As a number of Michigan colleges and universities transition from face to face classes to online courses amid the confirmed test results of two people with the coronavirus or (COVID-19), Ferris State University says it will switch to online courses at all campus locations including the Kendall College at and design for at least a week beginning Monday, March 16th. 

 

Ferris State President David Eisler issued a statement that reads as follows: 

 

As we continue to actively monitor the evolving global epidemic associated with the coronavirus (COVID-19), your health is our number one priority. While there are no confirmed cases in our area, two cases were confirmed in Michigan last evening and the Governor has declared a state of emergency. In this rapidly changing environment there are several important updates to share with you.

 

Beginning Monday, March 16, all face-to-face classes at all Ferris State University campus locations, including Kendall College of Art and Design, are being suspended and replaced with a remote learning delivery method. Initially this will continue through March 27 and may be extended if necessary. All campuses will remain open during this period. Your academic department, academic advisor or faculty instructor will be in contact with you to explain how education will occur in your course during this period. If your course is transitioned to an online format and you do not have Internet access, or do not have access to a computer, we will work to assist you. All courses currently delivered online will continue as scheduled.

 

Along with the suspension of face-to-face classes, if you live in a residence hall in Big Rapids, we strongly encourage you to remain home during this time. However, residence halls and a condensed dining capability will be open after spring break if needed. If you are a student employee and were away during spring break, it is not necessary that you return to your campus employment at this time. If this causes a financial hardship for you, we will assist you. Please contact the Financial Aid office for assistance at (231) 591-2100.

 

All University-sponsored, international travel (including Canada) has been suspended until further notice. University-sponsored travel throughout the United States will occur only on a necessary and essential basis. We strongly encourage you to avoid personal travel to areas with documented COVID-19 cases.

 

To lessen the chance of introducing or spreading COVID-19, all University events of more than 100 attendees will be postponed or canceled. Where possible, we are encouraging organizers to conduct events through live streaming or other technologies.

 

While there are no campus-associated cases of COVID-19, we are being proactive in an effort to prevent the spread of illness on our campus. The disruptions to our normal, everyday operations will cause some challenges, but I believe the risk of not doing these actions far outweighs the temporary inconveniences this may cause. Your health and safety are always our top priority.

 

We continue to ask everyone to follow the CDC recommendations for preventive actions:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 30 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

For further information please check our website or contact the Dean of Student Life Joy Pulsifer at joypulsifer@ferris.edu.

 

Sincerely,

David L. Eisler, president