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COVID-19 Curtails In-Person WMU Classes

Andy Robins
/
WMUK

Western Michigan University has joined other schools around the state in canceling classes because of the coronavirus outbreak.

Western Michigan University's president is explaining its decision to call off in-person classes because of the growing pandemic. Edward Montgomery spoke to university trustees at their regular meeting on Thursday, March 12.

"At each step, WMU has taken action trying to be proactive and preventative, most importantly. Remember: there are no known COVID-19 cases at WMU. We are not trying to contain the spread from a patient within our community, or even nearby. Instead, we're aiming to slow the spread of an emergent national situation that has now reached our state."

Montgomery says the university's goal is to "flatten the curve." He says the decision to shift to online-only instruction beginning Monday, March 16, is the best way to balance protection of public health with the need to educate students.

"Our current solution optimizes our commitment to deliver on our promise of a high-quality education while maximizing choice. If a student wants to go home, she can. If a student wants to stay, he can. If a student wants to go home, be with mom and dad, and after a couple of days they decide to return, they also can. It's their choice."

Western has canceled all classes Thursday and Friday, March 12-13.

Montgomery says the university is keeping an eye on corona virus developments.

"Our task force and university leaders will remain in contact with county and state health department officials to monitor the situation, and with our state government as well to make sure that we have two-way communication to support our students and our community. And as the situation changes, we will re-evaluate."

Montgomery says Western will decide by March 27th if it will need to extend the cancellation of regular classes.

Andy Robins has been WMUK's News Director since 1998 and a broadcast journalist for over 24 years. He joined WMUK's staff in 1985. Under his direction, WMUK has received numerous awards for news reporting.