Spring Break extended as precaution for preventing spread of COVID-19

March 11, 2020 in News

 COVID-19 Statement

Dear CSU Community,

Clarks Summit University intentionally emphasizes community and care for one another. CSU has been monitoring the dynamic developments released by the experts of the Centers for Disease Control and the Pennsylvania Department of Health regarding the novel coronavirus COVID-19, and we are continually evaluating what is best for the health of our students and the greater Northeastern Pennsylvania community surrounding the school.

There are no confirmed CSU-related COVID-19 cases. However, based on the latest updates and an abundance of caution, we have decided to extend spring break one week as a preventative measure to keep the campus and community as safe as possible. This means:

• Spring break will be extended one week for on-campus classes. On-campus classes will not take place through Friday, March 20. Classes are expected to resume on Monday, March 23. (Alternative teaching methods, such as online course delivery, may be in effect at that time. Professors are equipped to move classes to an online learning format should that become necessary in the future.)
• Residence halls will be closed through Saturday, March 21 and will re-open Sunday, March 22 at noon, at the earliest. Plans are in place to help students who are unable to return or remain at home (students can find more information about this in the Schoology Hub*).
• The Recreation Center will be closed, in effect tomorrow, Thursday, March 12, through Monday, March 23 at the earliest.
• Outdoor athletic events will take place as scheduled. Indoor athletic contests will take place with no spectators.
• Offices will remain open.
• As additional action steps become necessary for the best interest of the health of students and community members, updates will be released at ClarksSummitU.edu/coronavirus.

At this time, research suggests that many younger people of college age may be at lower risk of serious complications resulting from COVID-19. Considering this fact alone may lead some to believe the extended break is overly cautious. However, there are valuable members of society who are high-risk from COVID-19. CSU’s administration has made these decisions for the benefit of the greater community, to limit the spread of the virus, especially for those who are vulnerable because of higher risk. Experts are in agreement that social distancing, practicing personal hygiene and avoiding large group gatherings are part of the solution. If CSU can help our students and our neighbors by taking active steps to prevent the spread of the virus, we want to do our part. We believe those who follow Christ should be the first to step up and take action to love our neighbors, and this is one way we can do just that.

Because updates are released rapidly, we will remain committed to monitoring information from experts and making decisions that are in the best interest of the health of our school and community. We are also committed to providing the best academic experience for our students, and we will ensure this continues to happen should conversion to alternate course delivery be necessary. Thank you for your flexibility.

Above all, we trust God as sovereign and loving, and we are grateful for your prayers for wisdom now and every day. Please continue to watch for more communication through ClarksSummitU.edu/coronavirus, which may add to or change the plans announced today.

James R. Lytle, D.Min.
President