University Update

Statement of University of Dallas President Thomas S. Hibbs, Ph.D. 

Date Published: Thursday, April 9 

Dear UD Community,

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Earlier today, I was informed that a University of Dallas faculty member has been diagnosed with COVID-19.  

The faculty member did not exhibit any of the usual signs of this virus — no fever, cough, or difficulty breathing — but was severely fatigued and is being treated at a local hospital. Please join me in prayer for this faculty member’s speedy recovery.

Because the university has been on Spring Break and then closed since March 13, we do not have any evidence this faculty member circulated among a large number of other faculty, staff, or students during this time. However, we do know the faculty member visited campus on April 2 to obtain help from our IT staff for an online course. 

One full-time member of the University’s IT staff had contact with this faculty member on that date. Two international students, who have been unable to return to their home countries during this crisis and who work in the IT department also saw the faculty member on that day. We have informed these three members of our community of this possible exposure so they can self-quarantine for 14 days. Please also join me in praying for the three members of our community who helped the faculty member on April 2. 

We continue to take measure to ensure the safety of our community during this coronavirus outbreak, including:

• Allowing remote work of non-essential personnel
• Enhanced cleaning and disinfecting of workspaces
• Using social distancing practice while on campus

For more information on COVID-19, including symptoms and treatment, visit the CDC website at www.cdc.gov. 

Thomas S. Hibbs, Ph.D., BA ’82 MA ’83

President