There are many consequences to this global pandemic, and we are doing our best to adapt to this rapidly changing situation. Be assured that our first priority is always the safety and well being of our campus community. We appreciate your flexibility and understanding as we all work together. As we look ahead, we are confident we can rise to the occasion and emerge stronger as a Griffon family.

Latest Update as of March 18, 2020:

We have been working with Missouri Western’s deans, administrators, Faculty Senate Executive Committee, the Department of Higher Education, our accreditors and others as we review our options for the remainder of the spring semester. We are aware that some students do not have adequate access to technology or internet services to complete the semester online. We are also aware that many students have expressed reservations about their ability to succeed in an online setting. Additionally, because of our focus on applied learning, it is very difficult to move all of our courses to an online model including labs, music, the arts, health and wellness, etc.

For these reasons, we are not going to make an attempt to quickly shift courses to an online model. Instead, we will shift every course to the alternative and flexible delivery modes detailed below. Regular (face-to-face and online) class meetings for the spring 2020 semester will end effective immediately. Please note that seniors will graduate as scheduled. To prepare non-graduating students for courses in future semesters, there will be an opportunity for a “bridge” into future semesters through supplemental instruction and a spring semester culminating experience (where applicable).

Spring semester culminating experience

  1. Faculty have wide discretion in formulating a spring semester culminating experience that will allow students a chance to improve upon their midterm grade and/or obtain useful course materials. (We are asking faculty to be mindful of our students and their circumstances, and focus their attention on providing students with a quality learning experience delivered in an alternate format. We are also sensitive to the fact that our students’ access to technology and other materials outside of the university campus might be limited.) 
  2. For traditional courses, a spring semester culminating experience could be any combination of activities, assignments, examinations, or projects. The activities associated with this culminating  experience should be designed to meet the course requirements and may involve the use of the course content provided in a variety of ways by the faculty member. Wherever possible, faculty are encouraged to take advantage of Canvas in providing content and connecting with students.
  3. For existing online courses, the faculty member has the option of using some or all of the materials remaining for the course either for the culminating experience or as supplemental materials.  Again, we will be very mindful of challenges with access.
  4. For a course involving a clinical experience or internship, the culminating experience can be completing the hours required for the clinical or internship especially as it relates to licensure issues.  

Students and faculty will have multiple options with respect to spring 2020 semester grades. A student may select one of the following options for their final grade in each class:

  1. Final grade is the combination of the midterm grade, plus the grade for the spring semester culminating experience (if such experience is offered by your professor). 
  2. You can opt to receive the grade of “Credit” if your midterm grade is a passing grade.  This option would have no impact on your GPA.
  3. A grade of “Incomplete” — you would not receive a grade at the end of the spring semester, but would make alternative arrangements with the relevant professor to complete coursework. 
  4. Withdraw from the course — no grade issued, no financial refund, and a “W” mark would appear on your transcript for the course. Please note the deadline to withdraw from a course is Friday, April 3rd.

Details will be circulated in the near future regarding how to select options.

Residence Hall Students

We continue to encourage students to remain at their permanent residence and not move back into the residence halls. However, the residence halls and cafeteria will remain open for students who need to continue to live on campus due to extenuating circumstances. If students plan on continuing to live on campus through the end of the semester, they should register their request here.

Students who do not return to the residence halls will receive prorated credit on their Missouri Western account. This credit can be applied toward summer tuition, fall tuition or fall housing. Seniors who will be graduating in May 2020 will be issued a refund for the prorated amount. Residential students will receive details in a separate communication.

Residence hall students will be asked to collect their belongings by Wednesday, April 1, 2020.Please use our sign-up page to schedule your check-out time so we can practice social distancing.  If a student cannot return to campus by April 1, 2020, please let Residential Life know, and they will be happy to accommodate. Students should be receiving detailed instructions from the Residential Life staff shortly.

Students who do not return to the residence halls will receive prorated credit on their Missouri Western account. This credit can be applied toward summer tuition, fall tuition, or fall housing. Seniors who will be graduating in May will be issued a refund for the prorated amount. Residential students will receive details in a separate communication.

Events

The City of St. Joseph has prohibited large events and gatherings for at least eight weeks, joining nationwide efforts to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. In compliance with this order, Missouri Western has suspended events and gatherings through at least May 15.

Commencement

With so many things outside our control and requests at the city, state, and federal level to limit large gatherings, we will need to suspend our commencement ceremony on May 2nd and all gatherings related to commencement. This is very disappointing to all of us who had hoped to celebrate with our graduates and their families this spring. However, rest assured we will find a way to celebrate the accomplishments of the Class of 2020.

Tuition and Billing

A grade of “Incomplete” — you would not receive a grade at the end of the spring semester, but would make alternative arrangements with the relevant professor to complete coursework. 

Withdraw from the course — no grade issued, no financial refund, and a “W” mark would appear on your transcript for the course. Please note the deadline to withdraw from a course is Friday, April 3rd.

International Students

International students should address any questions with the Global Center. The Center has been emailing impacted international students.

Military/Veteran Students

Military/Veteran students should should visit www.missouriwestern.edu/military/ or contact Joe Midgley at jmidgley@missouriwestern.edu or (816) 271-4111, with any questions or concerns.