OCU officials made the decision today to move classes online due to coronavirus (COVID-19) for the two weeks following spring break.
OCU’s Emergency Operations Center, developed in response to the Coronavirus outbreak, announced at 8:34 p.m. today through email and Blue Alert that classes will move online from March 23 through April 5. The decision came after much deliberation by university officials in the weeks before the announcement.
The decision was made based on the heightened risk of an outbreak moving to the Oklahoma City metro area after spring break due to people traveling out of the state to more high risk areas, the statement said.
According to the statement, students should check their email frequently for information from professors about how classes will proceed online. Professors will send out information by March 18, the statement said.
Students living on campus should prepare to stay off campus for the entire three-week period, the statement said. If any student must remain on campus at any point, they must submit an extension request through the university.
It is possible online classes could continue farther into the semester, the statement said. The decision will be be communicated through email before April 5.
The statement said the university will remain open and flexible in establishing remote work environments to faculty and staff as needed.
Bre Horn, psychology sophomore, said she believes university officials made a smart decision.
“It is better to be safe than sorry, even though it will cause other issues and conflicts with scheduled events on campus,” Horn said. “I appreciate that the school is focused on keeping us safe and healthy.”
Justin Valdez, liberal studies junior, said he remembers another viral outbreak that caused similar kinds of panic.
“I remember the H1N1 outbreak back in 2009 pretty clearly, and while less severe than the Coronavirus, I can tell you the hesitation to shut things down and take advantage of the technology at our disposal was a mistake because a lot more people got sick,” Valdez said.
Valdez also said he thinks the university’s decision is making the best out of a less than ideal situation.
“In absence of clear national and global leadership, everyone is doing the best they can and playing it safe,” Valdez said. “With what the administration is asking us to do, it has the chance to make a big impact.”
Hannah Malinowski, dance senior, said she also believes OCU is doing the right thing.
“This is a necessary precaution to protect professors and students,” Malinowski said.
Officials addressed spring break trips such as Spring Break NYC for performing arts students and DC Spring Break: Arts Management Exchange. Officials said since they are not technically OCU sponsored trips, participants must decide for themselves about attending.
Spring Break NYC officials have since cancelled the trip and are working to refund part of participants’ enrollment fees, according to an email sent at 9:50 p.m. tonight.
Currently, there are three confirmed cases in Oklahoma. A Utah Jazz player tested postive today in Oklahoma City which led to the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder to be postponed and the decision to suspend the NBA season. Tulsa County has confirmed one positive case and one presumptive positive case.
All international travel has been suspended, the statement said.
Family HealthCare and Minor Emergency Clinic at OCU can be reached at 405-373-2400. The after-hours number is 405-550-6189.
Health officials encourage the public to do the following to prevent the spread of coronavirus:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Maintain a distance of at least 3-to-6-feet between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Cover your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
- If you have a fever, cough and breathing difficulties, stay home and seek medical attention early by calling your medical provider.
For updated information about the university’s reponse to coronavirus, see
www.okcu.edu/coronavirus
Contrubuting: Emily Wollenberg, Editor-in-Chief, and Ad Director Maddie Bowes.
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