SE Communications
DURANT – As a precaution and in joining the global effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus, Southeastern Oklahoma State University has announced a few changes in its normal operations.
At the time of this release, there have been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Bryan County, Okla.
Interim president Dr. Bryon Clark detailed the changes today in an email to the campus community.
“While we realize these actions may cause some inconveniences, we are acting in the best interests of the University,’’ Clark said. “The safety, health and welfare of our students, faculty, staff, and community is our top priority. We will continue to closely monitor the situation and make any adjustments or modifications that may be necessary. We appreciate everyone’s patience and cooperation as we work through this situation together.’’
In essence, the University is limiting the number of individuals on the main campus in Durant and on the McCurtain County campus from now until further notice. Also during this time, these campuses and buildings will be closed to the general public, and all University events are cancelled until further notice. However, essential University operations will continue during this time to meet the needs of students and provide business services, with a limited number of staff on-site; the majority of employees will be teleworking.
Students will be on an extra week of spring break (March 23-27) to allow faculty with preparation time to convert face-to-face classes to an online format the following week. (Current online courses will resume as scheduled on Monday, March 23).
All classes for the remainder of the spring semester, which ends May 8, will now be taught online. Due to health officials’ recommendations to limit the size of events, Southeastern’ spring commencement, scheduled for May 9, will not be held. Instead, the University will examine options for a later date, and work with students to create a possible alternative plan to recognize their achievements.
Those students who must remain in residential housing on the main campus will continue to receive services such as housing and meals; however, students are encouraged to seek other living arrangements, if possible.
