ADRIAN, Mich. – Siena Heights University has been closely monitoring the emergence of Coronavirus. Governor Gretchen Whitmer has declared a state of emergency to “maximize efforts to slow the spread of the Coronavirus” as two presumptive positive cases of the virus have been identified in Michigan.
“Siena Heights University is monitoring the Coronavirus daily in conjunction with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), the Lenawee County Health Department, and our Community College Partner Institutions,” said SHU President Sister Peg Albert, OP, PhD. “We have travel restrictions in place and have monitored our student travel before and after spring break. We have a team assembled that is diligently working on response planning and preparedness.”
As of Wednesday, March 11, there are no campus-related cases reported. The University is taking the following proactive actions, in keeping with CDC recommendations, to ensure the health and safety of our campus community:
* Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
* Cover coughs and sneezes with tissues or by coughing into the inside of the elbow. Throw used tissues in the trash.
* Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
* Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces such as doorknobs, computer keyboards and telephones.
* Please practice social distance by staying at least 6-feet away from people who are sick or not feeling well and avoid close contact with others through hugging or shaking hands.
* After experiencing a fever, remain home for 24 hours after being fever-free.
* Seek assistance from a health professional if you experience symptoms that cause concern.
In following Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s recommendations, Siena Heights University is taking the necessary steps effective WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11.
* For Main Campus Students in Adrian Including Graduate College Classes: All face-to-face classes are cancelled for Thursday, March 12 and Friday, March 13. Classes will resume on Monday, March 16 in a remote format. Siena Heights will reevaluate the situation on or before Tuesday, March 31.
* For Graduate and Professional Studies Students Across the State of Michigan and Online: All classes will continue as scheduled both face-to-face and online. We will monitor the situation closely and work with our community college partners if the situation changes.
* Clinicals, studio work, internships, and student teaching will continue until further notice. Siena Heights University will defer to the protocol of each entity or organization at which the students are studying. If a Siena Heights University student has concerns about completing their field or clinical education, please contact the dean.
* Indoor Saints Athletics events are open only to the teams in competition, parents, and essential personnel. For the next two weeks, only “in season” sports are to be active with practices and competitions. All other sports are not permitted to practice as determined by the NAIA and WHAC. The University will stay in communication with the NAIA and WHAC regarding the status of practices and competitions.
* All campus buildings will be available for use through this period; residence halls and the dining services will be open. Resident students may choose to leave campus without penalty.
* University offices will remain open per standard operating hours.
* Staff is expected to report to work as normally scheduled unless you are sick or feeling sick.
Siena Heights University will keep the community updated on the latest developments. For academic questions or concerns, please contact Matthew Draud, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at (517) 264-7667 or by email at mdraud@sienaheights.edu. For other questions or concerns, please contact Siena Heights University Public Safety at (517) 264-7799 or cbirdwel@sienaheights.edu.
UNIVERSITY OPERATIONS
What is the University Doing in Response to Covid-19?
The health and safety of our campus community is our top priority. While there are no cases of COVID-19 at or associated with Siena Heights University, the University has decided to take proactive measures, including suspending all face-to-face on-campus instruction and continuing with remote format through March 31, 2020. This will be evaluated on or before March 31, 2020.
Siena Heights University continues to monitor the situation and is working closely with the Michigan Governor’s Office, Michigan Department of Health and the Lenawee County Health Department, as well as following the guidance of the CDC and WHO.
A University task force is meeting regularly to review the latest developments and has created plans for dealing with a variety of potential scenarios.
Is Campus Closing?
No. Siena Heights University is open with full staff support for students. Siena Heights University campus buildings will remain open. All courses will be delivered in remote format starting on Monday, March 16.
Is the University Canceling or Postponing Any On-Campus Events at This Time?
Yes. Siena Heights University is cancelling the following on-campus events:
· March 12 – The Ethics Lecture & Dinner with Mary Catherine Hilkert
· March 14 – Discover Day with Admissions
· March 15 – Track/Field and Men’s Basketball Banquets
· March 19 – Legacy Series Lecture
· March 20 – Sisterhood of Saints Lock-in with Adrian Dominican Sisters
· March 25 – Issa Lecture with John Foley
· March 27 – Sibs and Kids Weekend
For updated cancellations, please contact Public Safety at (517) 264-7799 or go to www.sienaheights.edu.
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