News & Media

Dr. Jill A. Murray sent the following letter to the Lackawanna College Community announcing changes to the student housing policies in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These policies will reduce the number of students in residence halls to no more than 20% capacity, helping to maintain a safe learning environment for students, faculty and staff.

Dear Members of the College Community,

Since the beginning of the pandemic, Lackawanna College has been committed to reopening our main campus and our satellite centers as soon as possible in a safe and structured manner. We continue to closely monitor the progression of COVID-19 and to consult with numerous health officials to implement measures to protect members of our community. Our number one priority has been and will continue to be the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff.

To create the safest environment possible, the College is adjusting its housing policy to reduce the number of students in its residence halls to no more than 20% capacity. We have come to the very difficult decision that housing will be limited to certain majors requiring hands-on instruction and students with extenuating circumstances, which will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the College. This will allow us to create the safest learning and living environments for those students living on-campus. Students who were planning to live in our residence halls will be contacted individually regarding their personal circumstances. Also, to accommodate this move, more classes will be moved to a remote format. Students should check their schedules for any updates.

I want to thank each and every one of you – our students, faculty and staff – as well as parents and families and the greater communities of northeastern and central Pennsylvania for working with us, being patient with us, and trusting us during these extraordinary times.

We know that you want to be fully back on campus and return to normalcy, and we do too. Providing a quality education to our students will always be of the utmost importance to us, and although it may look a little different this year, know that we are here for you, and we will continue to offer the unmatched local support that makes us this community’s college.

It is so disappointing to all of us at the College to have to share decisions like this, but please know that this situation is temporary, and this too shall pass. We are a Falcon Family and we will get through this together. Stay strong, stay safe, and stay healthy!

Sincerely,

Dr. Jill A. Murray
President, Lackawanna College

About Lackawanna College:

Founded in 1894, Lackawanna College is a private, accredited college serving the people of northeastern Pennsylvania. With a main campus situated in downtown Scranton, Lackawanna’s expanding footprint also includes satellite centers in Hawley, Hazleton, The School of Petroleum and Natural Gas in New Milford, Sunbury, Towanda and the Environmental Education Center in Covington Township. Learn more at www.lackawanna.edu.

Heather L. Gogas
Communications Coordinator
gogash@lackawanna.edu
o. (570)961-7807
c. (570)332-4128