Adrian, MI – Adrian College has been all over the news this past week about the intent to eliminate academic departments and faculty, a spike in COVID-19 cases… it has seemed like something new is being reported every day… so WLEN News will break it all down.
Earlier this year, the Administration sent letters of intent to eliminate several departments including History, Theater, Religion, Philosophy, and Leadership. After alleged talks between facility and the Administration took place, a follow-up letter was sent…reaffirming the college’s intent to eliminate those departments and not renew certain facility’s contracts. A significant push on social media to save the departments started in the days that followed, including posts by alumni and others on the Facebook group and Twitter page called “The Asah Mahan Squad.”
Earlier this week, Adrian College President Dr. Jeffrey Docking reversed course with the Departments on the ‘chopping block.’ In an email to faculty, Docking rescinded the August letter of intent.
It was reported that there were 139 active cases of COVID-19 on campus as of Monday… and that there were 152 total cases since the school began reporting positive cases. Football activities have been halted, and will be for at least a week.
Adrian College intends to stay open for the rest of the fall semester.
In a video message to students, faculty, staff and parents, Docking said a vast majority of the cases on campus are asymptomatic or have very mild symptoms. Some students went home, Docking said, and none have been hospitalized.
Docking also gave professors the option to move their classes online for two weeks in an effort to flatten the curve. He also said the college has enacted a few different safety measures, including an all-takeout food service and continuing to limit large gatherings, which is the college’s biggest concern.
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