CMU converts to online classes for the remainder of the semester

Skyler Cutsforth, Editor

As the COVID-19 pandemic began, universities began taking the best precautions they could to prevent any further spread of the virus and to keep their students as safe as possible. When the Coronavirus hit the Grand Valley everyone was thrown into an immediate panic, social distancing was implemented, businesses deemed unessential were closed, countless people were laid-off, schools were closed, hospital guidelines became stricter, and grocery stores ran out of goods. Following universities such as the Colorado University of Boulder and Arizona State University, Colorado Mesa University closed its campus and housing for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year after elongating their spring break. CMU President, Michael Foster says, “the wellness and health of students and the campus community is a top priority.” In order to do so, CMU has chosen to adopt an online format known as Remote Learning. Within this new format, Remote Learning consists of completing assignments, quizzes, and tests online, and video chatting if the teacher wishes. Due to the Governor of Colorado implementing a statewide stay-at-home order in which only permits residents to leave their homes for essential tasks such as grocery shopping, walking your dog, and medical care, students living on campus are moving home or finding other housing situations. Along with the campus closures CMU is having to postpone their in-person graduation ceremony until August. According to Colorado Mesa University, if a student is a part of the 2019-2020 graduation class, they are given the option to attend either “the virtual graduation on May 16th, or the traditional, in-person ceremony, August 1st.” Colorado Mesa University should be prepared for regular, on-campus learning for the 2020 fall semester.