March 13, 2020

Dear Students,

By now you have received and hopefully read the email from President Davis on March 11. As you might imagine, we have received hundreds of calls and emails with questions. Below are frequently asked questions and answers that may be helpful to you as you make plans.

Q: How long will the remote instruction last?  When should I make plans to return to campus?
A: Remote instruction will begin March 23 and continue through March 27, at which time we will decide how to continue. Unfortunately, due to the rapidly changing nature of the virus, we are unable to advise you on plans for returning to campus at this time.  Furman’s emergency management and operations teams continue to meet daily to monitor the situation and make decisions.

Q: Do I need my textbooks, musical instruments, or other study materials for remote instruction?
A: As much as reasonably possible, yes.  See Q&A below about shipping options.  If you are unable to retrieve any course materials, students may work directly with their professors (who will work with the library) to make digital copies available. Traditional copyright law has been waived for instructional purposes.  Music students may return to campus to retrieve their instruments and other equipment at the same time they retrieve any items from campus housing.

Q: Can I return to campus to get some essential belongings and then return home?
A: Yes, students may return to campus to retrieve belongings only. You must first email HousingandResidenceLife@furman.edu to make those arrangements.  Guests are not permitted to stay in the residence halls during this period.  Card swipe access to the residence halls will be deactivated for all students on Tuesday, March 17 @ 8 a.m.  Only those students approved to be on campus will have swipe card access.

Q: What if I have some extenuating circumstances that require me to remain on campus?
A: Students must register with Student Life in advance by logging in to the Housing Self-Service Portal. (Click on the “Housing Registration” form under the “Application” dropdown menu, answer the question, and click “continue” to submit.) Your request will be reviewed and you will receive an answer regarding your request within 24 hours. Residence halls and food and other limited services will remain in operation for students who need to remain on campus.

Q: Can the University ship some essential items home to me so I don’t have to return to campus to get them?
A: Yes.  Email your request to HousingandResidenceLife@furman.edu. Include a detailed list of those items – be descriptive.  Furman’s Housing staff will pack the requested items and utilize P2X to ship the package. Shipping will be limited to essential items only such as students’ computer, academic materials, medications, identification, money, etc. If possible, a staff member will make arrangements with you to use video technology from your actual room to make sure proper items are being collected.

Q: If I come to campus this weekend to get some of my belongings, will P2X be open for me to get my mail?
A: Yes, P2X will be open both Saturday and Sunday from 12-4 p.m. for students to pick up any mail/packages when you come back to get your belongings.

We hope this information is helpful to you.  As President Davis stated, this remains a rapidly evolving situation and we know that members of our community will continue to have questions. The emergency management team is meeting daily and will continue to develop answers, adjust plans as necessary and communicate frequently. Please monitor Furman’s COVID-19 website for updated information and resources.

Take care of yourself and be safe.
Office of Student Life