COVID-19

Past Communications

A message from President Hasseler - July 17, 2020

Dear Members of the Muskingum Community:

In just a few weeks we will be welcoming students back to campus as we begin our fall 2020 semester. Muskingum University has been preparing our facilities and programs to ensure a safe and healthy learning and living environment, while preserving the connections, activities and relationships that make this such a special place. Our planning teams have carefully reviewed local, state and national health guidance and consulted with medical professionals to develop guidelines and implement changes in readiness for our fall semester. We will continue to closely monitor all guidelines and make changes as needed going forward.

Health and Safety

All employees and students will be expected to wear face coverings in all campus buildings, except in their individual workspaces or residence hall rooms. Face coverings are expected outdoors as well if appropriate social distancing is not possible.    

In addition, employees and students are expected to perform daily health checks, engage in social distancing and follow guidance on facility use and group events and gatherings. Procedures have been implemented to address needs of faculty, staff and students with underlying health conditions.

Adhering to these guidelines is the way that we express that MuskiesCare, and thus protect each other while enjoying the opportunity to be together on our beautiful campus.

Additional measures include adjustments to workspaces, extra cleaning protocols, and easy access to hand sanitizer and cleaning supplies.

The University is working directly with the Muskingum County Health Department on testing, contact tracing and healthcare services. We have secured appropriate health-related isolation and quarantine spaces for students who are unable to return home in collaboration with the MCHD. 

Academics

We have revised our academic calendar so that classes begin a week early on August 18 and end prior to Thanksgiving to avoid being on campus during the peak influenza season. The spring calendar is still under review but at this point we anticipate returning to campus in mid-January. 

We have developed a classroom and lab management plan that allows appropriate social distancing in all learning spaces. With the addition of some new teaching spaces, we can provide appropriate classroom space for full-time face-to-face instruction for most of our classes. Instructors are working tirelessly over the summer, however, to ensure that the basic elements of every class are available in our Blackboard online learning management system to serve students for whom COVID-related issues prevent classroom attendance and also to use technology effectively to enhance our learning experiences.   

Residential Living

Our residential spaces have been adjusted to allow for the availability of single rooms for any students who wish to pursue that option. Careful arrangements of single and double rooms have allowed us to de-densify our student living spaces.

Dining and retail facilities have been altered to meet social distancing and health guidelines.

Athletics

We are working closely with the NCAA and our colleagues in the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) in terms of our athletic programming. The President's Council of the OAC has made the decision to postpone all NCAA intercollegiate athletic competition through December 31, 2020, amidst continued concerns about COVID-19. The Conference is committed to moving NCAA intercollegiate competition to the spring, with various models currently being discussed. At this time the intention is to engage all sports in competition starting in January 2021 and throughout the spring semester. For more details please refer to our Athletics Q&A.

The outdoor track will remain available for community use when not in use by an athletic team. All other athletic facilities will re-open in the fall for employee and student use only following appropriate health protocols.

Travel and Events

University travel will be restricted to essential travel only. No international trips will be permitted, and field trips are also prohibited for the fall semester.

Although we are encouraging the use of virtual gatherings in lieu of in-person events and meetings, we are allowing some on-campus gatherings so long as they abide by current health guidance. This includes a limit of 10 participants, the reservation of an appropriately sized room to allow for proper social distancing between participants, and the use of face coverings.

In summary

This is just a brief synopsis of the extensive work our faculty and staff have been doing to prepare for a safe return to on-campus instruction. I am deeply grateful for the dedication of Muskingum employees to the well-being of this institution and look forward to beginning the fall semester together.

Until then, all my best wishes for your health and well-being.

President Sue Hasseler

Note: Detailed information regarding our return-to-campus policies can be found in the links above.

For additional information regarding our return-to-campus policies, visit our FAQ and Message to Students & Familes.

 

A message from President Hasseler - May 8, 2020

As the spring semester closes and summer approaches, we are mindful of the extraordinary efforts of our Muskingum students, faculty, and staff in adapting to dramatically different circumstances.  Faculty and staff devoted themselves to the needs of all students, both collective and individual.  Our students adjusted to new learning strategies and expectations. We are grateful for this remarkable work.

Since the onset of the COVID-19 crisis, we have been planning for the future. Instructional and financial scenarios and options have been a primary focus, along with developing and refining measures to ensure health and safety for all. Our guiding principle is that the needs of our students must drive planning and decision-making.

We are making plans to reopen the Muskingum campus for in-person classes and student housing in the fall.  We are preparing specific plans to return to on-campus learning and living for our undergraduate students with careful attention paid to state and federal health guidance. We are also continuing our investment in innovative online and blended programs for adult learners and students who need more flexible attendance options.

We recognize that resuming on-campus activities will entail important modifications to our practices.  Faculty and staff are already working on plans for the implementation of those modifications with careful attention paid to safety protocols. This work encompasses all aspects of classroom and laboratory instruction, student life, campus events, and services. Planning for fall athletic programs is being done in collaboration with the NCAA and our peers in the Ohio Athletic Conference. We also intend to build on the lessons we have learned about effective uses of technology to strengthen all of our programs.

We eagerly anticipate the return to face-to-face interaction while also continuing to expand our opportunities for more flexible learning environments. Personal interaction is the essence of what Muskingum provides to students in a holistic educational experience.  The value of direct engagement in a community of learners is without measure. We will, however, be carefully monitoring state and federal guidance and will adapt as needed to ensure the safety of our entire community. 

We will continue regular communications as plans are developed and finalized.  Please visit our COVID-19 webpage at muskingum.edu/coronavirus for ongoing updates and information.  

Thank you for your ongoing dedication and commitment to Muskingum’s future.

President Sue Hasseler

 

Frequently Asked Questions: Click Here

Questions? Please submit them here.

 

Message from the President, March 19, 2020

Dear Members of the Muskingum Community:

I am so grateful for the exceptional response of our campus community as we have moved all of our classes to an off-campus learning environment. This has been a challenging process as the situation changes daily but it has been inspiring to see students, faculty and staff roll up their sleeves and continue to find effective ways to keep our educational mission moving forward. 

Our senior leadership team has been meeting regularly as we monitor the rapidly changing landscape and develop plans to best serve our students and the campus as a whole. While there are no known cases of COVID-19 on campus at this time, cases of the virus are being identified in Ohio and multiple restrictions on meetings, events, and services have been announced at the state and federal level. 

Based on these developments and in consultation with our Board of Trustees, I have made the following very difficult decision:

All classes will continue to be held via online/distance learning instruction through the end of spring semester. 

There are many implications of this decision:

We will work with every student who was planning to graduate in May 2020 to complete their graduation requirements. See the message below from Provost Evangelista for more details. While undergraduate and graduate commencements will not be held on campus in May, we are currently considering ways to celebrate the accomplishments of the amazing class of 2020. 

Fall registration is moving forward as scheduled. Students should contact their advisor or the Registrar’s Office at 740-826-8164 if they have any questions or concerns. In addition, classes are being offered in our May Term and More Summer Program. Call Bonnie Callahan at 740-826-8471 for information about summer online learning opportunities.  

While the University will continue basic business operations, employees will begin to work remotely as roles and essential tasks permit. Supervisors will be communicating specific instructions for specific roles. Access to University buildings will be limited to current students and employees. 

Students who are unable to return to their primary residence at this time will still be able to reside on campus and services will continue to be provided to these students. 

Arrangements will be made for students who moved off campus to return to campus to gather their belongings. Students will receive a communication from the Residence Life Office shortly with more information. We ask that students do not return to campus until they have received instructions from Residence Life. 

Our dining services will continue to provide take-out food services to students and employees at Patton Dining Hall. All other dining areas are closed. 

Student support services continue to be offered electronically and when appropriate, face to face. Academic support, technology support, counseling, pastoral care, and opportunities to engage with one another virtually are available to all of our students. Please contact studenthelp@muskingum.edu if you have any questions or concerns. 

In accordance with Governor DeWine’s recommendation, faculty, staff, students, and all other visitors to campus are asked to take their temperature and to avoid coming to campus if they are exhibiting an elevated temperature or any other symptoms of COVID-19. 

The Muskingum community has responded with grace and grit to this challenging situation and we will continue to do so. We are committed to providing an excellent educational experience for all of our students and will continue to work together to make this happen. 

With ongoing prayers for the health and safety of the Muskingum community, our nation, and the world, 

President Sue Hasseler

 

Message from the Provost

Greetings Muskies,

You have now all received the message that Muskingum University is moving to extend online instruction through the end of the Spring 2020 semester. This was a difficult decision, as it means changing to a new way of learning and interacting, but the decision was made to ensure that every member of the Muskingum Community is safe and healthy. You may have a number of questions and concerns as we move ahead, and I want to make sure you are informed regarding next steps.

Blackboard is Now Your Classroom!
Every student must log into Blackboard as the virtual classroom. You cannot wait until later in the semester to get going, as your instructors are moving ahead with assignments that you need to complete on schedule. Some tips for surviving online instruction:

  • You must log into Blackboard on a regular basis, preferably every day.   
  • Since you are not in classes, you will need to plan for equivalent time to read materials, review PowerPoints, view videos and other instructional tools. Being a full-time student is a full-time job. Plan for a 40-hour academic workweek.
  • Check the Student Online Toolbox in Blackboard on a regular basis, as you will find additional tips and resources posted there.

We Want You to Succeed!

  • All of our regular campus support offices are open with staff ready to provide help. This includes the Counseling Center, Student Health Center, Student Affairs Offices, Academic Supports through the Provost’s Office, Library, and Career Center. You can reach these offices through the email links on the Muskingum website, or by calling the office numbers. Or email studenthelp@muskingum.edu and we’ll make sure to guide you to the right place.
  • If you can come to campus, you may still meet with faculty and staff members in their offices if they are working on campus. Please do not come to campus if you are not feeling well.
  • Computer labs continue to be open in the Library and Boyd 204 for any students who are able to come to campus to study. 
  • If you are struggling with a class and believe that withdrawing from the class is the best option, you should first discuss your progress with the instructor and with your advisor. We have extended the deadline for withdrawal from undergraduate courses to Monday, April 20, 2020 to allow extra time to adjust to the online learning environment.

Registration Continues 

  • Many students are already registered for Fall 2020 – kudos to each of you.
  • If you have not already met with your academic advisor, contact them by phone or mail to set up your advising appointment. You will still need to have your academic advisor remove the advising hold once they have approved your fall course schedule.

A Note for Graduating Seniors

  • You will still be able to complete all graduation requirements so that you can earn your diploma on time.
  • The faculty members in every program have developed ways to complete senior level coursework. You should be in regular contact with your faculty regarding how you will do this in your major.  
  • If you have not already done so, you must submit your application for graduation through MuskieLink.  
  • Review your degree audit in Student Planning in MuskieLink to check that you have met all graduation requirements. Then set up an appointment with your advisor to review this together if you have not already done so.
  • While undergraduate commencement will not be held on campus in May, we will have a way to celebrate the accomplishments of our graduating students. We will keep you updated as we develop these plans.  

Residence Life Considerations

  • If you were living on campus, be on the lookout for a message from the Residence Life Office with instructions for when you will be able to come to campus to pack up your belongings.
  • The University is finalizing calculations for crediting students for room and board while not on campus. Prorating for these credits may differ depending on circumstances and may take various forms. Students will receive individual communications about their accounts in the near future.   

Muskingum University will continue to provide a wonderful educational experience for everyone, even though it is not what we thought in January. Stay tuned to Blackboard, email and Muskie Social Media to find out what is happening and to keep connected!

With best wishes for health and success in the online weeks to come,

Dr. Nancy Evangelista, Provost

 

Please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page for more details.

 

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