Muskingum University President Susan S. Hasseler announced in an email sent to students, faculty, and staff on March 19 the university will continue off-campus learning instruction through the end of the spring semester.
Hasseler, in an interview with Orbit Media on March 20, addressed questions and concerns about the recent events connected to COVID-19.
In an email sent by Provost Nancy Evangelista, it was noted that commencement ceremonies will not be held on campus in May. President Hasseler discussed commencement concerns.
“We are figuring out ways to celebrate the class of 2020. We have both graduate and undergraduate students that we planning to celebrate in commencement in May. So, we’re currently working to figure out how to celebrate these accomplishments of the students because that’s a very important thing to do,” said Hasseler.
Muskingum University President Dr. Susan S. Hasseler discusses off-campus learning decisions with Orbit Media Reporter Dana Parsons. The conversation took place Friday, March 20.
Hasseler also explained how Muskingum University came to the decisions it did.
“We have been preparing as soon as we found out about the virus and the fact that it would be a potential issue in the U.S. and we started assessing what our resources are on campus and what direction we might have to go,” said Hasseler.
According to Hasseler, there are several individuals and departments who are involved in making decisions like the decisions that have been made over the past few weeks. That group includes President Hasseler, Academic Affairs division and Provost, division chairs, department chairs, Student Affairs Division, Enrollment Division, Advancement, Finance and Operations, and Graduate and Continuing Studies.
“I have a team that meets daily to review what’s going on. We look at national, state, and regional guidance and we make a decision for next steps,” said Hasseler.
Hasseler discussed the spring sports season and how the decision was made to cancel the rest of the season.
“We looked at the national information and guidance. We looked at other conferences. We looked at what every school in the OAC was doing in terms of athletics. Then, the OAC presidents met and determined what the next step would be. We ended up being in the company of the majority of conferences in division three in terms of saying ‘let’s terminate our spring seasons’ so we protect eligibility for our athletes,” said Hasseler.
For spring sports athletes, they will have another season of eligibility added if they decide to go that direction.
Students have also been curious if they would receive a financial refund for room and board due to time spent off-campus.
Hasseler said students will be credited with unused room and board fees.
“It’s a bit complicated because it’s connected with financial aid and we want to do this for students in the way that best serves them,” said Hasseler.
Hasseler is proud of Muskingum students and their perseverance through such an unexpected experience.
“People are coming together. They are rolling up their sleeves, they are problem-solving, they are looking at the situation and saying ‘how can we best do this to keep connected.” Whether it’s student-to-student, professor-to-student, Student Affairs staff, everyone on campus is coming forward to try to stay connected,” said Hasseler.
President Hasseler wants the Muskie Community to know everyone will get through this together.
“I look at this community and I see the immense amount of grace that is being offered across the community to everyone and from people outside of our community. To make sure we can problem solve. And I see an amazing resilience. …And we’re going to come out of this stronger on the other side and we’re going to learn and grow and we will stay together,” said Hasseler.
For updates about Muskingum University and the New Concord area, bookmark OrbitMediaOnline.com and listen to WMCO 90.7 FM. Listen to the Hasseler’s full interview on WMCO or via SoundCloud.
