Wichita State University has announced plans to suspend in-person classes from March 16th through the 20th, and classes will go online or remote on March 30th.
The move is in response to concerns over the coronavirus outbreak.
Spring break will continue as planned from March 23rd through 27th.
Classes that were fully online will continue, and hybrid classes will move to online or remote instruction only. Students who are on internships, domestic clinical rotations, applied learning programs should contact their WSU supervisor for further guidance.
All residence halls will remain open and they will continue normal operations. Students who are able to move to another location are encouraged to do so during this time.
University president Dr. Jay Golden released a statement Thursday afternoon:
We are all aware of the unique circumstance that people across our country and globe are facing in regard to the COVID-19 Coronavirus. Nationally, a number of actions are taking place including those at colleges and universities. This is a situation that has all of us concerned, yet we must not become panicked. It’s important to note that at this time, there are no known COVID-19 cases on our campus, in Wichita or Sedgwick County.
As President of Wichita State University, my number one priority is the student experience. This most especially includes the health and well-being of our students and campus community.
Today, I want to share with the entire campus community some important updates to university operations that will soon be implemented as described below. The following plans apply to the Wichita State University student, faculty, and staff community. WSU Tech will continue communicating to their community and keep me appraised of their actions.
Our actions have been developed in accordance with guidelines and recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control and Kansas Department of Health and Environment. Please understand that this situation is ever-evolving and our campus response could change at any point.
I want to assure you that our administration is working tirelessly with the rest of the campus, Student Health Services, and many other offices to make the best decisions for the entirety of Shocker Nation.
I understand there are many personal and logistical challenges that happen with measures like this. Please take care of yourself and your friends and colleagues during this time.
I continue to be inspired by our Shocker Family and the wonderful Wichita community we call home. While the coronavirus is very serious, I have no doubt that as a community working together, we will be fine.
