Missouri Western takes the health, welfare, and safety of our community very seriously. As announced on Friday, we are joining widespread efforts to protect our employees against the spread of the COVID-19 virus by reducing the number of employees who are physically on campus through a combination of limiting on-campus operations, remote working, relaxed paid leave opportunities and the like. By now, all staff should have had a conversation with their supervisor about their on-campus presence. If you have not, please speak with your supervisor.

As the current situation continues to evolve and we receive direction from local and state officials, we will continue to proactively take measures to protect our campus community while sustaining our important mission.  Our campus and operations are exempt from the new Stay At Home order issued by the City starting on Tuesday because educational institutions are deemed “essential” to community operations.  However, in the spirit of the order, we have decided to take additional measures with respect to our campus. Please note the following:

  • All campus buildings will be closed to the public and all except for the Blum Union will be locked starting tomorrow (March 24th).  We have also been notified that Barnes & Noble will be closing until April 2nd.
  • For those remaining in our residence halls, the cafeteria will continue to provide take-out service.
  • Campus buildings that will be locked include the Library/Hearnes Center, Potter Hall, Popplewell Hall, Eder Hall, Murphy Hall, Spratt Hall, Fulkerson Center, Remington Hall, Agenstein Hall, and Wilson Hall as well as the  Looney Complex, Baker Family Fitness Center, and Griffon Indoor Sports Complex. Only employees working in these buildings will have key access.

Naturally, the semester will continue in the alternative forms announced last week.  University services to students will continue through Advising, Office of Financial Aid, Career Development, Office of Registrar, Business Office, and the Counseling Center among others. Although we are sending this information to students, please feel free to direct them to these departments accordingly.

If you have any questions or concerns about anything, please do not hesitate to speak with your supervisor.  As you know, there is no one-size-fits-all solution in these extraordinary times as we look to bring the spring semester to a successful conclusion.

Thank you again for being a Griff and working through this time with us.  Together we succeed!