Marshall officials explain return to campus

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Marshall University officials detailed the plan for having on-campus activities during a parent town hall event Tuesday.

The discussion, held virtually, focused on the procedures for students returning to campus in August amid the coronavirus pandemic as well as what students should expect when classes begin Aug. 24.

“We have been working hard all summer here at Marshall University to develop a plan and to create a learning environment for your student that is both welcoming and safe,” said Jamie Taylor, the institution’s provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. “We have tried to provide as much flexibility to students as possible without sacrificing safety.”

Marshall University will require testing for athletes, international students, students who will live on campus and non-residential students from areas deemed hot spots. Students will be required to take part in self-administered health checks and wear face coverings while in common areas and classrooms.

Students, faculty and staff will receive return-to-campus kits upon arrival, which will include face masks, hand sanitizer and other essential items. Faculty members will also receive a face shield for classroom use.

Taylor said in-person courses will involve “synchronous interaction;” all classrooms will be set up to allow 50% capacity, and students will be divided split into groups to ensure students have the opportunity to participate in lessons while maintaining social distancing. One group will have in-person lessons while the second group will participate online.

“It might be something like on Tuesdays, one cohort goes in. And on Thursdays, the other cohort goes in,” he explained. “That gives everybody equal opportunity to be in the physical classroom or to be online.”

Students also have to register for moving into residence halls. First-year students will move in from Aug. 15 to Aug. 19, while other students are scheduled to move in between Aug. 20 and Aug. 23. Testing will be required before students arrive at their building. Students and one other person will be allowed inside. Students and one other person will be allowed inside during their three-hour move-in slot.

“We know this is not ideal. We know that parents want both parents to come in and help move in,” said Mistie Bibbee, the director of housing and residence life. ‘We’re not saying both parents can’t. What we’re saying is only one person at a time.”

Bibbee added students should only bring items they need for the school year. Students will not be allowed to have guests during the year.

In-campus classes will continue through Nov. 20. Classes will resume digitally starting Nov. 30, and final exams will be conducted online.

Marshall University announced Tuesday the cancellation of the Aug. 8 commencement ceremony because of the pandemic. The ceremony was scheduled to take place May 2.

Graduates will be able to participate in the winter commencement scheduled for Dec. 12.





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