CMU updates on coronavirus

Following governor's order, CMU continues essential operations

As the world, our nation and our state continue to respond to the rapidly spreading threat of COVID-19, we continue to face new challenges as a university — challenges we've never had to face before.

This morning, Gov. Whitmer issued a "Stay Home, Stay Safe" order for the state of Michigan, effective at 12:01 a.m. tomorrow for at least three weeks, an aggressive measure designed to combat the spread of the virus.

During this time, CMU will continue to operate to the fullest extent safely possible, and remote classes will continue through the end of the semester.

This means that all on-campus operations are suspended except for those that cannot be conducted remotely. Individuals working in essential roles that must be conducted on campus will need to continue to fulfill their responsibilities. We are working with supervisors to define and identify these roles and personnel. We will reach out to them with additional information as soon as possible. 

For the rest of us, we will continue to work remotely if possible. If you have questions or concerns about your ability to work remotely, please contact your supervisor.

In addition, we should all do our best to stay home, unless it is to get outdoors to exercise; care for ourselves and others; and to obtain necessary supplies, as outlined by the executive order. Self-care, both physical and mental, is critical during this time. Remember, resources are available virtually and via telephone if you need someone to talk to — you can find them on our COVID-19 FAQ.

Important university updates related to this order:

• CMU residence halls and apartments will remain open for students who are currently on campus. Residential students currently residing off campus should NOT return to campus to move out prior to their scheduled move-out appointment. Within the next seven days, you will receive an email with a link to sign up for a move-out appointment with a revised window. The delay in the move-out process will not impact the room and board credit.
• Only come to work if your supervisor has told you to do so to fulfill an essential function. You are allowed to come to campus if you are supporting an essential operation on campus, as identified by supervisors. 
  
• Student employees and graduate assistants: Talk with your supervisor. Unless you have been identified by your supervisor as an essential employee, you should not report to work. Further details related to graduate assistants can be found on the faculty personnel services website.

You should not do the following:

• Do not host any in-person events or gatherings of any size through the end of spring semester.
• Do not come to work if you are sick even if you have been identified as an essential employee. Please stay home and call your supervisor immediately if you feel unwell.
• Do not come to work if you are on approved administrative or other approved leave.
• Do not come to work if you have been asked to work remotely. 
• Supervisors are expected to work with their staff to ensure operations in their departments continue. Employees who are not required to work on campus but cannot work from home due to the nature of their jobs, can request paid administrative leave. Further details will be communicated to supervisors soon.
• Information technology support services are fully operational — faculty and staff who need assistance while working remotely should contact the Help Desk at 989-774-3662.
• Do not come to work to retrieve items from your office or visit colleagues. No one but essential employees should come to campus after Tuesday, March 24, at 12:01 a.m. Do not report to campus unless you have permission from your supervisor.  
  

You likely have many questions that remain unanswered. We will share additional information with you in the days ahead — thank you for your patience and understanding as we move quickly to adapt.

I've said it numerous times, but this is an unprecedented situation. Campus leaders are continuously working to answer questions and to do what's right to protect the health and safety of our university community while ensuring we deliver the high-quality education we promised to thousands of CMU students.

I am proud of the way our university community has responded to this crisis. I am confident our faculty, staff and students will adapt to these new measures with the same resolve, understanding and cooperative spirit shown many times already amid these rapidly changing circumstances.

Continue to check our website for updates and send any questions you may have to coronavirus@cmich.edu.

Please continue to take care of yourselves and others. Your well-being is paramount. We will get through this together. That's what CMU Chippewas do.

Be well,

Bob Davies, President

Students, Colleagues and Friends:

I have several important announcements to share with you today, but first I want to acknowledge and thank the Central Michigan University community. No one asked for these challenges — they are tough, but together we are tougher.

Thank you for your continued patience and understanding as we navigate these turbulent times.

As we continue to do our part to flatten the curve and slow the spread of COVID-19, I have a few significant updates to share. More details follow on each of these:

• Online-only classes will extend through the end of the semester.
• May 2020 commencement ceremonies are postponed.
• All summer Study Abroad programs are canceled.

Extending online classes

To align with U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommendations to prevent the spread of illness, we have suspended face-to-face instruction and have extended the shift to online-only classes through the end of the spring 2020 semester. With this decision, all tests, exams and quizzes also will be conducted in an online format.

We offer many resources for students to remain successful in online classes and resources for faculty who are looking for support for online teaching. Please take advantage of these resources — your success is paramount.

Campus will remain open and operational, as previously communicated.

Our faculty have done a phenomenal job of moving swiftly to the online modality, and I applaud our students for being flexible and adapting to something that, for many, was unexpected. I appreciate all your efforts to adjust to these unusual circumstances.

As online classes continue, residence halls will remain open for residents who have no alternative housing options. We will continue to offer limited dining services for takeout only; please review information on Campus Dining’s webpage.

Residence Life will send additional information to student residents later today with details on how students can move out if they aren’t currently living in the residence halls.

As communicated a few days ago, we know many of you have questions and concerns related to refunds for residence halls and dining. The decision to extend online-only classes through the end of the semester undoubtedly raises even more. On this point I will reiterate: We will provide proportional and appropriate credits toward your bill.

With this recent development we can finalize our initial process and timeline for credits. We will share additional updates as soon as we can.

Commencement postponed

Although graduation is my favorite event of the year, I have made the difficult decision to postpone our May commencement ceremonies.

Out of an abundance of caution, CMU will adhere to the guidance from the CDC, which advises against hosting gatherings of more than 50 people for at least the next eight weeks. The health and well-being of our graduates and their families are my most pressing concerns.

Your academic achievements are still extremely important and worth celebrating. I promise that we will find a way to celebrate this remarkable accomplishment with our graduates, which may include ceremonies in August. We will share additional information as soon as we have details in place.

In the meantime, I urge you to talk with your families and to cancel any plans to come to campus for graduation. Students who were scheduled to participate in May commencement ceremonies will soon receive an email with additional information.

Summer Study Abroad

Given the recent, rapid changes in travel advisories, border closures and mobility restrictions around the world, we have decided to cancel all summer 2020 Study Abroad programs. I hope this gives our students time to make alternate summer plans, which may include finding an internship or registering for a summer class.

I know this is disappointing news for students and faculty who were looking forward to international adventures, but I believe it is the most prudent choice. We will work with students to minimize the financial impact of this change; students who had applied for summer Study Abroad programs will soon receive additional information from the Office of Global Engagement.

Thank you

Just a few days ago, I shared a video message acknowledging the difficult ways the coronavirus has changed our lives

We cannot control the many changes the coronavirus has forced, but we can control how we respond to them. We all have the power to choose how we respond to difficult circumstances. I am proud that we are choosing to unite. We are choosing to treat each other with compassion and understanding.

And we are choosing to continue to carry out our mission to educate and serve students.

I know that not every decision we make will be perfect: We are responding to unprecedented challenges, and sometimes there are no perfect solutions. I want to assure you that every decision will be made with the intent to both protect the health of our community and serve our students.

This has been one of the most difficult challenges our university has ever faced. I know many of you feel frustrated, frightened — even angry, perhaps — and those feelings are valid. Please know that I hear you, and I understand. And, more importantly, I am grateful. I appreciate how you choose to unite as a CMU community to weather the storm together. I am inspired by the support and compassion you offer to one another and to me.

We will continue to update you as this situation progresses. Please check our coronavirus updates webpage often for the latest information and review our frequently asked questions page. And if you have additional questions or concerns, please email coronavirus@cmich.edu.

Be well,

Bob Davies, President

Coronavirus update

Latest updates

• Vital Source has launched free e-book access to support students studying remotely. Visit VitalSource for more information or sign into your virtual bookshelf.
• Park Library is closed to members of the public and students until further notice. Learn more on the CMU Libraries' blog.
• CMU employees may enter Park Library through the north entrance for work-related purposes only; your CMU ID card is required to access the building. Many online services are still available:
• All CMU-sponsored events or gatherings of more than 50 people are canceled until further notice — this includes registered student organizations. No new events will be scheduled on campus until further notice. 
• Campus dining updates:
• The Fresh Food Company residential restaurant (located in the East Community) will be open to serve take-out only meals for students with a meal plan. 
• Starbucks and the Burrito Bowl (located in the Bovee University Center) will be open with limited hours for take-out only. Please check the CMU Campus Dining website for additional information. 
• The CMU Student Food Pantry has initiated new food distribution practices. Students may request food using the online distribution request form. Food will be bagged and labeled by Volunteer Center staff and placed on tables outside the Student Food Pantry for pick-up Wednesdays 3-5 p.m. and Fridays noon-2 p.m.

What to do if you know or work with someone who has been to an impacted area/is exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19

Familiarize yourself with the facts about COVID-19 to help reduce any associated fear or stigmas toward affected communities or returning travelers. Remember:

• The disease can make anyone sick regardless of their race or ethnicity.
• Some people are at increased risk of getting COVID-19.
• Someone who has completed self-isolation or has been released from isolation does not pose a risk of infection to other people.
• You can stop COVID-19 by knowing the signs and symptoms identified on the CDC website.
• There are simple things you can do to help keep yourself and others healthy, including washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; covering your coughs and sneezes; and avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Encourage the individual to contact a health care professional.
  

In addition, to better understand coronavirus, please take time to review this presentation by biological anthropologist Catherine Willermet, faculty member in our Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Social Work.

Coronavirus update

Protect your health and the health of others

Although classes have shifted to an online format, the university is not closed. As a reminder, to continue to protect the health of our community, do not come to campus if you can answer yes to either of the following questions:

• Are you experiencing fever of 100.4 degrees or higher, cough or shortness of breath?
• Have you been directed to self-quarantine based on recent travel or exposure? This would include anyone returning from travel to or through any country with a CDC level 3 or higher health notice. Learn more on the CDC website.
  

Also, practicing social distancing is critical during this time. According to the CDC, the virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person and the best way to prevent illness is to avoid close contact that fosters exposure.

This means that it is critical to avoid gatherings and large crowds, both business and personal. Don't go to parties or crowded establishments. Be thoughtful about your interactions with others. We can all do our part to help lessen the spread of the virus.

Preparing for an outbreak

While there are no known cases of COVID-19 in Mount Pleasant or on CMU's campus, CMU Health and the CMU Police Department are engaged with the Central Michigan District Health Department and local health care systems to coordinate potential response plans for our campus and the greater Mount Pleasant community. These groups meet regularly to ensure campus is prepared to respond to an outbreak locally.

Students: Residence hall/dining refund requests

We understand many of you have questions and concerns related to refunds for residence halls and dining. Please know we are discussing and studying these concerns. With a student-centered approach at the forefront, we will provide proportional and appropriate refunds.

We are gathering data and monitoring the coronavirus situation as it unfolds. We look forward to sharing updates as we develop the process and timeline for refunds.

Faculty and staff: Continuing our important work — working remotely or flexible schedules

As university operations continue, CMU is committed to supporting our students' successful completion of their academic pursuits, while keeping our communities healthy and safe. We understand there are many questions about how we can best maintain operations during these times, and university leadership are meeting daily to address rising issues and concerns.

We urge all CMU units to take every measure possible to encourage employees who are able to work from home to do so. Supervisors are empowered to determine what functions are essential and who is needed to complete these functions to maintain normal operations. This may mean either working remotely or other flexible work arrangements. 

For employees, answers to many of your questions may be found on the Human Resources FAQ. 

Coronavirus: Reminders about returning to campus

As we prepare for Central Michigan University's spring break to come to an end, please remember the following before returning to campus:

Let's take care of each other

To continue to protect the health of our community, do not come to campus if you can answer yes to either of the following questions:

• Are you experiencing fever of 100.4 or higher, cough or shortness of breath?
• Have you been directed to self-quarantine based on recent travel or exposure? This would include anyone returning from travel to or through any country with a CDC level 3 or higher health notice. Learn more on the CDC website.

Residence halls open tomorrow, if you need a place to stay

In keeping with CDC guidance, CMU strongly recommends that students return to their permanent residences off campus to help maintain your health and that of other members of the campus community.

We recognize, however, that residence halls and university apartments are the only housing option for some students. Because of this, all residence halls and university apartments will reopen Sunday, March 15, at noon, to those who must come back.

Stay up-to-date on coronavirus related information from CMU on the coronavirus updates page. In addition, answers to many questions you have are available on the Coronavirus: What you need to know page.

Coronavirus update: Classes and campus housing

Dear Students, Colleagues and Friends:

First and foremost, I want to thank the CMU community — our students, faculty, staff and families — for your patience and support during this time as all of us deal with what now has been defined as a pandemic. I appreciate your understanding that we are truly operating in uncharted territory, and the circumstances change constantly and quickly — nearly every hour.

There are currently no identified cases of COVID-19 at CMU; however, the number of confirmed cases in Michigan is on the rise. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has declared a state of emergency to maximize efforts and resources to slow the spread of the virus, including a closure of all K-12 schools until April 6.

In light of ongoing developments, Central Michigan University leaders have decided to extend online-only classes until Monday, April 6. In addition, CMU will reopen residence halls for residents who need a place to stay, effective Sunday, March 15, at noon.

Here are details about the latest updates:

Classes and academics

Local and global health authorities including the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continue to recommend social distancing as one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of infection. To support this, CMU is maintaining the shift to online formats for all classes until Monday, April 6. We will continue to monitor the situation daily and adjust this as necessary.

Faculty soon will receive another communication from Provost Mary C. Schutten with further information and guidance related to online learning.

Residence halls and university apartments

We recognize residence halls and university apartments are the only housing option for some students. Because of this, all residence halls and university apartments will reopen Sunday, March 15, at noon. In keeping with CDC guidance, CMU continues to recommend that students with permanent residences off campus remain there at this time.

To continue to protect the health of our campus community, any student who answers yes to either of the following questions should not return to campus or their residence hall or university apartment:

• Are you experiencing fever, cough or shortness of breath?
• Have you been directed to self-quarantine based on recent travel or exposure? This would include anyone returning from travel to or through any country with a CDC level 3 or higher health notice. Learn more on the CDC website.
  

Students will need their CentralCard to access their hall through the lobby door. Please note that staffing services in residence halls and campus apartments, including front desk operations and food service, will be adjusted according to reduced residency.

The Fresh Food Company residential restaurant in the East Community (Celani, Emmons, Fabiano, Herrig, Saxe and Woldt Halls) will be open to serve meals to students with a meal plan. Regular meal options and serving hours will be limited.

Additional dining and food options may be available; please check the Campus Dining website for details.

Students experiencing food insecurity and hunger may continue to receive assistance from the CMU Student Food Pantry and may still request and use meal swipes.

Students who follow our recommendation to live off campus but need to retrieve essential items from their residence hall rooms may do so beginning at noon Sunday when the halls reopen.

We understand many of you have questions and concerns related to refunds for residence halls and dining. Please know we are discussing and studying these concerns and will — with a student-centered approach at the forefront — soon make decisions about proportional and appropriate refunds.

Study abroad and travel

Effective immediately, faculty and staff interstate and international travel for university purposes is suspended until further notice, unless it is deemed essential by the appropriate division vice president.

In addition, the university decided this week to cancel all study abroad for spring 2020, including trips scheduled to depart during the remainder of the semester. Decisions regarding summer 2020 study abroad programs will be made soon. Students with questions may contact the Office of Global Engagement.

Employee guidance

As this situation is ever-evolving and complicated, we understand there are many questions related to staff employment during this time. Thank you for your patience as we work to finalize answers to these questions. Our human resources team has been working continuously with other leaders on campus to develop guidance for staff, which is outlined in this FAQ.

As a reminder, CMU is closely monitoring guidance from the CDC and World Health Organization. We will continue to follow recommendations from these agencies and will share the latest available information on this page. You may also communicate with CMU by email at coronavirus@cmich.edu.

I sincerely appreciate the efforts of a group of university leaders who meet daily to address the issues and make recommendations to me based on the latest information. We are all focused on serving our students and meeting and supporting the needs of our faculty and staff. The coronavirus presents unprecedented challenges for all of us, and I understand you will have questions about new developments and university actions. As we work as swiftly as possible to respond to the changing situation, questions may sometimes outpace answers. I urge everyone to practice patience and compassion as we move through this together.

Be well,

Bob Davies, President

Coronavirus update: Classes to move online

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 this page regularly. 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 100 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.
  • The Park Library will be open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The after-hours study room will be open from 7 a.m. on Monday through 5 p.m. on Friday. Ask-a-Librarian will be available regular hours online.
    
  • 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 this page regularly 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

Coronavirus and your travel plans

With the university's spring break approaching, it is important for all Central Michigan University students, faculty and staff to stay informed about the spread of coronavirus. Fortunately, there have been no cases reported in Michigan but we are taking precautionary measures for the well-being of our CMU community.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website, the coronavirus is spreading quickly — it is now in more than 70 locations around the world, including the United States. The CDC notes that risk of exposure in the U.S. is currently low, although that is not the case in many international locations.

We strongly recommend and encourage you to be cautious about your travel choices during spring break and beyond, particularly for international travel. If you are considering international travel this spring, please monitor CDC travel information and advisories — as well as university updates — before you depart, due to the evolving nature of the outbreak.  

For guidance, consult these CDC frequently asked questions for travelers.

If you plan personal travel to a country with a CDC level 3 or higher health notice, CMU is mandating a 14-day self-quarantine before you can return to campus. If you are traveling to China, you'll encounter further restrictions, as mandated by the CDC. In certain cases, the U.S. Customs might impose a 14-day quarantine at designated sites. If you have questions about self-quarantine, please contact your health care provider or local health department.

University leaders, in collaboration with multiple offices across campus, also decided yesterday to immediately suspend all study abroad trips scheduled to depart during the remainder of the spring 2020 semester. This decision, which follows recommendations shared by the CDC, has been communicated to applicable students and faculty. We are monitoring the coronavirus worldwide and its possible impacts on summer 2020 Study Abroad programs — no decision has been made yet regarding summer programs. Students with questions about Study Abroad programs may contact the Office of Global Engagement.

In addition, all other faculty and staff CMU-sponsored travel to countries with CDC level 3 health notices is suspended until further notice. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide regular updates. More information related to travel restrictions, self-quarantine and more can be found on the Coronavirus: What you need to know page.

CMU has an emergency preparedness team consisting of leaders from across our campus who are meeting regularly to review information from outside experts to assess how the virus may affect our campus.

Study Abroad, other university-sponsored international travel

The safety and security of our students, faculty and staff are our No. 1 priority. Thus, following recommendations shared yesterday by the CDC urging higher education institutions to take precautions, CMU is immediately suspending all study abroad trips scheduled to depart during the remainder of the semester.

This follows decisions to suspend programs in China, South Korea and Italy. To ensure the safety of our entire campus community, students returning from programs in these countries are being mandated by CMU to self-quarantine for 14 days before they can return to campus. Students currently studying in countries with a CDC level 2 or lower health notice are not required to return to the U.S.

In addition, all other nonessential CMU-sponsored travel to countries with CDC level 3 health notices is suspended. These countries currently include China, South Korea, Iran and Italy. We will continue to evaluate faculty/staff requests to travel abroad on a weekly basis.

These were not easy decisions to make. I greatly value the experiences that study abroad and international travel bring to our students, faculty and staff and understand how this will personally affect those who were scheduled to travel. But, we must put health and safety first.

Our Office of Global Engagement staff is communicating directly with affected students and we are doing everything we can to minimize disruption to their academic studies and their lives. This includes discussion about alternative paths to earn their course credits and/or to be reimbursed for their trips.

We are monitoring the coronavirus worldwide and its possible impacts on summer 2020 Study Abroad programs. Anyone with questions about Study Abroad programs may contact the Office of Global Engagement.

Faculty who have questions about international travel restrictions should contact their deans and staff should speak with their supervisors.

For more information on the coronavirus, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization.

We will continue to utilize this page and other communication channels to communicate with students, their families, faculty and staff about the coronavirus.

Be well,

Bob Davies, President