COVID-19 Housing Update
March 16, 2020
Dear MU students,
The health of our students, colleagues and communities is our top priority, and every appropriate measure we can take to slow transmission of COVID-19 will help.
As you know, we have decided to move to remote teaching for students through April 18. Manchester Spartan Athletics will not engage in competition or athletically related activities (including practice) until this date.
Shifting to remote teaching means that courses will be delivered through a variety of technologies appropriate to individual courses. This might mean you will have classes that are recorded, participate in online discussions, and/or have real-time virtual meetings with your professors. Your faculty will be reaching out to let you know what to expect. We intend to be flexible in meeting the needs of students and faculty in our efforts to provide the best opportunity to achieve the intended learning outcomes of each course.
We know that online learning may be a new experience for many of you. Know that we are here to help. If you have concerns about internet access, please let your faculty know. If you are unsure about how to access any of the technologies your faculty are using, please reach out to your instructor or canvashelp@manchester.edu.
Right now, this might feel a bit overwhelming. Please remember that we are all in this together and we'll all figure it out together. Please give faculty members grace, as they do the same for you during these difficult times.
Residential Life:
In most cases, students will be able to more effectively practice social distancing at their permanent residence. However, we understand that for others this may not be feasible. For this reason, the University (including residence halls) will remain open, and students and families should determine individually if it is right for a student to return to on-campus housing during this period. In order to return to campus, you must complete this form and state your reason for choosing to stay. This must be complete by Friday, March 20, and students who return to campus must return by Monday, March 23.
If you choose to return to your residence hall, you will need to follow certain guidelines. These include:
- Only accessing your own residence hall
- No guests or visitors in the residence halls
- Limited off-campus travel
- Curfew: you must be in your residence hall by 10 p.m.
- Single point of entry to each building
- You must check in and out of your residence hall
- Zero-tolerance conduct policy (i.e. You may be asked to leave the residence hall if you are found in violation of any conduct policy.)
- No use of the kitchenettes in the residence halls—microwaves will be available on each floor
- If you become symptomatic, you may be asked to return to your permanent residence or be otherwise isolated from others on campus.
If you choose to remain at your permanent residence during the period of remote teaching, and you need to return to campus to obtain additional belongings, you must arrive before 9 p.m. on Sunday, March 22. Please contact reslife@manchester.edu to make those arrangements.
PERC:
The PERC will be closed (including the fitness center and both gymnasiums) through the remote learning period.
Manchester Dining:
Meal plans will start again on March 22. There will be limited dining options on campus and only in to-go format.
Academics:
Additional information regarding specific courses will come directly from your faculty. Please continue to monitor your email for more information.
Because of their size, VIA events may be offered in virtual formats or canceled for the remainder of the semester. Students with anticipated graduation in May 2020 will work with the Registrar to determine an appropriate path forward.
Registration for fall courses will begin online. Please watch your email for further instructions on course registration.
Student Employment:
Students who return to campus during the remote learning period may be able to retain their on-campus employment. Please contact your supervisor to discuss the logistics of your student employment. Each situation will be evaluated individually in consultation with the student, the supervisor, and human resources. Students should not feel obligated to return to campus specifically for their on-campus job. Students should first consider what is best for their health and the health of their families.
We will continue to evaluate these decisions and stay in touch regularly as the situation evolves. You will receive additional emails this week regarding other student services. Thank you for being flexible in a time that is difficult for us all.
Abby Van Vlerah, Ph.D. (she/her/hers)
Vice President of Student Life