KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Western Michigan University (WMU) announced Monday that students will return to campus for in-person classes this fall.
In a letter released by President Edward B. Montgomery, a plan for monitoring for COVID-19 symptoms was outlined. The campus has been closed since March when the pandemic reached Michigan.
Among the changes for this semester include the removal of Fall break, which would usually take place in October. This has been done to help reduce potential spread of the virus. In-person instruction for most classes will end on November 20.
The last weeks of classes and final exams will be conducted remotely and the semester will end on December 19.
Additionally, it will not be possible to hold some classes on campus, specifically those that contain over 70 students. Therefore, multiple teaching methods will be held where applicable. More information about these changes will be available closer to the start of the semester.
“While we’ve made a lot of progress, I know that there remain questions to be answered, especially around how best to promote health and safety,” Montgomery wrote. “Increasing our precision on these guidelines is among our top priorities in preparation for fall. We are addressing them using the best public health and medical information available. A safe campus for all will require an all-in commitment.”
Montgomery says that the following behaviors are expected to be observed at all times:
- Masks: Students, faculty and staff wear them indoors if you are not alone.
- Testing and monitoring: Monitor your health, and get tested immediately at the earliest symptoms. Stay home if you are sick. Sindecuse Health Center has rapid-result COVID-19 testing, which offers results on the same day or next day.
- Hygiene: Wash hands frequently and correctly; clean workspaces and high-touch surfaces thoroughly and frequently.
- Social distancing: Try to maintain 6 feet of distance all the time.
“Our goal is to build a community culture that supports shared reliance on the practices that will enable us to limit the spread of COVID-19 and remain open for in-person classes,” Montgomery added. “We’re putting policies in place that will make it easy to support this culture and protect students, faculty and staff. We are keeping an eye toward making sure there is equitable enforcement and that we offer appropriate accommodations.”
Students are encouraged to participate in a virtual town hall meeting early next month to learn more information on the subject.
The town hall will take place at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, July 1. During this session, officials will be sharing additional details about the fall semester. At that time, students will be able to access the town hall at wmich.edu/president.
Meanwhile, WMU officials are expected to vote this week on the budget for the fiscal year 20-2021. Due to COVID-19 constraints, WMU has projected a shortfall of between $45 million and $85 million.
More information on that meeting and how to access it can be found here.
