Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,

Seattle University has been addressing unprecedented challenges and rapidly changing circumstances in the past few weeks with the spread of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) both globally and in our region. We have worked to act according to guidance from public health agencies and the most up-to-date information as the situation unfolds while recognizing the concerns and anxiety across our community. We have endeavored to operate in a manner that prioritizes the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff while allowing our students full opportunity to continue to engage in their academic studies.

Seattle and King County public health officials are urging the public and employers in the region to support their efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19 and reduce the number of people infected in the region. To support these efforts, Seattle University has determined that beginning this Monday, March 9, classes and exams will not be held in person through the remainder of Winter quarter. Classes in the School of Law, which is on a semester system, will be suspended until further notice from the Dean.

Provost Martin will provide additional information and guidance to faculty later today relating to online instruction, final exams and projects, and assigning grades. In determining the appropriate path forward across the university’s broad range of academic disciplines and instructional settings, we will make every effort to ensure that students are given the opportunity to complete their courses and continue progress toward their academic degrees and certificates. Faculty will be asked to consult with their department chairs and deans to determine how best to apply guidance from the Provost to their individual classes and circumstances, and to keep students informed as decisions are made.

The campus remains open. We will continue to keep the community apprised of additional decisions relating to residence halls, food services, administrative services and functions, expectations regarding the presence of staff on campus, and cultural and athletics events. We will continue to send information and updates as appropriate. We will also continue to update the university’s web page (https://www.seattleu.edu/coronavirus/) which includes the latest information about how the university is addressing and responding to COVID-19 and helpful links to public health resources.

Sincerely,

Stephen V. Sundborg, S.J.
President