UPDATE: Lakeland University Coronavirus (Covid-19)
As we learn more about the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continuing to spread and affect many parts of the U.S. and the rest of the world, Lakeland has adopted the following plan to mitigate the spread and effects of the disease on our various populations:
We will extend our spring break through Sunday, March 22. Classes will not meet during this time.
Beginning Monday, March 23, Lakeland will resume classes via online/Blackboard. Faculty will receive information on Friday, March 13, via email about the transition to online courses. We hope to return to face-to-face instruction on Monday, April 13. We will continue to monitor the situation and keep everyone informed.
The last day for Kellett 12-week classes will now be April 20. The last day for Kellett 7W2 classes will be May 8.
We are particularly concerned about the safety of students and employees who may need to return to campus following spring break trips to gather belongings and materials as we transition to online courses.
All main campus residential students are encouraged to make arrangements to live at their permanent address during the period of online instruction. Please know that Lakeland is working to comply with requests by health officials to achieve social distancing for your health and safety. Social distancing measures include limiting groups of people coming together, closing buildings and canceling events. We can only do this with your assistance.
We recognize it may not be possible for all students to return to their permanent address. Students who wish to remain on the main campus must register to do so. Additional information on how to register will be emailed on Friday. For students who stay on campus, dining and other campus services will be available, but hours and operations may be limited. We encourage students remaining on campus to participate in social distancing and enhanced preventive public health and hygiene measures. To further support this, the Wehr Center will be closed during this period.
We are requiring you to self-isolate for the recommended period of 14 days prior to returning to campus if you meet one of the following conditions:
Students who are working co-op jobs for off-campus employers should continue to report to those jobs unless instructed not to do so by their employers. Students who work an on-campus job should communicate with their supervisor to get their work schedule.
All in-person events scheduled on the main campus and at our centers through Sunday, April 12, are postponed. We will reschedule as we are able.
Registration for summer/fall classes that was scheduled to begin on March 19 has been postponed and will be rescheduled.
The main campus and our centers will remain open and all faculty and staff should continue their regular work schedules. The university is encouraging telecommuting, where appropriate, for employees during this time. Supervisors are expected to be flexible in allowing those employees who are able to do so to work from home.
If you develop symptoms, stay at home – please do not come to work/campus if you are ill. If symptoms like fever, cough or difficulty breathing are present, you are advised to contact your health care provider.
Employees should not report to work if they are ill and should let human resources know. Faculty and instructional staff are advised to show flexibility to students around academic assignments, exams or other requirements.
All university-sponsored travel is suspended until further notice. Skype for Business is a good option for holding meetings without gathering at a single location.
At this moment, we can’t account for every possibility and scenario, but will continue to communicate about this situation and answer your individual questions as best we are able via gallianettidd@lakeland.edu.
We have created a webpage at lakeland.edu/coronavirus that will have the latest information on how Lakeland is responding to this situation.
The safety of our students, faculty and staff is always our top priority. Your cooperation and collaboration will help to ensure an appropriate response across our institution to this rapidly changing matter.
We thank you in advance for understanding and cooperating.
