Introduction

By enrolling at and attending Johnson & Wales University, students agree to abide by all university catalogs, codes of conduct, handbooks, manuals, policies, procedures, regulations, rules and any other publications applicable to students (collectively, “Publications”). The university may, at any time and without prior notice, add to, amend, change, modify, revise or supersede any of its catalogs, codes of conduct, handbooks, manuals, policies, procedures, regulations, rules and any other publications (including, without limitation, marketing or promotional publications), and the university may, at any time and without prior notice, add, cancel, change, modify, postpone, revise, supersede or withdraw any policies, provisions, requirements or rules in any Publications and may also at any time and without prior notice, add, cancel, change, modify, postpone, revise, supersede or withdraw any classes, courses, activities, events, internships, laboratories, and programs (of study or otherwise); without limiting the generality of the foregoing, this includes, but is no way limited to, transitioning from in-person to remote classes, courses, activities, events, internships, laboratories, and programs (of study or otherwise). 

On March 13, 2020, the President of the United States declared the outbreak of Coronavirus Disease or COVID-19 — the disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 or SARS-CoV-2 — to be a national emergency. COVID-19 is a global pandemic and a public health risk. The mode of COVID-19 transmission is not entirely known, and our understanding of the virus continues to evolve. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the virus that causes COVID-19 is spread between people, including those who are asymptomatic, and can also be contracted if a person touches a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touches their mouth, nose or eyes. There may be other ways COVID-19 is transmitted, and COVID-19 could mutate or vary in the form of another similar disease. JWU is committed to taking all reasonable steps to try to ensure the health and safety of its community. JWU has worked hard internally and with appropriate government stakeholders and others to adjust its operations to minimize the risks associated with COVID-19. But it is impossible for JWU — and, indeed, most other institutions — to guarantee anyone’s immunity from exposure to and infection with COVID-19 and all related consequences, which could be severe. Students knowingly and voluntarily assume the risks associated with COVID-19 (1) by participating in any non-remote or in-person activities; athletic or sporting competitions, practices/trainings, or teams; classes (including laboratories); clubs or other student organizations; events; field work, internships, or other similar experiential experiences; living arrangements (including residential housing); and programs and (2) by using any university facilities or modes of transportation.