Poet Update

Dear Whittier College Community:

In response to the developing situation around the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19), Whittier College has decided to cancel classes on Friday, March 13. After spring break, beginning Monday March 23, all classes will be moved online. Courses will continue to be taught remotely until at least April 3. An update will be provided by April 1 regarding plans for the remainder of the semester.
  
We understand that students, faculty, and staff will have many questions regarding this transition. Here are some basic points of information:  

• There is currently a plan in place to use Moodle as the primary platform for all online courses.
• Students will receive specific instructions from their professors via email before Monday, March 23. 
• During the online period, students may choose to study from home or campus. 
• The residence halls will remain open; the CI and Spot will have their usual meal hours.
• The library, CAAS, and Student Disability Services will be open during this period. 
• The Health and Wellness Center and the Counseling Center will be open as usual.
  • Students needing medical services due to symptoms of respiratory illness including fever, cough, and shortness of breath should first call the Student Health & Wellness Center, 562.464.4548 for further instructions before coming in.
• Work study – student workers will receive more information from their direct supervisors about work expectations during this period.
• Work study supervisors will receive guidance from Human Resources this week.
• Faculty should be on campus for the rest of this week. Faculty will not be required to be on campus every day during remote instruction. 
• Staff will be required to work from campus for the remainder of this week and during the online period.  
• Supervisors are encouraged to make their best efforts to support employees who may be impacted by COVID-19 so that they can meet work requirements.

Please send any questions to abarraza@whittier.edu. The College will compile FAQs and post them online.
 
We would like to reiterate that there are no known cases (confirmed or suspected) of this virus on the Whittier campus. Nevertheless, following public health recommendations, the College is taking this proactive step to keep the Whittier College community healthy. 
 
As announced yesterday, the College will also be postponing or suspending most events on campus that attract 100 or more attendees for the remainder of the year. It has not been decided if end of the year events including Commencement, cultural graduations, honors convocation, and URSCA will be cancelled. More information will be given after spring break.

Our goal is to keep you informed as a means to create a healthy and positive learning environment at Whittier College. Make sure to check your email daily. In addition, if you are not receiving emergency text messages from Whittier College please update your contact information on your myWhittier.

We’d like to remind everyone that the best way to protect yourself and others is by washing your hands, covering your sneeze or cough, staying away from others who are sick, and staying home if you are sick.

For more information on preventative measure visit the following websites:
Poet Health Alerts
California Department of Public Health guidance
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
World Health Organization

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding as we work through this situation together.