August 2, 2022 Update:

On August 2, 2022, the University of Valley Forge notified students by email of updates and requirements regarding their arrival to the main campus for the Fall 2022 semester.

December 3, 2021 Update:

On December 3, 2021, the University of Valley Forge notified students by email of updates and requirements regarding their arrival to the main campus for the Spring 2022 semester.

July 16, 2021 Update:

On July 16, 2021, the University of Valley Forge notified students by email of updates and requirements regarding their arrival to the main campus for the fall 2021 semester.

Overview: Testing, Vaccines, and Returning to Campus

UVF does NOT require students to be vaccinated for Covid-19 before returning to campus.

To help keep our campus community safe, UVF will require all main campus students to take a PCR-based, rapid Covid-19 test upon arrival (during their check-in). The UVF Covid-19 test will be administered at no cost to the students. Results are typically available within 30 minutes (students will not need to quarantine while waiting for results).

Students who meet one or more of the following criteria will be exempt from taking a UVF Covid-19 test upon arrival:

• Students who are fully vaccinated and provide documentation to the Health Center before/upon arrival.
• Students who tested positive for Covid-19 within the 90 days prior to their arrival, have fully recovered, and provide documentation of the test result to the Health Center before/upon arrival.
• Students who take a PCR Covid-19 test with lab-verified results within the 3 days prior to their arrival and provide documentation of a negative test result to the Health Center before/upon arrival.

During the week of August 1, all students will be asked to complete a “Fall 2021 Arrival Survey.” At that time, students will confirm their arrival date and time and whether they will submit documentation or take the UVF Covid-19 test.

FAQS and Details

Students are asked to read the FAQs for Arriving on Campus Fall 2021 carefully (click the button at the top of this page). Most questions about specific arrival times, testing, turning in documentation, move-in day, and other information about the semester are included in the FAQs. Questions may be directed to studentlife@valleyforge.edu. We’re glad to help!

Next Steps

After reading the FAQs, students should:

• Make A Plan: Review this email and the FAQs with the family members and/or friends coming to check-in, and make a plan to either submit documentation or take a UVF Covid-19 test.

• Submit Documentation (if desired): Email healthcenter@valleyforge.edu with documentation.

• Complete the Fall 2021 Arrival Plan Survey: Look for the email with a link to the “Fall 2021 Arrival Plan Survey” during the week of August 1. All students, new and returning, will be required to complete the survey and confirm their arrival and testing plans.

Jesus is our Center

As we look forward to a new semester, we recognize our dependence upon Jesus! He alone is the source of all we have and need. We continue to pray for our students, that all of us would know his love and be able to grasp “…how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ” (Ephesians 3:18).

May Jesus grant all of us the grace to grasp his gracious love!

December 21, 2020 Update:

On December, 2, 2020, the University of Valley Forge notified students by email of updates and requirements for their return to campus for the spring 2021 semester.

The Frequently Asked Questions provided in that email informed main campus students that they may return to campus for the spring semester when they have done one of the following:

• Received a negative result from a test taken within 3 days of their return to campus, or, if this is not possible,
• Quarantined for 10 days (adjusted down from 14 days – see CDC guidelines for quarantine).

In addition to these requirements, as a second layer of protection for our UVF community, the University plans to test every main campus resident student upon arrival to campus. This additional testing does not replace the requirement to quarantine or receive a negative test result prior to arrival.

The addition of testing upon return to campus will mean an adjustment to how and when students will arrive on campus. To allow for the quickest turn-around time of testing results, students are asked to return to campus Saturday, January 9 at the time corresponding to the letter of their last name. It is important that students plan accordingly. See the FAQs for more details.

Specific information such as where to go upon arrival to campus will be released in the days ahead; however, the following information, in the form of FAQs, is provided to allow students and families opportunity to plan.

December 1, 2020 Update:

An email was sent to students with the latest FAQs regarding returning to campus for the spring semester.

September 11, 2020 Update:

An email was sent to the University community with the latest FAQs regarding the COVID-19 situation on campus.

August 3, 2020 Update:

An email was sent to students informing them of the latest FAQs for returning to campus for the fall semester.

July 8, 2020 Update:

An email was sent to students on July 8, 2020, informing students of the University’s Health and Safety Plan for the upcoming fall semester. Please click here (updated July 29th, 2020) to read the 2020-2021 Health and Safety Plan for Resuming In-Person Instruction.

June 12, 2020 Update:

Dear University of Valley Forge Community,

We are happy to inform you that UVF will open as scheduled for the fall semester for both on-campus classes and residential life. Classes start on August 24. We are so very excited to see all of you back on campus.

Our Task Force on Reopening has been meeting regularly to work out the details of the safety plan for the fall semester. In the coming weeks, we will be sending more information about these plans, including move-in dates.

It has been good to see some of you on campus this past week to check out of your rooms. We continue to pray for you and look forward to being back together again in the fall.

May 22, 2020 Update:

An email was sent to students on May 22, 2020, explaining the timeline and process for retrieving their belongings from campus. Please see the following documents for more information:

• • • Please read the FAQs for Check-out as they will address most questions about the check-out process.
    • Please review the Checklist for Check-out regarding the check-out process.

May 1, 2020 Update:

Dear University of Valley Forge Community,

Congratulations to everyone on completing the semester, and special congratulations to our 2020 graduates! Although these past two months did not turn out the way that any of us would have expected, we are so proud of all that you have accomplished. God has been faithful.

Here are some updates:

• • • UVF has applied for and been awarded a CARES Act grant that will be used to aid students. There are additional steps that have to be taken before details are finalized. Thank you for your patience as we work through this process. We will send more information to our students via email over the next week.
    • Governor Wolf made an announcement today regarding the timeline for lifting the stay-at-home order throughout Pennsylvania. As soon as the details of the Governor’s announcement are made clear, we will announce via email how and when students may make arrangements to pick up their belongings.
    • This is our last regularly scheduled weekly Friday update. However, we will continue to send out updates as necessary and encourage our students to check their emails regularly throughout the summer.

As we close the spring semester, we are praying the Apostle Paul’s prayer over you:

“I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”

– Ephesians 3:16-19

April 24, 2020 Update:

Dear University of Valley Forge Community,

Happy Forge Friday! As classes end and we prepare for finals week, we are praying for you to persevere and finish strong!

Here are some updates:

• • • Governor Wolf has extended Pennsylvania’s stay-at-home order through May 8, after which the state will be reopened county by county, based upon case frequency. We are awaiting updates for Chester County, and working on a procedure for students to move belongings out of their rooms as soon as the state allows.
    • Congress recently passed legislation known as the CARES Act Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund. UVF completed the application for this fund as soon as it was possible to do so. According to the Secretary of Education, as of April 21, only about half of eligible schools have applied for this fund. We are actively working on behalf of our students. We are currently awaiting approval for our application and a decision for how funding can be used to assist students. At this time, the University has not received any CARES Act funding. Further information will be communicated in future updates as we learn more.
    • UVF is proud to announce the hosting of a Virtual International Fine Arts Event for high school students. This event will provide scholarships for students who have been affected by the cancellation of the National Fine Arts Festival. More information is available here. Please share this news with anyone you know who might be interested!

As we wrap up classes for the semester, we want to take the opportunity to tell you all how much we love and appreciate you. We know that the past six weeks have not been easy – academically, physically, or emotionally. We were created to be relational. We know, however, that God can use all circumstances to grow us closer to Him, and this time of struggle is no different. We pray that you abide in God’s presence and learn to trust Him more.

April 17, 2020 Update:

Dear University of Valley Forge Community,

“Grace and Peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God every time I remember you.”

– Philippians 1:2-3

We love you and are praying for you and your families daily.

Here are some updates:

• • • Pennsylvania’s stay-at-home order continues to be in effect through April 30. We do not yet know what will happen after that date. We are unable to allow students back on campus, even to retrieve belongings, until the stay-at-home order is lifted for Chester County.  We are working on a clear procedure for how students can retrieve belongings as soon as the state guidelines are changed.
    • Our summer housing policy is dependent upon Pennsylvania regulations. Right now, summer housing is limited to those who are already here. As soon as we receive word that we can reopen our campus, we will evaluate the summer housing policy. Questions can be directed to studentlife@valleyforge.edu.
    • Regarding financial implications, we have been working through our representatives in Congress to seek financial assistance for students affected by the mandated closure. Congress recently passed legislation known as the CARES Act Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund. As soon as it was possible to do so, UVF applied for assistance from this program. We are currently awaiting a decision on our eligibility and how funding can be used to assist students. Further information will be communicated in future updates as we learn more.

As we come to the close of the semester, we encourage everyone to finish strong! Next week is our last week of virtual chapel on Wednesday (small group) and Friday (electives). And on Friday, April 24, we are celebrating the last day of classes with Forge Friday. Wear your Patriot gear, use a Valley Forge background, and post pictures on social media using the hashtag #ForgeFriday!

April 9, 2020 Update:

Dear University of Valley Forge Community,

We hope that you are all safe and healthy during this Holy Week. We are constantly praying for you and your families and miss having you all on campus!

There are no new updates this week. We encourage you to refer to previous updates and FAQs for more information. We continue to monitor the situation for any new updates from the government, including when students will be able to return to campus to retrieve their belongings.

Our Chancellor, Dr. Ron McManus, recently shared with the Board of Trustees, “Instead of going to church on a Sunday, we have the opportunity now to be the Church.” Our Easter celebrations will be different this year. We may not physically go to church, but we can be the Church. We can testify of the resurrection of Jesus Christ and of the power that conquered death.

“And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.”

– Romans 8:11

Wherever you may be this weekend, be the Church. Reach out, love, and serve by the power of the Holy Spirit. Let us celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ to the fullest!

He is Risen!

April 3, 2020 Update:

Dear University of Valley Forge Community,

We hope that you are all doing well and staying healthy during this time. We miss seeing you on campus and are praying for you and your families daily! We grieve with you at the loss of experiencing the rest of this semester together on campus. However, we look forward to finishing the semester strong, and know that God is still doing great things!

Here are some updates:

• • • Commencement has been postponed to Saturday, August 29. The day will include rehearsal, Baccalaureate, and the Commencement ceremony. A schedule is forthcoming. We are committed to having an in-person Commencement when we can all gather together and celebrate the accomplishments of our graduating class.
    • Regarding the pick-up of your belongings and moving out of your room, UVF is still under state-mandated closure of the campus. We will let students know as soon as we hear a change in the guidelines from the Governor.
    • There are five chapel opportunities during the online period as part of the ongoing care for our community: Small Groups on Wednesdays, April 8, 15, and 22, and Electives on Fridays April 17 and 24. There are no fines attached to missed chapel during this period. The purpose of offering these chapels is to encourage one another by abiding together as a Spirit-filled, loving community. You are an important part of our community. Your participation will encourage all of us.
    • Easter Break remains the same: Thursday, April 9 – Monday, April 13. Classes will not meet during this time, but they will resume at 6:00 pm on Monday, April 13. Offices are closed on Friday, April 10, but will be open on Monday, April 13 (virtually). The weekly COVID-19 update will be posted on Thursday, April 9 instead of Friday, April 10.
    • Classes and chapel will be held as scheduled on Wednesday, April 15 due to Community Service Day being canceled.
    • Please contact anyone who might be sending you mail to the campus and update your address. You may pick up any existing mail and turn in your mailroom key when you check out and pick up your belongings.
    • Financial Services has always worked with individuals to accommodate changes in their financial circumstances. If you or your family have experienced financial crisis due to COVID-19 or any other reason and you have an outstanding balance to the University, please contact your Financial Services counselor at financialservices@valleyforge.edu to make arrangements for your individual situation.
    • There are currently no new updates to the March 30 announcement regarding financial implications.
      • From March 30: We understand you have questions about the financial implications of this situation. We have been working through our representatives in Congress to seek financial assistance for students affected by the mandated closure. We are closely monitoring legislation currently being considered and will communicate with students as information becomes available. Once the government response is clear, we will determine what additional actions the University should take.

This time is challenging to all of us. Pastoral care is available at pastoralcare@valleyforge.edu. We are adjusting to guidance and recommendations that are changing every day. But we know that in times of uncertainty, we have one constant that is the same yesterday, today, and forever. May God grant you peace as you trust in Him.

March 30, 2020 Update:

Dear University of Valley Forge Community,

Today, Governor Wolf announced that the stay-at-home order applying to counties including Chester County has been extended through April 30. In addition, all schools in Pennsylvania are to remain closed until further notice.

• • • Due to the Governor’s announcement, UVF is extending the period of online learning through the end of the spring 2020 semester and the campus remains closed.
    • We understand you have questions about the financial implications of this situation. We have been working through our representatives in Congress to seek financial assistance for students affected by the mandated closure. We are closely monitoring legislation currently being considered and will communicate with students as information becomes available. Once the government response is clear, we will determine what additional actions the University should take.
    • The date to allow students to retrieve their belongings has not yet been determined. Belongings left in the Residence Halls will be available when the directives from the government indicate that access is safe and legal. In the case of an emergency need, please contact Student Life to request permission for access at studentlife@valleyforge.edu.
    • Commencement is postponed. We will have a face-to-face Commencement ceremony at a point in the future. The rescheduled date will be announced in the Friday, April 3 update.
    • Final exams will occur virtually according to the Final Exam Schedule on MyVALLEYFORGE.
    • The following events will be held virtually:
      • Open Houses (April 4 & April 18)
      • Grad Center (April 7) – Prospective graduates will be sent an email with more details.
      • Housing selection night (April 16) – More information will be sent by email to students next week.
    • The following events have been canceled:
      • Spring Banquet (April 3)
      • Community Service Day (April 15), classes will be held
      • Forge Fest (April 27)
    • The FAQs on the UVF Covid-19 Update page on our website have been updated to provide answers to common questions we have received.

In the midst of this difficult season, we continue to pray for God’s grace to be with all of you.