Eastern Michigan University has canceled in-person classes until Tuesday, Jan. 18, due to rising cases of COVID-19.
The first week of the winter 2022 semester from Jan. 10 to 17 will be fully online, and instructors will provide students with further information about the remote classes.
"The University made this decision after evaluating the changing conditions in our community and rapidly-evolving guidance from government health agencies," EMU President James Smith said in a written statement. "Specifically, we expect that COVID-19 case counts will increase following the New Year’s Eve holiday, and this one-week shift to fully remote classes is intended to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 on our campus and throughout local communities."
Students can return to on-campus housing on Sunday, Jan. 9, but EMU is encouraging students to delay their move-in until classes return in-person to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
On-campus residents must provide a negative COVID-19 test before they return to campus. Housing residents may be asked to complete regular testing regardless of their vaccination status, according to EMU.
"By working together, we can enjoy a safer holiday and protect our health, as well as the health of our loved ones," Smith said in a written statement. "Let’s do our part in keeping our EMU community safe."
EMU's decision comes after local universities, such as Wayne State and Oakland, have announced similiar measures to control the spread of COVID-19 after students return to campus from winter break. University of Michigan and Michigan State University are mandating the booster vaccine for all students, faculty, and staff.
A walk-in COVID-19 vaccine clinic will be held at the EMU Student Center Ballroom on Saturday, Jan. 8, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines, including booster shots, will be available for everyone over the age of 12.
