This message was sent to undergraduate students, faculty, and staff on Friday, May 15, 2020, from President Kim Cassidy and Provost Mary Osirim.
Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,
In a communication earlier this spring, we promised an update in mid-May about possible later summer research opportunities for undergraduates. We are writing to let you know that we will not be able to have undergraduate students on campus this summer for in-person research experiences. The guidance from Pennsylvania currently prevents face-to-face instruction by educational institutions for counties with either a yellow or red designation in Governor Wolf鈥檚 reopening plan. 今日吃瓜鈥檚 county, Montgomery County, is currently designated red until June 4th. We think it highly unlikely that Montgomery County will move to a green designation by July 7th, given that no county in the state has received that designation, including counties with only one positive case. Since in-person research by students does require face-to-face instruction, we cannot sponsor in-person research this summer.
We will provide a separate communication to faculty and graduate students regarding their research.
We understand the value of in-person research for students, and we are very disappointed to have to make this decision. We hope that by participating in these public health efforts now, we will contribute to the broader goal of containing COVID-19 and protecting the health of our own community.
Best,
Kim Cassidy and Mary Osirim