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Message from Mercy College President - COVID-19 Update

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by Denise Hudgin

Dear Mercy College Faculty, Staff, and Students:

Yesterday afternoon, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine held a conference call with Dr. Amy Acton from the Ohio Department of Health, and Chancellor, Randy Gardner from the Ohio Department of Higher Education.

The Governor has declared a State of Emergency and is recommending the following for Colleges and Universities in Ohio. At this time there are no known cases of COVID-19 at Mercy College of Ohio.

  • This is spring break week at the College – March 9-March 13, 2020. (College open)
  • Beginning Monday, March 16, 2020, all face-to-face lecture class meetings will be offered in the online format until further notice. College administration along with our College COVID-19 task force will continue to monitor the Ohio Department of Health website and the Ohio Department of Higher Education website along with participating in scheduled conference calls.
  • Canvas is our online learning management system, which will be used for delivery of coursework. All classes are cancelled on Monday, March 16, 2020 to allow faculty time to prepare for online and digital-mediated delivery of coursework. Also, it is important to check your email for messages from your faculty. Each faculty member, in collaboration with the dean/program director, will decide the most appropriate way to maintain continuity of their courses and the quality of the learning experience for students in a particular course.
  • Academic Support Services will continue to be available online or through electronic media.
  • Clinical education/Practicum activities for students will continue at this time unless the facility/organization prohibits the participation of students. If this is the case, an alternative activity may take place at the discretion of the course faculty member who will keep you apprised of any changes.
  • Students and clinical instructors who are not feeling well or are ill with a fever, cough, shortness of breath, etc., should not attend the clinical experience. Please notify your clinical instructor or Program Director as outlined in your syllabus.

Meetings and Activities

All co-curricular and social gatherings are cancelled until further notice. If you have questions, please call or email the Vice-President of Student Affairs/Dean of Students, Marc Adkins. The Recognition of Excellence Event on April 24, 2020 at the Malawi Center will proceed as scheduled, however, this may change. Everyone will be kept informed. We will remain in contact with the Toledo Zoo Malawi Center. Please continue to nominate faculty, staff, and students to receive awards and be recognized.

Spring Commencement

Spring Commencement is scheduled May 1, 2020 in Toledo, OH and May 7, 2020 in Youngstown, OH. The College plans to hold each ceremony as scheduled, however, this may change as we get closer to the dates.

College Operations

The College will remain open for business. Employees considered at-risk by the CDC(https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/high-risk-complications.html) may work with their manager to determine if a remote worksite is feasible. The College will follow the Bon Secours Mercy Health Associate Protocol at the following link: Associate Travel and Exposure Protocol.

Travel

The College is suspending all international travel and all “non-essential” domestic travel. All travel now requires approval by the Executive Team. Prior travel approval is hereby rescinded for upcoming events. Prior to traveling, even if travel was approved, you must seek new approval from the Executive Team. Depending on the circumstances at the time, a decision will be made as to whether travel is advised.

Updates

In addition, we are continuing to assess our college and community circumstances, as well as plans and capabilities to anticipate and respond to the rapidly changing situation. Above all, we remain committed to the safety and well-being of our students, faculty, staff and our community.

Marc Adkins, VP of Student Affairs/Dean of Students and Jennifer Barber, nursing faculty, are co-chairing and leading the COVID-19 initiatives at the College

We will continue to provide information to the Mercy College community through email on a weekly or more frequent basis if necessary. Please check your email for updates.

Mercy College is working diligently and is committed to minimizing the impact of COVID-19 by implementing the actions outlined above. Please continue to pray for our college and our community, and to follow CDC and Ohio Department of Health guidance regarding hygiene and other important practices.

Warmest regards,

Susan Wajert

President, Mercy College of Ohio

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