Online learning extended to end of spring semester
March 13, 2020
4:40 p.m.
Good afternoon students, partners, faculty and staff,
WSU Everett will use distance learning methods for the remainder of spring semester. This is in keeping with the announcement from WSU Pullman this morning that it will use distance learning through spring semester. In addition, at 1:30 p.m. today, Gov. Jay Inslee closed K-12 schools, and called for distance learning for colleges and universities in the state of Washington at least through April 24.
WSU Everett will remain operational, though with controlled access to physical facilities. Currently, the WSU Everett building is only to be accessed by faculty and staff from Monday-Friday. No outside visitors are allowed. Campus is fully closed on weekends.
Those students who do not have access to technology (computer/internet access) are able to work in our Student Success Center on the second floor to maintain their academics in their online classes on weekdays. For students who do need to use the Student Success Center, we ask that they notify us with the date/time they will be arriving so our on-site safety team can grant them access. Sean McNaughton, our safety officer, can be reached at 425-315-4014, or Bobby Christenson at 425-314-9514, Monday-Friday during the hours of 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Many March and April events have been canceled or moved to an online format. A decision about WSU Everett’s 2020 Commencement Ceremony scheduled for May 15 will be made closer to the event date.
During this time of unprecedented uncertainty, I ask for your patience. We are doing our best to manage through this crisis, and I will communicate with you regularly as things change. I also ask you to be kind. At WSU Everett, we strive to cultivate and sustain a welcoming and inclusive campus community for all students, faculty and staff, and stand against discrimination, oppression and harassment. We must all proactively foster inclusion and thoughtfulness in how our community supports rather than divides as we navigate the anxiety that accompanies COVID-19.
Remember regular updates are always available to you on the WSU COVID-19 Updates website (also available from the WSU Everett homepage).
Sincerely,
Paul Pitre, Chancellor
WSU Everett & Everett University Center
March 11, 2020
1:30 p.m.
Good afternoon,
Thank you for working together to support our WSU and Everett University Center community and each other during this challenging time. WSU continues diligent assessment of the unfolding COVID-19 situation and you are urged to track the latest developments at wsu.edu/covid-19. Questions, suggestions and recommendations from our community can be sent to COVID-19.info@wsu.edu.
In order to mitigate exposure of students, faculty, and staff, WSU Everett transitioned all in-person classes online effective Monday, March 9. This morning, the WSU system announced that after spring break, all campuses and courses will follow that example. Please see that message below.
- The WSU Everett building remains open and will remain open following spring break, but have limited access.
- Exterior doors will only be accessed via security.
- The Student Success Center is open for students who require access to computers and WiFi. Workstations will be cleaned before and after student use.
- Courses and exams which can be completed online shall be completed virtually using the Blackboard Learning Management System, recorded lectures, or synchronous Zoom sessions.
- Faculty will communicate their course plans with students expeditiously using all available means – Blackboard, email, etc.
Some course requirements and exams cannot be completed using an online platform. Program directors will work with faculty to identify those courses which cannot be migrated online and those exams that cannot be delivered online. When faculty continue labs, studios, etc., subject to approval, the instructor will work with students who cannot come to campus. Those course requirements that cannot be completed virtually using the online platform (labs, simulations, exams, etc.) will be coordinated through your faculty.
Please complete this survey to help us understand the impacts this will have on your learning experience.
The Cougar Food Pantry is still open for students who need to utilize that resource. If you are in need of the Cougar Food Pantry, please email anna.mcleod2@wsu.edu and holly.longman@wsu.edu. WSU Everett will pack up a bag and have it ready for you to pick up from the WSU Everett campus during regular business hours, M-F, 8-5.
Commencement is still scheduled for Friday, May 15. You should still apply to graduate, register for commencement and rent regalia through everett.wsu.edu/commencement in anticipation of the ceremony taking place. If the public health situation persists, we will notify those registered of any changes.
Be kind to each other and wash your hands.
Sincerely,
Paul Pitre, Chancellor
WSU Everett & Everett University Center
Washington State University to move in-person classes online following spring break
- WSU to transition from face-to-face instruction to distance learning following spring break.
- WSU facilities will remain open during this period.
- Employees will report to work as normal.
- Each campus will be communicating their plans directly.
All campuses in the Washington State University system will transition from face-to-face classes, testing, and advising to distance delivery beginning on Monday, March 23, following WSU’s spring break. This move is being made to allow for increased social distancing in light of the spread of the COVID-19 illness in the state of Washington.
WSU’s five physical campuses and other locations across the state will remain open during this period to provide for continued business operations. On the Pullman campus, residential, dining and healthcare facilities will remain open.
Employees will report to work as normal. Employees should consult the Human Resource Services COVID-19 FAQ if they have questions regarding leave and work options should they need to stay off campus due to illness or because they are at elevated risk for COVID-19. Supervisors will coordinate with employees who request to work from an alternate location to determine if business operations allow for telework or other arrangements.
Even though this is a WSU system decision, each campus or other location may have specific contexts that will determine some details of implementation. Any campus- or college-specific differences in implementation will be communicated separately by Chancellors and Deans in consultation with local public health officials.
The spread of, and response to, COVID-19 remains highly fluid. Please continue to monitor the COVID-19 website and your email for updates.
Kirk Schulz, President
Washington State University