A ComArtSci Guide to Navigating the 2019 Novel Coronavirus
MSU is closely monitoring the outbreak of the novel coronavirus. Campus leaders are meeting daily to manage the university's response. A toll-free hotline has been set up at 888-353-1294 to answer questions from the campus community.
All classes will continue to be offered in virtual settings through the conclusion of the semester, including finals. Additionally, commencement has been postponed; MSU will make every effort to reschedule. All students are strongly encouraged to return to their permanent residences, and employees are encouraged to work remotely when possible.
Prevent Xenophobia
Xenophobia: fear and hatred of strangers or foreigners or of anything that is strange or foreign.
One ugly side of the Coronavirus Disease outbreak is the emergence of xenophobia. On our campus, there have been reports of discrimination towards Asian and Asian American students based on their appearance, places of origin, race, and ethnicity. While COVID-19 originated in China, race is not the carrier, and there is no room for such prejudice and lack of sensitivity in our college.
If you experience, or witness behaviors that make you uncomfortable, please contact our Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Lauren Gaines McKenzie (gainesla@msu.edu). You may also submit an anonymous report to the Office of Institutional Equity (oie.msu.edu).
Events on Campus
It is likely that you will see many events on campus cancelled, or altered to a virtual space. This is to continue efforts to keep you safe.
If you haven't been notified or have questions about if a previously scheduled event or meeting is happening, please reach out to the event organizer or venue.
Student Resources
Our leadership, faculty and staff recognize that this might be a stressful and concerning time for many of our students and their family members. Please know that ComArtSci is still here to offer support during this semester.
Below are some reminders and updates surrounding the Coronavirus prevention efforts. Please visit MSU's Coronavirus website for updated information.
Students, faculty, staff, and parents can call MSU's toll-free hotline for answers to any questions or concerns: 888-353-1294.
Online Courses
If you have any questions, comments, or concerns about your online courses, please reach out to your instructors.
Career Center
Although drop-in hours at the Career Center are cancelled, all the same services are still available to you. Randi Martinez (Career Consultant) and Jennifer Chesney (Career Advisor) will be conducting appointments via phone and Zoom. You can sign up for an appointment on Handshake, where you will also be able to choose which appointment medium you'd prefer.
Remote Academic Advising
To ensure comfort surrounding illness or crowds during this time, students may choose a phone, zoom, or email appointment rather than coming in person.
Wednesday Express Advising
To ensure comfort surrounding illness or crowds during this time, students can call the ComArtSci advising office (517-355-1794) between 8:00-11:00am or 1:00-4:00pm to sign-in for an express phone call.
• The advisor will call you.
• If you miss the phone call, the advisor will move on to the next student
ComArtSci CAPS Connect ComArtSci
CAPS Connect Tuesdays have been cancelled until further notice.
Beginning March 17, as a COVID-19 preventive measure, CAPS offices at Olin Health Center, MSU Student Union, and the Neighborhoods will be closed.
- CAPS counseling and psychiatry staff will work remotely to help meet the needs of MSU students.
- Established patients with scheduled appointments will be offered phone or Zoom sessions. Patients will be contacted and given instructions.
- All group counseling services have been cancelled. Group co-leaders will reach out to students to discuss alternative options, such as phone consultations.
- Patients needing a prescription refill prior to their next appointment can use the MyMSUHealth patient portal to make the request: https://mymsuhealth.hc.msu.edu
- To speak with a crisis counselor or get more information, call CAPS at (517-355-8270)
- Online resources are available here.
Faculty and Staff Resources
Working and teaching remotely can present unique challenges to staff, faculty, and students. Information found here will help the MSU community access resources that will enable a successful transition to remote teaching and working.