March 18, 2020
Volume 146, Issue 21
washburnreview.org
Washburn moves classes online in effort to reduce spread of COVID-19 Abbie Barth Washburn Review
Washburn is among hundreds of universities across the nation to extend spring breaks and transfer to online education in this time of crisis. Thursday, March 12, Washburn sent out an announcement to all students and staff stating that all in-person classes would be canceled for the week of March 16 through March 22. According to the email, the “plan of action is designed to minimize in-person exposure after spring break to align with the estimated COVID-19 incubation period, to allow faculty time to prepare for delivering content remotely and to keep the university open and functioning.” While campus remains open and faculty are expected to report, social distancing is recommended to contain the outbreak of the virus. Social distancing is the practice of reducing risk of coming in contact and transferring a virus by lim-
iting close interactions, reducing outings and avoiding large crowds. According to President Trump’s coronavirus guidelines, it is recommended to avoid gatherings of more than 10 people and is encouraged that individuals refrain from leaving their homes. March 13, President Donald Trump declared the U.S. to be in a national state of emergency. The same day, the Shawnee County Health Department mandated the closure of all schools for the next two weeks. These closures have impacted Washburn Tech, which has also canceled classes from March 16 through March 29. March 17, it was announced that all Washburn Tech classes will move online as well. Alongside classes being canceled, all on-campus events have been canceled through April 4, including all athletics, which have been canceled through the end of the season. It is currently unknown how long Washburn will remain an on-
COVID-19 Map of the United States As of March 17 at noon, West Virginia is the only state in the U.S. with no reported cases of COVID-19.
New York 669 cases reported
West Virginia 0 cases reported as of March 17. California 369 cases reported Washington 708 cases reported information courtesy of cdc.gov graphic by Joshua Irsik
line-only university. In a university email sent to faculty, staff and students, President Farley stated, “We are implementing measures that are challenging and will require all of us to work
together to ensure the safety of our community and the continuity of our students’ education. It may not be easy, but I have no doubt we can rise to this challenge.”
No more roommates in residence halls Virus impacts faculty as Wesley Tabor & Joelle Conway Washburn Review
Washburn’s residential living office sent out an email Friday, March 13, to students informing them that they should not return to campus due to coronavirus, COVID-19, concerns. Additionally, the university is asking students who have alternative housing options to remain away from campus until further notice. Washburn University made the difficult decision to suspend face-to-face classes Thursday, March 12, and began to discuss additional measures to limit any potential spread of COVID-19. The residential living office asked returning students, from spring break, who must remain on campus to fill out a housing return form – and list their residence hall, dorm room number and reason to request to stay on campus. The form also asks students if they traveled over spring break – and if so – where. According to the return form, residents have to be approved by residential living or the office of student involvement and development to return to campus. “There are few people in the dorms right now – and
I can confirm that there are no roommates,” said Atsu Lizuka, a senior communication studies major. “Washburn is taking measures against the virus seriously.” The outside world, beyond campus grounds, continues to see the virus spread. According to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, there are 16 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state of Kansas as of March 17 at 2:30 p.m. State health officials are urging citizens to engage in social distancing practices as these numbers continue to rise. As part of the social distancing construct, no roommates will be allowed, according to the email. Residents who need to be on campus may be relocated to individual spaces as necessary. The email concluded by telling students if they wished to pick up necessary medications, textbooks and other items to do so between 9 a.m. Sunday, March 15 to 5 p.m. Monday, March 16. Any students who weren’t able to grab their items at this time should contact their Residence Life Coordinator to make arrangements, the email stated. Residence Coordinators are listed below.
Lincoln Hall – Kaylianne Weber (kaylianne. weber@washburn.edu) LLC – Jack Van Dam (jack.vandam@washburn. edu) Washburn Village – Mindy Rendon (mindy. rendon@washburn.edu) Living Learning Center Residence Coordinator Jack Van Dam explained that Residential Living is currently receiving updates from the CDC and KDHE regarding campus housing compliance regarding COVID-19. “We’re very student-centered, student-focused and will continue to do our best to help students through this time. We don’t want students to be homeless or displaced,” said Van Dam. The university is committed to keeping students informed during this fluid and constantly changing situation. For more information and live updates, visit https://washburn.edu/ student-life/health-safety/ index.html If students have questions regarding the email, they are asked to contact Vice President of Student Life Eric Grospitch. There is no comment at this time regarding a partial refund for housing expenses if students are unable to return to campus for the rest of the semester.
How to stay healthy physically and mentally during this pandemic Alyssa Storm Washburn Review
The coronavirus started and spread very quickly. Schools and public places are shutting down, meeting in groups of more than 10 people seems unsafe and self-quarantine is becoming a staple in society today. Since this happened so fast and spread so rapidly, it is hard for people to comprehend everything. They are getting news
ONLINE
from many different sources. Who should they trust? How does someone stay healthy in this time of terror sweeping the world? Professionals from the Washburn University student health and Washburn University Counseling Services give information to help you stay physically and mentally healthy in this time of emergency. Everyone is stressing social distancing, which might not be a huge hit with college students at the Evergy Plaza brings light to downtown Topeka
moment, but it is very important to implement. It is encouraged that you stay a minimum of six feet from anyone and limit contact any closer to 10 minutes. “This virus is spread by droplets,” said Tiffany McManis, the Director for Student Health Services. “As people sneeze and cough, some saliva may go out into the air. It’s small enough that we don’t see it, but it’s still there.” Continued online Simone A. Johnson’s passing
well as students Adam White Washburn Review
Washburn has officially moved all classes to online-only. Undoubtedly, students are not the only group feeling the impact of this decision as faculty and staff are also adjusting. The coronavirus presents a serious and challenging situation; some faculty want students to know that we’re all in this together, and they have no intention of abandoning the semester. English Professor Dennis Etzel Jr. really hoped to reassure students in this troubled time. “We, too, do not know what might come next, but we want our students to finish the semester as best as they can as we will do the best we can,” said Etzel. The week of March 16 gives faculty time to prepare to teach remotely. “We are very thankful to Washburn’s administration for giving faculty this week to train, prepare and implement online classes. Really, this week will be a way for some faculty to learn how to move things online, and C-TEL (Center for Teaching and Excellence in Learning), with Dr. Melanie Burdick’s and Dr. Jericho Hockett’s leadership, is doing an amazing, top-notch job with training,” said Etzel. Kent McAnally, Director of Career Services, has also been impacted by the
spread of COVID-19. “We’ve offered the option of doing similar things virtually already; however, I don’t feel like it’s the most effective way our services are offered, but we’re not in a position where we get to make that decision now,” said McAnally. “Scheduling a virtual appointment with Career Services is the same process as it is for an in-person appointment: you log-in to your handshake account, but as you schedule the appointment, one of the things you choose is called the appointment medium, and rather than in-person you’ll simply choose zoom video call.” McAnally stressed the importance of following safe health practices as well. “Follow the CDC’s recommendations. Let’s try to keep folks healthy and not congregate and stay away from groups of others, and if you have symptoms, stay home. Contact your provider if you have a fever and trouble breathing,” said McAnally. Another professor who has been vocal online about the impact of COVID-19 on students is religious studies professor, Chris Jones. The virus has impacted both students and faculty. With everything shifting to online-only, we at Student Media urge our readers to stay tuned, stay safe and stay healthy.
Courtesty of @ProfChrisMJones Twitter
Wise words: Chris Jones is one of many professors trying to help students during this trying time. Jones encouraged students to check their email daily.
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