COVID-19 Updates for Catholic University
Courtesy of Education News
By Franchetta Groves
Coronavirus, or COVID-19, has left many of Catholic University’s community confused and wondering what the next step will be. President John Garvey sat down with Vice President of Student Affairs Judi Biggs Garbuio on April 3 via livestream to answer some of these questions. Garvey first began by thanking students and faculty for the prayers and support after testing positive for COVID-19. He gave an update on how he has now made a full recovery and “graduated” from the coronavirus.
Garvey addressed how the University plans to proceed but that there are challenges due to the many unknowns of how much longer the pandemic will continue. One of the main challenges is the issue of when the 2020 Commencement and Graduation ceremonies will be able to take place. Originally, Garvey had hoped that graduation could still take place in May, however recent stay-at-home mandates have made this impossible. A date has not been set, however the University hopes to be able to hold a ceremony in the summer, possibly July.
One of the original challenges for the University was how a sense of community would be fostered during this time of social distancing. Many student organizations are still working to stay connected. PEERS is working towards raising awareness of sexual assault in April by having “Teal Tuesday,” a day when students are encouraged to wear teal to stand in solidarity with victims of sexual abuse. Varsity coaches have been getting creative and have worked on creating workouts for students to continue to train at home. Campus Ministry has also worked to stay connected and has livestreamed daily mass, adoration, and stations of the cross. Night prayer has also continued through Google Meets and Zoom calls.
“The people have been so caring; I have experienced it first hand,” said Garvey, “It’s a reminder of what a wonderful group of people make up this community among all our students, faculty, and staff.”
Questions of what would happen to remaining dining dollars were also addressed. For students who would be returning to campus in the fall with a dining plan, remaining dining dollars would rollover. Seniors or students without a dining plan in the fall will see a reimbursement as part of the refund of room and board.
Students have also been concerned about when they will have the ability to move out. Due to the stay-at-home mandate, students cannot return to campus to retrieve their items, and resident halls are currently closed. A packing and shipping service is being looked into as the university tries to find the most effective way to allow students to retrieve their items.
The essential mission however is the education of the students. While it is not perfect and not the same as in-classroom teaching, Garvey said he is proud of the faculty for adapting to online teaching on such short notice. While there are still challenges and technological difficulties, Catholic University continues to work with students to give them all the resources necessary. Disability Support Services will continue to work with students virtually and provide them with the support needed. Math, writing, and tutoring services will also be available for students. The Center for Academic and Career Success will continue to provide guidance for students through resume building and interview practice, especially for seniors looking to finalize their post-graduation plans. If students have any questions or concerns they are encouraged to reach out to the Dean’s office ([email protected]) for any other resources.
Catholic University recognizes that these unforeseen circumstances have led to challenges to students’ education and therefore have given a pass/fail option. Students have until the end of April to decide if they wish to have their course as a pass/fail or can choose to still recieve a letter grade.
Despite the challenges and stresses which the current pandemic has placed on the university community, Garvey encourages students to remain hopeful. He believes that we will come out of this stronger than before.
“When we return to Brookland, I believe we will have been made better because of the experience,” Garvey said.
