How students can prepare for Spring Quarter

We look forward to welcoming you back to DePaul—remotely—after Spring Break. There’s no doubt the upcoming weeks will be unlike any that many of you have experienced during your time here. But you’ll be surprised by how much will remain the same. Your instructors will continue to share their knowledge with you and provide activities to help you learn. They and the university’s staff will be there for you. And you’ll share this experience with your classmates, no matter how far apart you are. We encourage you to look for opportunities to get involved in DePaul’s new Digital Engagement Network.

Please read this entire message and read through the links to prepare for the start of classes next week. It covers:

Unless specifically noted, the measures listed below will be in place until further notice.

Academic support services

For those of you who are new to remote and online learning, please review the many DePaul resources that are available to support your learning experience. DePaul’s Student Success website is a valuable starting point. We highly encourage you to review this site’s crowd-sourced tips for succeeding as a remote student, as well as information on access to technology tools and services. You also should review instructions on Zoom, the online video and audio communications service we expect you will be using frequently in your Spring courses.

In addition, many of the same academic support services DePaul has always offered will be available virtually. This includes but is not limited to:

For many understandable reasons, this may be a challenging time in your life. University Counseling Services is still available for support, crisis management, community referrals and consultation. If you would like to be contacted by a counselor, leave a message with UCS at (773) 325-7779.

University libraries and campus bookstores

The John T. Richardson Library, Loop Library and Rinn Law Library will be closed through Spring Quarter. Library staff will continue to provide virtual reference and instruction services, as well as virtual support for services such as course reserves and electronic document delivery. Please visit the University Library website, the Rinn Law Library website or read details in Newsline to learn more.

While the Barnes & Noble campus retail locations remain closed, the bookstore will continue fulfilling online orders, including new books, used books (when available), rentals and e-books. All orders of hard-copy books will include free shipping. Visit the Barnes & Noble campus bookstore website to learn more.

Computer labs

Students who have an essential need to use DePaul computers, whether you need access to a specialized computer program or do not have home access to a computer or the Internet, will have very limited on-campus access to computer labs. Before you visit campus, please consider whether it is an absolute necessity. We encourage you to complete your coursework remotely whenever possible for your health and the health of the DePaul employees whose duties require that they continue to come to campus.

Computer lab availability:

• Loop Campus:
• Lewis Center (25 E. Jackson Blvd.) Room 105 (Show DePaul ID for entry.)
• Daley Building (14 E. Jackson Blvd.), First Floor (Swipe DePaul ID for entry.)
• Hours at both locations: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., Monday through Friday; 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Saturday; closed on Sunday
• Lincoln Park Campus:
• Brownstones in the Student Center (2250 N. Sheffield Ave.)
• Hours: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. (weekdays and weekends)
• DePaul IDs will need to be shown to gain entry. Access is limited to the Kenmore Avenue entrance only.

Labs and computers will be cleaned regularly throughout the day and sanitizing wipes will be provided. Social distancing will be required. Hours are subject to change. Please check the COVID-19 site’s FAQs page on university operations and the Student Centers website for the most up-to-date information.

Access to DePaul buildings

With few exceptions, such as the computer labs previously mentioned, student access to DePaul buildings will be restricted. If colleges or schools have already granted access to student workers, graduate assistants, etc., that access will remain in place.

If at all possible, please stay home. Please give serious consideration to the necessity of leaving your home and visiting campus while the Illinois “stay at home” order is in effect. If you previously had been granted access and it is essential for you to visit campus, with some exceptions, DePaul’s buildings will operate in controlled access mode, requiring an ID card swipe or sign in for entry. Access will be available from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Remote work for student workers through at least April 7

With some exceptions, DePaul expects all faculty and staff, including student workers, to continue working from home through at least April 7—the end date of Governor JB Pritzker’s “stay at home” order. We will share additional instructions with you before April 7.

Student workers whose work cannot be handled remotely will be considered for alternative duties and tasks across the university. Opportunities are posted on the Campus Job Board website. Student workers will be paid the difference between actual hours worked and their regularly scheduled hours up to Friday, May 1, 2020, at which time the process will be re-evaluated.

Waived fees

The Student Activity Fee, Athletic Fee and CTA U-Pass fee have been waived for the Spring Quarter. Your CTA U-Pass will remain active throughout the Spring Quarter.

Looking ahead

The COVID-19 Prevention and Response Task Force will continue meeting to consider how DePaul navigates its short- and long-term response to COVID-19. We know you have questions about the future, including plans for Summer Quarter courses. We promise to share information with the university community on this topic and more as soon as possible, given the changing nature of the situation. 

Next week, you and the rest of DePaul’s student body will begin taking approximately 4,000 courses taught remotely. Thank you for your patience and your willingness to adapt to these unexpected circumstances. We’ll miss the energy you bring to campus—but we’re excited for you to see how faculty and staff are using their creativity and making every effort to give you the best possible learning experience. Stay safe and healthy.

Sincerely,

A. Gabriel Esteban, president

Salma Ghanem, interim provost

Jeff Bethke, executive vice president