A person wearing a facemask, exiting a building past a sign with the Warrior mascot wearing a face mask

Fall 2020 Reopening

Welcome Back to Fall 2020! Please review the important campus updates below which were, posted on August 31.

COVID-19 Reporting DashboardSubmit Your Questions
  • For those students living on or near campus, know that Kemp Library and Mattioli Recreation Center remain open for your use.  Access to these facilities and all academic buildings will require your e-card.
  • Zimbar-Liljenstein Hall and the front door of the Reibman Administration Building will be open from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. After 4:30 p.m., an e-Card is required for access to these buildings. Academic administrative offices including Provost, Deans and faculty chairs and advisors are available for consultation, preferably by appointment, both virtually and face to face where applicable.
  • The main entrance to Dansbury Commons will be open to access dining services only. See more information about hours of operation and meal plan options. ESU Dining is excited to offer ESU students, faculty, and staff the opportunity to dine on campus throughout the Fall semester. Learn about the meal plan and flex dollar options and contact housinganddining@esu.edu with any questions!
  • All students should check their course schedule for Fall 2020 to ensure its accuracy. If you have any questions or concerns about your schedule, or you wish to add courses or make changes, contact your advisor or major chair. Access your schedule or contact your advisor via the MyESU portal. If you need additional assistance, see the student enrollment center webpage.
  • See the University Store hours of operation.
  • Visit the Tutoring Center's Find a Tutor for tutoring assistance, both online and face to face.
  • Students will be notified as to which campus computer labs will be open for use with accompanying facility-use protocols. See building access details below. Bloomberg Finance Lab is available virtually to students, not face-to-face for fall 2020. ESU students, faculty and staff can obtain free market concepts certification through Bloomberg Market Concepts (BMC) now through December 31, 2020. For more information, visit Bloomberg for Education (use your ESU e-mail address to log in and enter class code PQZJDK8X4W).
  • Students who are on campus this fall must have an eCard. Learn how to Get Your E-Card if you do not already have one.
  • Please review the Academic Calendar for important dates, including when class begin, last day to drop, and withdrawal dates.
  • This summer, ESU implemented a new Title IX Sexual Misconduct policy and modified its policies to be compliant with the new regulations. Visit Sexual Harassment and Misconduct to learn more and become familiar with what to do in cases of sexual harassment, sexual violence and other forms of sexual misconduct.
  • All career and workforce development services will be available virtually this semester. Students can also check out Handshake software that provides students with job searching resources, and Big Interview, an innovative online platform designed for students to practice mock interviews tailored to specific industries, job and experience level.
  • The ESU Innovation Center will be open during fall semester with access limited to ecards. The ESU Professional Testing Center will be closed during fall semester. Pearson VUE/Praxis testing will resume in spring semester. The ESU Business Accelerator is open to participating companies and the Dr. Jane Huffman Wildlife Genetics Institute and PA Tick Research Lab located in the Innovation Center continue to provide tick testing services.
  • Warrior Entrepreneurs will have access to the Warrior Launchpad, the ESU student incubator located in the ESU Innovation Center, through virtual appointments. The Entrepreneurial Leadership Series began on Thursday, September 10 with Dominique Washington, ’17, a four-time author discussing via zoom “The Power of the Pen: Inspiring Change through Self-Publishing.” The State System of Higher Education Startup Challenge is going virtual as well with a November 20 deadline to apply for the One Minute Pitch competition and $10,000. Dragon’s Den, an ESU student business pitch competition, is scheduled for November 10 and the virtual Hustles and Gigs Student Business Expo is planned for October. Students are encouraged to join the Entrepreneurship Club to connect with the growing number of Warrior entrepreneurs. See additional information about student entrepreneurship.
  • On Tuesday, September 1, please tune in to ESU’s virtual academic convocation at 3 p.m., and make a note to join the Warrior family for our first All University Meeting of the academic year on Tuesday, September 8 at 2 p.m.
  • ESU’s Division of Campus Life and Inclusive Excellence and the Student Activity Association announce that their offices will be open for virtual meetings, and in-person meetings by appointment. Staff members will also be available to assist with your questions by phone or email. See hours of operation.
  • In an update from the Pennsylvania Sports Athletic Conference (PSAC), fall sports (field hockey, football, men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s cross country, and volleyball) that were postponed for the fall semester will start on January 17, 2021. The teams will play on a reduced schedule using the 50% rule; teams will play half of their previously reduced regular schedule. ESU’s athletic department is currently working with Warrior athletes to follow NCAA guidelines that will enable those living nearby to follow guidelines in order to begin working with strength and conditioning staff, athletic trainers and, eventually, coaching staff to prepare. Anticipated return to campus for student-athletes will be late December. PSAC’s winter and spring sports schedule is also being planned for 2021. For updates from ESU athletics regarding PSAC and NCAA guidelines, visit ESU Warriors.
  • Student parking enforcement will be relaxed for the Fall 2020 semester only.  Students bringing a car to campus will still be required to obtain a parking permit, which will allow commuter and residential students to park in any student lot throughout the fall semester. Guests to campus are allowed to park in student parking lots with a valid visitor permit, issued or requested by the departments that have invited the guests to campus. Faculty parking lots remain restricted to faculty only. Handicapped and reserved parking spaces are still restricted as identified by their signage. A reminder that all parking meters on campus are enforced by the East Stroudsburg Borough and are governed by Borough Ordinance. Therefore parking meters are not subject to this relaxed enforcement and you may be ticketed.
COVID-19 Reporting DashboardSubmit Your Questions
  • For those students living on or near campus, know that Kemp Library and Mattioli Recreation Center remain open for your use.  Access to these facilities and all academic buildings will require your e-card.
  • Zimbar-Liljenstein Hall and the front door of the Reibman Administration Building will be open from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. After 4:30 p.m., an e-Card is required for access to these buildings. Academic administrative offices including Provost, Deans and faculty chairs and advisors are available for consultation, preferably by appointment, both virtually and face to face where applicable.
  • The main entrance to Dansbury Commons will be open to access dining services only. See more information about hours of operation and meal plan options. ESU Dining is excited to offer ESU students, faculty, and staff the opportunity to dine on campus throughout the Fall semester. Learn about the meal plan and flex dollar options and contact housinganddining@esu.edu with any questions!
  • All students should check their course schedule for Fall 2020 to ensure its accuracy. If you have any questions or concerns about your schedule, or you wish to add courses or make changes, contact your advisor or major chair. Access your schedule or contact your advisor via the MyESU portal. If you need additional assistance, see the student enrollment center webpage.
  • See the University Store hours of operation.
  • Visit the Tutoring Center's Find a Tutor for tutoring assistance, both online and face to face.
  • Students will be notified as to which campus computer labs will be open for use with accompanying facility-use protocols. See building access details below. Bloomberg Finance Lab is available virtually to students, not face-to-face for fall 2020. ESU students, faculty and staff can obtain free market concepts certification through Bloomberg Market Concepts (BMC) now through December 31, 2020. For more information, visit Bloomberg for Education (use your ESU e-mail address to log in and enter class code PQZJDK8X4W).
  • Students who are on campus this fall must have an eCard. Learn how to Get Your E-Card if you do not already have one.
  • Please review the Academic Calendar for important dates, including when class begin, last day to drop, and withdrawal dates.
  • This summer, ESU implemented a new Title IX Sexual Misconduct policy and modified its policies to be compliant with the new regulations. Visit Sexual Harassment and Misconduct to learn more and become familiar with what to do in cases of sexual harassment, sexual violence and other forms of sexual misconduct.
  • All career and workforce development services will be available virtually this semester. Students can also check out Handshake software that provides students with job searching resources, and Big Interview, an innovative online platform designed for students to practice mock interviews tailored to specific industries, job and experience level.
  • The ESU Innovation Center will be open during fall semester with access limited to ecards. The ESU Professional Testing Center will be closed during fall semester. Pearson VUE/Praxis testing will resume in spring semester. The ESU Business Accelerator is open to participating companies and the Dr. Jane Huffman Wildlife Genetics Institute and PA Tick Research Lab located in the Innovation Center continue to provide tick testing services.
  • Warrior Entrepreneurs will have access to the Warrior Launchpad, the ESU student incubator located in the ESU Innovation Center, through virtual appointments. The Entrepreneurial Leadership Series began on Thursday, September 10 with Dominique Washington, ’17, a four-time author discussing via zoom “The Power of the Pen: Inspiring Change through Self-Publishing.” The State System of Higher Education Startup Challenge is going virtual as well with a November 20 deadline to apply for the One Minute Pitch competition and $10,000. Dragon’s Den, an ESU student business pitch competition, is scheduled for November 10 and the virtual Hustles and Gigs Student Business Expo is planned for October. Students are encouraged to join the Entrepreneurship Club to connect with the growing number of Warrior entrepreneurs. See additional information about student entrepreneurship.
  • On Tuesday, September 1, please tune in to ESU’s virtual academic convocation at 3 p.m., and make a note to join the Warrior family for our first All University Meeting of the academic year on Tuesday, September 8 at 2 p.m.
  • ESU’s Division of Campus Life and Inclusive Excellence and the Student Activity Association announce that their offices will be open for virtual meetings, and in-person meetings by appointment. Staff members will also be available to assist with your questions by phone or email. See hours of operation.
  • In an update from the Pennsylvania Sports Athletic Conference (PSAC), fall sports (field hockey, football, men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s cross country, and volleyball) that were postponed for the fall semester will start on January 17, 2021. The teams will play on a reduced schedule using the 50% rule; teams will play half of their previously reduced regular schedule. ESU’s athletic department is currently working with Warrior athletes to follow NCAA guidelines that will enable those living nearby to follow guidelines in order to begin working with strength and conditioning staff, athletic trainers and, eventually, coaching staff to prepare. Anticipated return to campus for student-athletes will be late December. PSAC’s winter and spring sports schedule is also being planned for 2021. For updates from ESU athletics regarding PSAC and NCAA guidelines, visit ESU Warriors.
  • Student parking enforcement will be relaxed for the Fall 2020 semester only.  Students bringing a car to campus will still be required to obtain a parking permit, which will allow commuter and residential students to park in any student lot throughout the fall semester. Guests to campus are allowed to park in student parking lots with a valid visitor permit, issued or requested by the departments that have invited the guests to campus. Faculty parking lots remain restricted to faculty only. Handicapped and reserved parking spaces are still restricted as identified by their signage. A reminder that all parking meters on campus are enforced by the East Stroudsburg Borough and are governed by Borough Ordinance. Therefore parking meters are not subject to this relaxed enforcement and you may be ticketed.

Building Access for Fall 2020 Semester

For faculty and staff and students living on or near campus that may require access to academic and administrative offices, please see the chart below and note that some of these buildings will require your e-card to access buildings.  Most buildings that do not require ecard access are open 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Monday through Friday) unless there are evening or weekend classes.  For access at any other time, you will need to make arrangements with your professor or the director of the office you wish to visit.

Building Name Accessibility - Is eCard Required?
Koehler Fieldhouse Required
Zimbar Not Required
Beers Lecture Not Required
Stroud Not Required
Science Technology Center Required
Rosenkrans Not Required
Gessner Not Required
Moore Not Required
DeNike Not Required
Reibman (front door only) Not Required
Library Required
Recreation Center Required
University Center Not Required
Dansbury Commons Not Required
Monroe Required

General Preparations

  • All divisions on campus are coordinating efforts to ensure that the small number of students who will be on campus (please see information above on students who are eligible to apply for on-campus housing), faculty and staff have proper personal protective equipment (PPE). All members of the ESU campus community and guests are required to wear masks in all public spaces and to practice social distancing (six-feet apart when possible). ESU will supply two reusable, washable cloth face masks to students and employees on campus. If you already have masks you are encouraged to continue to use them, and be sure to follow the CDC guidance on washing and sanitizing masks. Additional masks will be available for purchase at the bookstore.
  • Signage is in place in all campus buildings to remind everyone of traffic flow and other recommended CDC guidelines. Policies and procedures have been developed for those who do not adhere to University health and safety requirements associated with COVID-19.
  • All individuals entering all buildings on campus must wear a face mask and continue to wear a face mask when in hallways, classrooms, public spaces, common areas, and during office visits.
  • Any meetings among faculty, staff and students should continue to be conducted remotely as much as possible.
  • We are asking everyone affiliated with East Stroudsburg University to monitor their own health on a daily basis. If you do not feel well, stay home, stay away from others and seek medical advice if needed.
  • Whether on or off campus, it is expected that everyone will maintain social distancing at all times.

Monitoring Campus

  • Any member of the campus community who is symptomatic needs to be tested as well as those who have been exposed to an individual who has tested positive for COVID-19. Testing is available at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Pocono. Those who test positive for COVID-19 will be quarantined on campus in a residence hall that has been designated specifically for those who are infected.
  • A plan for contact tracing is being developed and will be available in the near future.
  • What should I do if I feel sick?
    Students should call the ESU Health Center at (272) 762-4378 or their local health care provider. ESU students that are living on campus will be connected to a nurse for additional screening and triage. The nurse will discuss symptoms and provide guidance for medical care per CDC recommendations.

Classes & Academic Support

Housing and Dining

  • What students are eligible for on-campus housing for fall 2020?
    ESU on-campus housing is developing plans to welcome a limited number of students to our residential facilities with added precautions for their health and well-being. Priority will be given to students who are in academic placements (i.e. student teachers, clinical placements, and internship sites), international students, or other special circumstances. Further information on how to apply for housing will be forthcoming to students who have currently applied for Fall 2020 housing.
  • How do I cancel my housing contract for fall 2020?
    Residential and Dining Services will release all students from their on-campus housing contract for the Fall 2020 semester. You will receive an email to your ESU account confirming the cancellation of your housing and dining reservations. No actions from residents are necessary at this time.
  • Will ESU be issuing refunds for residential & dining bills that have already been paid?
    Yes. Charges for housing and dining will be reversed for students that are changed to remote learning.
  • What dining options will be open for on-campus students?
    Dining Services will be functional during the Fall 2020 semester. Please visit Campus Dish for up-to-date information regarding meal plan options, on-campus dining locations, hours of operation, and other important information.

Student Services

  • Where can I find more information on student billing, grants, loans, and book vouchers?
    See the Student Enrollment Center's questions for Fall 2020.
  • My registration has changed. Who can I contact?
    See the Student Enrollment Center's questions for Fall 2020.
  • Is there an updated due date for student billing after accounts are updated?
    Fall 2020 updated student bills were made available in the MyESU portal on August 10, and students were notified by email. All bills are due by August 19. For questions, please contact the Student Accounts Office at billing@esu.edu.
  • Will there be adjustments to student fees for services that won't be provided in fall 2020?
    Adjustments will be made to student accounts for those programs and services no longer available as a result of the change to primary remote learning. For information on the extended due date for student billing, please see the FAQ on that topic.
  • What is the status of student ID’s (eCard) – how do I receive one, and what would I need one for this fall?

    Students who are on campus this fall – whether they are the limited number of students who will be residing and continuing academic placements, or students who would like to access the available services on campus (including the library, rec center and dining services) – must have an eCard. If you are a returning student who already has an eCard, your current eCard will function the same this coming semester.

    For more information on obtaining an eCard or to confirm a date and time for pickup, please email Rob Fetterly (rfetterly@esu.edu).

  • What is the status of parking on campus for the fall semester?
    Student parking enforcement will be relaxed for the Fall 2020 semester only.  Students bringing a car to campus will still be required to obtain a parking permit, which will allow commuter and residential students to park in any student lot throughout the fall semester.  Guests to campus are allowed to park in student parking lots with a valid visitor permit, issued or requested by the departments that have invited the guests to campus. Faculty parking lots remain restricted to faculty only. Handicapped and reserved parking spaces are still restricted as identified by their signage. A reminder that all parking meters on campus are enforced by the East Stroudsburg Borough and are governed by Borough Ordinance. Therefore parking meters are not subject to this relaxed enforcement and you may be ticketed.
  • Are department offices open?
    All department offices remain functional. Over the duration of the summer months, the University is executing a phased-transition to the “new normal” operation throughout campus. By the start of the fall semester, all departments will be open for in-person and remote service, with appropriate measures taken for safety.
  • Are student health services at LVH-Pocono available to students?

    Local ESU students experiencing symptoms (cough, fever, respiratory issues) must call the Expresscare at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Pocono at (570) 476-3700 to be triaged, prior to visiting Expresscare.

    All other students may visit Expresscare for their healthcare needs. (Please note that the ESU student health center at LVH-Pocono is closed until August 17. However, Expresscare is still operational, but services are at the expense of the student.)

  • Is CAPS (Counseling & Psychological Services) available for students?

    ESU’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is providing remote telebehavioral health services to students via phone or ZOOM.

    Students who are seeking counseling services can call CAPS at (570) 422-3277, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., and leave a message indicating they are interested in counseling. The student will receive a return call with instructions on how they may access and complete the necessary consent forms and intake information prior to receiving telebehavioral health services. Messages are checked regularly throughout the day.

    CAPS counselors are licensed in Pennsylvania and are regulated to provide counseling only to students in Pennsylvania at time of service. For students not living in Pennsylvania who require and are seeking other counseling services, please call or email the ESU Health and Wellness Center Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., at (570) 422-3277 or email afreeman11@esu.edu. The Health and Wellness Director and/or the Health and Wellness Case Manager will help you access services in your community. If the student is experiencing a mental health crisis, they should contact 911, 211, or the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.

  • What is the status of student employment for the fall 2020 semester?
    For questions, please contact your student employment supervisor, or the Student Payroll Office at AskHR@esu.edu.
  • Is the University Center open for fall 2020?
    The University Center will be closed to students for the Fall 2020 semester.
  • Is the Bookstore open?

    The physical Bookstore will be open in mid-August and will have modified hours.

    Students who need to order course-required materials can do so at any time, 24 hours a day, by visiting the bookstore website. Students are highly encouraged take advantage of the free shipping on the site to get their books send directly to them. Information on days and times for in-person pick-up of orders will be available in August.

    Faculty or staff with questions regarding textbooks, please contact Joe Knorr at (570) 422-3640 or email jknorr@esu.edu.

  • Is the Rec Center open?
    Yes, Campus Rec & Wellness will have indoor facilities open. There will be social distancing put in place for equipment, virtual fitness classes and programs, and some restrictions on activities offered. Equipment will be disinfected regularly to ensure everyone’s safety.
  • Is the Warrior Food Pantry operating?

    The Warrior Food Pantry plans to resume service on Tuesday, September 8. This resource, located at St. Matthew’s Church (78 Ridgeway Street, East Stroudsburg), operates each Tuesday from 3-5 p.m. Social distancing and mask protocols will be required.

    For those wishing to donate items, please visit the Warrior Food Pantry website for a list of helpful items and drop-off locations.

    Additionally, for a complete list of available community meals in the area, please see the resource guide. In the guide you will find the phone numbers to each community meal, please call ahead before arriving to ensure that they continue to be operational. The Salvation Army in East Stroudsburg is a resource for food as well and can be contacted at (570) 421-3050.

Student Activities & Events

Athletics

  • The Board of Directors of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference announced on July 15 to suspend all mandated conference athletic events and championships through the fall semester in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. All fall and winter sports scheduled to begin before January 1 are impacted by this decision. The conference will evaluate the necessary schedule changes and will communicate its plans for moving all competitions to the spring semester at a later date.
  • Information on varsity athletics can be found on their website.

Transportation and Travel

  • Is ESU canceling study abroad programs?
    At this time no study-abroad trips are scheduled. For more information, contact Director, Steve Ives, at sives@esu.edu.
  • What is the travel status for University business?
    Travel for University business or to conferences, nationally and internationally, was suspended effective March 6, 2020, until further notice. As an alternative to traveling on University business, consider (when possible) using remote access via Zoom, Skype, etc. We recognize that this decision has major implications for students and faculty members who have planned travel to study or on behalf of ESU, especially cost implications associated with many of these plans. Please know that the University is doing all we can to request refunds, and we ask for your patience as we continue to conduct these tasks.

CARES Act

  • What is the CARES Act and how can I apply to help with my current financial challenges?

    The CARES Act Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund provides funding to individual colleges and universities in the U.S. in order to provide financial grants to students who are facing financial challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Department of Education has provided general guidelines to indicate how funds are to be distributed and has given each institution discretion on how funds will be disbursed.

    For more information, please see CARES Act fund request page.

Communications

  • ESU’s Office of University Relations will generate appropriate messaging and other communication initiatives to share updates. University relations will use e-mail (ESU’s official communication channel), the University website and (when appropriate) social media to share messages with students, faculty, staff, parents and the community-at-large.
  • Admissions and Campus Life & Inclusive Excellence will work collaboratively to communicate the plan for Fall 2020. Any campus messaging relevant to parents and family members will be posted Parents & Families.

Coordination with Local Public Health Officials

  • ESU’s Director of Health and Wellness will communicate any identified cases of COVID-19 to local hospital officials and the DOH as per protocol. The director will also activate plans for quarantine as needed.

Submit Your Questions

We understand that students, parents and other members of our ESU community have questions during this ongoing situation.

We ask that you please closely review the above FAQ’s, and be assured that important campus information will be shared via ESU email (to students, faculty and staff), on this page, on the ESU parents page, and via social media.

If you need further assistance, the form below is available to submit your questions:

Contact Us

If you have questions about ESU's plans for the fall, please use the submission form above.

Contact Information

Campus Address
161 Smith Street, Suite 100
Phone:
(570) 422-3235
Title of Department Leader
Nathan Black
Name
Manager, Environmental, Health and Safety