SAU COVID Update — Nov. 16

SAU Community,

Many of you are aware of the recent order communicated by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and Governor Whitmer that goes into effect on Wednesday, Nov. 18. We want to communicate the impact of this Emergency Order on Spring Arbor University’s existing semester plan. We also want to reiterate our appreciation for your resiliency in adjusting to new norms and your hard work in keeping our community safe and healthy. 

As many of you know, our plan has been to move to remote learning after Thanksgiving break. This recent order moves the timeline up to begin remote instruction for all on-ground Spring Arbor campus courses to Wednesday morning, Nov. 18. Exceptions allowed in the Order that might impact specific courses will be communicated separately to the students involved.

Students will have the option to either stay on campus for the remainder of the semester or to return home. There are important updates for students who remain on campus:

• At this time, we anticipate the Dining Commons and all other dining options will continue operations and will allow in-person seating; however, seating options will be limited. Students may either sit alone with 6’ of social distance or may eat with their “household” (newly defined as roommates or suitemates).
• Quarantine and isolation housing will not be available after Nov. 24. Therefore, if a student requires quarantine or isolation housing after Nov. 24, they will have to make accommodations on their own.
• Students are only permitted to gather in groups with individuals from their “household.” As mentioned above, this is now more narrowly defined by the Emergency Order as those individuals in your room (for residence halls), your suite (for Villages) or your K-House. 
• Masks must be worn everywhere indoors and in gatherings of any number outdoors. This now includes all spaces in campus housing outside of one’s bedroom or suite.
• The bookstore and library will remain open; however, the capacity will be 30%. The fitness center will be open as well, with a revised capacity of 25% and with 12 feet of space between individuals.
• In light of this order, no indoor meetings, events or activities will be permitted. 
• Student workers are still able to work in person. 

There will be changes in regard to our athletic practices and competitions; this communication is forthcoming. We will do everything we can to allow our athletes to practice and compete in accordance with the new guidelines. With this new order, as of Wednesday, no spectators of any kind will be allowed at games.

Please visit our website at www.arbor.edu/covid for continued updates, and please feel free to contact student.development@arbor.edu with any questions you have.