Coronavirus update from MSU Denver

Email from President Davidson

March 13, 2020

Dear MSU Denver community members,

A lot has happened at Metropolitan State University of Denver this week as we’ve responded to the unprecedented and evolving coronavirus (COVID-19) threat. I’m writing to share a brief recap of the major decisions and actions, so that everyone knows exactly where we stand.

Let me start by saying that we have been closely monitoring this situation since the first global coronavirus cases emerged. Thanks to the work of our campus wide task force and strong leaders in every area, I believe we are right where we need to be in terms of our response. We hoped we’d never reach this point, but we have planned for it. Although there are still no known cases at MSU Denver, we have made several recent policy decisions to minimize risk for our students, faculty, staff and their families, while also continuing to fulfill our educational mission.

Classes moving online by March 30, campus offices remain open

• We expect to have full implementation of remote teaching and learning by Monday, March 30. Classes will not be held on campus after that date for the remainder of spring semester.
• MSU Denver remains committed to providing an excellent academic experience for students and will do everything we can to ensure that they remain on track for graduation. Our faculty members have risen to this challenge, working diligently to determine how best to use technology to enable students to complete their coursework.
• Campus continues to operate under normal conditions as we prepare for this transition, and administrative campus offices are expected to remain open after courses go online.

Large events and meetings canceled

• Starting Friday, March 13, any meeting of 150 people or more will be canceled.
• University leadership is still evaluating Spring 2020 Commencement.
• MSU Denver Athletics announced March 12 that it has suspended all athletic competition and recruiting. This follows the NCAA's decision to cancel championships for spring sports.

Travel policies and guidance 

• International travel for MSU Denver-related business, including study abroad, is suspended through the end of the semester.
• Personal international travel is strongly discouraged. The University asks its community members to use their best judgment when making decisions about upcoming trips.
• For business-related or personal domestic travel, the University asks Roadrunners to use their best judgment as well, particularly when visiting areas most affected by the coronavirus.

MSU Denver will continue to work with the Auraria Higher Education Center, the Health Center at Auraria, and city and state leaders to provide our community with the latest information and guidance. We held two town hall meetings this week for that purpose and will continue to add to the FAQ on our coronavirus website. We don’t have all the answers right now, so please bear with us as we track them down and know that we are doing all of this with the health and safety of our community in mind.

Sincerely,

Janine Davidson, Ph.D.
President