This email was sent to all students on March 10, 2020
Dear students,
By now, you’ve likely read President Price’s message regarding Duke’s shift to social distance practices for the remainder of the spring term to prevent the spread of COVID-19. We would like to share additional information about how we’ll be communicating with you in the days to come.
Our foremost priority is ensuring the health and safety of all members of our community. Students who are out of town for break should not return to campus if at all possible. We know that you all likely have many questions—about courses, your residences, co-curricular experiences, and other commitments. Our teams are collating a list of answers to these questions; we will follow up with you via email and make this information available on a website as soon as we possibly can. In the meantime, please know that we are absolutely committed to ensuring that all students can fulfill their academic requirements as planned.
A decision of this magnitude is unprecedented in Duke’s history, and we need every student’s assistance. We urge you to take the recommendations of the CDC and other health experts seriously and to work with us as we implement social distancing strategy. While many people of traditional college-age appear to be less susceptible to COVID-19, our Duke community—and most communities—include individuals with elevated risk—those with compromised immune systems, underlying health issues, or other concerns that may not be visible. This is true within your peer group, as well as among our faculty, staff, and throughout the Durham community. We urge you, as thoughtful Dukies, to refrain from actions that could unintentionally put others at risk.
Going forward, your best source of spring semester information will be messages you receive from us. Please also bookmark the university’s Coronavirus Response page for university-wide updates. If you have any specific questions or concerns, please direct them here: KEEPLEARNING@DUKE.EDU.
Best wishes for a safe—and extended!—Spring Break. Thank you for your cooperation and adaptability at a uniquely challenging time.
As always, go Duke,
Gary Bennett
Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education
Mary Pat McMahon
Vice Provost of Student Affairs