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Campus adopts online learning, closes residence halls: WCSU response to novel coronavirus

DANBURY, CONN. — Western Connecticut State University has enacted the following plan in response to the Novel Coronavirus:

In consultation with the Board of Regents, and in light of the expanding impact of COVID-19 in Connecticut, the heightened risk factors from our adjacent New York communities, and the potential travel plans of students, faculty and staff over spring break (March 16-22), the university has decided to run all academic programs online starting March 23, 2020.

All residential students must depart campus housing for the next three weeks. Residence halls will close at 5 p.m. on Friday, March 13. The expectation is that students will be allowed to return to campus housing on Sunday, April 5. Students have been advised to bring course materials home and make sure they can log into their courses.

Faculty advisers will work with students who currently are engaged in internships and clinical placements to help them determine if and when they can continue in these positions. Students have been advised not go into high-risk areas for their internships (hospitals, etc.) and they should not report to any internship if they have been exposed to COVID-19. Most companies are providing guidance to their staff, and some may be able to continue online. This is an evolving situation, but the university wants to facilitate the completion of the minimum contact hours required while taking safety concerns into consideration.

Campus buildings will remain open and administrative staff will report unless an underlying health condition exists for the employee or a family member that indicates telecommuting is advisable.

All campus events through Thursday, April 30, have been canceled. A few have been converted to Webex to replace face-to-face interaction. For a complete and updated list of previously scheduled events and the current status, visit www.wcsu.edu/newsevents/upcoming-events/.

While WCSU has had no reported incidents of COVID-19 in our community, the precautions detailed above have been established to protect students, faculty, staff and community members. A reporting structure has been established for our constituents to report travel to affected areas and symptoms indicative of the virus, with protocols for self-quarantine if necessary.

WCSU remains committed to transmitting important information to our stakeholders and will continue to post updates on our website at www.wcsu.edu/emergency-management/coronavirus-updates/, our Facebook page and Twitter feed, and via our Emergency Notification System if required.

For more information, contact the Office of University Relations at (203) 837-8486.

 

 

Western Connecticut State University changes lives by providing all students with a high-quality education that fosters their growth as individuals, scholars, professionals and leaders in a global society. Our vision: To be widely recognized as a premier public university with outstanding teachers and scholars who prepare students to contribute to the world in a meaningful way.