As the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) continues, our top priority continues to be the health and safety of the CMU community. There are currently no known cases of COVID-19 at CMU, but as announced early this morning, there are now two confirmed cases in Michigan.
Out of an abundance of caution, and to prevent and contain the spread of the coronavirus, all CMU classes will move online after spring break through March 20. This means students should not return to campus following spring break. All face-to-face classes at our main campus in Mount Pleasant — and at all of CMU’s satellite campuses throughout the U.S. with the exception of those on military bases — will move to an online format. A decision regarding classes for the following week will be made by Thursday, March 19, at 4 p.m.
The Emergency Management team, composed of leaders and subject matter experts throughout campus, is collaborating daily, focusing on preparedness and response. We continue to follow guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization, and our state and local health authorities.
The campus will remain open, and business operations will continue with appropriate measures to protect the health of the university community. We will continue to post updates on the coronavirus updates webpage. Below is information related to residence halls, campus events, staffing considerations, travel and more.
Students and families
- Residence halls will remain closed for all but international students and student-athletes until Sunday, March 22, at 9 a.m. However, the East Community (Celani, Emmons, Fabiano, Herrig, Saxe and Woldt Halls), Graduate Housing, Northwest Apartments and Kewadin Village, will remain open for students already on campus. Limited food service will be provided; more information about food service can be found on this website.
- Students needing to retrieve essential items from their residence hall rooms may stop by their Residence Hall Director’s office on Sunday, March 15, or Monday, March 16, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. to make arrangements to access their room; they will not be allowed to spend the night in their living unit, however. Students with any additional questions should call the Office of Residence Life at 989-774-3111.
Faculty and staff
- Faculty will receive a letter shortly from Provost Mary C. Schutten, providing additional information and guidance for moving their classes to an online format. We are evaluating classroom experiences such as labs and performance classes, and the university will provide specific guidance in the coming days. Guidelines will be reviewed daily and updates and/or modifications will be shared as more information becomes available.
- As campus remains open and operations will continue, staff are expected to report to work.
- Additional information about COVID-19 reporting, guidance for managers and supervisors, employee-leave management, and associated workplace issues — including telecommuting options — will be sent in the coming days.
Events and services
- All CMU-sponsored events or gatherings of more than 50 people are canceled through March 31 — this includes registered student organizations. Athletic events will follow NCAA and Mid-American Conference (MAC) guidelines.
- No new events will be scheduled on campus through March 31.
- Additional information on campus services through March 23:
- The Student Activity Center is closed.
- Park Library remains open.
- The Counseling Center remains open and also provides online counseling services.
Travel
- University-sponsored domestic travel through March 31 is canceled. Discretion should be used in booking further travel.
- The restrictions of university-sponsored travel to China, Italy, Iran and South Korea, previously announced on March 3, remain in effect.
- We continue to strongly recommend and encourage you to be cautious about your personal travel choices, particularly for international travel.
As noted above, this situation is evolving every day, and all CMU guidelines are subject to change as we learn more. I appreciate your understanding and continued cooperation as we make necessary decisions to keep everyone safe.
Please check our coronavirus updates page for the latest information and updates. Answers to many of your questions may be found on our Coronavirus: What you need to know page. Additional questions can be addressed to coronavirus@cmich.edu. Remember, above all, to care for yourself and others and wash your hands frequently.
I also want to thank the individuals and teams who are working countless hours to address this rapidly developing issue. Thank you also to our students, faculty, staff and community for all you do to promote a safe and healthy Central Michigan University.
Be well,
Bob Davies, President
