To date, there are no cases of COVID-19 on the The University of Olivet campus; however, there are confirmed cases in Michigan, and the governor and state health officials have advised all colleges and universities to prepare for further spread throughout the state. This communication outlines several important updates that impact The University of Olivet students.
Extension of Spring Break through Wednesday, March 18
Spring Break will be extended with the cancellation of classes through Wednesday, March 18 to allow time for faculty to transition face-to-face classes to a virtual learning environment, which will begin on Thursday, March 19.
Remote Learning Effective Thursday, March 19
Classes are not cancelled. Instead, the College is transitioning all face-to-face classes to remote learning at least through March 29. Prior to that date we will evaluate and determine if there is an ongoing need for remote learning.
Our chief academic officer, Provost Maria Davis, and professors will be in contact with students early next week to explain how teaching and learning will occur during this period. Students should also watch also for email communications from the The University of Olivet ITS department for instruction on how to transition to remote learning.
After Spring Break – Remain or Return Home
Following Spring Break, students are expected to remain at home. Do not return to campus. On-campus housing accommodations will only be made under special circumstances. In the next few days students will be receiving further instruction on how to make an appeal to live on campus.
Check Your Email Often
Other announcements will be made in the coming days via email. It is the responsibility of students to check their The University of Olivet email regularly. It is the main communication tool we will use to share updates. The spread of COVID-19 is an ever-changing situation that will require the College to make swift policy changes.
Intercollegiate Athletics, Activities, and College Gatherings
All intercollegiate athletic activities are suspended through Wednesday, March 18, after which a decision will be made on their status going forward. Active conversation is ongoing with the MIAA and NCAA that will inform these decisions.
Student Activities
- All student activities are cancelled through March 29.
- Student attendance at all off-campus conferences is suspended through March 29.
- All Greek and social organization gatherings on and off campus are suspended through March 29.
All College-related gatherings are suspended through March 29.
We understand that this course of action will create challenges and stress, but our top priority must be the health and safety of the entire The University of Olivet family.
Reminders About Staying Healthy and Avoiding Spreading the Virus
Please remember that even if you are healthy, you may unknowingly be carrying the virus. We ask that you take seriously the importance of practicing good hygiene to mitigate community spread.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (two verses of Happy Birthday).
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Cough or sneeze into the crook of your arm or cover your mouth/nose with a tissue (and dispose of the tissue immediately).
- Do not shake hands – use a fist or elbow bump.
- Clean your computer keyboard, phone, doorknobs, light switches and other commonly touched areas with disinfectant frequently.
- Avoid large crowds
- Avoid contact with people who are sick whenever possible.
- If you are ill with flu-like symptoms, call your doctor.
Combating Stigma Associated with COVID-19
Viruses cannot target people from specific populations, ethnicities or racial backgrounds. Also, keep in mind that people who have returned from an area with the ongoing spread of COVID-19 more than 14 days ago and do not have symptoms are not infected with the virus and contact with them will not give you the virus.
Individual and Social Responsibility is at the heart of the The University of Olivet mission. Now is the time for every one of us to be individually and socially responsible and do our part to help slow or stop the spread of COVID-19.