As a follow-up to yesterday’s communication regarding the suspension of face-to-face classroom instruction and recommendations aimed at slowing the spread of the COVID-19 virus, and in light of today’s directives of Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, we’d like to share some additional details regarding this global health crisis and its impact on the University of Mount Union.

Closure of Campus Housing
As we transition to instructional formats that do not involve face-to-face teaching, cancel campus events, and make efforts to minimize contact between campus community members via social distancing and other policy changes, we find ourselves in a position to conduct the majority of teaching and University-related business remotely. With this in mind, and in an effort to protect the health and well-being of our community members, we are closing undergraduate campus housing, including fraternities and sororities, effective immediately through at least April 5, 2020. Students should begin to make plans to return to their permanent place of residence if they aren’t already there.

The residence halls and key access will remain on from now through Tuesday, March 17 at 2 p.m. so that students can collect any belongings they may need while residing at their permanent place of residence. Students who cannot get back to campus to collect necessary belongings and course materials can contact the Office of Residence Life so that arrangements can be made. Arrangements can be made by emailing  reslife@mountunion.edu .
 
We recognize that it may not be possible for all students to return to their permanent address. Students who may need to remain housed on campus may request to do so by logging into MyHousing and completing the Request to Remain On Campus application by Sunday, March 15 at 5 p.m. Please note that students in need of continued campus housing will be required to report any recent travel outside of the State of Ohio on this application. Dining options will be available to those remaining on campus.

After Tuesday, March 17 at 2 p.m. , residence halls will not be accessible to students who didn’t complete the Request to Remain On Campus form without making prior arrangements with the Office of Residence Life. Arrangements can be made by emailing  reslife@mountunion.edu .

Room and Board Refunds
As a result of the closure of undergraduate residential housing, the Office of Business Affairs is planning to prorate room and board charges for the period of closure, which is currently three weeks. This proration will appear as a credit on your student account statement. Please keep in mind that proration amounts could vary depending upon your individual financial aid package.

The bills of students who request and are approved to remain on campus will not change.

Should the University extend the period of closure, prorations will be adjusted accordingly.

Discontinuation of NCAA Division III Athletics
The Ohio Athletic Conference announced today that, in an effort to protect the health and safety of all students and the communities it serves, all 2020 spring sports seasons have been canceled effective March 16 through the remainder of the academic year. You can read the full statement on the OAC website .
 
Travel
Students, faculty, and staff returning from international travel are required to observe a 14-day period of self-quarantine and monitoring. Out of an abundance of caution, the University is taking this step regardless of Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention travel warning levels. During this period, you are not permitted to physically be on campus.
 
The CDC offers the following guidelines regarding self-quarantine. Take these steps to monitor your health and practice social distancing:
 
  • Take your temperature with a thermometer two times a day and monitor for fever. Also watch for cough or trouble breathing.
  • Stay home and avoid contact with others. Do not go to work or school for this 14-day period. Discuss your work situation with your employer before returning to work.
  • Do not take public transportation, taxis, or ride-shares during the time you are practicing social distancing.
  • Avoid crowded places (such as shopping centers and movie theaters) and limit your activities in public.
  • Keep your distance from others (about six feet or two meters).
 
Students needing to self-quarantine will be required to return to their permanent home residence or self-quarantine in their off-campus residence. Students who are returning from international travel and are unable to return to their permanent place of residence should contact the Office of Residence Life at reslife@mountunion.edu for further instruction.
 
The University’s protocol is to permit students, faculty, and staff who have traveled internationally to return to campus only if the individual is symptom-free at the end of the 14-day incubation period. Based on recommendations provided by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, students, faculty, and staff who are returning from any international travel are required to be screened by a licensed healthcare provider 24-48 hours prior to returning to campus.
 
We strongly encourage students, faculty, and staff who have traveled to domestic destinations currently experiencing widespread outbreaks to follow the same 14-day self-quarantine protocol mentioned above.
 
Students requesting continued housing, in addition to all faculty and staff, will be asked to complete the Spring Break and Recent Travel Reporting Form and indicate whether or not they have recently traveled domestically or internationally. 
 
We recognize that this is a stressful time for our entire community, and we appreciate your patience and understanding as we work through the complexities of this continually-evolving situation. Many thanks to the faculty and staff who are working diligently to navigate the change resulting from this public health crisis. Although aspects of this transition may not go as smoothly as we would like, please know that we are doing our absolute best to keep our community safe.
 
It is imperative that you keep an eye on your campus email to ensure that you receive timely information as this situation develops. In addition, a web page has been established to provide updates. We encourage you to check this page regularly for tips, resources, and frequently asked questions.
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