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Dear WMU community,

This afternoon, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced in a press conference the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has revised its . The new order is effective Monday, Dec. 21, and will last until Friday, Jan. 15. In coordination with this revision, the governor has asked that all colleges and universities wait until Monday, Jan. 18, to begin offering in-person classes and delay Â鶹´«Ã½ move-in to the immediately preceding weekend. This request is designed to help prevent exposure and spread of COVID-19 following the holiday recess and Â鶹´«Ã½s' return to college campuses from communities across the state and nation.

In accordance with the governor’s request, WMU will resume classes in distance education mode on Monday, Jan. 11. Courses will return to in-person and other modalities indicated on class schedules beginning Tuesday, Jan. 19, immediately following the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday. Faculty can visit for additional resources and guidance. The team at WMUx looks forward to helping faculty members who need assistance through the Faculty Technology Center. The center will begin extended hours Monday, Jan. 4.

Residence halls will now reopen on Saturday, Jan. 16—about one week later than originally planned. Our housing department asks that you please complete the appropriate paperwork by the deadline, found in the , to set up your arrival. Housing arrangements remain unchanged for Seita Scholars, international Â鶹´«Ã½s and other special populations who do not have alternative housing. To help prevent exposure and the spread of COVID-19, I encourage all other Â鶹´«Ã½s who may have traveled for the holidays to also wait until Jan. 16 to return to campus.

Students living in residence halls will receive financial consideration related to room and board. More information about housing and dining will be forthcoming from the Department of Housing and Residence Life. Please continue to check your email and the department's website during the holiday recess.

WMU remains committed to offering Â鶹´«Ã½s a safe and high-quality educational experience, operating in compliance with governmental and public health directives. We will communicate additional details to the campus community as information becomes available.

While recent news about COVID-19 vaccines raises our hopes for the future, it’s critically important that we continue those practices that prevent coronavirus transmission—wearing a mask, staying at least 6 feet away from those around you, washing your hands frequently and limiting in-person interactions. 

We wish you a safe, healthy and restorative recess, and we look forward to seeing you again in January.

Thank you,

Edward Montgomery
President