Latest Updates
May 7: New guidelines for on-campus operations
Gannon University has developed guidelines to maximize the safety of our employees, contractors and students. They are in compliance with orders issued by the states of Pennsylvania and Florida. These guidelines are applicable to all Gannon University employees (i.e. colleagues) and contractors. The guidelines are effective May 7, 2020, until further notice.
May 1: Gannon Intends to Resume Face-to-Face Classes in August
These are normally busy days across our campuses in Erie and Ruskin with finals and the approach of commencement. But these are not normal times. Instead, our beautiful campuses are largely empty and all of those exams and projects are being done remotely. Commencements for both campuses have been delayed until later in the year, when we hope the environment is more conducive to gather in larger numbers.
The spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, has disrupted life across the world as well as the natural rhythms of Gannon University. Many have been asking and eagerly awaiting the University’s plans for opening our homes away from home. The emerging signs of transition and the intensive planning and preparations being done here at Gannon have led to this message of our intent to resume face-to-face classes in August.
May 1: CARES Act provides financial options via your 403(b)
These are unprecedented times and some legislation passed recently that was designed to provide some financial assistance for families that are struggling. Please keep in mind, however, that the intention of the funds in your retirement account are for income replacement when you retire. Depleting your account could have a significant impact on your ability to retire when you would like to. As always, we recommend reaching out to your financial consultant to review your current situation – along with short- and long-term financial goals – before making any decisions.
April 29: Additional relief funds to be released beginning this week
Gannon University has just received its allocation of CARES Act funds and will begin distribution to students as early as this week. This money is in addition to Gannon University funds that are being distributed to support the needs of our students in this challenging time.
April 27: Virtual conferral of degrees
Gannon University will honor its graduating Class of 2020 with a conferral of degrees at a special, first-ever virtual event at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 9, 2020. This degree conferral celebration is in advance of the University’s in-person commencement ceremonies, which were rescheduled for Aug. 30 for our Ruskin campus and for Oct. 4 for our Erie campus.
Visit www.gannon.edu on May 9 to join in the celebration. It will also be on Facebook Live.
April 23: Ruskin Commencement Rescheduled Date
Previously we communicated a commencement date of Saturday, Aug. 29. However, the date for the Ruskin commencement ceremony is being rescheduled to Sunday, Aug. 30.
April 8: A state of the University as we begin Easter break
As we all prepare for Easter break, we thought this would be a good moment to reflect on the great number of changes that have happened at Gannon in the past six weeks and give you a brief state of the University. The adjustments the University and each of us, individually, have had to make have been monumental. The speed and scale of our collective response to the threat of COVID-19 is unprecedented, and deeply appreciated.
April 7: Technology resources and reminders
As Gannon’s virtual education and working from home continues, we’d like to share a few technology resources and reminders with you.
April 2: Temporary change in the Pass/Fail policy for Spring 2020
Gannon University has adopted a temporary change in the Pass/Fail policy for Spring 2020. You must complete a digital form for each course that you want to complete with a Pass/Fail grade.
March 31: Commencement plans announced for Erie, Ruskin campuses
As the University continues to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic in ways that will continue to keep our students, faculty and staff as safe and healthy as possible, we are working together in making a series of important decisions. Please know that we are not taking these decisions lightly during this time as the situation continues to rapidly change each day. Each decision is made in the best interest of your well-being.
March 31: Refunds, credits being distributed
We continue to share regular updates focused on actions and decisions of the day, topics regarding questions we are hearing from you, and efforts to stay connected and let you know we are here and thinking about your work and learning. This latest update is related to credits to your financial account and/or refunds for housing and meal plans, and pay for student workers.
March 31: Summer sessions to be taught using alternative delivery methods
The recent extension of social distancing guidelines to April 30 and the prospect that they might continue into May has lead us to make a change to our summer classes.
March 27: Temporary Pass/Fail grading option now available for spring courses
Gannon University has adopted a temporary Pass/Fail grading option for Spring 2020 undergraduate courses transitioned to remote instruction, effective immediately.
March 25: Most May, summer GIFT, ABST, Travel trips canceled
We continue to try and share regular updates focused on actions and decisions of the day, topics regarding questions we are hearing from you about, and efforts to stay connected and let you know we are here and thinking about your work and learning. This latest is related to travel activities that were planned for the remainder of the academic year and summer.
March 23: Online classes resume in Ruskin and Erie
Things are calm and quiet across campus today, but we know that is not a reflection of all that is happening around us.
March 20: Operations restricted at Erie campus
Gannon University, in accordance with directives issued by Gov. Tom Wolf late Thursday, is taking additional steps to restrict operations across its Erie campus. The focus going forward will be serving the needs of the students who remain in our residence halls who have no other housing option and supporting the launch of classes via alternative teaching methods beginning Monday, March 23.
March 19: Gannon University's Recreation and Wellness Center and the Nash Library Closed
Gannon University’s Recreation and Wellness Center and the Nash Library will be closed tonight and will remain closed until further notice to stem the spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.
March 18: The first positive COVID-19 case has been reported in Erie County
The first positive COVID-19 case has been reported in Erie County, according to the Erie County Department of Health, which held a news conference today. At this time, there are no known cases on Gannon’s Erie or Ruskin campuses.
March 17: Gannon Campuses in Erie and Ruskin Closing
We will be closing our Erie and Ruskin campuses by the end of today with the exception of essential services and staff. Alternative delivery of courses begins Monday, March 23.
March 16: Gannon University Campuses will be closed by end of day Tuesday
Gannon University’s Erie and Ruskin campuses will be closed by end of the day Tuesday, March 17 with the exception of essential services and staff. Alternative delivery of courses will continue as planned on Monday, March 23 as well as the support of transition of students planning to move off campus this week through March 22. All staff and administration are expected to report to work tomorrow – Tuesday, March 17 -- and then will be expected to work from home going forward until further notice. Supervisors will meet with employees tomorrow morning to determine the personnel required to report to work on campus to provide essential services after that date.
March 13: Gannon to shift to alternative delivery, campuses stay open
I am writing today to detail the latest decisions for the Gannon community in response to the global COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. We continue in confidence that our campus environment is currently healthy and safe. In light of the many new realities in communities surrounding our campuses, Gannon University’s Erie and Ruskin campuses will transition to alternative instructional delivery methods yet remain open to offer support.
March 13: Gannon Athletics Announces Cancelation Of Spring Competition
In light of the ongoing developments regarding COVID-19, the Gannon University Athletics Department announced Friday morning that all athletics competitions have been canceled for the remainder of the spring semester effective immediately. The announcement came in conjunction with the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference's decision that all PSAC athletic competition for the remainder of the spring semester has been canceled, effective immediately.
March 12: All winter and spring NCAA Division II championships effective immediately
NCAA President Mark Emmert and the Board of Governors canceled all winter and spring NCAA Division II championships effective immediately. "This decision is based on the evolving COVID-19 public health threat, our ability to ensure the events do not contribute to spread of the pandemic, and the impracticality of hosting such events at any time during this academic year given ongoing decisions by other entities," indicated Emmert via e-mail.
March 11: For students and employees with health conditions
Students and employees who have a health condition that puts them at high risk for serious illness from COVID-19 or who have unique circumstances should consult with Gannon's Health Center regarding how to minimize their risk. An example of a unique circumstance is a person who is a caregiver for an immunosuppressed family member.
March 11: Message from the President on COVID-19
COVID-19 is on everyone's mind and I want to take this moment to provide some updates on what we have been and are doing and to provide reassurance that Gannon University is taking all necessary steps and will remain open.
March 10: Gannon's steps in response to the virus
As the University continues to monitor developments regarding the coronavirus, we would like to share the following reminders and updates with the Gannon community.
March 4: Gannon implementing updated procedures for students, faculty and staff
As we continue to monitor developments regarding the coronavirus, Gannon University has decided to implement updated procedures for students, faculty and staff who have traveled to locations with a health notice of level three or higher according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
March 2: Two cases of COVID-19 have now been reported in Florida
According to the Florida Department of Health, two cases of coronavirus have now been reported in Florida in Hillsborough and Manatee Counties. Although these cases are not connected to our Gannon campuses, we want to update the University on the development in this location. At this time, there are no cases at our Ruskin, Florida or Erie campuses.
February 29: Gannon community members traveling for spring break
In an effort to keep you updated in regard to the coronavirus and our Gannon community members traveling for spring break and currently studying abroad, we would like to share recent developments with you.
February 27: Preparing for spring break
As you prepare for spring break next week (March 1-8), we want to underline that our primary concern is your safety and well-being while you are away from campus.
February 5: We are closely monitoring the outbreak of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus
We are closely monitoring the outbreak of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus, or COVID-19, recognizing our mission as a globally inclusive university that seeks to ensure the wellbeing of our students, faculty and staff - especially those who are arriving from or are traveling abroad. We are aware of the exposure risks, signs and symptoms of COVID-19, and are implementing procedures and protocols in accordance with guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.