College campuses across the state and nation are having to choose to either end the semester early or move classes online in an effort to combat the spread of the COVID-19, novel coronavirus.s.
Murray State University president Bob Jackson emailed the University community about moving all classes to an online platform from March 23 to April 5. Besides Murray State, classes moved online at the University of Kentucky, the University of Louisville and Western Kentucky University.
Even with the pivot to online learning, Murray State’s offices and residence halls will remain open. The campus community received another email Thursday night that announced additional changes, including encouraging students to remain at their homes until classes resume on campus.
Figuring out what this means for Murray State University remains unclear.
Student opinions about COVID-19
Lindsey Hargitt, a freshman early childhood education major, said she thinks the coronavirus is being overhyped as it is all that anyone on campus has been able to talk about.
“Realistically, it is flu-like symptoms,” Hargitt said. “It is a similar strand of the flu. I personally think that if people wash their hands and take care of themselves, a lot of it can be solved. The hysteria is what is making [the coronavirus] so bad, hyping it up and making it look like a demon that it’s not.”
Sophomore Evan Johnson said he is more worried about his classes moving to an online platform.
“I once had an online class and I didn’t do very [well] in it,” Johnson said. “ I like being able to see my teacher in person. Being able to go to class and experience working with other students in a class setting is a lot better for my learning and development.”
Spring Break travel plans
Murray State begins spring break on Monday, March 16.
Earlier this week, the University asked the campus community to strongly reconsider “non-essential travel plans – both domestically and internationally.” Students, faculty and staff who planned to travel either domestically or internationally during Spring Break were asked to complete a voluntary travel form at the Voluntary Travel Registry.
Don Robertson, vice president of student affairs, wrote in an email Thursday night that the University also asks that all students who can stay home through April 5 do instead of returning to campus.
Classes
From March 23-April 5, the residence halls and Waterfield Library will remain open, but no campus activities or events will take place. The Wellness Center, gyms and activity areas inside John W. Carr Hall, Cutchin Field House (Racer Arena), Wrather Museum and Lovett Auditorium will be closed.
“During this period of time, we are strongly encouraging students to remain at home unless there are preventable circumstances (such as international students, student teachers or practicum and clinical students who need to stay on campus,” Robertson wrote in the email. “It is important to recognize the need for social distancing at this time in order to mitigate the possible effects of COVID-19.”
Along with the request to stay home while completing classwork online, the email also included that students may check out laptops from Waterfield Library before spring break to use while away from campus.
The change to online instruction also affects faculty. Murray State faculty will have an opportunity to learn how to transition face-to-face classes to the online platform during workshops Friday at Waterfield Library.
Student organizations
Student organization presidents and advisers received an email Thursday afternoon that asked organizations not to have meetings or social gatherings from March 13-April 5.
What’s next
The University announced that a work group is meeting daily to track the spread of the coronavirus and to decide future plans for campus. Currently, the group plans to make a decision by Friday, April 3, on the remaining portion of the semester.
The MKY Guide team will continue covering this developing story. Be sure to subscribe to our social media channels.