The Vanguard staff reached out to on-campus offices and departments to discuss how the switch to online classes and the ban on all meetings and events over 50 people will affect their services, events and classes.
NOTE: We will update this post as more offices change their hours or service offerings.
Last updated: March 18, 12: 58 p.m.
Coop the Chatbot
SVSU created Coop the Chatbot – (989) 2647-0839 – that you can text your coronavirus questions to. An article with more details will be posted on The Vanguard website.
Counseling Center
” The Counseling Center will remain in concert with the guidelines set fourth by the CDC and recommended by they NASW and APA, which is to practice social distancing and appropriate hygiene measures to reduce the potential of spreading the COVID -19 virus. In accordance with those governing bodies, we recommend that students limit the amount of time spent internalizing commentary from media outlets. Stay informed of the facts from official sources such as the WHO and CDC as well as official notices communicated via SVSU. And finally practice self-care while managing the virtual learning platforms. We are working with external vendors to secure virtual therapy options for our most acute cases, while encouraging students to contact us directly at counselingservices@svsu.edu .” – Eddie Jones, Counseling Center Director
Residential Parking/Dorm Passes
SVSU will no longer be issuing residential visitor’s parking passes. Students may still have visitors,s but they cannot spend the night.
Commencement
May commencements have been postponed. Graduates will still get their diplomas mailed to them, as planned. SVSU will send out an email when a new date is announced.
Express Housing Checkout
SVSU is permitting students to move out of dorms early via an express checkout. Students do not have to checkout with a resident assistant, as they normally would. You may mail or turn in your room key in person. If you are still on campus, please tun in your checkout form and key (please check your SVSU email for the form) at your respective housing community center.
As of this time, dorms remain open, and spring/summer housing will still be available.
On-Campus Student Employment
SVSU is encouraging all student employees to work from home as possible. Some SVSU staff will also begin working from home. They suggest you contact your supervisor to discuss this possibility. Identify the materials and technology you will need to work from home and communicate these needs with your supervisors.
The Ryder Center and Zahnow Library (closed)
As of 3 p.m. Monday, March 16, The Ryder Center and pool will be closed. This is to comply with Gov. Whitmer’s order that all meetings and gatherings of over 50 people be canceled. Community members who purchased memberships will have them extended the length of time lost due to the closure.
Student Life and The Cardinal Food Pantry (hours changed)
Student Life and the food pantry will now have new hours amid the coronavirus outbreak:
- Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
- Saturday: 3 p.m. – 11 p.m.
- Sundays: Closed
Dining Services (hours changed and closures)
The Marketplace will switch to move to a paper form ordering system for take-out options. They will be open Monday-Friday for:
- Breakfast: 8 a.m. – 10 a.m.
- Lunch: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Dinner: 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
The Marketplace will be open Saturday-Sunday for:
- Brunch: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Dinner: 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Starbucks, Panda Express and Subway will only be available through online ordering for pick-up through the Grub Hub app.
Only Panda Express and Subway will remain open in the Cardinal Cafe. Their hours are:
- Monday-Thursday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Friday: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Starbucks will be open:
- Monday-Thursday: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Friday: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
The C-Store will be open daily from noon to midnight.
All other food options will be closed until April 17.
John Decker, Athletics Director
“We were informed (March 13) by our athletics conference GLIAC that all athletics activities at all member schools are canceled, effective immediately, through May 31.”
“… The actions that are being taken by SVSU, the GLIAC and the NCAA are being done solely with the utmost consideration for the health, safety and welfare of our student-athletes. During this time, our student-athletes will continue to focus on successfully pursuing their academic studies and we do not anticipate any interruptions relating to financial aid.”
Norman Wika, Band Director
“Everything until at least April 17 has been canceled or postponed. Some events after that date may proceed if it is deemed safe to do so. The concert band concert on April 22 may still happen.”
Kevin Simons, Choir Director
“I am going to provide alternate work during the switch to online – the concert for April 21 has been canceled. I am hoping that we will be able to have an informal performance if we’re able to return to in-person classes this semester. I am also going to schedule an additional concert early in the fall semester.”
“Private lessons will take place over Skype, Facetime or some other platform. I can’t speak for others, but for concert band members, they will be given specific practice assignments and asked to submit them on video. They will be given feedback and asked to resubmit incorporating the feedback. It’s not ideal, of course, but it’s the best we’ve got right now.”
David Rzeszutek, Theatre Department Chairman
“All of our classes have been adapted so they can be delivered online. The productions will be remounted in the upcoming fall semester.”
Jason Schoenmeyer, Associate Dean for Student Life
“Right now, we have canceled many of Student Life’s traditional events till April 17. These events include Valley Nights movies, Coffee House, Pinterest with Program Board and any large events that would have 50 or more participants, as mandated by the University. With that said, we have already had meetings to plan ‘virtual’ style events for students. We do not have any ready to promote just yet but hope to have more on that next week.”
“Student Life, Valley Nights and Program Board want to offer students virtual events/ experiences that will help them stay connected and give them an enjoyable outlet from the rigors of classes.”
Ron Portwine, Chief Business Officer
“Residential Life sent out a brief survey in an attempt to gather more information on what residential students were planning to do. … Approximately 20 percent of the respondents indicated that they plan to leave campus during this period. Another 38 percent indicated they intend to stay, with the balance of respondents communicating they intend to come and go during this period of time. … Housing has only received one inquiry from a student wanting to turn their key in and check-out.”
- SVSU student tests positive for COVID-19 - 9 Apr 2020
- SVSU lab produces sanitizer, 3D prototypes for local public services - 3 Apr 2020
- Library fees waived for winter semester - 2 Apr 2020
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