BANGOR — Husson University will be extending its spring break period by one week and is tentatively planning to resume classes March 23. 

Below is a letter from Husson University President Dr. Robert Clark. 

Husson University has closely monitored coronavirus developments. With one confirmed case of coronavirus in the state of Maine, Husson University has been working on contingency plans to address the situation as it unfolds.

Our decisions are guided by the following factors:

• First, we need to protect the health of our campus community. This includes the health of students, faculty, staff, campus visitors and the surrounding community.

• Second, if you recognize health symptoms that need medical attention, please consult with your health care provider. Also, in support of our healthy community, please do not return to campus until your physician clears you to do so. Each of you have a personal responsibility in this regard.

• Third, the quality and continuity of education. While some courses easily lend themselves to online learning, others require students to engage in experiential activities. Ensuring that every student can participate in experiences is an integral part of a Husson education.

We recognize that each higher educational institution must chart its own course. Given the best information currently available, and out of an abundance of caution, Husson University has decided to extend spring break by one week. While we will continue to monitor developments and communication accordingly, our current plan is to resume classes on March 23, rather than March 16, as originally planned. The exception will be the timeline for online seven-week courses. If you are enrolled in an I-7-2 course, your instruction begins on March 16, in accordance with our academic calendar.

This one-week delay will allow your University to react more thoughtfully to events as they unfold. Additional time will also allow us to gather more information and make the best decision possible. In addition, the extra time will help us ensure that all the necessary educational support is available to students and faculty, should we need to transition to an online or hybrid educational modality for the remaining seven weeks of the semester.

If your travel plans cannot accommodate this change, please reach out to the Office of Student Life as soon as possible to discuss alternatives. The University will make provisions for anyone who has to return to campus as early as March 16.

In the event that you traveled over spring break to a location that the CDC has identified as an area with widespread or ongoing community spread of COVID-19, the University reserves the right to ask you to self-quarantine to protect the health of our community. Husson University is also considering the disposition of community gatherings at the Gracie Theatre, Commencement, athletic competitions, and other events that require travel. Additional communications will be forthcoming about these events in the days to come.

During the next week, we encourage you to review the COVID-19 guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html. There is some valuable information on this website that you can use to stay up to date on the latest issues.

I hope that all of you can appreciate the many challenges associated with protecting the health of our entire Husson University community. We ask for your patience during these challenging times. We want to assure you that everyone here at Husson is working on your behalf with two goals in mind: Continuing to provide you with a high-quality education, and doing so in the safest manner possible. We will keep you apprised of the latest developments that might affect you, as the situation continues to develop. Look for updates on the University’s website. Your cooperation during this period is very much appreciated.

Sincerely,

Robert A. Clark, Ph.D., CFA
President
Husson University