By DAVID DUPONT
BG Independent News
In response to the spread of COVID-19, Bowling Green State University will move to online classes after spring break.
The move is scheduled to last from March 23 to April 6. “The two weeks of remote learning complies with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s COVID-19 exposure window,” according to a statement issued by President Rodney Rogers and Provost Joe Whitehead.
During Spring Break, faculty will work on how to best teach classes online.
The move came in response to Gov. Mike DeWine’s declaration of a state of emergency Monday in response to emergence of the new coronavirus.
Three cases have been confirmed in Cuyahoga County.
“While there are currently no known COVID-19 cases in northwest Ohio, we join other universities in being proactive in slowing down the spread of novel coronavirus,” the university statement says.
Students will have the option of working from home or returning to campus “where appropriate social distancing and enhanced preventative public health and hygiene measures will be actively instituted.”
University officials continue to evaluate how to handle laboratory and performance classes. A decision on those will be announced next week. Internships, co-ops, clinical rotations and student teaching now in place will continue.
The statement continues:
“Classes will continue on both campuses as scheduled through Friday. During this week, we urge all students to make choices that are best for their own personal health situations. Faculty will be flexible for class attendance during this time. The University remains open for operation.”
Campus events with more than 100 participants will be canceled from March 14 through April 17.
The university had previously imposed travel restrictions, and is now extending those to all BGSU supported domestic and international travel for students, faculty and staff until May 15. Only approved, essential business travel will be permitted.
These actions are similar to what was announced Monday at Ohio State.
The University of Toledo has also canceled face-to-face classes as have Lourdes College and the University of Akron.
The university is also investigating allowing employees to work remotely. More information on that will be forthcoming.
The complete statement from the university follows:
Bowling Green State University’s executive team in charge of our COVID-19 response and preparedness efforts continues to update our plans and protocols in consultation with local, state and national agencies. While there are currently no known COVID-19 cases in northwest Ohio, we join other universities in being proactive in slowing down the spread of novel coronavirus.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine declared a State of Emergency to allow state agencies and organizations to better coordinate their response to this situation. Upon the recommendation from the governor, we are moving all face-to-face classes toward online and remote learning after our scheduled Spring Break, starting March 23 to April 6. The two weeks of remote learning complies with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s COVID-19 exposure window. During Spring Break, faculty will work to develop and enhance online learning to accommodate this content delivery transition.
While completing classes remotely, students may choose to return to their permanent place of residence or return to campus, where appropriate social distancing and enhanced preventative public health and hygiene measures will be actively instituted.
We continue to evaluate classroom experiences such as laboratory and performance classes and the University will provide more detailed guidance next week. Internships, co-ops, clinical rotations and student teaching currently in place will continue as planned.
Classes will continue on both campuses as scheduled through Friday. During this week, we urge all students to make choices that are best for their own personal health situations. Faculty will be flexible for class attendance during this time. The University remains open for operation.
The University is extending its previous travel restrictions to suspend all BGSU supported domestic and international travel for students, faculty and staff until May 15. Only approved, essential business travel will be permitted.
The University is suspending all BGSU events greater than 100 participants effective March 14 through April 17, and in the meantime, we recommend that students, faculty and staff practice social distancing.
The University is also assessing opportunities, where appropriate, for faculty and staff to work remotely. More information will be available in the coming days. We have asked the President’s Cabinet to begin working with supervisors and managers on flexible accommodations.
As a public university for the public good, we are committed to the continuity of University and academic operations, as well as the health and vitality of our students, faculty, staff and community members. For the most current information, please visit the University’s coronavirus website. This is a rapidly evolving situation and we will immediately share updates as we make decisions.
