03/20/2020
Dear Coppin Campus Community:
After numerous discussions and consideration of special circumstances, proclamations from the Governor’s office, and the decision by the University System of Maryland (USM) Board of Regents, the USM has decided to end on-campus delivery of classes for the remainder of the semester for all institutions.
I would like to clarify Coppin State University’s status in this quickly evolving coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis. We are committed to continuing operations, and we will offer remote delivery of classes, for the remainder of the semester. This means:
1. When spring break ends and classes resume on March 23, instruction will be completely online – no classes will be offered face-to-face, including labs. Academic leadership and faculty are working to ensure that students and faculty are prepared to facilitate this online course instruction. For now, the library and the computer lab in the library will remain available for students to use. This space will allow for the appropriate social distancing to ensure the health and safety of all users.
2. As an institution, our employees have moved to teleworking, wherever possible. Campus work in areas that cannot be completed via telework, such as campus safety, facilities management, lab managers, and health services will need to continue, on campus. Individuals who are on campus have been instructed regarding social distancing and that they should stay home should they experience any symptoms of the COVID-19 virus or are otherwise ill.
3. Due to these recent developments, the Coppin State University campus will close campus residential facilities, for the remainder of the semester, to ensure student safety and well-being, during this time. We recognize that, among our student population, there are residential students for whom campus may be the only option. Further information regarding those students, as well as a system for scheduling appointments for students to retrieve their belongings, will be available through the Office of Housing, by noon on Friday, March 20, 2020. Appointments will be scheduled in a way that allows for adequate social distancing to ensure health and safety for all involved.
4. Campus services will be available but, like everything
else, they will be adjusted to fit our changing
circumstances and our reduced campus population.
5. We have made the very difficult decision to cancel commencement, which had been scheduled for May 20, 2020. University officials are working to determine what alternative method of celebration might be available, and further details will be provided.
These directives are consistent with USM guidance and further information regarding the USM decision can be found at https://www.usmd.edu/newsroom/news/2004.
As we continue to monitor developments of coronavirus (COVID-19) across the state, our first priority is to protect the safety and wellness of our entire Coppin State University community of students, faculty, and staff. We have been actively coordinating with our colleagues, with other USM institutions, the Chancellor’s Office, and the Governor’s Office, and we’re prepared to adapt our protocols, quickly, as circumstances change. We understand that these measures may cause disruptions, but we strongly believe that actions taken now will have the greatest chance of decreasing risk and the spread of the virus.
Lastly, we are navigating a period of historic challenge, and rapid change. I thank you all for your patience and flexibility in adapting to this rapidly evolving situation. I understand this is a stressful time for everyone. Know that your health and safety are our top priority.
Sincerely,
Mickey L. Burnim, Ph.D.
Interim President
