Past Updates

Good day Lincoln Community,

Now that we are all mostly settled in, I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to the Lincoln University Fall 2021 semester. Just a few items related to Lincoln University’s continued COVID response:

1. We have once again commenced our testing program, now with our new partner Delaware State University’s testing lab
2. We will continue to identify and work with any members of the community who may test positive for COVID through our cohort testing
3. We are currently in the second round of the process of meeting the task of creating cohort groups according to vaccination status
4. We encourage those members of the community that may feel like they are exhibiting symptoms to respond to Health Services to be tested
5. With all of the steps that Lincoln University is taking to keep the community safe we must remind every member of the community that we still have the responsibility to take those basic steps that have proven to be effective such as:
   1. Wearing facial coverings when in doors and in close spaces
   2. Social distancing
   3. Hand washing
   4. Coughing or sneezing into your elbow or your shirt

Please remember we all have the responsibility, not only to keep ourselves safe and healthy, but a shared responsibility to keep our fellow community members’ health in mind in our actions. Thank you for your continued cooperation.

LU COVID Task Force

Covid Taskforce Update

• Following an update in CDC guidelines from July 27, 2021 regarding facial coverings, Lincoln University will require masks to be worn in all indoor spaces.
• Lincoln University's Health Services Department is asking that all unvaccinated students please bring proof of a negative covid test with them within 48 hours of arrival.

 Dear Lincoln University Community,  

Lincoln University is very excited to welcome students back for the Fall 2021 semester! We will be returning to a primarily face‐to‐face environment, and are looking forward to fully engaging with an academic and residential experience in‐line with a traditional on‐campus experience.  

We are grateful for the students’ response to the COVID‐19 vaccine survey. Our data suggests that the vast majority of you have either completed or are in the process of completing the COVID‐19 vaccine series. There is a minority of students who have indicated that they will not be participating in the COVID‐19 vaccine series. As such, we cannot operate as a “Fully Vaccinated Campus” and must design protocols consistent with the guidance around “Mixed Vaccinated Campuses.” These protocols follow current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance regarding employing layered prevention strategies (face coverings, social distancing, hand washing, etc.) to protect both those who have received the vaccine and those who have not been vaccinated.  

RESIDENCE HALLS: 

Consistent with the current CDC recommendations, assignments regarding on‐campus housing will be adjusted based upon whether a student is or is not vaccinated. The University expects to establish cohorts of students who are not fully vaccinated to be housed together in the same residence halls or wings/floors of residence halls that do not mix with fully vaccinated students. That way extra protective measures can be concentrated in those areas reserved for unvaccinated students. The protocols for our public spaces, both indoors and outdoors, will generally follow the guidelines provided at CDC.gov.  

                         Fully Vaccinated Students:  

If you have received the COVID‐19 vaccination, you should submit a copy of your vaccination record to the University by no later than August 8, 2021. Students should only submit the vaccination card after receiving the final dose ‐ two doses if the Pfizer‐BioNTech or Moderna COVID‐19 vaccination or one dose if you receive Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID‐19 vaccination. (Students will be considered fully vaccinated 2 weeks after the final dose, but you do not need to wait those 2 weeks to upload your card.) The Health Services site is secure and easy to use, and all information submitted will be treated as confidential. NOTE: All students who do not submit proof of vaccination prior to the deadline for doing so will be assumed by the University to not be fully vaccinated, including in connection with room assignments.)  

To submit your COVID‐19 vaccination card:  

​1.     Students should scan a copy of both sides of their COVID‐19 vaccination card and send it to healthservices@lincoln.edu.  

2.     Health service personnel will place a copy of the card in the student’s confidential student records in the secured medical files in the Office of Health Services.  

By submitting your vaccination card, which will be treated as a confidential personal record by the University, you are enabling the University to better understand the vaccination rates on campus and to formulate the health and safety protocols that must be applied across our campus. Your submission of your vaccination card by August 8, 2021, will also make you eligible to be grouped in cohorts and assigned to University housing with other fully vaccinated students. It will also allow you to be treated as fully vaccinated for the purposes of accessing communal areas and gatherings on campus.  

Submission of your vaccination card is your key to having the most “normal” in‐person experience possible while on our campus, though the University is striving to make the experience as enriching as is possible under the circumstances for all students, whether or not fully vaccinated.  

Partially Vaccinated Students:  

If you have begun the process of receiving the COVID‐19 vaccination but will not be considered fully vaccinated (two doses of the Pfizer or Moderna or one dose of the Johnson and Johnson and at least two weeks beyond the final dose), you should submit a copy of your vaccination record to the University by no later than August 8, 2021.  

To submit your COVID‐19 vaccination card:  

  1.      Students shouldscan a copy of both sides of their COVID‐19 vaccination card and send it to healthservices@lincoln.edu.  

  2.     Health servicepersonnel will place a copy of the card in the student’sconfidential student records in the secured medical files in the Office of Health Services.  

By submitting your vaccination card, which will be treated as a confidential personal record by the University, you are enabling the University to better understand the potential vaccination rates on campus and to formulate the health and safety protocols that must be applied across our campus. Your submission of your vaccination card by August 8, 2021 will also make you eligible to be grouped in cohorts and assigned to University housing with other partially vaccinated students. It will also allow you to be treated as fully vaccinated for the purposes of accessing communal areas and gatherings on campus once you submit proof that you completed the vaccination series. Submission of your vaccination card is your key to having the most “normal” in‐person experience possible while on our campus, though the University is striving to make the experience as enriching as is possible under the circumstances for all students, whether or not fully vaccinated.  

Unvaccinated Students with Medical or Religious Exemption:  

If you have not been vaccinated, and have a religious or medical reason that makes you unable to get the vaccine, we ask that you confidentially report to the Office of Institutional Equity to seek an accommodation. This is an important action for yourself, as well as for the entire campus, because it will help us better determine whether we can meet the threshold for a “Fully Vaccinated Campus,” as opposed to a “Mixed Campus” with more restrictive protective measures, under the CDC’s guidance. Unvaccinated individuals at the University who are eligible for a medical or religious accommodation are not counted as preventing the University from meeting the Fully Vaccinated Campus status if the campus is otherwise fully vaccinated. Achieving a Fully Vaccinated Campus status could permit the University to ease certain protective restrictions consistent with that status. Because we are providing a lottery program with prizes to encourage vaccinations that will apply to all students who are fully vaccinated at the start of the semester and also to all students who are unvaccinated but are entitled to an accommodation for medical or religious reasons, your voluntarily providing confidential information showing you are entitled to a medical or religious accommodation will allow you to participate in the prize lottery even though you are not able to be vaccinated.  

Unvaccinated Students:  

All students who do not submit proof of vaccination either full or partial prior to August 8, 2021, will be assumed by the University to not be fully vaccinated or intending to become fully vaccinated.  

Housing assignments will be adjusted accordingly. Please note that similar to housing assignments for cohorts of fully and partially vaccinated students, housing for students who are not fully vaccinated will generally not be single rooms as it is not feasible for the University to provide such housing.  

COMMUNAL SPACES:  

“Mixed Vaccinated Campus” status means we must make adjustments throughout our campus environment to help protect everyone in our community. Click here to view the full COVID-19 Safety Protocol. Below, we have listed a few of these items:  

MASKS

At this time, individuals who are fully vaccinated (two weeks after their final dose of a COVID‐19 vaccine), do not need to wear masks while on campus. Individuals who are not yet fully vaccinated are strongly encouraged to wear masks on campus when indoors and when outdoors in crowded settings and during activities that involve sustained close contact with others.  

Lincoln University is supportive of all individuals who choose to wear a mask, regardless of vaccination status.  

DINING  

Fully vaccinated individuals do not need to wear masks when at University dining facilities. Individuals who are not fully vaccinated are asked to wear a mask when not actively eating or drinking for their well‐being and the well‐being of others.  

HAND HYGIENE AND RESPIRATORY ETIQUETTE  

Lincoln University strongly encourages all individuals to engage in health promoting behaviors such as hand washing and respiratory etiquette to reduce the spread of infectious illnesses including COVID-19.  While

this may seem like a small thing to many, it is an important component to maintaining a healthy campus, with vibrant in‐person engagement.  

TESTING  

The University will conduct random COVID‐19 testing on an ongoing basis. All students, regardless of vaccination status, are subject to such periodic screening tests. This testing is intended to identify people who are asymptomatic to prevent further transmission, and will be carried out in a way that protects the individuals’ privacy and confidentiality.  

STUDENT ATHLETES  

All student athletes are encouraged to be vaccinated. Student athletes who are not fully vaccinated will be subject to screening tests throughout the fall. The University will follow NCAA guidelines as they become available.  

GATHERINGS AND EVENTS  

Crowded settings still present a greater risk of transmission among people who have not been fully vaccinated. People who are not fully vaccinated should continue to avoid large gatherings, but if they choose to attend, they should wear well‐fitting masks that cover the mouth and nose, maintain physical distancing, and practice good hand hygiene. The University may limit the size of gatherings, including sporting events, to maintain physical distancing as a health and safety measure.  

VISITORS  

Lincoln University is welcoming visitors to campus at this time. This includes for move‐in day, sports games, and other community events. Non‐vaccinated visitors are asked to wear a mask when indoors, except while actively eating or drinking, and when outdoors when they cannot maintain physical distancing. Visitors and spectators must follow all COVID‐19 health and safety protocols in place at the University at the time of their visit.  

Please note, that these guidelines are based on the University’s best understanding of the law and best practices at the time of their drafting. Please be aware that these guidelines may change with or without notice depending on factors outside of the University’s control.  

As we have learned over the past year things change and develop rapidly and so we must work together to prevent the spread of COVID‐19 among the students, faculty, and staff, and to ensure the health and safety of everyone at our University.  

For that reason, we encourage every member of our community to get vaccinated. If the University can achieve a Fully Vaccinated Campus, we can all enjoy a more normalized and enriching educational and residential environment. And, more importantly, achieving such status should enhance the actual health and safety of the entire campus.  

Looking forward to your return.  

Sincerely, 

Brenda A. Allen
President

The State of Pennsylvania lifted all COVID restrictions on Monday, May 31, 2021, but has allowed individual entities to maintain or implement stricter measures. In light of this announcement, the safety guidelines and protocols within this fall reopening plan have been modified according to the available scientific guidance. While the loosening of restrictions in the State has resulted in the relaxation of some of the safety guidelines and protocols in the University's fall reopening plan, other protocols will remain in place to help ease the safe transition back to full in-person operations. The health and safety of the University community will remain at the forefront of the University's priorities as any modifications are made, and as the University moves forward in a reopened Pennsylvania.

COVID-19: Return-to-Work Plan

Lincoln University is executing a plan for faculty and staff to safely return to work on the Lincoln University campuses (Main Campus and SACE). The plan begins after the spring 2021 commencement ceremonies to ensure that the campus will be fully open and operational at the beginning of the fall 2021 semester. Effective May 24, 2021, we plan to bring people back on campus in a systematic phased-in approach.

Why

Over this past year, Lincoln instituted health and safety guidelines for offices, classrooms, and common areas to help reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus and mitigate risk to our students, faculty, and staff. The health and safety of our campus community is our top priority and we will continue to enforce safety protocols as we approach the fall 2021 semester.

While enforcing continued health and safety precautions on both campuses, we must provide our students with an optimal on-campus experience as this is the hallmark of a Lincoln University education. The face-to-face learning environment allows students to engage directly with their professors and academic support staff and provides an environmental context replete with the social capital needed for their holistic development.

2021 Return-to-Work Plan
 

This phased-in return to campus is a conditions-based, four-phase plan designed to safely and deliberately return our employees to the workplace. The phases were developed based on the current guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Chester County Health Department, Commonwealth of the State of Pennsylvania, and other best practices to support the successful reopening of our campus community.

The four phases of our return-to-work plan are described below. It is anticipated that implementation of each phase will require approximately 1-2 weeks (based on current institutional and public health guidance). At each stage of the plan, the university will be guided by the following conditions:

Phase 3 (Final Group). Implementation Period: June 21 through July 9.
 

During Phase 3, the remaining workforce (excluding employees who have been authorized or directed to continue to work from home) will be returned to campus to conduct final preparations for the 2021-2022 academic year and the full return of our students. All guidelines and requirements continue to apply and must be implemented by departments/units.

Phase 4 (Academic Year). Implementation Period: July 12 to end of Academic Year.
 

The university will continue to work with operating units to address issues related to the pandemic and any new guidance and or actions necessary to ensure a safe environment.

The university will continue to monitor COVID-19 trends in Pennsylvania, neighboring states, and nationally and will update its guidance as circumstances warrant.

Please contact Lincoln University’s Office of Human Resources at HR@lincoln.edu if you have any questions.

Dear Lincoln University Community,

The news regarding the accelerated pace of the COVID-19 vaccination program has us looking forward to the fall semester.  As every adult over the age of 18 is anticipated to have full access to the vaccine by May 1, 2021, we are optimistic that the 2021–22 academic year will see a full return to campus life, albeit with some permanent COVID-19 prevention modifications.  Assuming that we are able to achieve near total vaccination of our community, these are our expectations for the fall:

·       Students will be able to return to pre-pandemic housing arrangements, including double and triple occupancy rooms in residence halls.

·       The academic calendar will return to a fall and spring semester, and the academic year will begin August 23, 2021.

·       All classes will be held in person and will reflect the daily course schedule (time blocks) we had in 2019.

·       Mask-wearing and asymptomatic testing may still be necessary and some physical distancing may be required as we navigate the repopulation of our campus.

Course registration for fall classes will occur this spring during the preregistration period indicated on the current academic calendar. 

We will continue to follow the public health guidance, and we will inform the community if we need to adjust our plans in any significant way.

Ad Hoc Planning Group

As we prepare to fully repopulate our campus and return to our normal academic calendar, we are creating an Ad Hoc Planning Group. This group, which will include several members of the faculty and administrative staff as well as a student representative, will advise relevant committees and offices about the transitions that lie ahead of us, including sequencing administrative processes such as billing and housing selection; identifying ways to best support faculty, students, and staff as we all adjust to a different campus and work environment; and advising senior leadership on contingency plans, should conditions in the fall be more challenging than we currently project.

Future of Work

We are expecting that faculty and much of our staff will return to on-campus activity this fall. At the same time, we recognize that some of the innovations the pandemic has forced upon us have been welcomed and that we should explore incorporating them in our long-term operations. For example, in some respects remote work may have enhanced participation in an inclusive community and promoted employee wellness, and newly streamlined and transparent processes may have provided increased efficiency.

Summer Programs

Summer courses at SACE will be offered remotely. Undergraduate research and internships will be offered both on-campus and remotely depending upon the opportunities.  Please check with the Office of Experiential Learning to learn more about these opportunities.  The status of study abroad opportunities this summer is still undecided.  More information will be provided as we learn more about travel restrictions.  Finally, we will offer two sessions of online summer courses beginning May 17, 2021.

This month marks one year since the University announced the pivot to remote instruction. On Wednesday, March 31, 2021 at 12:00 Noon, we will acknowledge this moment with a short prayer and moment of silence outside of Mary Dod Brown Chapel. The event will be live-streamed.  Please join us to remember those in our extended community and around the world who have lost lives and experienced hardship during the pandemic, and to reflect on the remarkable ways our community has come together during this challenging time. While the pandemic is ongoing, we are tremendously encouraged that the vaccine will make it possible for us all to be together on campus this fall.

Sincerely,

Brenda A. Allen
President

Dear Lincoln University Faculty & Staff,

I write to share a COVID-19 campus update. Testing has exposed the largest one-week number of positive tests and quarantines amongst students since the start of the pandemic. Out of an abundance of caution, we communicated to students the need to place campus in a non-movement, stay-in-place status for seven days, which began on March 15. During this initial 7-day status change, we will assess, investigate, and mitigate any present and potential infections. We will send an additional communication to students on March 22 to provide further guidance.

The stay-in-place status for students will have little effect on faculty and staff; many faculty are already teaching remotely, and staff members are working on a staggered schedule.

The restriction of students’ movement—coupled with a renewed dedication to following social distancing, masking, symptom monitoring, and other public health guidelines—gives us the best path toward curtailing any further spread.

Students must remain in their residence hall room at all times except for essential activities related to health or safety; meals will be delivered. No outside deliveries will be allowed. Health Services is in the process of responding to each residence hall to provide a PCR COVID-19 test to all students and area coordinators. Students must stay in place until they receive notification that the status has been changed, even if they receive test results.

We want nothing more than to keep our community safe, complete the semester, and hold Commencement for our graduates. Thank you for continuing to adhere to the guidelines that have been established to keep the community safe.  Many thanks to the Health Services team, Public Safety officers, and LU COVID Task Force for addressing this matter so quickly.  

Sincerely,
Brenda A. Allen
President

Dear Lincoln University Community,

It is hard to believe that March 10 marks one year since we announced the campus closure as the global pandemic took hold of the world. We faced unprecedented challenges as we sought to understand the virus and transition to remote learning. We prioritized the community's health and safety and ensuring that our students and faculty finished the semester as strongly as possible. Together we succeeded. 

We quickly turned our attention to reopening the campus. Health, safety, and continuity of a full educational experience continued to guide our thinking. We were optimistic about having a full complement of students on campus last fall but had to adjust our plans because COVID-19 continued to affect the world. Guided by the best science at the time, we implemented safety protocols for a reduced number of students on campus and prepared to educate the majority of our students remotely. Our community rose to the challenge, our protocols were effective, and despite some trials, we had a productive semester both on and off-campus. 

We have now welcomed more than 400 students back to campus as we start the second half of the spring semester. We know that our students, faculty, and staff will again commit to keeping the environment safe, and our on-campus and remote learning programs will continue to foster student success. The dramatic decreases in the numbers of COVID-19 cases nationally and the increased pace of the vaccine rollout give me hope for a smooth semester. 

Success thus far allows me to look ahead. I am focused on ensuring that we can have memorable celebrations for the Classes of 2020 and 2021 on Commencement Weekend, May 21-23. At this point, we are planning for outdoor Commencement exercises on Friday and Sunday, with the most difficult question being whether we will be able to invite families and friends to the ceremonies. I know how important these moments are for families, and nothing would make me happier than to have everyone on campus. Still, we will need to see substantial progress in the nation's public health environment and changes to our state regulations for that to happen. At this point, we should assume that in-person Commencement activities will be open to all graduates—including those studying remotely—and the campus community only, with live streaming of events available for those off-campus. We will communicate protocols for welcoming off-campus graduates back to campus for these festivities at a later date. 

We have spoken with the leaders of reunion classes and concluded that we should cancel in-person reunions and think creatively about the timing for bringing back classes that would have celebrated in 2020 and 2021. We will continue to work with class officers to determine the best way to recognize the classes once it is safe for everyone to be together again. 

One year since COVID-19 shut down the world, Lincoln continues to stand strong. I encourage you to read the strategic plan progress report that I presented to the Board of Trustees at the February 20 meeting. As you will see, the pandemic has not stopped our progress. Moreover, current data suggest that science is winning the war against the pandemic. 

I am looking forward to a return to "normal" soon. Until then, we must remain vigilant and mindful of safety protocols. I am sure that the Lincoln community will continue to protect the legacy as we nurture our students through this disruption.

Sincerely,

Brenda A. Allen
President

Dear Faculty and Staff,

Due to the impending weather, the asymptomatic testing for employees has been moved to Monday, February 22 from 9:00 a.m. to noon and again from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. in the Wellness Center cafeteria. If you have already requested a test through the Guardant Health portal there is no need to place a new order. Your QR code/ order number will still be validated for Monday’s test.

Please contact Marc Partee or Tamarkius Roby at staysafe@lincoln.edu with any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,
LU COVID Taskforce

February 16, 2021

Dear Faculty and Staff,

As we prepare to transition back into the campus community for the spring semester, we will be conducting asymptomatic testing for employees on February 19 from 9 a.m. to noon and again from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Wellness Center cafeteria.

Employees who do not plan to be physically on campus and have prior approval from their supervisor to do so do not need to be tested.

No appointment is necessary; please complete the following steps to ensure a seamless experience:

Pre-Test Registration Steps:

• Complete LU COVID-19 Screening/ Test Consent
• Request a COVID-19 Test (Guardant Health portal)
  • Fill out the health questionnaire and request a test
  • After completing this information to order a test, you will receive a confirmation email with your Order Number and QR code.

Testing Day

1. Faculty/Staff will enter campus via the main gate on Baltimore pike (Face coverings will be worn at all times)
2. Traffic will continue to the right on the roadway heading towards the Nelson Science Center and enter into Lot “H” adjacent to the Wellness Center.
3. Lot attendants will direct vehicles where to park and give instructions on how to proceed to check-in table. (Only 25 people can enter the testing area at one time.)
   1. Please bring a form of I.D. with birthdate and your confirmation email or write down Order Number.
4. Employee will have their temperature checked in the open area (near the Starbuck Coffee stand) before entering the wellness cafeteria.
5. After passing the initial temperature screening, employees will proceed to Station 2 to have a PCR test performed.
6. Employees, who will like to participate in the Stay Safe LU wellness app, can receive assistance with installation at Station Five.
7. Results will be available via the Guardant Health portal within 48-72 hours from shipment of the test specimen.

Please contact Marc Partee or Tamarkius Roby at staysafe@lincoln.edu with any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

LU COVID Taskforce

View the PDF letter

Dear Lincoln University Faculty and Staff,

I hope that you are staying safe and well. I continue to be encouraged by the distribution and reports surrounding the COVID-19 vaccine. However, as an extra precaution for our campus community, we are planning to roll out an additional mass COVID testing for employees before we resume on-campus work schedules to prepare for the return of students to campus later this month.

In view of this, we will continue the COVID-19 protocol that has been in effect since December. Non-essential staff should continue remote work. Supervisors should continue to set and monitor remote work expectations with at least weekly updates. Supervisors should also review on-campus schedules for all essential staff members to ensure an on-campus schedule that allows the lowest density possible as we maintain university operations. Faculty will be allowed to access their offices and other facilities needed to prepare to deliver instruction for the spring semester.

This protocol will remain in place through February 19, 2021. We will communicate the employee testing plan shortly and issue subsequent campus protocols as soon as possible.

Thank you for you continued understanding and cooperation as we work together to provide the best higher education experience possible for our students and safeguard the health and well-being of our entire community of faculty, students, and staff.

Sincerely,

Brenda A. Allen
President

Dear Lincoln University Faculty and Staff,

I hope that you are staying safe and well in this new year. I am encouraged by the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine.  However, indicators and news from various sources stress the importance of following social distancing and safety protocols as the vaccine is administered to a wider population.

In view of this, we will continue the COVID-19 protocol that was in effect in December and January. Non-essential staff should continue remote work. Supervisors should continue to set and monitor remote work expectations with at least weekly updates. Supervisors should also review on-campus schedules for all essential staff members to ensure an on-campus schedule that allows the lowest density possible as we maintain university operations. Faculty will be allowed to access their offices and other facilities needed to prepare to deliver instruction for the spring semester. This protocol will remain in place at least for the next two weeks through February 12, 2021. We will communicate subsequent campus protocols at the end of this two-week period.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we work together to provide the best higher education experience possible for our students and safeguard the health and well-being of our entire community of faculty, students, and staff.

Brenda A. Allen
President

Dear Lincoln University Faculty and Staff,

It gives me great pleasure to send you this letter dated 2021! I hope that you had a restful break as I did and enjoyed reconnecting with family and friends, albeit likely virtually. The calendar has flipped to a new year, and I am encouraged that the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine has begun. However, the pandemic persists, and experts predict infection rates will spike in the coming weeks.

As we plan to return to work tomorrow, we will be continuing the COVID-19 protocol that was in effect in December. Non-essential staff should continue remote work. We will require supervisors to set remote work expectations with at least weekly updates. All essential staff members will work with their supervisors to adopt an on-campus schedule that allows the lowest density possible as we maintain university operations. Faculty will be allowed to access their offices and other facilities needed to prepare for the spring semester.

This protocol will remain in place through January 31, 2021. We will communicate subsequent campus protocols at the end of the month.

We have much to be grateful for at Lincoln University, and I look forward to continuing the work we started last fall in this new year.

Sincerely, 
Brenda A. Allen
President

Dear Students,

Before we close out the fall semester, I want to clarify the plan for spring 2021. As announced in the reopening plan on June 24, 2020, classes will begin remotely on January 25, 2021, and students may return to campus on March 1. Because we expect to have students on campus in March, we have issued bills to all residential students that reflect tuition, a standard double room, and 19 meals per week. Many students received an email from the bursar on November 19 regarding spring 2021 bills.

We understand that many factors remain uncertain and that some students will want to complete their spring semester remotely. As such, forms to request the remote study option for the entire spring semester will be published early in January, and the University will adjust the student’s bill once the remote study form is processed.

Students who know they want to study all spring remotely do not need to do anything at this time.

• Existing charges: The University billed all students with the expectation that every student who wants to return to campus in March may do so. For now, the estimated spring 2021 room and meal charges will remain on students' accounts under "Room Charges."
• Course schedule: Students should select classes based on the existing schedule in WebAdvisor; the University will make adjustments if needed.
• Financial aid: The University will award the financial aid package based on the current account charges. For students who opt to continue remotely, the University will adjust the awards to reflect the removal of room and board fees.
• Housing selection: All residential students' current bills reflect a standard double room. Residence Life will not accept applications for ASL or Thorn Flats until the January update is published.
• Meal plans: As a baseline, the University billed all students for 19 meals per week. All meal plan options will be available when the update is posted in January.
• Reductions in campus density: We will continue to assess the environment, science, data, and faculty and students' readiness to return to campus. If in January it is clear that we need to reduce campus density as we did this fall, we would consider bringing back a smaller number of students for on-campus residence; all other students would complete the semester remotely. The considerations that qualify a student to return to campus might differ from this fall.
• Commuter students: The University does not require recognized commuter students to live on campus or select a meal plan.

I want to reiterate that these plans are tentative relative to the course of the pandemic, and we will continue to reassess these into early January when we have more data and a clearer picture of the projections for COVID-19. Please continue to check your Lincoln email for updates.

Thank you for your patience and flexibility as we adapt during this unique year. If we continue to work together, we will keep everyone in our community safe.

Thank you,
Brenda A. Allen
President

Dear Students,

We continue to explore ways to adapt our learning and stay focused on the experience of learning amid the pandemic. 

In acknowledgment of the turbulent events of this semester and the past eight months, the University is giving undergraduate students the option to change any or all their courses to pass/fail for the fall 2020 semester only. The grade earned in a pass/fail course is not included in the calculation of the student's GPA. 

Undergraduate students who wish to elect to convert any or all of their courses to pass/fail must submit the Pass/Fail Petition by December 11 at 5 p.m. 

Learn more by reading the Q&As and access the petition on the Office of the Registrar webpage. 

Thank you,
Patricia A. Joseph
Dean of the Faculty

Dear Lincoln University Community,

The holiday season is upon us. While we have much to be thankful for, the COVID-19 pandemic persists. Progress on both the treatment and vaccine fronts is exciting. We are grateful for these advancements, but in the meantime, the COVID-19 infection rate continues to rise.

The majority of residential students will depart campus on or before November 20, 2020. I thank you for your support and cooperation throughout the fall semester. I appreciate how difficult it has been to maintain on-campus safety protocols. The level of compliance and collaboration offered by the student body has been commendable. Thank you for keeping the safety of our community a high priority.

Students who have been studying remotely have also shown remarkable levels of persistence and tenacity. They have managed to keep pace with the semester during these unprecedented times. Your determination to pursue your education in the face of this adversity is laudable. I encourage you all to stay focused and resilient despite the conditions we find ourselves managing.

I applaud the faculty and staff for their dedication and flexibility as we pursue our mission in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. Faculty have adjusted their work styles to accommodate our students' needs, and the staff has been great in offering the support needed to see our students and campus through this crisis. Thanks to you all. I invite all staff members to use Wednesday, November 25, 2020, as a free vacation day. Stay safe and enjoy a little time for yourself.

As we approach the holiday season, we will be making adjustments to our COVID-19 response. Beginning Monday, November 30, 2020, we will return to the campus protocol enacted in March at the beginning of the pandemic. Non-essential staff should return to remote work. We will require supervisors to set remote work expectations with at least weekly updates. All essential staff members will work with their supervisors to adopt an on-campus schedule that allows the lowest density possible as we maintain university operations. Faculty will be allowed to access their offices and other facilities needed to complete the fall semester. This protocol will remain in place through December 31, 2020. We will communicate subsequent campus protocols at the start of the new year.

We are almost to the finish line. We will take a brief pause next week and then return to our work toward a strong finish to the semester.

Sincerely,

Brenda A. Allen
President

Good day, Lincoln family,

First, a note of recognition and gratitude as we move ever closer to the end of our residential experience for the fall semester. The commitment of our students to the well-being of their classmates and campus community to date has been an inspiration for all of us. Thank you for all you have done and will do to protect the Den.

Today we find ourselves at the 14-day mark before residential students exit campus. With numbers continuing to rise across the country, it has become necessary to make adjustments to our health and safety protocols.

Since the pandemic began, our number one priority has been the safety of our community. We must now turn our attention to reducing the risk of our students taking the virus home to their families and community.

We are requesting that on-campus students postpone all non-emergency off-campus travel from now until your departure for the Thanksgiving break. Accordingly, we will initiate a 14-day “quarantine” on campus. We will continue to allow food deliveries, but the goal is to protect the den by limiting off-campus trips. As always, students should bring any emergency needs to the attention of a student life staff member so that we can help mitigate any situations.

This decision was not entered into lightly and takes into account the hard work everyone has been doing since August. It sincerely comes out of an abundance of caution and in response to requests from your loved ones at home.

I am pleased to share that the results from our second mass-testing event on October 30, 2020, revealed only a few positive cases. These results are a testament to the level of accountability that our committed community has taken in meeting the challenge that we have faced as a result of this pandemic.

As you prepare to return home, you are strongly encouraged to strictly follow all of the University’s health and safety protocols, to maintain physical distancing, wear masks, avoid even small gatherings, and remain on campus in the 14 days prior to leaving campus.

We are in the home-stretch and want you to return safely to your families and at low risk. Again, I commend you all for your cooperation thus far. And remember: Mask up. Six feet. Protect the den.

Thank you,

Marc R. Partee
COVID-19 Incident Task Force Commander
Chief of Police

Dear Lincoln Community:

To maintain the safety integrity of “The Den,” we are pleased to share that Lincoln University has secured a partnership with Ginkgo Bioworks, Inc. (Ginkgo) to provide access to COVID-19 testing for all students, faculty, and staff at no cost.

All students, faculty, and staff who live, work, or visit the main campus are required to complete this test that will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday, October 29, 2020, at the Wellness Center basketball court.

All random tests have been suspended for the week.

Ginkgo will provide Lincoln University with an end-to-end, on-site COVID-19 testing service, which will include:  HIPAA-compliant user registration, on-site sample collection, laboratory testing, and confidential results reporting. Lincoln University’s Office of Health Services will have access to the results of the test and are available for any questions. Ginkgo will communicate positive test results to the Chester County Health Department as required by law.

The version of Ginkgo’s test is a saliva-based test and is a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based test designed to detect the virus that causes COVID-19 in respiratory specimens.

Complete the two-part process to take the COVID-19 test:

1. Register with Gingko

• Go to www.concentricbyginkgo.com/test
• Click “Sign In” and then on the left side “Start here.”
• Enter our access code: protein-lincoln
• Accept the consent forms and privacy policy.
• When registering, use your Lincoln email address to register. You may use your home or University street address. Complete the screening questions.
• Look for an email from support@concentricbyginkgo.com to set a password and activate your account.

Need Help? Read this user guide for registering assistance with Gingko.

2. Make an appointment for testing

• Go to https://calendly.com/staysafelu/covid-19-testing-day
  • When choosing your time, please keep in mind that you should NOT eat, drink, smoke, or chew gum for 30 minutes before giving your saliva sample.

You will receive more detailed instructions before your scheduled test time. Once you have completed the PCR test, the results will be communicated via Ginkgo’s portal within 48-72 hours.

Respectfully,

Marc R. Partee
COVID-19 Incident Task Force Commander
Chief of Police

Dear Lincoln University Community,

We have reached a milestone in this very unusual semester. It is mid-term and from all accounts, we are weathering this storm with grace!  Many thanks to the students, faculty, and staff for your persistence, patience, and understanding as we navigate these uncharted waters.

The national news is filled with stories of major COVID-19 outbreaks on college campuses across the country. Many of these crises are attributed to community behaviors that violate best practices and health department guidelines for reducing the transmission of the virus. I am happy to report that with few exceptions, Lincoln University students have embraced their responsibility to protect the health and safety of our community and have been working well with the staff to find ways to stay safe while also engaging in campus life.

Although we faced some challenges getting courses up and going, the faculty have been adjusting well.  When faced with an issue, faculty, administrators, class deans, students, and the COVID-19 Task Force have been able to come together to solve the problem. I cannot thank you all enough for your tenacity and commitment during these very trying times.

Some students have reached out for support or to simply check-in. We would like to hear from others.  Please take the time to respond to the survey distributed today via Lincoln University email. We want to ensure that students have what they need and to better understand how we might offer additional support.  Students’ voices matter, so we need to hear from you. 

Similarly, we will be administering a survey to faculty and staff. Again, we are interested in knowing how everyone is faring and whether there are additional needs that are not being met. Please let us know how we might better assist you.

It remains difficult to predict what the spring semester may have in store for us. Currently, the academic schedule established back in August is still operative. We are projecting that spring courses will begin remotely on January 25, 2021, and that we will welcome all students back to campus on March 1, 2021. We will adjust as needed should the course of the pandemic change in any manner, positive or negative, over the coming weeks and months.

Again, I want to express my profound gratitude for the spirit and perseverance shown by the Lincoln University community as we face this pandemic together. It is because of you that we can pursue our mission in the face of extreme adversity. Together we will ensure that the Lincoln Legacy lives on.

In the Spirit of the Orange and Blue,

Brenda A. Allen
President

Dear Lincoln University Community,

I come to you with an update on how we are taking care of the “Lion’s Den” during these unprecedented times. Through careful planning and with an abundance of caution, we were able to bring back approximately 500 students. We had a baseline infection rate of 1.7% after testing all on-campus students, faculty, and staff. Now that we have set our baseline, we have moved into a maintenance phase where we divided the campus community into three distinct risk populations:

• The high-risk population consists of those that have a high likelihood of exposure risk such as our nursing students and public safety staff, who are tested weekly.
• The mid-risk population includes those such as upperclassmen who have academically necessary internships and athletes who are tested bi-weekly.
• Finally, the low-risk population includes mainly first-year students who are tested randomly.

We must continue to remind each other of our responsibilities to the campus community by wearing face coverings, social distancing, and hand washing.

Our campus environment has been re-engineered to help us all adjust to our new normal of living six feet apart.

Follow the following reminders and adjustments to campus protocols to stay safe:

• Only those included in our testing protocol and University approved visitors are allowed on campus.
• No student may attend an in-person class or lab who has not been tested for the Coronavirus through Health Services.
• Students are only allowed to exit campus for 1 hour for essentials and must adhere to face covering, social distancing, and handwashing standards while off-campus.
• Students who need to be off-campus for more than 1 hour must have prior approval from the Office of the Dean of Students.
• Students who must travel overnight must quarantine for 14 days at home and retest upon arrival back to campus.
• No visitors are permitted. If a student needs to be dropped off or picked up on campus, the drop-off should occur at the SUB

If we continue to keep safety first, we will continue to reduce the risk of infection within the “Den.”

Marc R. Partee
COVID-19 Incident Task Force Commander
Chief of Police

Dear Lincoln University Community,

Thank you all for your patience and cooperation as we completed the first week of the fall semester under very unusual circumstances. Our plan for operations continues to be guided by two priorities: (1) protecting the health and safety of the Lincoln University community and (2) offering a robust academic experience.

Coursework

Remote education began on August 17, 2020, at both the main campus and University City. To date, we are experiencing a few hurdles in this process. Students and faculty have been accessing their courses and we continue to make adjustments where needed. Unfortunately, Zoom, our major video conferencing provider is experiencing some outages. We will continue to be flexible ensuring that students are provided what they need as our service provider corrects the problem.

COVID-19 Testing

More than 300 faculty and staff members and several student leaders were administered COVID-19 tests on Friday. All received feedback within 48 hours. Nearly 500 students were tested before moving in to their rooms on Saturday and Sunday. We thank the families for their patience as we moved students through the testing protocol. We mailed the completed test kits to the laboratory this morning and expect the results by Wednesday. Everyone tested this weekend will remain quarantined in their rooms until the test results are communicated.

Quarantine

While in quarantine, students will continue to study remotely. Until then, meals will be delivered to the students. We are making adjustments to the delivery schedule and process to ensure that no student misses a meal. All students who receive a negative test result will be allowed to move about on campus as long as they are wearing a face covering and practicing social distancing.

Financial Aid Awards

The bursar and financial aid offices are quickly finalizing postings of financial aid awards. The cost of attendance for students who are studying remotely this semester has to be adjusted before financial aid can be posted to accounts. Students who are studying remotely must complete the remote learning form to indicate if they are residing with parents or residing independently—this is important because the cost of attendance will be adjusted based on the housing status.

Final financial aid awards will be posted by August 31, 2020.

We are progressing on schedule as we navigate new waters. It has been your perseverance, collaboration, and understanding that has helped us thus far. The institution will continue to be guided by the need to be flexible and willing to adjust and accommodate as we move forward. Together, we will manage this storm and enjoy the excellence that is a Lincoln education.

Sincerely,
Brenda A. Allen

All students and employees who will be taking a COVID-19 test should complete this patient registration prior to coming to campus. For those who do not, they will be required to complete the registration process on-site using their mobile device.

Have you registered before?

If you have been tested before, you do not need to re-register.

Go to  https://covid19testing.guardanthealth.com/  select “Login” in the top right corner then use the same email address and password you used when you first registered.

First-time Registrants

To register, please access Patient Portal at https://covid19testing.guardanthealth.com/

1. Select Login in the upper hand corner and then select Register on the bottom hand corner.

2. Enter the first name, last name, email address, mobile number, and testing site code: LUBPA and submit.

3. You will receive an automated email from the Patient Community.

4. Click on the link inside the email and you will be directed to change your password.

5. Change your password (please remember the password to login into the portal).

6. Fill out prompted information (health questionnaire and patient registration) to Request a Test.

7. After completing this information to order a test, you will receive a confirmation email with your Order Number and QR code.

8. Keep your login information in the event you need to be re-tested. 

Please bring a form of I.D. with birthdate and your confirmation email (or write down Order Number) with you to Testing Day. You’re all set!

Dear Lincoln Community,

This is today’s update as we approach the first day of classes and the student move-in days. I am combining news over the last two days.

New First-Year and Transfer Students

1. Students with health-holds will be allowed to register. Advising and registration sessions will be held over the weekend. 
2. Any student with a health-hold may begin their classes remotely with others on August 17, 2020, but will not be permitted to move-in until the health-hold is lifted. Please check with Health Services to make sure that the appropriate records have been received by the University.

Email Accounts and Technology Needs

1. As of today, two-thirds of our students have activated their Lincoln email accounts. Great effort is being made to reach the remaining students.
2. The University will begin overnight delivery of technology equipment to students who have indicated a need. The mailing will be done in waves over the next few days as we continue to acquire devices from our vendors. Please be patient as there is a backlog for some inventory. 

Housing and Billing

1. Housing assignments will be finalized tomorrow.
2. Bills will be available by the end of the day tomorrow.

Final Note for Today
It is important to remember that we are all swimming against the current, but we are committed to getting everyone to the shore. It may not be smooth, but the closer we get to land, the clearer we will see our way. We are close to the shore, but there will be a few more undercurrents along the way. The University will adjust our processes as needed so that our students remain whole and on-track.

Sincerely,
Brenda A. Allen
President

Dear Lincoln Community,

As promised, this is today’s update as we approach the first day of classes and the student move-in dates.

COVID-19 Mitigation Efforts

1. Work is continuing on reengineering public spaces on campus to adhere to our social distancing protocol. Excess furniture is being removed from buildings and stored in various locations. Please contact Chief Partee or Mr. Roby if your classroom or building is not addressed by Thursday, August 13, 2020.  
2. Building captains will begin placing signage in all spaces starting Friday, August 14, 2020, once the furniture is rearranged. Again, we urge faculty and staff to indicate where signs are most needed in their areas.
3. Rosters of faculty, staff, and students who plan to be in residence this fall have been compiled and will be forwarded to our testing partner in the morning.

In-Residence Population

1. As of today, we have offered about 750 students the opportunity to study in-residence this fall.  More than half of these students are new first-years and transfers.  This number may change as the team revisits some of the requests and others opt to study remotely.
2. As of today, 1,236 students have activated their Lincoln email accounts. Great effort is being made to reach the remaining students.
3. Registration begins tomorrow for all new students. Those without an activated email address will be instructed on how to access their Lincoln email account.  

Sincerely, 
Brenda A. Allen
President

Dear Lincoln Community,

I write to update you on the progress being made toward the start of the fall semester.  I will post updates daily as we approach the first day of classes and the student move-in dates.

Courses and Schedules:

1. An updated list of courses can be accessed here. Students studying remotely should check their schedules to ensure that they are registered in the appropriate course section.
2. Fall courses will be accessed through Moodle.  Lincoln University email accounts will be used to communicate with students registered for each course.  We are making every effort to ensure that all students have activated their new Lincoln email by the end of the day on Wednesday, August 12, 2020.  Any student without an active Lincoln University email account should immediately contact: support@lincoln.edu or call the Help Desk Phone number at 484-365-HELP (4357).

COVID-19 Mitigation Efforts:

1. The University has acquired individual PPE Kits for all faculty, staff, and students. The Kits contain reusable face masks, reusable gloves, and personal hand sanitizer.
2. Face shields for faculty members have been acquired.
3. Excess PPE is being delivered to each Building Captain as backup-supply.
4. A final list of classrooms and course enrollment caps have been delivered to the COVID-19 Task Force. Each classroom will be transformed to reflect proper social distancing and all excess furniture removed and stored by Friday, August 14, 2020.
5. Signage placement campus-wide is taking place this week. We urge faculty and staff to indicate where signs are most needed in their areas.
6. Hand sanitizer dispensers are being deployed to high-traffic areas across campus. 
7. Air filter replacement across campus is scheduled to be completed by Monday, August 17, 2020.

Sincerely,
Brenda A. Allen
President

Dear Lincoln Community,

Faculty, students, and staff have been working since May to devise plans for bringing our students back for in-person classes in the fall. The health and safety of the Lincoln community have been the primary driver of our decision-making process. In early June, when we announced our decision to bring students back, COVID-19 cases were on the decline across the country, and we were working to secure access to the testing needed to monitor any COVID-19 threats on our campus.

The course of the pandemic has changed significantly since that decision. The transmission of COVID-19 has entered a second wave and unlike the original spread, current cases are more prolific and deadly among young adults.  New cases in many areas have risen to levels not seen since April and May and death rates are once again on the rise.  Some of the recent COVID-19 hotspots are in areas connected to our Lincoln University family.  We have also learned more about the spread of the virus indoors, the role of asymptomatic cases in the spread, and the possibility that immunity after illness may be of limited duration has also evolved.  This new information points to the need to greatly reduce density in shared spaces.  We, therefore, believe that it will be prudent to reduce our fall on-campus population to 50% or less so that every student in-residence can have a single bedroom.  

As a result, we have come to the very difficult decision to bring back a smaller number of students for on-campus residence. All other students will complete their fall semester remotely. 

Considerations that might qualify a student to return to campus include the following:

Please complete this request for on-campus residence special circumstances form if you fall into category two or three. Your faculty member or supervisor will be in touch with you if you are included in category four or five.

The academic experience

Classes will begin remotely for all on Aug. 17th. In the spring, we were forced to move from in-person to remote learning during a two-week period. Because we knew that we could be forced to go online at any moment in the fall, our faculty have been designing their courses with that reality in mind. As a result, we know our students will have a robust academic experience that is highly individualized and tailored to our usual liberal-arts curriculum. Please refer to the catalog for any changes to course offerings for the fall.

Finance

We know many of our families have been impacted by the pandemic, and, in recognition of that fact, we decided this spring to hold tuition, room, and board steady for this year. We made this decision even though we have had to incur increased costs to allow us to respond to this crisis and to provide a strong remote experience. The fall academic experience, while different, will feature the same expert faculty and the same small class sizes, and it will contribute credit to the same Lincoln degree. While many online programs are less rigorous, our approach will maintain rigor and the close student-faculty relationship that characterizes a Lincoln education. Students studying via remote only will be charged the Lincoln University Commuter tuition and fee rate.

If your family has experienced a financial impact due to the pandemic, please reach out to Financial Aid. 

In closing

While I know that many students will be disappointed by this change of events, protecting the health and safety of the entire Lincoln community remains paramount. As progress is made on the treatment and vaccine front, we hope that the Spring semester will welcome all students back to campus. Should we find ourselves still amid this deadly pandemic, we will ensure that those who have to study remotely this fall will have priority for in-residence status in the spring.

Sincerely,

Brenda A. Allen  

View Limited Reopening PDF

The Lincoln University New Normal 

Good day, Lincoln family. As we embark on building upon the Lincoln legacy for fall 2020, we must acknowledge that we are still facing a worldwide pandemic. We, your COVID-19 task force, have been working since March 16, 2020, to figure out the best course of action to deliver the educational excellence for which Lincoln is known, provide a true college experience, and most importantly keep the Lincoln community safe. In acknowledging a “new normal” it is paramount that we embrace our collective responsibility for the safety and well-being of the Lincoln community. At this point, we will provide a snapshot of how the “new normal” will look. 

Move-in this year will consist of a drive-through initial health screening which includes​​​​ a survey related to COVID-19, temperature screening for the student and two (2) guests, ​​​COVID-19 shallow self-nasal swab for the student, and collection of room assignment materials envelope. ​​Students and guests will proceed directly to their residence hall to move in. Please limit visiting​​ time as the students will begin their 24- 30-hour quarantine once their guests leave. Students ​​​will remain in quarantine until they receive their test results (in 24-30 hours.). ​​​​Meals will be delivered to the residence halls and distributed during the quarantine. ​​​After release from quarantine, students will be able to move about campus.

Campus Life: Face coverings will be worn at all times in public spaces per Centers for Disease Control,​​​​ Pennsylvania Department of Education, and Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf’s ​​​mandates and recommendations. Social distancing is also an integral component of our ​​​community protection plan. This necessitates limiting indoor and outdoor gatherings. All indoor spaces, including classrooms, have been ​​​​re-engineered to meet the 6 ft. standard of social distancing. These protections are ​​​meant to be layered to provide the best possible prophylactic guard against the virus.​​​ Testing will be ​provided on an ongoing basis according to the risk factor of the student​​​either weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly. Any positive test result will result in the student​​​ being moved to our isolation location on campus with all needs being provided for ​​​there. The off-campus movement must be limited if we intend to keep the protective bubble ​​around our community. Students who must leave for academic reasons or work will be engaged ​​​in a plan with student life in coordination with the COVID task force to limit the ​​​​students’ exposure.

This snapshot of our community protection plan is to assist students and parents in making the difficult decision as to whether they feel comfortable embarking upon taking on the responsibility that it will take to become a member of the Lincoln campus community under the “new normal”. It is also important to keep in mind that these plans are subject to the ever-changing environment that the pandemic is providing to our world and can change at a moment’s notice. For more information navigate to the COVID page on the Lincoln University website.

Sincerely,

COVID-19 Incident Task Force

Dear Lincoln University Community,

I am pleased to announce that the Lincoln University Board of Trustees has approved the University’s plan to welcome you all back to campus for the fall semester. Of course, all plans remain contingent upon the continued reduction in the spread of COVID-19 and the continued use of protocols required to mitigate, monitor, and contain any health risks to our community.

The reopening plan has three top priorities:

• First and foremost, keeping students, faculty, and staff healthy and safe;
• Offering an excellent Lincoln University education to all students; and
• Managing the University’s resources carefully.

The reopening plan for the Lincoln University main campus¹ is designed in concert with several guidelines and best practices provided by various sources during the continued threat of the COVID-19 virus. Primary are the guidelines put forth by Tom Wolf, Governor of Pennsylvania.

Additionally, the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) has issued guidelines for reopening post-secondary institutions in the state. The guidelines are designed to determine an institution's preparedness to mitigate and manage risks associated with COVID-19. Each plan to resume in-person instruction must be consistent with state and local orders and must incorporate the minimum requirements and expectations put forth by PDE. Institutions must coordinate with local public health or emergency management officials and have a strategy for monitoring health conditions on campus. 

The PDE guidelines require that systems for communicating accurate and timely information on COVID-19 related developments to students, faculty, and staff be in place. Finally, strategies for quarantine and isolation must be in place in the event transmission of the virus occurs on campus or if the county is designated as being in the red phase. Any institution whose reopening plan conforms to these guidelines is deemed ready to resume in-person instruction and other related operations as permitted by the Governor's orders.

Lincoln University has engaged in a two-month planning process designed to incorporate state and national guidelines for reopening. The comprehensive plan is the result of careful work by many in the community and invaluable input from students, faculty, staff, and Board members through conversations, surveys, and forums. I am grateful for the work done by our community to address our top priorities and am pleased to say that the resulting plan exceeds expectations and guidelines put forth by the governor, the PDE, and public health officials.

The Academic Calendar

The academic calendar and course delivery modalities have been adjusted to mitigate the threat of COVID-19. Two major principles are (1) ensuring that the campus is residence-free during peak influenza season (late November through late February) and (2) capitalizing on the use of technology to enhance social distancing and to protect the health and safety of students and faculty who are at the highest risk.

The fall semester will begin August 17, 2020, one week earlier than originally scheduled. Campus-based instruction will conclude on November 20, 2020. Students will leave campus at the Thanksgiving break and not physically return to campus for the remainder of the fall semester. Classes will resume after the break using only remote technology, including the completion of final exams. To minimize travel during the fall semester and thereby lessen the opportunity to be exposed to the virus, classes will be held on Labor Day and there will be no fall break. The fall semester will end on December 11, 2020, as originally scheduled.

The spring semester will begin on January 25, 2021, using remote technology. Students will complete the first four weeks of classes remotely. A scheduled spring break will occur the last week of February and students will return to campus to resume classes in-person on March 1, 2021. The semester will end May 20, 2021, and Commencement will be held the following weekend on May 30, 2021.

The curriculum will be delivered through a highly flexible mix of in-person and remote instruction. Most courses will be delivered through a synchronous hybrid method where courses will be offered during the scheduled time but both students and faculty have the option to attend either in-person or remotely. Faculty will be permitted maximum flexibility in how they manage this option for students. Additionally, this method will provide students who are unable to return to campus some options for continuing their education remotely. 

The changes in the academic calendar will necessitate changes in move-in and new student orientation dates. Instructions regarding these matters will be sent to students in the coming days.

Reducing, Monitoring, Containing COVID-19 Outbreaks on Campus 

Several strategies and protocols will be implemented toward reducing the threat of a COVID-19 outbreak during the on-campus sessions as well as plans for monitoring and containing any identified cases. The strategies and protocols draw upon the best information and practices known to date.

These protocols include:

• The requirement of face masks and social distancing in all public spaces
• Baseline COVID-19 testing for all students returning to the residence halls
• Periodic follow-up COVID-19 testing 
• A requirement for a seasonal flu shot for faculty and staff.
• Required daily health questions and temperature checks for all campus members.
• Strict protocols guiding visitors to campus and prolonged off-campus trips
• Enhanced frequency of cleaning protocols in all public spaces including all restrooms
• Ample supplies of cleaning materials and hand sanitizers available in public spaces

View the complete plan

With all of the uncertainty and upheaval that the pandemic has caused in just four months, I know you have been eager to know the plan for returning to a “new normal.” I thank you for your patience as faculty and staff have worked diligently to plan to keep everyone at Lincoln safe and move students forward in their education. 

¹The plan for resuming classes at the School of Adult and Continuing Education (SACE) in Philadelphia will be released under a separate announcement.

Sincerely,

Brenda A. Allen
President

Faculty & Staff Guidelines for Returning to the Workplace

As of June 5, 2020, Chester County of Pennsylvania has moved from the red phase to the yellow phase. Please see the document below for Lincoln University's interim guidance for employees (faculty and staff) who will return to the workplace on a phased basis. 

View: Guidelines for Returning to the Workplace

Jake Tanksley
Vice President for Human Resources

Dear Lincoln University Community,

I wish you good health and strength during this global pandemic. Many people across the world have contracted the Covid-19 virus with hundreds of thousands losing the battle. The ancillary economic impact has compounded the crisis for many. These are truly unprecedented times, yet the human spirit endures.

Current trends in infection rates suggest that the public health measures put in place to reduce community spread of the virus have been effective and many states, counties, and regions have begun to reopen. Pennsylvania's reopening is guided by data on infection rates by counties with most of the state slated to be at some level of reopening by mid-June. If infection rates continue to be controlled, the entire state should resume full operation by late July.

Given this forecast, Lincoln University is planning to welcome students back to main-campus this Fall. We are planning in the context of best practices designed to protect the health and safety of our community while being mindful of the importance of campus activities for the life of the college.

Operating the campus in the age of Covid-19 requires that we all enter into a "social exercise" to design a "new normal" for engagement both inside and outside of the classroom. Many believe that our ability to resume an active life is predicated on the social responsibility that each individual accepts for keeping themselves and their community safe. 
We are currently forming working groups of faculty, students, and staff to develop protocols and policies based on best practices for managing the continued public health concerns. Look for more information about the working groups in the coming weeks.

Of course, these plans are contingent upon continued reductions in the spread of Covid-19 and the state support required to mitigate, monitor, and contain any health risks to our community. The full plan for how the University will manage any potential health risks will be shared with the Lincoln University community very soon.

Finally, threats of Covid-19 to the global community are being assessed every day. Please know that alternative plans for providing continuity of education for our students are also underway should we receive guidance dictating the need to continue remote instruction. In addition, information regarding the School of Adult and Continuing Education (SACE) is forthcoming.

Again, I wish you strength and endurance as the world battles the threat of the Covid-19 virus. The Lincoln community has weathered many storms together over its 165-year existence. Together we can survive this current crisis.

Sincerely,
Brenda A. Allen
President

Dear Lincoln Employees,

Governor Tom Wolf has extended the stay-at-home order for Chester County and the Philadelphia region to June 4. Accordingly, Lincoln University’s non-essential faculty and staff will continue working remotely through at least June 4. This operating status will remain in effect until further notice. This extends the previous remote work guidance that was set to expire on May 11, 2020.

The health and safety of the Lincoln community continue to be our main concern. As a reminder, anyone coming to campus must wear a mask and adhere to health and safety practices while on campus.

Should you have any questions, please contact the Office of Human Resources at hr@lincoln.edu.

I thank you for continually adapting and moving our agenda forward even during this uncertain time.

Sincerely,
Brenda A. Allen
President

PA Stay-at-Home Order Extended to May 8

I’m writing to share with you the latest updates on how we work. Governor Tom Wolf extended the Pennsylvania statewide stay-at-home order to May 8 during the coronavirus crisis. Lincoln University’s non-essential faculty and staff will continue working remotely at least through May 8. This extends the previous remote work guidance that was set to expire on April 30, 2020. Employees with permanent residency in neighboring states should follow guidelines set by their respective states and maintain open communication with supervisors. Please remember to update your auto-reply email message accordingly.

The health and safety of the Lincoln community is our top priority. As a reminder, anyone coming to campus must wear a mask and adhere to health and safety practices while on campus.

We ask that you continue to regularly monitor your Lincoln University email and the COVID-19 website, which contains all communications sent to our University community.

Should you have any questions, please contact the Office of Human Resources at hr@lincoln.edu.

We thank you for remaining flexible during this challenging time. Stay safe and healthy!

Jake Tanksley
Vice President for Human Resources

Dear Students,

The COVID-19 pandemic interrupted our spring semester on campus. To compensate for the disruption, we are in the process of crediting 25% of the meal plan and room charges back to the accounts of students who vacated campus and Thorn Flats by March 22, 2020.

Applying the 25% credit back to student accounts will reduce any existing balances. In cases where the 25% credit clears an existing balance and leaves a surplus, a refund check or direct deposit in that amount will be issued, except for students on full-scholarship.

Students may log in to WebAdvisor to view their charges and account balance.

Students may log in to lincoln.afford.com and navigate to “refund preference” to review their selected method of payment.

For refunds to accounts with a Parent/PLUS Loan, checks will be issued to the address on the PLUS loan application unless the parent has designated the student as the refund recipient. A parent’s address can be changed by notifying Financial Aid.

Questions regarding COVID-19 refunds may be addressed to bursar@lincoln.edu.

We will begin to issue refunds on April 27, 2020.

We appreciate your understanding and flexibility as we implement these changes in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sincerely,

Brenda A. Allen
President

Dear Lincoln University Community,

The unprecedented events that surround the COVID-19 pandemic continue to present extraordinary challenges. However, these challenges also present our community with the opportunity to overcome and lead, just as Lincoln has done for 165 years.

I want to start with positive news about the health and wellbeing of our community because safety is always first on my mind. I am pleased to share that no suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been reported in the Lincoln University community. Our thoughts continue to be with all those affected with this disease and with all of the healthcare and other essential workers keeping us safe. The University continues to exercise universal precautions as we house approximately 40 students with extenuating circumstances following the closure of all University residence halls.

Remote Coursework
For many, the start of remote coursework yesterday ushered in a sense of normalcy and routine while also causing anxiety, especially given the connectivity and technology issues with the learning management system. I encourage students to seek support from their instructors, academic advisors, and the class deans to ensure the successful completion of the semester. I want students to know that we value your partnership, feedback, and patience as we adapt our world-class instruction and student support in new, unfamiliar ways.

Our dedicated faculty and staff have shown themselves to be responsive, flexible, and creative all while experiencing many pressures related to this rapid transition to alternative modes of instruction. Thank you to the faculty and staff who have worked diligently to move courses and administrative functions to a remote format.

Faculty and staff remain committed to finding learning solutions that meet the needs of every student; I ask students to prioritize learning, to seek answers, and to persist, because if we stick together we will keep our dear old Orange and Blue moving forward amid truly challenging times.

Pass/Fail Option
We continually look for ways to adapt our learning and stay focused on the experience of learning. In acknowledgment of the tumultuous events of this semester, Lincoln University has expanded the existing pass/fail grading option for undergraduate students for spring 2020 only. Any undergraduate student may elect to convert any or all of their courses to pass/fail by submitting the Pass/Fail Petition by the last day of classes on April 17. Learn more and access the petition at the Office of the Registrar webpage.

Employees
Yesterday, Governor Wolf issued a stay-at-home order for seven counties in Pennsylvania, including Chester. Under Governor Wolf’s order, personnel who are providing life-sustaining services can continue to be deemed essential and are permitted to continue their work, provided they adhere to social distancing guidelines.

Unless otherwise notified, non-essential employees will continue working remotely through at least April 10. Given the ever-changing orders from federal, state, and local jurisdictions, I urge caution for any employee traveling to campus. If a non-essential employee must come to campus, the employee’s supervisor must follow the instruction on the FAQ page, which includes communicating the urgent and essential need to several senior administrators.

Senior Week and Commencement

Based on the information from Governor Wolf and the Centers for Disease Control — and for the health and safety of all participants — Senior Week and Commencement are postponed. I know how special Commencement is for students and their families who expected to celebrate with them in May. We will honor students’ achievements in the months ahead and will have a Commencement. I will share the updated details as they emerge so students and their families have time to prepare for this meaningful and jubilant event.

I have witnessed the incredible strength and resiliency of the Lincoln community throughout these last two weeks. I recognize that many of you are operating in unfamiliar territory, but please know that the University is here to support you. If you are feeling disconnected or isolated, please use the resources on the FAQs. Together we will work through this, together we will learn, and together we will emerge stronger.

Sincerely, 

Brenda A. Allen
President

Note: This update was sent to alumni on March 15 via email. If you are an alumnus and did not receive it, please update your information by signing up or logging in at giving.lincoln.edu.

Dear Members of the Lincoln University Alumni Community,

Thank you for your calls and expressions of support as we navigate this uncertain time at our beloved Lincoln regarding the plans for addressing the COVID-19 virus. We are grateful that there are no suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 at Lincoln University.

Lincoln University has two top priorities: the safety of our community and the continuity of academic instruction.

As of today, the majority of the students have evacuated residence halls for their own safety. Any and all students experiencing an extenuating circumstance (e.g. international travel, out-of-state travel, or a student who is experiencing housing insecurities) have been and will continue to be provided for on campus. I assure you that the students who notify us of extenuating circumstances will be supported.

The second priority is to continue with academic instruction. After thoughtful discussions and feedback from many stakeholders about Lincoln University’s plans, classes will resume in an alternative format on Monday, March 23. Faculty and staff are working diligently to develop alternative modes of course delivery to meet the instructional needs of every student so that they can complete the semester successfully.

No decisions have been made for activities past the end of classes, which includes Commencement and Alumni Weekend. We are committed to providing timely updates about these and other events. I ask for you to remain flexible and patient as we make adjustments to new information that is released.

Thank you all for your outpouring of support. We look forward to the day when it is safe to resume normal operations, and we can’t wait to welcome the students back to campus this fall. For those of you who have expressed the desire to provide monetary support on social media, please visit giving.lincoln.edu.

With in-person meetings and events on hold for now, we hope you will continue to stay engaged with the University community. Here are some ways you can connect with Lions digitally:

• Stay in touch via email by creating a profile at giving.lincoln.edu
• Follow LU on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
• Professionally network with Lions on LinkedIn.

Please keep in mind that all official community-wide communications posted on the coronavirus webpage at www.lincoln.edu/coronavirus.

I appreciate your engagement on these issues and look forward to continuing to work together to address the needs of everyone in our community.

Sincerely, 

Brenda A. Allen
President

Lincoln University Announces Proactive Measures to Prevent Spread of Coronavirus

Suspends Face-to-Face Instruction for the Remainder of the Spring Semester

Dear Members of the Lincoln University Community,

I write to you with important updates. We have been following the Coronavirus (COVID-19) news and are aware that recently many secondary schools and higher education institutions in our area have begun to suspend classes.

The leadership team is in consultation with public health experts and emergency management to implement procedures that ensure that the Lincoln University community is safe.

While Lincoln University does not have any confirmed cases of COVID-19 as of now, we are taking every precaution possible to ensure the health and safety of all students, faculty, staff, and visitors to main campus and our University City location.

Academic Instruction

Erring on the side of caution, face-to-face academic instruction is suspended immediately for the remainder of the spring semester. Classes are canceled for the remainder of this week. Faculty will use this time to determine the best way to deliver remote modes of instruction. Beginning Monday, March 16, classes will transition to alternate modes of instruction.

It is important to check your Lincoln University email regularly for the latest updates.

University Housing

All students in University housing are required to vacate their rooms by Sunday, March 15, for the remainder of the semester and complete their classwork remotely. We ask that you continue to follow guidance from Centers for Disease Control and your local community. The Office of Residence Life will work with individual students who require assistance. This includes both main campus and Thorn Flats.

Employees

Faculty and staff members are expected to report to work to manage the day-to-day administrative operations for the University. We ask that all employees continue to exercise universal precautions to minimize the possibility of spreading the virus. If you are sick, please self-quarantine.

We are working with the Physical Plant to implement further enhanced cleaning procedures at all facilities.

Events at Main Campus and University City

In keeping with the CDC’s guidance to limit social distance, the University is taking proactive measures to minimize social contact. All non-essential events and public gatherings with more than 100 expected attendees are prohibited until further notice.

Travel

We strongly discourage domestic or international non-essential travel for faculty, staff, or students.

To summarize, classes are canceled for this week and will resume on Monday in a form decided upon by each instructor.

Please remember there are some basic steps that you can and should take as an individual during this outbreak:

1. Wash your hands frequently, with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds; and

2. Avoid close contact with others if you are feeling sick.

Lincoln University will do whatever we can to help students complete the spring term successfully. I will be sending more details about how this proactive plan will be implemented, but I wanted to let you know of this decision as soon as possible.

Please know that these decisions have not been made lightly as our leadership team had lengthy discussions. We are confident that if we pull together, we will see our way through this challenge. Thank you— students, faculty, staff, parents, visitors, alumni, community members, and friends—for your support and patience as we adjust to these new plans.

I encourage you to check the website and your Lincoln emails frequently. All updates on the University’s response to COVID-19 will continue to be posted on our website, www.lincoln.edu/coronavirus.

Sincerely, 

Brenda A. Allen
President

Dear Faculty and Staff:

As Lincoln University continues to monitor the rapidly evolving situation regarding the novel coronavirus COVID-19, the University’s leadership has agreed that it is in the best interest of the health and safety of our faculty and staff to suspend all non-essential travel for University business effective immediately.

This means that all official travel for University business for faculty and staff is suspended both internationally and domestically outside of Pennsylvania. This decision will remain in effect until further notice. Our goal is to reduce the risk that anyone at Lincoln University might contract or inadvertently spread the virus.

In response to this decision, you are encouraged to use remote communications such as Zoom or Skype where appropriate to carry out University business that would otherwise necessitate travel outside of Pennsylvania.

We understand that this travel suspension will have an impact on your work, however, we take seriously our responsibility to protect every member of the Lincoln community.

Dear Lincoln Community,

I am sharing updated guidance for the Coronavirus (COVID-19) as community transmission is increasing, including two confirmed cases in Pennsylvania. There are no cases in Chester County at this time.

I encourage you to restrict greetings to respectful nods, smiles, or elbow bumps to replace handshakes and hugs.

Physical Plant is working to refill or replace hand sanitizing stations across campus.

Download the Stop the Spread of Virus poster.

We have been posting signage in every building about practices to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses.

I write especially to alert our community to actions you will want to take:

• in the event of a Coronavirus outbreak on campus or Chester County
• should you or a member of the Lincoln community feel sick or suspect that you have been exposed to the Coronavirus;
• or, if you travelled during Spring Break last week, independent of the University, and are concerned about possible exposure.

Enroll in IRIS Alert for Emergency Communications

All students, faculty, and staff are strongly encouraged to enroll in IRIS alerts, the University’s primary source of communication for messaging during emergencies. If you enrolled previously, please log in to confirm that you are still enrolled and update any information that may have changed, including email addresses and mobile numbers.

Follow Ongoing Updates

Please continue to visit our Coronavirus update page at www.lincoln.edu/coronavirus for the latest information as Lincoln University administrators monitor this evolving situation and follow recommendations from the Department of State and the CDC. We are also working with government agencies, such as Chester County Health Department and Chester County Department of Emergency Services, to obtain advice and guidance on managing the campus in the event of an outbreak.

Actions for Those Experiencing Symptoms

Students, faculty, and staff should stay away from classes and campus activities if they are feeling sick. Community members who are experiencing a fever, cough, or have difficulty breathing — especially if they have traveled internationally in the last 14 days or been in contact with someone who has — should seek medical care right away. Students on campus should contact the Office of Health Services immediately by calling 484-365-7338.

Faculty and staff with possible exposure to COVID-19 or who experience symptoms should avoid coming to campus and should contact their medical provider immediately for further instruction.

Travel

The U.S. Department of State has issued several travel advisories. If you traveled during spring break, plan to travel, or have had contact with someone who traveled, please review the CDC guidelines.

Our first priority is the safety and wellbeing of our students, faculty, and staff. Each person in our community plays an important part in stopping the spread of virus. Thank you for taking action to keep our campus safe.

Dear Lincoln University Community,

As news regarding the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak continues to evolve, we want you to know that we are working closely with the Chester County Health Department and the Pennsylvania Department of Health to monitor COVID-19 conditions and make decisions about the best steps to take concerning the health of our students, faculty, and staff.

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person just like the flu or a cold through the air by coughing or sneezing; through close personal contact, like touching or shaking hands; by touching an object or surface with the viruses on it; and occasionally, through fecal contamination. There are currently no cases of COVID-19 in Chester County or Pennsylvania. At this time, the virus is not spreading in the community, so there is no need to change daily routines.

We have protocols in place to minimize the spread of illness to our students, faculty, and staff and we are reviewing our emergency preparedness plans in the event of a widespread outbreak that requires more action. We have and will continue to work with the Chester County Health Department to implement plans and protocols quickly. Currently, our custodial crews are performing additional cleanings of classrooms and touch surfaces such as desktops and door handles. We are doing our very best to prevent the spread of illness.

All students, staff, and families are advised to follow the same practices that help prevent the spread of the flu and other illnesses:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand cleaners that are at least 60-95% alcohol are also effective.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes. The main way that the flu spreads is from person to person is in the droplets produced by coughs and sneezes, so it is important to cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or cough/sneeze into your elbow or shoulder, not into your hands.
• Make an appointment to get your free flu shot on campus at Health Services.
• Do not share personal items such as drinks, food or utensils.
• Do not attend class if you are sick. Refer to the Student Handbook for specific attendance policies.
• Sick individuals should remain at home for at least 24 hours after there is no longer a fever or signs of a fever without the use of fever-reducing medicine like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

Our priority is the health and well-being of students, faculty, and staff. We will remain vigilant with the ongoing situation and will notify you of any additional changes to our strategy to prevent the spread of COVID19.

We recommend you regularly check Chester County Health Department’s website current information about COVID-19 in Chester County at https://www.chesco.org/4376/2019-Novel-Coronavirus.

For more information about COVID-19, visit CDC: Coronavirus Prevention & Treatment.

Should you have any questions or concerns beyond what has been provided, please contact your health care provider or Lincoln University’s Office of Health Services at 484-365-7338.

Please review and share these printable resources:

• Coronavirus (COVID-19) Flyer - Be Informed. Be Prepared.
• Poster: Stop the Spread of Germs
• Poster: Wash your Hands
• Poster: Fight the Flu