VIGO COUNTY, Ind – St. Mary of the Woods College announced steps they are taking during the COVID – 19 Pandemic. Below is the statement issued by the school:
The SMWC COVID-19 Task Force is continuing to actively monitor the COVID-19 outbreak. As the situation rapidly changes, the health and safety of the SMWC community is our top priority. We are taking decisive and informed actions to limit the spread of the virus, while ensuring our educational mission.
As of March 18 – April 3, 2020, SMWC will transition our academic curriculum to an online only format. We ask that everyone continue to check email and monitor the college website for updates as this situation continues to evolve.
Academics
Classes on March 16-17 will be canceled in preparation to transaction to online instruction. The College will remain open. To prepare for the potential for completely online instruction, faculty will shift to online on March 18, 2020. The Faculty Resource Center is prepared to assist with this process.
Athletic Events
Athletics and the SMWC COVID-19 Task Force will assess each athletic event to determine participation as the situation changes. Coaches and student athletes will be educated on the importance of following the CDC’s guidelines for prevention such as hand washing and staying home when ill.
Residential Housing/Services
Residential Housing/Services will continue to remain open providing all services until a directive from public health officials states otherwise. Effective immediately, residential floors will be restricted to SMWC residential/commuter students only for the remainder of the semester. Commuter students should follow normal policies and procedures for access.
O’Shaughnessy Dining Hall
O’Shaughnessy will continue to be open for student, faculty and staff dining. The Sisters of Providence will be limiting their access to this area.
College Sponsored Travel
All College sponsored travel requires vice president approval even if previously approved. Each vice president will evaluate on a case-by-case basis.
Travel and Symptoms Form
In following best practices for protecting public health related to Coronavirus (COVID-19), SMWC is asking students, faculty and staff to complete this voluntary form indicating where they’ve traveled or if they have exhibited symptoms related to COVID-19. The travel registry is the College’s official means for sharing urgent health, safety and security related information.