The coronavirus pandemic has impacted the world in ways we never imagined. Countless health care professionals are leading heroic efforts locally and across the globe to fight COVID-19. At the same time, most universities in the country have moved to remote instruction for thousands of students and telework for most employees. As we move forward together, Maryville Magazine reflects on our transition to virtual learning and the steps taken to ensure the health and well-being of the Maryville community amidst the coronavirus outbreak.
FEBRUARY 2020
Maryville assembles a cross-departmental coronavirus task force to monitor and plan for a variety of potential scenarios as the virus becomes more widespread.
- Maryville deploys additional cleaning resources for campus facilities in line with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations.
MARCH 4, 2020
Maryville creates a coronavirus website dedicated to resources related to COVID-19, University updates and protocols and study abroad programs.
MARCH 7, 2020
President Mark Lombardi, PhD, addresses the Maryville community prior to spring break regarding a 14-day self-quarantine procedure for anyone choosing to travel to countries under a CDC Level 3 Travel Health Notice.
MARCH 9, 2020
Recognizing the challenges of unforeseen illnesses, Maryville’s Human Resources Office announces changes to the University sick leave policy. Staff members are not required to use sick time for coronavirus or flu for absences when advised by a medical provider. A Telemedicine benefit is also announced, with fees and co-pays waived to limit potential exposure of the virus.
Students in study abroad programs are asked to return.
MARCH 10, 2020
Out of an abundance of caution and in an effort to minimize academic disruption, Maryville announces that all on-campus classes will resume the spring semester in a virtual format. The week of spring break (March 9-13) is used to transition courses. Maryville is the first local institution to suspend on-campus classes.
- All student support services are transitioned to a virtual format including library, student success, counseling and health and wellness services.
- More than 800 classes are transitioned to a virtual format including lectures, labs and studio sessions.
MARCH 16, 2020
Just a day after the CDC advises no gatherings of 50 or more people in the U.S. for the next eight weeks, Maryville makes the difficult decision to suspend on-campus classes for the rest of the spring semester. Residential students who are able to go home are asked to leave campus.
- All University-sponsored events are canceled or postponed until further notice, including Commencement.
- Residential Life coordinates the move out of 892 students from March 17-19.
- Maryville offers credits and refunds to residential students who move out.
MARCH 21, 2020
St. Louis City and St. Louis County governments enact stay-at-home orders beginning March 23 through April 22. Maryville moves quickly to move all 37 remaining residential students to campus apartments to allow for proper social distancing and prepares food and care packages for them as they plan to hunker down.
- All buildings are secured and closed with the exception of the Department of Public Safety Office.
Thank you to the Maryville community as we continue to navigate these uncertain times together. For regular updates and answers to frequently asked questions, visit maryville.edu/coronavirus.