Adrian College responds to Governor Whitmer recommendations to limit spread of COVID-19
Posted Thursday, March 12, 2020
In light of the current recommendations from the office of Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Adrian College intends to limit the risk of COVID-19 exposure by reducing in-person events scheduled on campus.
“I urge all Michiganders to take these recommendations seriously and to share them with their friends, families and coworkers,” Whitmer said, “It is on all of us to be safe and be smart for ourselves, our loved ones, our coworkers, and the public at large. We encourage schools, universities, businesses and other organizations to use their best judgment about what steps are most appropriate to keep people safe and slow the spread of the disease.”
Following the recommendations and guidelines from the State of Michigan, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization and other agencies, as of noon on Thursday, March 12, Adrian College canceled all face-to-face classes through Friday, March 13. Classes will resume on Monday, March 16 in online format. Face-to-face classes will resume on Monday, March 30, unless otherwise notified.
The following action has been implemented to ensure a quick response to Governor Whitmer’s requests:
Conferences and Events
• Pursuant to Governor Whitmer’s recommendations to cancel or postpone large gatherings, conferences and sporting events (e.g. events with over 100 people), Adrian College will be canceling or rescheduling the following events:
• Bruiser Briefcase Bash, March 13, 2020
• Bulldog Ice Show, March 15, 2020
• Spring Concert, March 20, 2020
• Sweetheart Prom, March 21, 2020
• Convocation, March 25, 2020
• The President’s State of the College Address, April 3, 2020
• At this time, Honors Night and Ribbons of Excellence Day, March 31, 2020 will not be canceled. Alternative ways to deliver presentations are being planned.
• Decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis whether to cancel smaller conference groups or individuals who are renting College facilities.
Adrian College Preparations
Academic Affairs:
• Implementing online learning beginning March 16, 2020. All faculty members have Blackboard access for all classes, enabling professors and students to have synchronized lessons.
• Face-to-face classes are expected to resume March 30, 2020.
• The Shipman Library will continue to be accessible 24/7.
Housing and Student Life:
• Dr. Emily Kist in the Student Health Center provides the following protocols for students who are concerned they may have symptoms:
- If a patient calls the Medical Clinic and is concerned they have been exposed to Coronavirus, they will NOT be brought into the clinic.
- Students with this concern will be given the number to Lenawee Health Department who will direct them to the next steps.
- If a student comes to the Medical Clinic, they will be given a mask and the Health Department will be contacted.
- Travel areas of concern: China, Italy, South Korea, and Iran as well as any cruises.
- If a student elects to go to the Bixby Medical Center ER on their own, they must call ahead and inform ER staff of their symptoms. Staff will instruct them on the course of action.
- If a student “fails” a travel screen in the Medical Clinic, they will be sent to the Bixby Medical Center ER. Student will then call the Bixby Medical Center and be instructed to follow defined protocol.
• Additional hand sanitizer stations will be made available throughout campus.
• Any student who feels ill is asked to self-quarantine until the medical procedures above are followed.
Dining Options:
• Students are encouraged to avoid communal dining when possible. Beginning Friday, March 13, 2020 the College is suspending all rules limiting students from taking food from Ritchie Marketplace to allow for social separation. Sodexo will provide carry-out containers and students will be allowed to take food from the dining hall. Additional space will be made available in Ritchie Marketplace to allow students more space for lunch and dinner, if they prefer sit-down dining.
• Grab-and-Go options will remain available at the Caine Student Center.
Athletics:
• All winter and spring championships have been canceled by the NCAA [https://www.ncaa.com/live-updates/ncaa-cancels-remaining-winter-and-spring-championships-due-coronavirus-concerns] and a decision will be made shortly regarding MIAA conference sports activities.
• Athletes who are ill will be quarantined.
• Fitness Center and weight room will remain open with additional cleaning measures. enforced. The College has taken additional steps to increase cleaning frequency of all equipment. Hand sanitizer will also be available. Custodial support will be reallocated to high traffic areas including the Fitness Center.
• Sauna and steam rooms are closed until further notice.
• WOW Cafe will be closed until further notice.
Baby Bulldog Center
• At this time, the Baby Bulldog Center will remain open until further notice.
College Offices
• All Adrian College offices will remain open. Staff should continue to report to work as usual. Student workers and interns should contact their supervisors for further instruction.
• Employees and student workers should follow the guidelines from the recent Governor Whitmer communication regarding actions to mitigate transmission of COVID-19. https://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus/0,9753,7-406-98178_98155-521467--,00.html.
Additional Information
The College is taking every precaution to protect the health and safety of its campus community, as it is always a top priority. Your cooperation will help ensure an appropriate response across our institution to appropriately address this unprecedented health issue. Adrian College’s website will be regularly updated with any new information or changes to keep the community informed on the progress of the COVID-19 outbreak.
