Implementation of Morgan Telework and Suspension of Campus Events

A Message from the Office of the President
Dr. David Wilson on the Implementation of Morgan Telework and Suspension of Campus Events
March 12, 2020
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Dear Morgan Community,

At the time of this communication, additional positive cases of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) have been identified in Maryland. The potential for widespread exposure to the coronavirus is alarming, and I urge everyone to remain vigilant. You can keep up with real-time information pertaining to reports of new cases by visiting the Maryland Department of Health website. In addition, please let me remind you, once again, that you should maintain social distancing as you are interacting with one another, and please wash your hands frequently.

In the wake of these new developments, this afternoon Maryland Governor Larry Hogan held an important press conference to communicate the State’s response to this potential crisis. As a result, a number of proactive measures are being implemented, including the call for mandatory telework for non-essential state employees. You can view the full press conference online.

Consistent with the Governor’s directive to state agencies, Morgan State University is encouraging all eligible MSU employees to participate in telework, meaning that all non-essential employees approved for telework should begin preparations to work remotely, effective Monday, March 16, 2020. Morgan’s Office of Human Resources will be providing further guidance on the opportunity to participate in telework. In the interim, employees should consult with their supervisor for further instructions and approval.

As we continue to make important decisions for our campus, please know that we do so with your best interest and safety in mind. It is also our intent to act purposefully based on the most current and factual information available. With many of the nation’s sports, entertainment, government and social institutions suspending or discontinuing events that draw large crowds, we have also joined in this effort to stifle the potential spread COVID-19.

Following an emergency meeting held this morning with Morgan’s administrative team, the decision has been made to suspend all public events held on Morgan’s campus until the end of the semester, May 6, 2020. This decision applies to all events hosted by the University as well as those being coordinated by external groups. We will reassess the situation at the conclusion of the semester to determine whether further action is warranted. At this time, no decision has been made regarding our Spring Commencement.

Also, please note that although we are suspending campus events and conducting our classroom instruction remotely via an online learning model, the University will remain open with no plans to close the campus at this time. This may, however, change if the situation escalates and/or the need to do arises.

With new developments happening daily, almost on an hourly basis, I strongly recommend that you follow the University’s dedicated COVID-19 webpage as well as the CDC website.

This is uncharted territory for most of the world as we face a challenge unlike any that we have faced before. I understand the difficulty that the aforementioned measures may cause to our entire university and the disappointment they may evoke, but it is imperative that we act responsibly. Campus safety comes first!

We will wade through these turbulent waters together, as a community. Stay positive, stay informed, and most of all, stay safe.

Sincerely,

David K. Wilson,
President
Morgan State University