COVID-19 UPDATE: Community FAQs

Arcadia University made the necessary decision that all academic courses and experiences will remain online for the rest of the Spring 2020 semester. In all aspects of the University, our community’s health and safety are central to our decision-making process. 

Below are FAQs of interest to the University community. This is not an exhaustive list of questions from community members, and we intend to answer all questions we received. If you have additional questions, contact the appropriate department or individual at the bottom of arcadia.edu/coronavirus. 

What does this mean for finishing the academic year?
Arcadia’s faculty and staff are transforming all courses and other academic experiences into a fully online/remote modality for the remainder of the spring semester. Faculty and staff are pursuing this undertaking with energy and creativity.

• The semester continues fully online after spring break. Important spring milestones such as Capstone and final exams and projects will also occur online. 
• Arcadia will approach the complex academic consequences of these changes with flexibility. Exceptions to relevant academic policies will be worked through case by case, and some deadlines are being adjusted. Most immediately, priority registration for the Fall 2020 semester is being delayed by two weeks to allow additional time for advising. Registration will now take place from April 13 through April 24, and all undergraduate and graduate students will register for classes online after working with their academic advisers. More details about the delayed, fully online Fall registration and additional support for students and their academic advisers will be forthcoming.
• Ongoing academic support for students will be available as usual. Professors are accessible electronically, and all offices that provide various kinds of academic, professional, and personal support are continuing their work online. 
• Arcadia is looking at options to reschedule the travel portion of all remaining Spring 2020 Global Field Study Courses, depending on faculty and student availability. We must consider the global response to COVID-19 and needs of host countries. We know that some graduating seniors need these credits/requirements to graduate this spring; we will work with each of you directly to determine possible next steps. 

What if I need additional technical support to complete my coursework online?
The Information Technology website is updated regularly with guidelines and resources to help provide students, faculty, and staff with the best online learning experience possible. Visit their website to see vendor offerings of resources such as free wifi, software, etc. For technical issues, students can contact Helpdesk@arcadia.edu for additional needs. 

What does having restrictions on public events over 50 people for the next 8 weeks mean for large-scale events like Commencement?
The University is committed to holding an on-campus Commencement for undergraduate and graduate students of the Class of 2020 when it is safe and we have adequate time to prepare for a celebration of this size and importance. We will salute the Class of 2020, and their families, for the hard work and adaptability they have demonstrated. More details will be communicated shortly as they are finalized. 

Are students being forced out of housing? 
No. Students who have nowhere else to go will be able to remain in housing for as long as we are able to offer this option. Government restrictions may continue to increase, potentially reducing services we can offer. 

Although the decision is based on guidance from the CDC, we strongly encourage students to plan for and seek other accommodations, if at all possible. Members of the Student Affairs team have been reaching out to students who remain on campus.  If you have questions email housing@arcadia.edu.  

What does this mean for picking up my belongings from residence halls and housing?  When do we have to be completely moved out?
With public health officials recommending that people limit travel, we are planning for residence hall move-outs to occur once these recommendations are lifted, and anticipate the move-out process to occur from mid-April into the first week of May. More details will be sent about scheduling time to move your belongings out of your room. If there are critical items you need to obtain sooner (e.g., medication, passport, computer), email housing@arcadia.edu and our staff will make arrangements for you to obtain those items.

Can my belongings remain on campus through the summer?
Students have to make arrangements for their belongings to be picked up by move out day in May. We will make every effort to help students from a distance who may have gone home and still have belongings on campus. Those with extenuating circumstances should contact housing@arcadia.edu.  

How can I pick up packages from the Mailroom? 
The Mailroom is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day for local students. Alternatively, you may call the Mailroom to have items forwarded to your preferred address (though you will be responsible for any associated postage costs). 

With classes moving online for the remainder of the semester, I’ve moved off campus. Will there be refunds of unused room and board fees for undergraduate students?  
The University will process a prorated credit of 47 percent, the unused portions of the housing and meal plan fees, for undergraduate students no longer residing on campus. These credits will apply automatically to your account; any remaining credit will carry forward to the next academic year Fall 2020. For students who are graduating or transferring, these refunds will be processed automatically. Continuing students seeking a refund rather than a credit, or resident students with any financial concerns, should contact One-Stop Shop (215.517.2339, onestop@arcadia.edu).

For faculty and staff who have additional COVID-19 employee-related questions, please contact HR using the feedback form.