This communication was sent campuswide March 18, 2020. 

Dear Weber State Family:

I can not express how much I appreciate you during these challenging times. This morning's earthquake in northern Utah added to the feelings of uncertainty. Our emergency response team did an immediate assessment, and our campuses did not suffer any significant damage. I hope that each of you is also safe and did not experience any significant harm as a result of the earthquake.

Of course, we continue to monitor circumstances related to the spread of COVID-19. This email is to update you on developments related to Weber State University’s Spring 2020 Commencement, as well as the cancellation of more campus events and access to facilities.

Earlier today, March 18, the Utah System of Higher Education, in consultation with university presidents, decided to postpone Spring 2020 Commencement ceremonies at all institutions, including Weber State.

Many of us consider commencement the most important event we hold on campus. I know this news is disappointing to us all, but especially our students who were looking forward to celebrating this incredible milestone at the end of this semester. We know their families and loved ones share in the disappointment.

While the postponement is necessary to help protect the health of our campus family and community, I don’t want members of the Class of 2020 to miss out on this momentous occasion in their lives.

To that end, Weber State will begin looking for a date — after the current public health crisis passes — when we can gather in person preferably, but virtually if necessary, to acknowledge the accomplishments of our Class of 2020. We will let you know as soon as possible. 

Graduation processing will continue as normal. Diplomas will arrive in the mail once final grades have been submitted and degrees have been processed. Most students can expect their diplomas to arrive in the mail two to four weeks from the grade submission deadline of April 28. Students who have applied for graduation will be notified through the Graduation Application in their student portal of any issues impeding the conferral of their degrees. If students have questions about their graduation status, they are encouraged to reach out to their academic advisor using the Find My Advisor app under Advisement in the A-Z index or at weber.edu/advisors.  

Events Canceled through May 10

Heeding the latest guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and state and local health departments, the university is also cancelling all WSU events scheduled through May 10. This cancellation may be extended, depending on public health recommendations.

Facilities Closed to Public
To further extend our efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, as of March 18 at 6 p.m., access to all Weber State University buildings, with the exception of the residence halls, is limited to faculty and staff, as we continue to adhere to social-distancing protocols.

Students, faculty, staff and community members are encouraged to closely abide by all of the federal coronavirus guidelines, as they exist today and continue to change. In particular, students should refrain from visiting campus or congregating in groups of 10 or more. Faculty and staff should work from home in coordination with supervisors. Critical services, such as food services to students living in residence halls, will continue to operate.

These limitations to facility access mean mail services will suspend its campus delivery. However, the Mail Center and Receiving will remain open. Purchasing will send an email with details on how departments and offices can coordinate to receive mail or deliveries. Central Receiving & Mail Services will continue to deliver to residents in Wildcat Village. Mail delivery will continue for students living in University Village as normal through the United States Postal Service.

The university will continue to post updates at weber.edu/coronavirus and that site’s FAQ page.

For specific questions not answered on that page, you can email covid19@weber.edu.

Pulling Together

The COVID-19 outbreak has forced us to alter many of our routines and operations. I continue to be amazed at the dedication and flexibility you are all demonstrating in these challenging times. Each of you personifies the tenacity and grit that is a hallmark of the Weber State legacy. Let’s continue to work as a united Weber State family and help each other be successful in the days and weeks ahead. Collectively we will slow the spread of COVID-19 and be stronger together. 

Wishing us all health, patience and fortitude. 

-brad 

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Brad L. Mortensen, PhD
President, Weber State University
president@weber.edu | Office: 801-626-6001