A message from President Philomena V. Mantella

A message from President Philomena V. Mantella

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) issued a statewide public health order November 15, due to the acceleration of COVID-19 in Michigan. The order takes effect Wednesday, November 18, and it affects higher education and the operations of our university, as well as a variety of other activities.

On Monday and Tuesday, campus operations will continue as usual.

• Beginning Wednesday, all face-to-face classes will convert to remote delivery. 
• Students in the health care professions are in different circumstances. Students enrolled in nursing and health professions courses will receive additional information directly from faculty or advisors.
• Students in education will get information about student teaching placements from professors or advisors.
• Research activities, both undergraduate and graduate, will continue with proper safety protocols.
• Student work remains possible. Students should work directly with supervisors.  
• Anyone needing IT assistance can call the IT Help Desk. (616) 331-2101. 
• The university will remain open. Efforts by appointing officers to further reduce workspace density and shift to remote work will continue where possible, consistent with current guidelines.

Testing information

Free testing: COVID-19 surveillance testing is available for those who come to campus at least one day per week. Testing will take place through November 19. The university will pay for one test per person. Testing for people who do NOT have symptoms or who have not had direct exposure to someone with COVID will take place on the Allendale and Pew Grand Rapids campuses. Those eligible received an email with a link to schedule an appointment.

GVSU also hosts a Spectrum Health testing site at the Commons on the Allendale Campus for people who have symptoms or who have been exposed to someone with COVID-19. Appointments can be scheduled through MyChart or by calling the GVSU Spectrum Health COVID Resource Line at (833) 734-0020.

Questions and concerns

The GVSU COVID call center (616) 331-4636 remains in operation weekdays from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Personal health concerns should be directed to the GVSU/Spectrum Health 24-hour call center (833) 734-0020.

The word of the semester has been “flexible.” Thank you for all you are doing to make campus the best and safest it can be.

Sincerely,

Philomena V. Mantella, President