Wright State events cancelled for semester | Photograph by Soham Parikh | The Wright State Guardian
What was originally planned as a postponement of events on campus turned into the cancellation of the rest of the semester when an email from Wright State University’s Interim Provost Dr. Douglas Leaman was sent out.
“This is in line with nearly every other state institution and will provide clarity on expectations going forward through the final six weeks of the spring semester. Students should therefore factor this new information into their decision-making processes,” said Leaman.
Hundreds of events cancelled
From March 11-30, approximately 500 student events have been cancelled due to the cease of in-person classes on WSU’s campus, according to Courtney Mullins, program manager of Student Organizations.
WSU is encouraging practicing social distancing during this time, which includes keeping at least a six-foot distance between one another when possible, as well as avoiding crowds and mass gatherings.
Reminders have been posted all throughout campus. This includes tips for cleanliness such as proper handwashing, avoiding touching your face, avoiding contact with sick individuals and staying home when sick.
Planning ahead
“I highly encourage chapters to choose at least two alternative dates for events like initiations or formals for the month of April or even into May,” said Gina Keucher, program director of Fraternity and Sorority Life.
Keucher sent an email to presidents of Greek life organizations regarding the status of events that fall within the timeline of in-person classes being suspended.
Students are expected to practice social distancing if essential meetings are to take place.
This statement was made prior to the most recent announcement.
Staying diligent
“You should not be gathering off-campus as a group and should hold meetings via ZOOM or some other free virtual meeting program,” said Keucher.
According to Keucher’s email, coronavirus (COVID-19) is highly contagious.
The thought process of limiting in-person interaction is in hopes of avoiding spiking the curve of infection that has heavily impacted countries such as China and Italy.
At this time, the only alteration to the spring semester academic calendar is the extension of being able to drop B-Term classes with a “W” in order to receive a full refund, according to Leaman.
“I want to applaud everyone’s ingenuity, flexibility, and resilience. I cannot thank you enough for all you are doing to care for each other,” said WSU President Sue Edwards in another campus-wide email.
The communication went out following Leaman’s announcement of suspending classes for the rest of the semester.
“Things are changing by the minute and we will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available. Please keep a lookout for campus communications and check Wright State University’s Coronavirus website often,” said Edwards.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness spread between people in close contact with each other or through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing. To protect yourself and those around you, cover coughs and sneezes and avoid contact with the eyes, nose and mouth. Symptoms include fever, cough and shortness of breath, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC.)
