Operations restricted at Erie campus

Posted: March 20, 2020

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.

The University moved late Thursday to close the Recreation and Wellness Center and Nash Library.

Starting Saturday morning, dining services for those still living on campus will change to further encourage social distancing to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.

Docs Landing will close and brunch and dinner will be available at the dining hall for takeout only.

This dramatic step follows Gov. Wolf’s order that all non-life-sustaining businesses be closed. The governor’s order does not categorize colleges and universities as life-sustaining businesses. He has indicated that enforcement of this order will begin at midnight on Saturday. Therefore, time is of the essence for those moving out of the residences and for our shifting our food service provision.

At the moment we have students still preparing to move out of the dorms. The Governor’s order adds urgency to this situation.

Only students with no other safe housing option or those who have expressed a special circumstance should remain on campus. We are fully supporting each of you who will be staying with us and ensuring we provide that support in keeping with external requirements. 

If you haven’t already, please share any updates of your plans for departure as soon as possible with the Office of Residence Life through this www.gannon.edu/residentialmove. Residence Life has also been reaching out to students today.

The Governor’s measures are intended to slow the spread of COVID-19. All along, Gannon has followed the guidance of the state Department of Health and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

We will resume classes Monday, March 23, as planned using alternative teaching methods. Our faculty have prepared for this transition. Library services will remain available online. Other academic support will also be provided remotely. Key phone numbers and emails are available on our website at https://update.gannon.edu.

In addition, administrative and support offices will also be open, but staff will be working remotely.

Waldron remains open to anyone with a Gannon ID. Palumbo Center, which has several printers as well as our mailroom, will be accessible to anyone with a Gannon ID only as is essential.

Keep in mind that at all times we are encouraged to maintain social distancing. Keep six feet of space between you and anyone else. Also, follow good hygiene and wash your hands frequently. Stay safe.

Understand that this is an evolving situation and we will continue to adjust operations as events unfold. Continue to visit https://update.gannon.edu for our latest decisions and for resources to assist you. 

If you have a question or a comment, submit it at https://www.gannon.edu/Questions-or-Comments/