March 12, 2020

Dear Mid Students,

Your health, and the health of our surrounding communities, are top priorities as we respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. We are monitoring information about the COVID-19 virus (coronavirus) and following the cautious advice outlined by the State of Michigan, CDC, World Health Organization and others.

Based on federal and state recommendations, we will be taking proactive measures to reduce the opportunities for transmission of the virus and slow its spread. I appreciate your attention to and cooperation with these steps. This is good for us as individuals and as members of a larger community.

How can we responsibly do our share to contain and slow the progress of the virus?

At Mid, we will do the following:

We will delay the start of face-to-face classes on the Harrison and Mt. Pleasant campuses until Wednesday, March 18, 2020. The exception to this would be skilled-trade, lab-based programs offered on the Harrison and Mt. Pleasant Campuses, as well as the Magnus Center. Students enrolled in welding (WLD) and advanced integrated manufacturing (AIM) in Harrison should attend classes face-to-face as scheduled. On Monday and Tuesday, deans, faculty, and tech staff will transition most classes to a distance-learning format that does not require instructors or students to come to campus. We will do this primarily by using Moodle and Zoom technology.

On Monday and Tuesday, deans, faculty, and tech staff will transition most classes to a distance-learning format that does not require instructors or students to come to campus. We will do this primarily by using Moodle and Zoom technology. Online classes will resume as planned on Monday, March 16. Dual enrollment classes in area high schools will follow the protocols established with our K-12 partners.

We will cancel or postpone any event with an expected attendance of 100 or more people until Monday, April 13. We will continue to announce cancellations if they become necessary.

We will provide access to remote student services and academic supports. Virtual or phone appointments are encouraged. Your assigned mentor is still a good resource for you.

We will practice good hygiene and attend to our own health. Get plenty of rest, fluids, and healthy foods. Wash our hands thoroughly and often. Avoid touching our own face. Avoid sneezing or coughing near others and, if unavoidable, cover our mouth and nose with our arm or a disposable tissue. Use non-contact alternatives to handshakes and hugs. Allow 4-6 ft. between one another in conversations and meetings. Smile – we will feel happier.

We will be patient and supportive of one, and other. We are all experiencing a major disruption to our routines in a time of uncertainty and anxiety. We are figuring this out together. Physical separation need not mean social or psychological isolation.

We have already added hand sanitizers and disinfecting wipes to offices and classrooms. We are placing additional wipes in computer labs for use on keyboards. We have sent basic information to all students, faculty, and staff and have created a webpage with COVID19 information. I encourage you to check that site periodically for regular updates.

College leaders and staff will continue to monitor the situation and communicate through text and email.

You will be receiving specific information regarding your courses from the dean of your division and your faculty members in the near future. Please work directly with them to continue your progress toward your academic degree. In times of economic uncertainty, certificates and degrees can make a big difference in your opportunities. The student learning outcomes and the expectations for each class and program remain in place.

During this period:

Students will continue to receive the full benefit of the instruction they receive.

We will strive to minimize disruption to your student experience. As always, we care about your overall success.

Students will still have access to the classroom buildings. While most classes will move to a distance learning format, some will still require on-site attendance. Your faculty member will determine the best methods for providing you with the knowledge and skills that you need.

Students will receive clear direction from their respective faculty members about course expectations – assignments, attendance, testing, etc.

We will all celebrate your graduation, transfer, and/or return to Mid.

Once again, I thank you for your patience and cooperation as we move through this public health emergency. There are no known or suspected cases of COVID-19 at Mid. At the current time, the CDC reports that the risk to the general population is low. By taking these precautionary measures, we hope to keep it that way.

Go Lakers!

President Hammond