CMU announces plans for Fall 2020 semester
Resident Assistant for the north community Nate Roselle sits on a park bench in front of the Central Michigan University seal March 26 in Warriner Mall. The Milford senior said he was using the peace and quiet of campus to digest news of the pandemic.
President Bob Davies announced Monday a detailed plan to reopen Central Michigan University's campus for Fall 2020 classes.
"I am pleased to announce our intention to reopen CMU's main campus and satellite locations this fall for face-to-face instruction," the president said. "This decision was not made lightly; it comes following many weeks of discussion and thoughtful planning.
CMU's Emergency Management work group received guidance from local and state health officials, Davies explained. The university is finalizing a plan for a phased return to campus based on two primary imperatives:
- Protecting the health and safety of every member of our university community.
- Providing exceptional learning opportunities for students, both in and outside of the classroom.
"(CMU) is focused on preserving CMU’s unique atmosphere and culture," Davies said. "We know many students choose CMU with hopes of participating in our many campus programs and activities, and we are excited to once again offer a robust on-campus living and learning experience."
Davies said in an email to students and staff that social distancing is "here to stay." It will affect the student experience at CMU – living, eating, working and learning.
Davies detailed a few of the ways CMU is preparing for the future:
- Last week, the Office of Residence Life announced a plan to reduce occupancy rates in residence halls to provide more room for social distancing and has established areas to immediately isolate and quarantine individuals who exhibit symptoms of COVID-19.
- Campus Dining is reviewing practices in residential restaurants and retail locations and will adapt to comply with the updated best practices for safe food service.
- Facilities and maintenance teams have adopted new practices for cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and spaces across campus.
- Health officials continue to guide plans related to health screening and testing.
Several academic leaders are developing plans to examine safe layout options for classrooms, labs and other venues, Davies said. This may include holding class in new locations and reduced class sizes.
"CMU will continue to closely monitor the spread of COVID-19 and will take immediate action if a new threat to health emerges," Davies said. "CMU is committed to slowing the spread of the virus and flattening the curve in our community and in Michigan."
