March 23, 2020
Members of the The University of Olivet Community:
As you likely have heard, this morning Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued a “stay-at-home” order for the entire state. The order, which goes into effect tonight at midnight and continues through midnight on April 13, is designed to slow the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, and we are urging all members of our The University of Olivet community to comply.
We know this order will cause increased anxiety and concern for many of you, but we want you to know that because the College has already taken many of the measures outlined in the order, the additional impact to The University of Olivet should be minimal. The College will continue to operate, and we will continue to deliver high-quality instruction and essential services throughout the Spring Semester.
As we outlined in prior emails to the community, “essential” individuals who are required to be on-site for essential work functions — including faculty and staff members deemed essential to operations, remote learning, and in support of students in residence — will still come to work if they are well. All employees who can perform their work remotely are expected to do so and should not come to campus until directed to return.
Our remote learning effort will continue and is not affected by this order. Students who must remain on campus can remain if they have received approval and will be provided essential services such as housing, dining and emergency services, as they have been for the past week.
For those of you who already are working or studying from home in Michigan, you will still be allowed to go to grocery stores, hospitals, pharmacies and gas stations. You also can take walks, cycle or go jogging outside, as long as you practice social distancing.
As Governor Whitmer said today, and as we have urged before, please take every precaution to help stop the spread of COVID-19, which means avoiding crowds, minimizing trips outside your home and social distancing when you must go out. You should also self-isolate if you feel ill or have had contact with someone who has tested positive for the virus.
We will continue to closely monitor this pandemic and will offer further guidance in the days and weeks ahead and as more information becomes available. If you have questions about the Governor’s stay-at-home order, please go to michigan.gov/coronavirus. For information on The University of Olivet’s response to coronavirus, go to olivetcollege.edu/healthservices/.
As we have said repeatedly, we care about you and appreciate your support, your partnership, and your understanding. Together, we are stronger and can overcome these challenging times.
Sincerely,
Steven M. Corey, Ph.D.
President
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