GVSU will take direction from government and CDC on when to resume in-person education, said President Mantella

In an April 17 virtual town hall for faculty, President Philomena V. Mantella shared that 1.5 billion students worldwide switched to remote learning in a 30-day period. She added nine out of 10 students, at any grade level, are now participating in online education.

"Thank you for keeping students at the heart of what you're doing," Mantella told faculty members. "I can't credit you enough for maintaining a continuity of learning and a high level of care during this transition."

Mantella said senior leadership and the Incident Management Team meet and collaborate daily on the issues that affect critical staff and students still on campus, and those who are working and teaching remotely. "We are doing our best to mitigate the virus, protect our university community and allow you to plan ahead," she said.

The senior leadership team will take direction from federal and state government regulations and CDC guidelines on when to reopen campus to everyone, Mantella said.

"The events surrounding the pandemic will dictate when we are able to reopen to all employees and for in-person learning. Although the timing is still uncertain, the IMT is developing a plan to reopen campus in stages over a period of weeks," she said.

Jesse Bernal, vice president for Inclusion and Equity and executive associate for Presidential Initiatives, who moderated the town hall, said his staff is planning educational components in an effort to mitigate inequities in underrepresented communities that have been affected by COVID-19.

Provost Maria Cimitile said she is humbled by the creative ways in which faculty are rising to the challenge and delivering quality online education. Cimitile noted there is difference between intentional online pedagogy and remote learning, and said shared governance is important now more than ever. 

"I am working with members of the University Academic Senate to provide flexibility for students and faculty during situations that are out of their control," she said.

Greg Sanial, vice president for Finance and Administration, said Grand Valley remains financially strong because of contingencies and reserves that have been built into the budget. Sanial said the university is delaying the current budget process, which is typically completed by now, in order to gather the best information about enrollment numbers and state and federal funding.

Mantella said the university will continue to be guided by three things in its decision-making process: be people centered, follow a structure for decision making (SLT and IMT), and communicate regularly with the Grand Valley community.