(WXYZ) — Western Michigan University is moving classes online, at least through April 3.
The school posted the following on their website:
Dear Campus Community,
After consulting with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, other Michigan university officials and the local health department earlier today about COVID-19 (the novel coronavirus), Western Michigan University will begin delivering instruction through distance education on Monday, March 16, through Friday, April 3, effective for all locations. The University will continue monitoring this fluid situation and determine by Friday, March 27, if that time frame needs to be extended.
In-person instruction will be suspended on Thursday and Friday, March 12 and 13, to provide faculty the opportunity to begin moving course content online so that students may successfully complete the semester. More direction will be provided to faculty later today, and students can anticipate more guidance in the coming days. We are grateful to our faculty and staff members who are preparing to deliver services to our students at a distance, including advising and other related student services.
This measure is being taken to ensure continued campus safety and help slow the spread of the illness, which helps ease demand on health care systems now and in the coming days and weeks. There remain no known cases of COVID-19 on campus. Earlier today, the Kalamazoo County Health Department indicated in a press release that there are no local cases, but cautioned that could change at any time.
Unless otherwise specified, all WMU sites remain open and services will continue to be provided. Effective Monday, March 16, events that anticipate an attendance of more than 100 will be canceled.
For those living on campus, residence and dining halls will remain open and fully operational.
More information will be forthcoming today. The University is taking these steps to protect the health and well-being of the WMU community. Please continue to monitor wmich.edu/covid-19 for the latest information. I appreciate everyone’s efforts to work together and keep our community safe.
Sincerely,
Edward Montgomery
President