WSU Everett Going “Virtual” Thru End Of Spring Break

March 8, 2020

Everett

An airal view of the WSU Everett Campus provided by WSU.

WSU Everett and Everett University Center are joining the ranks of schools going online to limit exposure of students and faculty to Coronavirus. Here’s the message sent out Sunday night from Chancellor Paul Pitre.

Good evening,

Thank you for working together to support our WSU and Everett University Center community and each other during this challenging time. WSU continues diligent assessment of the unfolding COVID-19 situation and you are urged to track the latest developments at wsu.edu/covid-19. Questions, suggestions and recommendations from our community can be sent to COVID-19.info@wsu.edu.

While the impacts of COVID-19 have been seen more directly in Puget Sound, this is truly a system wide public health issue that we are addressing as a system and in concert with other educational institutions in the Everett region.  We currently do not have any members of the WSU and EUC community that have been confirmed with COVID-19.

In order to mitigate exposure of students, faculty, and staff, effective Monday, March 9-13, 2020, WSU Everett will resume course instruction by migrating to the maximum extent practical all courses and exams to an online platform. WSU Everett and Everett University Center classes and exams will not be held in person through WSU Spring Break, ending March 22. The building will have limited access. Exterior doors will only be accessed via security. Courses and exams which can be completed online shall be completed virtually using the Blackboard Learning Management System, recorded lectures, or synchronous Zoom sessions. Faculty will communicate their course plans with students expeditiously using all available means – Blackboard, email, etc.

Some course requirements and exams cannot be completed using an online platform. Program directors will work with faculty to identify those courses which cannot be migrated online and those exams that cannot be delivered online. When faculty continue labs, studios, etc., subject to approval, the instructor will work with students who cannot come to campus. Any in-person instruction activities will use social distancing practices and regular disinfection processes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, social distancing includes maintaining distance (approximately six feet) from others. We will open the Student Success Center for those students who need to utilize computers to access course materials and Zoom presentations. Workstations will be cleaned before and after student use.

Those course requirements that cannot be completed virtually using the online platform (labs, simulations, exams, etc.), WSU Everett will provide a makeup opportunity. This may occur during the week of March 23 through March 27.

Program Directors will work collaboratively with instructors, and instructors will work collaboratively with students, to ensure minimal disruption and fair and equitable assessment for all students. Instructors will work with students who cannot come to campus to assist in the completion of courses and final exams. Options include offering make-up opportunities.

Other Important Information

WSU is working closely with the Snohomish Health District and will continue to prioritize the safety of our students, faculty, and staff. I also want to remind you of WSU’s commitment to diversity and equity. WSU will not tolerate discriminatory remarks or behavior toward any member of our college community. Please continue to check your WSU email and wsu.edu/covid-19

Be kind to each other and wash your hands.

Sincerely,

Paul Pitre, Chancellor
WSU Everett & Everett University Center



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