Finlandia University has decided to cancel the remainder of its spring sports seasons. The decision was made due to the quickly-evolving COVID-19 situation.
Philip Johnson, President of Finlandia University
“In an effort to protect the health and safety of our community from the potential spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), Finlandia is instituting the following actions. However, because of the fluid nature of the situation, it may be necessary to modify these actions at any point. Therefore students, faculty, staff, and administrators are strongly urged to stay informed of future updates and possible changes. Information will be updated through campus email and finlandia.edu/coronavirus. It is important for faculty, staff and students to continue to monitor these sites for continued communication. We will continue to communicate updates and changes as the situation evolves.”
It should be noted that there is no known cases of COVID-19 on campus. To read the full statement, please click
https://www.finlandia.edu/coronavirus/
March 12, 2020
Finlandia Community,
The spread of COVID-19 is a serious concern for all of us. Earlier communication with the
campus has provided information for how we, together, can do our part to limit its impact on our
campus and in our community. Even though the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) continue to
advise that the probability of serious illness remains low for most people, we need to continue
responding in ways that best ensure safety and wellness for our campus and community.
Two cases of the coronavirus have now been confirmed in two counties in Lower Michigan. In
addition, Governor Gretchen Whitmer has, as of 5pm yesterday, March 11, declared a state of
emergency and provided recommendations for slowing the spread of the virus.
Finlandia’s Emergency Management Committee together with other campus leadership continue
to monitor the situation and is in communication with local, state, and national public health
offices, the Governor’s Office, and Michigan Independent Colleges and Universities (MICU).
In an effort to protect the health and safety of our community from the potential spread of the
novel coronavirus (COVID-19), Finlandia is instituting the following actions. However, because
of the fluid nature of the situation, it may be necessary to modify these actions at any point.
Therefore students, faculty, staff, and administrators are strongly urged to stay informed of future
updates and possible changes. Information will be updated through campus email and
finlandia.edu/coronavirus. It is important for faculty, staff and students to continue to monitor
these sites for continued communication. We will continue to communicate updates and changes
as the situation evolves.
1) Residence Hall
Because the health and safety of our residential students remains a priority:
a) Effective today, March 12th, we will begin implementing the closing of Finlandia
Hall. All students will be required to vacate the residence hall by no later than
Tuesday, March 17th at 5pm. All students are asked to complete this form to
communicate their date of departure. Prior to leaving campus, residents should
communicate with Residence Life staff and follow published check-out
procedures.
b) As Finlandia University works to ensure the health and safety of its students by
suspending face to face classes, we recognize that many students may face
hardship returning home or continuing studies at home, we ask that all Finlandia
Hall residents complete this form to help us best know your needs and how we
can support you.
c) Immediately, there will be no guest visitation permitted in the residence hall.
d) Dining services will continue service, however without self-service bars and an
emphasis on to-go dining, through lunch on Tuesday, March 17th.
2) Class instruction – transitioning to online
a) Face-to-face classes, labs, and clinicals are cancelled Friday, March 13th through
Tuesday March 17th. Faculty will transition their courses from face-to-face to
Canvas, our online learning platform, during this time period.
b) Classes will resume as fully online through Canvas on Wednesday, March 18th
and continue through the remainder of the semester. Faculty understand that
moving their courses to the online platform can be an unsettling disruption for
students. In response, the University is building support tools and processes
designed to encourage continuous learning and minimize disruption. Faculty and
advisors will continue to work during this transitional time and are available to
students through established office hours and electronic communications.
c) The delivery of science labs, studios, and clinicals will be determined within the
respective department and communicated through their respective faculty or
deans.
d) Students enrolled in a second half wellness course are asked to speak to their
advisors regarding alternatives.
e) Graduating seniors are asked to continue working with their faculty advisors as
they continue working towards a successful completion of their final year. Deans
will be working with faculty to ensure minimal disruption occurs during this final leg
of their academic journey.
3) Personal Care and Notification
a) All higher risk faculty and staff are encouraged to seek potential arrangements to
work remotely. This request can be made to the Office of Human Resources at
(906) 487-7339 or alyson.delandsheer@finlandia.edu.
b) Any student who has been exposed to a known case of COVID-19 or may be
exhibiting symptoms of fever, coughing, or difficulty breathing is asked to report to
Dean of Students Erin Barnett at (906) 487-7231 or erin.barnett@finlandia.edu.
c) Anyone who is ill is asked to stay home.
4) Offices and Administration
a) Administrative and other offices remain open and operations continue.
b) Academic support and tutoring will be available via video and teleconferencing.
c) Students awarded Federal Work Study will receive further guidance in a separate
email.
5) Gatherings
a) Effective immediately, campus events are limited to 25 persons or fewer unless
otherwise authorized.
b) The Honor’s Banquet scheduled for April 17th will not be held as currently
configured. Alternatives are being investigated.
c) Decisions regarding commencement activities will be made by April 3rd.
6) Travel
a) All University-related international travel is suspended until further notice.
b) All University-related domestic air travel is approved on a case-by-case basis.
Guidelines on approval will be forthcoming.
c) Any domestic air travel is to be reported via this survey.
d) The 2020 spring sports season will be canceled.
7) Mental Health Concerns – It is not uncommon for college students to experience
anxiety, and with significant change and health concerns, there may be an increase in
existing mental health condition symptoms or a triggering of new ones. Finlandia
students are eligible for free counseling via Northstar and can use this link to request an
appointment. Northstar has counselors across the Upper Peninsula.
8) The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends the following for every day
prevention:
● Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
● Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
● Staying at home when you are sick.
● Covering your cough or sneezes with a tissue, then throwing the tissue in the trash
and washing your hands.
● Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using CDCrecommended cleaning sprays and wipes.
● Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially
after being in a public place, going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing
your nose, coughing or sneezing.
● If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least
60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel
dry.
● For more information on the Coronavirus Disease, please visit
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.
Again, updates will be provided. Stay informed by visiting finlandia.edu/coronavirus and
regularly checking your campus email.
Philip Johnson
President
