President addresses new state epidemic order, affect on semester move-in
CMU president Bob Davies at an introductory press conference for new AD Amy Folan on Sept. 22, 2019 in Kelly/Shorts Stadium.
Central Michigan University ended the fall semester nearly three weeks early, cut Spring Break and moved back the start of face-to-face courses for the spring semester due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, pushing back the undergraduates move-in date for the Spring 2021 has been added to that list.
During a press conference on Dec. 18, Whitmer announced that Michigan would be put under an epidemic order Dec. 21 through Jan. 15.
The new order allows for indoor activities where participants can remain masked to reopen, including learning at high schools and indoor entertainment venues. In addition, Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services asked higher education institutions to postpone their return to campus and in-person learning plans until around Jan. 16, 2021.
Since Central Michigan University planned to have the first week of classes online for the Spring 2021 semester, in-person class start dates are not affected and will still begin on Jan. 18. However, move-in dates will be impacted.
In response to Whitmer's press conference, President Bob Davies sent an email to CMU announcing that undergraduate students cannot return to residence halls until Jan. 15. Accommodations will be made for students who have to return to access online courses.
Davies said students will receive more information regarding move-in from Residence Life soon.
"To reduce the likelihood of (COVID-19) spread on our campus and in our community, health officials highly recommend limiting interactions with people outside the members of your household or immediate family for at least two weeks prior to returning to CMU," Davies statrdin his email. "And, when you arrive in Mount Pleasant, limit in-person social activities and avoid gatherings for at least one full week prior to attending classes."
The university is asking that all students get tested for COVID-19 before returning to campus.
"CMU will once again conduct surveillance testing to help us monitor and quickly respond to virus trends," the email read. "On-campus COVID-19 testing for individuals who are symptomatic or who have been identified as close contacts begins Jan. 4. Surveillance testing appointments are available beginning Jan. 5, and you can sign up for a testing appointment online."
