As the University of Mount Union makes plans to resume face-to-face instruction and residential operations this fall with classes beginning on Monday, August 24, several planning groups continue their work to develop protocols for a safe reopening. The finishing touches are being made to the Fall 2020 Responsible Reopening Guide, a website that will provide details related to safety, as well as changes in procedures, programming, and policies that have been implemented to align with Ohio Governor Mike DeWine’s Responsible RestartOhio .

Please keep an eye on your email in the coming days, as we intend to release the initial iteration of this guide mid-week next week. As our knowledge of COVID-19 continues to evolve and new or revised guidelines are presented by national, regional, and local experts, these guidelines will be updated accordingly.

While we look forward to providing you with the details included in the Fall 2020 Responsible Reopening Guide, there are a few items that we wanted to update you on immediately.

REPORTING POSITIVE OR PROBABLE DIAGNOSES
Given the risk to the learning community, students, faculty, and staff are required to report positive COVID-19 diagnoses to the University immediately upon notification. Failure to do so may result in referral to the Office of Student Conduct or corrective action via the Office of Human Resources.

Students with positive or probable diagnoses should contact the University of Mount Union Health Center at (330) 823-2692 during business hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. During any other time, please call the resident director on duty at (330) 428-3500 or Campus Security at (330) 428-1344.

Faculty and staff with positive or probable diagnoses should contact the Office of Human Resources at (330) 829-6555.

Upon notification of a positive or probable case, the University will report to the Alliance City Health Department, which oversees contact investigation and notification. Persons who have had close contact with those who have tested positive (or have a probable diagnosis) will be notified by the Alliance City Health Department in accordance with standard public health principles. If you are not notified, then you are not deemed to have increased risk because of exposure to those who have tested positive (or have a probable diagnosis).

REOPENING OF FACILITIES
Currently, the following buildings are open on campus:

  • Beeghly Hall
  • Bracy Hall
  • Gallaher Hall
  • Gartner Welcome Center
  • Gulling Training Center
  • Hoover-Price Campus Center
  • Kolenbrander-Harter Information Center and Library (24-hour space only)
  • McPherson Academic and Athletic Complex (Cicchinelli Fitness Center and Peterson Field House only)
  • Oak Hall
  • Tolerton and Hood Hall
 
Additional facilities will open in the coming weeks in accordance with the following schedule.

  • July 20 – Chapman Hall
  • July 27 – McPherson Academic and Athletic Complex (remaining areas not already open)
  • August 3 – Giese Center for the Performing Arts
  • August 17 – Kolenbrander-Harter Information Center and Library (remaining areas not already open), Eells Art Center, van den Eynden Hall, Dewald Chapel

DESIGNATED FACILITY ENTRANCES AND EXITS
In accordance with required protocols presented in Responsible RestartOhio, the University has determined designated points of entry and exit for all high-traffic academic and administrative buildings on campus. The goal is to control traffic flow and minimize exposure by ensuring that proper social distancing measures can be taken when entering or exiting facilities.

You may have noticed new signage on some facility doors that clearly mark entry and exit points. Please adhere to these designations. Utilize this campus map t o familiarize yourself with designated entry and exit points.

REPORTING OF CONFIRMED CASES
As a reminder, the University has established a Confirmed Cases Reporting web page that will be used to provide updated data regarding confirmed positive cases on campus. Please visit this site regularly to stay informed.

Thank you for your continued patience and understanding as we work through the complexities of this continually-evolving situation and develop guidelines and protocols aimed at keeping our campus community safe and well.
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