Update from President Hawkinson on Campus Status

Dear Kutztown University Community,

I want to thank the entire campus community for persevering during this difficult time. I have heard from many of you, and can understand your concerns based on our positive cases.  I have included additional FAQs at the end of my update, that address many of the recent concerns that have recently been brought to our attention.

As you are aware, Kutztown University engaged in extensive planning to reopen during the pandemic.  Please see our webpage with information that should answer many of your questions --- https://www.kutztown.edu/fall2020.  We have continued to follow the guidelines of the CDC, the Pennsylvania departments of Health and Education, and the State System. 

I want to personally thank the staff in Health and Wellness Services for their tireless efforts and commitment to the health of our students.  Since the third week of August, we have been reporting our total cases both on and off campus. We have received requests for additional data surrounding our current cases, and are working toward making more information available in the near future. Thankfully, we have begun to release students who have recovered from quarantine or isolation, and will be doing so on a daily basis. The most recent surge in cases is resulting from students who are self-reporting and have had tests at an off-campus location.  We are in contact with all these students and monitor their health and ask that they isolate.

Our university and students are, and have always been, embedded in our community and region, with many of our students permanently living in this area.  I put out a letter with the Kutztown mayor the first week of the semester stating my support of the borough's efforts to control large gatherings.  We are fully monitoring the situation and will take appropriate action, as needed.

If all members of our community follow the proper protocols of social distancing, wearing masks, and proper hygiene, the CDC and other experts assure us that they will be safe. 

I thank you all for your commitment to the reopening of campus. We will continue to communicate with you in the days ahead, and wish you the best. The most recent FAQs follow.

Sincerely,

Dr. Kenneth S. Hawkinson
President

FAQs Regarding the Current Status of the University

•  For the full list of FAQs, go to the Fall 2020 FAQ webpage