers to all of those who have been affected by the virus, both in Hawaii and around the world.
COMMUNICATIONS FOR THE CHAMINADE UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY:
- 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 >>
- 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
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, 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:oopm, 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
