THIBODAUX, LA – On Thursday, Nicholls State University President Jay Clune sent a message out to the campus. President Clune says the campus was preparing to reopen on May 4, but because of the extended stay-at-home order from the Governor, the campus has pushed back its opening date.
Read the full statement below.
Dear Colonel Family,
It is hard to believe that April is nearly over. We should be enjoying Crawfish Day and the Thibodaux Fireman’s Fair, celebrating award banquets, and anticipating commencement. Instead, we are planning and preparing for a safe return to our campus home.
We had hoped that the state’s improving COVID-19 statistics would allow for a phased opening of the campus to begin on May 4. However, to comply with the Governor’s continuation of the stay-at-home order until May 15, we will delay the phased reopening of campus for our faculty and staff. Students will return at a later date to be determined.
Looking to the future, our calendar for summer and fall semesters remains unchanged. Please refer to it if you have any questions. https://www.nicholls.edu/academic-calendar/
In the coming days, we will identify a limited number of personnel who will prepare the campus for reentry. We will provide returning employees with the proper PPE, hand sanitizers, sanitizing wipes, and cleaning supplies. We expect all employees and students to adhere to social distancing guidelines and wear a mask in the presence of others while on campus.
The Louisiana Office of State Civil Service currently has in place a provision for special leave until May 6 for those employees who cannot telework. That governing body has a scheduled meeting on May 6, where there will be proposals reviewed to identify a path forward. We will keep you posted on the outcome of that meeting but anticipate the continuation of special leave.
We have a responsibility and commitment to act in the best interest of all members of the Nicholls family. Our phased return to campus will be in accordance with federal, state and local health guidelines. More importantly, our phased return will be completed with a continued, considerate and sensitive approach to your wellbeing.
I recognize that many of you are parents of young children, and that the childcare network you depend on has been disrupted: K-12 schools closed, aftercare programs shuttered, daycares on hiatus, summer camps in question, at-risk grandparents unable to lend a helping hand. We will work through this together.
Be smart. Be safe. Be well. And Geaux Colonels!
Jay Clune, President
Nicholls State University
Louisiana’s Coastal University