GV moves classes online due to COVID-19 outbreak

Courtesy+%7C+CDC

Courtesy | CDC

Nick Moran, Editor-in-Chief

This story is breaking and will be updated as new information becomes available. Please check back for updates.

Correction: This story was edited to correct an issue claiming that all nursing clinicals were canceled.

Grand Valley State University has cancelled all classes March 12-15 due to COVID-19, or the “coronavirus.” The University has also announced that March 16-29, all classes will be digital, with face-to-face classes cancelled, following suit with other universities in the state and around the country.

In an announcement made by the University to the community, President Philomena Mantella said GVSU will be updating its website as it works with local health officials and new information arises. Information can be found at www.gvsu.edu/coronavirus.

“We are taking this step for the well-being of our community, and have procedures in place to support students with their courses, and faculty and staff with their work,” Mantella said in the campus-wide email. “This virus demands we remain alert and make constant adjustments to our plans, and we will update our community as needed.”

All students should return to their permanent places of residence if possible, according to the email. GVSU Housing will offer support as needed if students need assistance and fees collected for those living on campus or have meals plans “will be adjusted as appropriate,” according to the email.

The University has not closed campus for employees, but the Office of the Provost will be contacting faculty on online teaching resources. Staff members will be expected to continue to work. Student employees should reach out to their supervisors.

GVSU is also barring events that contain over 100 attendees, including those organized by outside groups, through March 29. Additionally, GVSU-sponsored international travel is banned and domestic travel is discouraged through March 30.

Throughout the week, various parts of the campus community have been affected, with resources like the Tutoring Center preparing for online sessions and various study abroad programs being cancelled through the summer. Events on campus have also been cancelled, such as Student Senate’s Thursday general assembly and the Frederick Meijer Honors College’s March 12 Lecture Series event among others.

With this announcement, GVSU joins Central Michigan University, Michigan State University, University of Michigan, Michigan Technological University and Oakland University in moving classes online. Wayne State University has cancelled classed through March 23, extending Spring Break for its students.