Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates & Resources

UNH Manchester has suspended all in-person classes for the remainder of the spring semester, so you will complete your courses in a non-face-to-face, remote learning capacity. Please login to MyCourses to check if there are instructions from your professor teaching the course.

Currently there are more than 100 publishers participating and tens of thousands of titles available through Vital Source. Most of the titles adopted by UNH faculty that we offer as e-books are eligible for this program. Log in to Vital Source to access the available books. If you do not have a Vital Source account, you may register with your UNH email address to gain access.

We are looking at various ways of delivering lab courses online. Your instructor will keep you informed as plans are developed.

Please contact Maggie Wells, internship coordinator, at m.wells@unh.edu or 603-641-4331.

If you are concerned about internet or computer access, please contact IT at 603-641-HELP (4357).

See the Housing/Dining section below for details.

Campus officials are currently reviewing issued guidance from the U.S. Department of Education and the Department of Veteran Affairs. UNH expects additional guidance in the coming days that will require careful review and consideration. Please refer back to this page for updates. If you have questions or are concerned about financial hardship during this time, please contact Financial Aid at unhm.fa@unh.edu or 603-641-4189.

Since we are switching to non-face-to-face instruction, instructors will most likely post a revised syllabus. Please contact your instructors for additional details.

In order to ensure equity among students and to make it easier for students to make progress toward their degrees in these highly unusual circumstances, the Faculty Senate passed a motion on Monday, March 30, 2020, to allow students to choose to switch in-progress courses from a letter-grade to pass/fail. You should read the following guidance carefully and consult with your adviser(s) to make sure that moving one or more of your classes to P/F is right for you. This document may be later updated with further guidance.

1. I want to keep taking all of my courses for a grade. What do I have to do?
   • Absolutely nothing. Just keep working hard on your courses.
2. I feel that one or more of my courses are being impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, or the move to online instruction has made it difficult to maintain my high standards. Can I switch to P/F
   • Starting Monday, April 13, and ending Tuesday, April 28, undergraduate students will have the option to switch in-progress letter-grade courses to P/F. You should consult with your adviser to make sure that P/F is right for you. It’s important to know that your instructor will not know whether you are taking it P/F or for a letter grade, so you will still be getting grades during the semester for your work, and a letter grade will still be entered at the end of the semester. All grades D- and above will become a P (pass). Updated April 9, 2020
3. Will P (pass) count for all of my degree requirements?
   • All courses taken to fulfill Discovery, Writing Intensive and the Bachelor of Arts language requirements will be fulfilled by P (pass).
4. But what about my major or minor?
   • Many departments and programs will likely choose to waive minimum grades for their major and minor courses, but some departments, for good reasons, will choose to keep these minimum grades. Departments and programs have until April 10, 2020, to decide and communicate to you whether they will adhere to these minimums. For those courses where a minimum grade is required, you should not choose the pass/fail option. If you do choose pass/fail for a course that requires a minimum grade you may need to retake the course later; repeat rules will apply (see SRRR 07.112). Again, reaching out to your adviser is a crucial step. Updated April 9, 2020
5. What if I want to go to med school or law school? Won’t they look down on a P (pass)? Or worse, not accept a course as a necessary prerequisite?
   • These are good questions and we have advisors for medical, law and veterinary schools on campus who are monitoring statements from schools and organizations that set policies in this regard. You should reach out to your pre-health, pre-law and pre-vet advisors who can counsel you in these matters.
6. How will P/F affect my GPA?
   • It won’t, whether you get a P (pass) or an F (fail). You will earn the credits for the course with a P (pass).
7. How many classes can I take P/F?
   • You may choose P/F for zero up to all of your classes, as long as you keep in mind some programs will choose to keep minimum grades for a class. Consult your adviser.
8. What if I change to P/F and decide later I want to go back to a letter grade? Can I?
   • Yes, until April 28, 2020.
9. I’m repeating a course for a better grade. Can I use the P/F option?
   • No, students that are repeating a course to improve their grade per SRRR 07.111(fs) may not use the P/F option.
10. I’m in an accelerated master’s program—what about those courses?
    • Students in an accelerated master’s program may take an undergraduate section of a course as P/F. If a student is earning dual credit for a 700 level course, they may not take that course as P/F. Check with your adviser.
11. What else should I consider before making the decision to change to P/F? 
    • There are many things that you may want to consider, especially if your GPA is a key factor in athletics, internships and potential graduate schools. You will want to weigh these factors and discuss with your adviser.
12. Will taking a class P/F affect my financial aid or scholarship this semester?
    • No, taking a class P/F will not impact your financial aid and/or scholarship this semester.  Keep in mind that many scholarships require a specific GPA in order to be renewed in subsequent years. P/F courses are not counted in your GPA calculation.
13. Ok, what if I’m just overwhelmed in a class. Can I drop it?
    • Yes, every undergraduate student can drop one class without any academic penalty. These courses will show on your transcript as W (withdrawn). Be careful that you don’t drop a necessary course or prerequisite. Again, it is important that you consult with your academic adviser before dropping a course to make sure it is right for you. Drop directions and a special COVID-19 drop form are available here. Please note, there are no financial refunds for a drop at this point in the semester. Updated April 9, 2020
14. What if I cannot get ahold of my adviser? What do I do?
    • You should reach out to the chair of your department or program, the associate dean of your college or (if undeclared COLA) the University Advising Center.
15. Thanks. I’m ready to move to P/F. How do I do it?
    • Undergraduate students will be able to make the pass/fail changes directly from the Webcat registration menu via the link titled "Choose Pass/Fail for Spring 2020 Courses." Step by step directions can be found here. Updated April 9, 2020
16. Does the P/F option apply to graduate students?
    • No, the P/F option is only available to undergraduate students taking undergraduate courses.
17. Can I leave this semester’s grades out of the GPA?
    • Please review Information on Pass/Fail Option for Undergraduate Students
18. Can I drop a course?
    • Please review Information on Pass/Fail Option for Undergraduate Students

All faculty should be reaching out to students by March 23, 2020. You can contact your instructor via MyCourses.

Undergraduates may drop one course by April 28. The UNH Manchester process for dropping a course is:

1. Beginning on April 13, download and fill in the COVID-19 drop form here.
2. Email the form to UNHM Academic Advising for advisor signature at unhm.advising@unh.edu.
3. The advising office will review your form and submit the approved form to UNHM Registration for processing.
4. The UNHM registration office will let you know once your drop form has been processed.
5. You will receive a W grade on your transcript for the dropped course.

Please note, there are no financial refunds for a drop at this point in the semester. If you have questions, please contact academic advising at unhm.advising@unh.edu.

On-campus, in-person events will be cancelled through the end of the spring semester, however we are working on solutions to celebrate student achievement while continuing to promote health and safety.

• Commencement is postponed. As you may have seen in President Dean’s video, the 2020 commencement ceremonies for both Manchester and Durham will be held at future dates. This was an extremely difficult decision that we know will disappoint many of you, however your welfare is our top priority. We know that our graduates and their families want an in-person commencement ceremony to celebrate your accomplishments, and we are actively working to make that happen as soon and as safely possible.
• Honors convocation will be moved to a digital format. We will share the webpage that will feature video(s) and details once it is available, likely in May.
• Graduate hoodings will not take place in-person; however, we are working with departments on a virtual option to recognize our graduate students. We will be in touch with details as they are available.
• The Undergraduate Research Conference will be a virtual experience so that we may still celebrate and showcase student research, scholarship and creative works. We will share more information soon.

After extensive deliberation, we have decided to postpone UNH Manchester’s May 14 commencement ceremony. This was an extremely difficult decision that we know will disappoint many students, however your welfare is our top priority. We know that our graduates and their families want an in-person commencement ceremony to celebrate your accomplishments, and we are actively working to make that happen as soon and as safely possible.

• Honors convocation will be moved to a digital format. We will share the webpage that will feature video(s) and details once it is available, likely in May.
• Graduate hoodings will not take place in-person; however, we are working with departments on a virtual option to recognize our graduate students. We will be in touch with details as they are available.

1. Contact your advisor or Academic Advising for appointments to obtain your Registration Access Code (RAC).
2. Academic Advising will have drop-in advising availability on April 20, 22, 27, 30, and May 4 from 9-11am and 1-3pm for Manchester undergraduate students. Students can access the Zoom link in an email sent from the Academic Advising Office on 4/16.
3. Register through WebCat during your RAC window (see “How to Register Through WebCat”).
4. If you have errors during registration, please contact Academic Advising or The Registration Office.

Academic Advising: Email unhm.advising@unh.edu or call (603) 641-4170.

Registration Office: Email unhm.registration@unh.edu or call (603) 641-4136.

You will be able to meet with academic advisors and career services virtually. For advising appointments, contact unhm.advising@unh.edu or call (603) 641-4170. For career services, schedule an appointment via Handshake, or contact unhm.career@unh.edu.

UNH Manchester staff and services will be accessible remotely. Below are the best contacts for each department:

• Academic Advising: Email unhm.advising@unh.edu or call (603) 641-4170 to schedule an appointment with an advisor.
• Admissions: Email unhm.admissions@unh.edu or call (603) 641-4150.
• Business Office/Billing: Email unhm.businessoffice@unh.edu. For student accounts, call (603) 641-4112 or (603) 641-4137
• Career and Professional Success: Schedule an appointment via Handshake, or contact unhm.career@unh.edu for any questions.
• Center for Academic Enrichment: Email unhm.cae@unh.edu or call (603) 641-4113.
• Dean’s Office: Email unhm.dean@unh.edu.
• Financial Aid: Email unhm.fa@unh.edu or call (603) 641-4189.
• Food Insecurity: If you are concerned about food for yourself or your family during this time, please contact Kattarina Biss, program coordinator for student engagement.
• Graduate School at Manchester: Email unhm.gradcenter@unh.edu or call (603) 641-4313.
• Housing: Contact Joshua Felch, coordinator of student involvement and orientation.
• Information Technology: Call (603) 641-HELP or submit a ticket online.
• Library: Email unhm.library@unh.edu or call (603) 641-4173.
• Mental Health Services: Students can still schedule mental health appointments during this time by emailing unhm.advising@unh.edu. Counseling sessions will take place at 2 Wall Street, Floor 3 (Mental Health Center Greater Manchester’s Bedford Counseling Associates office). Sessions must be scheduled in advance – there will be no walk-in availability. Additional mental health support:
  
  • Get support for a mental health or substance misuse crisis by contacting the Manchester Mobile Crisis Response Team 24/7 at (800) 688-3544. Mobile Crisis Response sends mental health clinicians, peer support and recovery coaches directly to those in need.
  • Crisis Text Line offers free, 24/7 support for those in crisis. Text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the U.S. to text with a Crisis Counselor, volunteers who are trained to support people in crisis. It usually takes less than five minutes to connect you with a trained Crisis Counselor.
  • The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support via phone or chat for people in distress as well as resources for you or your loved ones and best practices for professionals. Call (800) 273-TALK (8255).
• Registration: Email unhm.registration@unh.edu or call (603) 641-4136.
• Security: Email unhm.security@unh.edu or call (603) 641-4124.
• Student Engagement: Email unhm.studentengagement@unh.edu.

This is a stressful time for many, so we’ve worked with Mental Health Center of Greater Manchester (MHCGM) to continue offering mental health services during the semester. Counselors will be available on Thursdays 9am-5pm through May 28. Email unhm.advising@unh.edu to schedule your appointment and include your first and last name and telephone number. Sessions must be scheduled in advance – there will be no walk-in availability. Counseling sessions will take place via telehealth and the counselor will call you at your scheduled appointment time.

Additional mental health support:

• Get support for a mental health or substance misuse crisis by contacting the Manchester Mobile Crisis Response Team 24/7 at (800) 688-3544. Mobile Crisis Response sends mental health clinicians, peer support and recovery coaches directly to those in need.
• Crisis Text Line offers free, 24/7 support for those in crisis. Text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the U.S. to text with a Crisis Counselor, volunteers who are trained to support people in crisis. It usually takes less than five minutes to connect you with a trained Crisis Counselor.
• The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support via phone or chat for people in distress as well as resources for you or your loved ones and best practices for professionals. Call (800) 273-TALK (8255).

We've compiled the resources below to help those experiencing unexpected financial hardships caused by challenges with the COVID-19 pandemic. 

COVID-19 Assistance Information and Resources

• United Way 211 resource
• Southern New Hampshire Community Resource 

 
Food Assistance

• New Hampshire Food Pantry Listings 

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Benefits - Students may be eligible to receive SNAP benefits as a result of COVID. Contact Regional SNAP coordinator- Jennifer  jlenox@nhfoodbank.org for additional information and assistance. 
• Food kits are available to UNH Manchester students, staff and faculty who may be experiencing food insecurity during this time. Please contact Kattarina Biss, program coordinator for student engagement, to schedule your pick-up in the UNH Manchester lobby at 88 Commercial Street.
• The Granite YMCA in Downtown Manchester - The Granite YMCA is Downtown Manchester is providing meals for families and UNH Manchester students whether or not they have children. 

 
Unemployment and Financial Resources

• New Hampshire Unemployment Security
• NH Easy Gateway allows New Hampshire residents to set up an account to apply for cash, medical, SNAP, child care and other financial assistance.
• FNAF Benefits provides cash assistance to families with dependent children.
• Restaurant Workers
• Your Money: A Hub for Help During the Coronavirus Crisis
• Hospitality Industry: A call center as been set up for hospitality workers who were laid off due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Text HELP ME to 619-313-5235.
• New Hampshire Fuel Assistance
• Eligible students can apply for CARES Act funding

• UNH Student Emergency Financial Assistance Fund

• Coronavirus and Forbearance Info for Students, Borrowers, and Parents

If you have additional questions or are concerns about financial hardship during this time, please contact Financial Aid at unhm.fa@unh.edu or 603-641-4189.

We are making plans to return to “normal” operations on our campuses for the Fall 2020 semester if conditions allow for us to do so. University officials are planning and closely monitoring the latest public health guidelines to ensure we can operate as close to “normal” as health and safety allow. The health and well-being of our students, faculty and staff remain our top priority. We have an array of measures in place to ensure the effective teaching and learning of our students, and access to essential student services should the need arise to delay the return of any or all students to our campuses. Our transition this semester to remote instruction was smooth, due in large part to the excellence and commitment of our faculty and staff, the resilience of our students, and to the robust academic technology infrastructure and personnel long in place at UNH.

For the remainder of Spring semester, 2020, if you must miss class due to compelling, non-academic circumstances, including illness, contact Stephanie Kirylych, director of academic advising. Please provide medical documentation if possible—however, we recognize in these circumstances students may not be able to secure documentation. Stephanie will evaluate your circumstances and, if approved, will notify your faculty. Each faculty member will then determine if excused absence(s) or other course accommodation is reasonable. Students should not submit medical documentation directly to course instructors.

The New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence’s 13 Coalition member programs are still available 24/7 to provide support and safety. Survivors of domestic and sexual violence are under increased pressure and danger during this time and we want them to know they are never alone: NHCADSV Not Alone Video

Other resources:

• UsafeUS app (link to our link on the UNH Manchester Security webpage
• Local Coalition domestic and sexual violence member programs.
• Resources specific to New Hampshire survivors during the COVID-19 crisis
• Coalition website

CONFIDENTIAL STATEWIDE HELPLINES

• 24-hour Domestic Violence Helpline: 1-866-644-3574
• 24-hour Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-277-5570
• Chat and text support services are available at some member programs, and more are beginning to offer these services. Visit your local program to learn more. 

Exceptions are listed below, however most undergraduate and graduate students should not return to UNH Downtown Commons after spring break. Please use this online sign up form to schedule a time to retrieve your belongings from the residence hall.

We ask that you move out as soon as you are able. Please contact Josh Felch at unhm.studentengagement@unh.edu or 603-641-4116 to discuss moving out.  

If you want to request remain at the residence hall for the remainder of spring semester, you must complete this petition by Saturday, March 21. The petition will be reviewed by the UNH Manchester campus housing committee and students will be informed by phone whether the petition has been granted.

You are able to remain at UNH Downtown Commons if:

• You are an international student who does not have another place to live or are unable to travel home due to financial or travel restrictions.
• You do not have or cannot access secure housing.

Students who wish to remain at the residence hall must complete this petition by Saturday, March 21. The petition will be reviewed by the UNH Manchester campus housing committee and students will be informed by phone whether the petition has been granted.

Students with a UNH meal plan will be able to access grab-and-go breakfasts, lunches and dinners at the dining hall.

Students who do not have a meal plan will not have access to the dining hall. At this time, many grocery stores are open and many dining establishments offer takeout and delivery service—but UNH cannot guarantee that you will be able to obtain food as easily as you have in the past.

Should you or someone you’ve been in contact with develop any COVID-19 symptoms, please let your RA know right away. You should also make your own transportation arrangements to visit your Primary Care Provider or a local urgent care clinic.

If you have any additional questions or concerns about housing or dining, please contact Josh Felch at unhm.studentengagement@unh.edu or 603-641-4116.