March 23, 2020 – From President Insko: Support during EOU’s Coronavirus Response

Dear EOU Students,

I am writing to thank you again for your calm and measured approach to the COVID-19 pandemic over the last several weeks. My Mountaineer pride could not be greater given how you are responding, working together as a community, and how we are each embracing our roles as individuals in containing the spread of this virus. I am thankful to be a part of this community with you.

I know the news of adapting all of our campus courses to remote-access for spring term may have raised some questions for you during an already uncertain situation. During these times we hope to provide certainty when possible, and delivering your classes for the full term via remote-access eliminates the question of how you will access your education and where you need to live when virus-related restrictions are modified. Our leadership team is dedicated to supporting your immediate and long-term needs as students.

Our final decision was based on meeting two key objectives: 1) How to continue to deliver quality education, and 2) how to do our part as a community to minimize exposure and transmission of COVID-19. 

We feel confident we can accomplish both of those goals by delivering our on-campus classes to students remotely for spring term, using our Canvas platform, because EOU faculty are already experienced in delivering excellence in education through remote-access instruction.

This will be a new experience for some of you, and I understand there will be some adjustments in this new teaching and learning environment. We have already put multiple resources in place — in addition to your classes — that you can access online, including the Learning Center, e-tutoring, academic advising, disability services, and the Student Counseling Center. Your financial aid and scholarships will also continue. If you have any questions about student services, I encourage you to contact Student Affairs at saffairs@eou.edu or at 541 962-3635

Our commitment to you includes providing the support you need during this time, both academically and for your physical and mental health, throughout the term. Your education and overall well-being is our priority.

We will not allow this temporary disruption to deter your educational progress. If you look at our nation’s history, higher education is one of the greatest tools for financial and economic recovery. I believe that one of the most important things EOU can do to help our state and our country is to continue to educate the next generation of leaders and to prepare our students for success in an ever-changing global economy. 

Let us continue to unite during this time and please know that EOU leadership, faculty and staff are prepared to help you navigate this new world and succeed in the virtual classroom and beyond.

Enjoy your break. I look forward to staying connected with you in spring term.

Together, it’s possible.

Sincerely,

Tom Insko ’94

President