March 29, 2020 – Spring term startup and information

Spring term startup and information

Dear EOU Community,

During this unprecedented time for Eastern Oregon University and our country, we are excited for Spring Term 2020 to start. Thank you for your work over the past few weeks to prepare for this new environment and ensure that we continue to provide an excellent education and outstanding support to our students. We know this is not an easy time for you and your families. We would not be able to start Spring Term on time without your shared commitment to the success of every EOU student. Thank you. 

As we look to Monday, we want to share these operational updates. 

Remote-access Classes 

Per our announcement on March 18, EOU has instituted remote-access for all campus-based classes for the entirety of Spring Term. EOU made this transition early, due in large part to our long history of delivering classes at a distance. For our students, it provides certainty of class modality for the term, ensuring they can focus on their personal health and safety while continuing their education.  We are ready for Spring Term — thank you!  

Remote Operations

To further expand our efforts in social distancing, we are requiring all employees, with a few exceptions,  to work from home. Employees began working remotely last week, and we expect remote operations to continue for at least the next few weeks as long as the Governor’s “Stay Home, Save Lives” order is in effect. Deans, directors, faculty and staff members have been doing well at moving their work to this new, temporary format and continue to connect with students, families and community members using phone, email and video conferencing. 

Campus Buildings

As a reminder, all campus buildings are closed to the public and will continue to be closed to the public until further notice. 

Please direct anyone who wishes to access buildings to call or email the office or individual they need to contact. Signage is posted on all building access points with key contact information and links to EOU’s online directories. Employees may only access buildings for work purposes. Students may access specific buildings, such as Pierce Library, in accordance with guidelines posted at the building entrances and under direct supervision. We are taking these actions out of concern for the health of our students, faculty and staff. It is critical that social distancing measures be observed within buildings. 

Residence Halls 

EOU’s residence halls remain open for Spring Term, and we will have students living on campus while taking classes remotely. Food services in Hoke Union Building will only be open to students. We also expect to have students living within the La Grande community and continuing to take EOU classes remotely. 

Student Support Services

All of EOU’s student support services are accessible remotely. Contact information for these offices and departments is available through EOU’s directory. Our Student Health and Counseling Center will reopen for Spring Term. To ensure student success during this period of remote-access learning, additional support through tutorials and remote advising are available. The Learning Center is expanding online tutoring services, and Pierce Library resources are being provided remotely.

EOU’s priority remains the health and success of our academic community. While doing our part to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, we remain committed to our students’ success. We expect all students scheduled to graduate at the end of this term to do so, and we expect that all students will be able to complete their full course load as planned.

The EOU Foundation is also doing its part to support students in this time of crisis. Click here to learn more about the Student Crisis Fund. 

Please read the daily updates provided in EOU Infoline, and continue to monitor the eou.edu/coronavirus website. The EOU leadership team can provide assistance where needed, and contact information for each member is available in EOU’s directory. 

We know this is a difficult time for our students, faculty, staff and community partners. This community is doing amazing work to accommodate students during this global crisis, and adjusting to the dramatic changes we must all endure to be safe. Thank you again for all of your efforts. Together, we are showing our students how to be resilient and compassionate — and why EOU is an exceptional community.

Sincerely,

EOU Leadership Team