DE PERE (NBC 26) - St. Norbert Community College is joining other universities in cancelling in-person classes.
In a press release, the college said they will turn to alternative delivery modes of course instruction beginning March 23 through April 13. They say this period may be extended depending on local and national conditions of coronavirus. In a press conference Wednesday night, campus officials said they're not sure how much this is going to cost by temporarily suspending in-person classes.
"Our chief financial officer and financial director are looking closely. They're tracking every cost associated with this," said Julie Massey, the Interim Vice President for Mission and Student Affairs at St. Norbert. "That started back when we brought students back from Italy to underwrite their return trip home and refund their study abroad fees from the campus."
Leaders said while there are currently no reported cases of the virus at St. Norbert, the probability it will spread to our region is high, which is why they’ve made this decision. The campus will not be closed during this time. Students are encouraged to return home for this period, unless they have received an exception. Faculty and staff will continue working regular hours; they said special care will be taken to make sure faculty is accessible to students.
(PRESS RELEASE):
ST. NORBERT COLLEGE
Although there are currently no reported cases of the coronavirus at St. Norbert College, the probability that it will spread to our region is high. We are taking steps to reduce the likelihood of transmission of the virus here on campus and in the local community.
Our goal is to keep our students, faculty, and staff healthy and safe as we face the unprecedented COVID-19 situation. Because of the risk of widespread transmission, St. Norbert College will move to alternative delivery modes for course instruction Monday, March 23, through Monday, April 13. This period may be extended, depending on local and national conditions. We will communicate by April 3 whether we can resume in-person classes after April 13.
Please note this is not a campus closure but rather a change in how course content is delivered for the designated period. Students are asked to return home for this period, unless they have received an exception. Faculty and staff will continue to maintain regular working hours. Special care will be taken to ensure faculty continue to be accessible to students.
What does this mean for classes? Faculty will work with students to meet course learning objectives through an alternative delivery mode (e.g., not the traditional classroom). Students should take all course-related materials with them when they leave for Spring Break. These materials should cover anticipated needs for the rest of this semester. Students should contact their faculty member with any questions about academic course delivery. For tech support, call the Information Technology Service Desk at 920-403-4040.
What does this mean for the housing process? We strongly urge students to remain off campus during this time. If you are unable to remain away from campus for any reason, you must SUBMIT THIS FORM [docs.google.com] or contact Residential Education & Housing for permission.
If students who receive permission to remain in campus housing leave for personal Spring-Break travel beyond De Pere and Green Bay, can they return to campus at any time? Students who vacate on-campus housing for spring-break destinations will not be able to return to on-campus housing, academic buildings, libraries, health services facilities or other campus spaces until at least April 13. This is to prevent potential transmission of the virus by individuals who may have been exposed while traveling or at home.
What does this mean for Study Abroad? With the safety and wellbeing of all our students top-of-mind, we are recalling all of our study-abroad students. Those students will return home by March 30. The college will refund their study-abroad fee.
What does this mean for athletics? Outdoor athletic events will continue as planned. Indoor athletic events may continue as planned without fans.
What does this mean for upcoming events on campus? All events expecting to attract 50 people or more and scheduled to take place on campus between Friday, March 13, at 4:30 p.m. and April 13 should be rescheduled or canceled. No decision has yet been made for events after April 13. Organizers may consider alternative methods of delivery online.
Will campus facilities remain open? Ruth’s Marketplace will be open only for student use, and only to those students who have permission to remain on campus. Ed’s and Phil’s will remain open to all. The Mulva Family Fitness & Sports Center will close. The weight room will continue to be open to approved student-athletes and coaches only.
What does this mean for employees? Employees are expected to report to work. More information will be forthcoming.
What does this mean for personal and professional travel? The college’s current restrictions on professional and personal travel remain unchanged. Faculty and staff who do plan to travel should be prepared for 14 days of isolation upon their return. We continue to monitor the situation. Be aware that restrictions may change at any time.
What happens next? As everyone can appreciate, this is a dynamic and fluid situation. We are working expeditiously to provide guidance and support to the whole college community. We understand that this may feel somewhat overwhelming and challenging. We are all in this together. As you may know every college in the nation is facing similar decisions.
