By Rick Koubek, President
Dear members of the Michigan Tech Community:
Michigan Tech continues to implement its pandemic response protocols to minimize disruption to the teaching and research mission of the institution, while providing maximum flexibility to protect the health and well-being of our campus community.
Last evening, the CDC issued guidance recommending that for the next 8 weeks, organizers throughout the United States cancel or postpone in-person events that consist of 50 people or more. As Michigan Tech is following CDC and State of Michigan guidance, the University is extending online learning through the end of the spring semester. A team is working on a creative solution for Spring Commencement, as this falls within the 8 week window as well.
Additionally, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the closure of all dine-in, libraries, museums, recreational facilities, among other venues, throughout the state, limiting dining and restaurant services to drive-through and carryout. This directive applies to Michigan Tech’s Dining Services; therefore, we will transition to grab-and-go services effective at 3 p.m. today. In addition, the University will close the Student Development Complex, the Van Pelt and Opie Library, the A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum, the Gates Tennis Center and the Keweenaw Commons seating area located in the Memorial Union Building beginning at 3 p.m. today. All locations will remain closed until 11:59 p.m. March 30, 2020 pursuant to the Governor’s executive order.
Because this is a rapidly changing situation and as we learn more about COVID-19, we need to prepare for a range of possibilities. Currently, campus is open and residential and dining functions remain operational, though limited. We encourage all students to reassess their own on-campus living situation in light of the developments over the past 24 hours.
Please visit mtu.edu/covid-19 for the latest updates and information regarding campus operations.
Sincerely,
Rick Koubek
President