Southeast remains open until further notice amid other university closings

As of March 11, Southeast plans to remain open in midst of the coronavirus outbreak for the time being, while countless universities across the nation have closed or moved classes fully online.

The World Health Organization on Wednesday declared the coronavirus (COVID-19) a pandemic.

On March 6, the first case in Missouri was confirmed in St. Louis County.

Despite other Missouri universities moving away from face-to-face courses for the foreseeable future, Southeast plans to resume classes March 22, following spring break.

“A decision on an alternate method of course delivery in relation to COVID-19 has not been made,” Ann Hayes, director of university communication said on Wednesday.

Area schools who have made adjustments to deliver courses online include: the University of Missouri, Southern Illinois University, St. Louis University, Washington University, Lindenwood University, Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville, Murray State University, Truman University and Illinois State University, according to university websites.

Some have opted to move online for the remainder of the semester, while others plan to resume face-to-face classes at the end of March.

Hayes said university officials are frequently evaluating the coronavirus situation in Missouri and in the world, as well as the effects it could have on the university.

“Conversations are ongoing with a small group of University leaders on a regular basis to consider a wide range of potential impacts related to the coronavirus outbreak,” Hayes said.

In the meantime, the university has developed a page on its website containing information about COVID-19. The website contains resources regarding coronavirus, campus resources, campus advisories sent from the president and travel restrictions.

According to a preparedness update Southeast President Carlos Vargas sent to university stakeholders, the Provost has initiated conversations in Academic Affairs to develop contingency plans for course delivery in the event of a temporary interruption of service.