Dear Temple student, 

You received a message from President Englert and Provost Epps yesterday evening informing you that in response to the spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, Temple University’s U.S. campuses are transitioning to online and alternative forms of learning beginning on Monday, March 16.

We wish to give you some important additional information, specifically meant for students, which will help ease the transition:

• You need a device—desktop computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone—that can access the internet, and reliable broadband with a high or unlimited data allowance. Most learning platforms we use (Canvas, Zoom and VoiceThread are the most common) have robust mobile apps, so you will be able to start accessing class information with your smartphone. If you are in need and have no access to a device to complete coursework, please go to tuhelp.temple.edu, choose “Request Help,” and then click the University Computer/Device Loaner Request button. A limited number of devices at the university may be available to borrow. Please visit the TUPortal “COVID-19” tab for more information, additional information about WiFi, links to training videos and more.
   
• Almost all academic student support services, such as the Writing Center and tutoring at the Student Success Center, academic advising appointments, and career counseling, will be in operation, but may be taking place remotely. More information on these and other academic support during this period can also be found on the TUPortal “COVID-19” tab.
   
• If you live on campus, you are being asked to move home as soon as possible, and no later than March 21. More information on the move-out process will be sent from University Housing and Residential Life. Student Health, Tuttleman Counseling Services, Disability Resources and Services, and many other student services will remain open, although in some cases operation may move online entirely or in part. If you have questions or need support with regard to any of these issues, you may contact the Dean of Students Office at dos@temple.edu or 215-204-7188.

This letter, and more detailed information about preparing for online learning, will be posted in TUPortal under the “COVID-19” tab, with regular updates. General info about Temple’s response to the coronavirus can be found at temple.edu/coronavirus.

The entire Temple community is in this together. Temple’s faculty and staff will work with you to make this transition as smooth as possible. 

Thank you, 

Dan Berman
Vice Provost for Undergraduate Studies 

Zebulon Kendrick
Vice Provost for Graduate Education

Stephanie Ives
Associate Vice President and Dean of Students