A message to Casa Artom students and families

Dear WFU/Venice: Casa Artom Students and Parents/Families,

I am writing in follow-up to my communication from earlier this week to inform you that Wake Forest has made the difficult decision to suspend the Spring 2020 semester program in Venice. Though we still assess the health risk to students to be low, this decision follows our review of all the information currently available, including the possibility of further travel restrictions to/from Italy.

Thus, effective Friday, February 28, we will cease academic operations in Venice and close Casa Artom. We ask that all students begin making immediate preparations to depart the house by Sunday, March 1. To begin the process, please contact directly your airline of record on your roundtrip ticket or your booking source (e.g. Expedia). We have spoken with a travel agency today and have confirmed that flights continue to operate normally out of Venice and that the airlines have ample available seats.

Our primary goals are the safety of students and ensuring they can return to the U.S. We know this is difficult for students, and we are doing everything we can to make this transition as smooth as possible. As such, anyone with special circumstances for whom making these flight changes may present a logistical or financial challenge, may contact the Center for Global Programs & Studies at 336-758-5938 during regular business hours today (8:30am-5:00pm EST).

Looking ahead to the remainder of the semester, we have made arrangements for students, at no additional cost, to reside in on-campus housing beginning Sunday, March 15 after spring break. Dr. West will provide the students with a list of available residence hall rooms from which they will choose before leaving Casa Artom. Although students will not be able to select a roommate with whom they will be living, students can later follow existing Residence Life & Housing procedures for room changes if a change is desired. Please note that students are free to make their own alternative housing arrangements to reside off-campus; however, it will be at their own additional expense. Also, if any student needs housing prior to spring break, we will work to accommodate them accordingly.

Students will also be provided the “Apartment Meal Plan” at no additional cost. This plan should provide sufficient access to meals for the remainder of the semester. However, students may choose a more substantial meal plan at their own incremental expense if they desire.

Regarding coursework, students will be able to continue the business courses with Dr. West on campus. We are currently exploring the best options for the remaining classes; however, instruction in some format will resume for all classes the week of March 16, following Wake Forest’s spring break.

This is a challenging moment for everyone, and we are most appreciative of your patience and flexibility now and in the days ahead. We will continue to provide updated information and support you through this process.

Sincerely,

David F. Taylor
Assistant Dean for Global Study Away