MSU moves to online courses only until April 20

March 11, 2020

On March 11, MSU learned of an individual linked to our campus who the Ingham County Health Department is currently investigating and monitoring. The day before, state officials announced the first confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in Michigan.
Effective at noon March 11, MSU is suspending face-to-face instruction in classroom settings and moving to virtual instruction. We are continuing to work with faculty and staff on laboratory and performance classes, and the university will provide additional guidance. This suspension of in-person classes will last until April 20.
During this time period, students doing purely remote work can return to their permanent place of residence, and we strongly encourage this because there are advantages for social distancing. But for those not able to go home, we will continue to fully support students in our residence halls and dining facilities.
MSU has been preparing for pivoting the campus to online learning. The resource to support educators in moving courses to online instruction is keepteaching.msu.edu. This website will grow over time as we discover additional needs and create content to address them. A second website is under development for all other employees at MSU that will support business units in remote workplace policies, tips and resources.
The campus will remain open during this period. However, the university is evaluating large events already scheduled. We will provide more information soon and urge everyone to consider the health implications of large gatherings and evaluate the essential nature of the events. We will not be scheduling new events with more than 100 individuals in a confined space during for this time period unless there are special circumstances.
MSU previously suspended all nonessential MSU-sponsored travel to mainland China, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea and Italy. For those who are returning from travel in these areas, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends you monitor your health daily and stay home to avoid contact with others for 14 days.
Effective March 10, all university-sponsored international travel is suspended. This includes new travel as well as any currently booked trips between now and April 20. If you are currently in an international location not impacted by a CDC advisory, you are not required to return home. We plan to reevaluate these guidelines and share updates as more information becomes available.
We are also suspending non-essential domestic travel until April 20. There will be waivers available, and each situation will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by college and major administrative units.
Many students have returned to campus this week from spring break travels. If you traveled to a high-risk area for the novel coronavirus, we expect that you are following CDC and U.S. Border Patrol guidelines for self-isolation for 14 days. We prefer that students complete any self-isolation at their permanent homes, but the university is prepared to assist those who do not have that option. Please contact MSU Live On at 517-884-1783 to discuss available options.
Faculty and staff who have traveled to affected areas should work with their supervisor for medical accommodations, including working remotely. Additionally, Residential and Hospitality Services will make room and board accommodations available for faculty or staff who need separate housing to complete their self-isolation. Those needing special accommodations should contact MSU Live On at 517-884-1783.