The following memo was sent to Maryville College students, faculty and staff this afternoon.
Tom Bogart, President
Maryville College
MEMORANDUM
TO: Maryville College Students, Faculty and Staff
FROM: Dr. Tom Bogart, President
RE: Campus response to COVID-19
DATE: March 11, 2020
I know many of you are aware of colleges and universities across the United States that are responding to COVID-19 (coronavirus disease) by temporarily or partially closing and/or moving all classes to online formats. Like many other institutions, we have NOT determined that similar action is necessary at this point. However, I want to let you know that a team of college administrators is monitoring the situation daily, looking to expert advice and guidance from a variety of sources, including the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the World Health Organization and state and local health officials.
A page has been set up on the homepage of the College’s website to keep all of our constituents informed about global and national developments, decisions made with regard to the MC community, and precautions taken on campus against the introduction and spread of the disease. Over Spring Break, I urge you to check your College email account frequently, as we may be sharing more information in the coming days.
As stated in last week’s memo, I also urge you to take precautions while traveling, practice good hygiene and stay home if you get sick or come in contact with people who are sick.
While we will make every effort to continue operations here at the College uninterrupted, we cannot predict the spread or severity of COVID-19 in our area nor the directives of authorities. Because there is the possibility of having to move classes to an online format, students should take with them those things (electronic devices and chargers, textbooks, notebooks, etc.) that would allow them to fully engage with online instruction.
The health and safety of our students, faculty and staff are of paramount importance, so I want to assure you that faculty members and supervisors will be as flexible as possible with classes and in-person attendance if your circumstances warrant it. Please use your best judgment as it relates to your health and the health of classmates and colleagues, and communicate with the appropriate people.
The news reports and responses to COVID-19 change hourly. We will make decisions that are in the best interest of the health and safety of our campus, and we will try our best to give our campus community ample time to plan for any change in our normal operations. I ask you to be patient and remain calm throughout this outbreak.
