Tiffin University Switches to Online Classes Only

by ISAIAH COLE
Staff writer

With Ohio Gov. Mike Dewine declaring a state of emergency for the Coronavirus (now known as COVID-19), many universities are taking action to stop the spread and threat of the virus. 

The virus has infected more than 115,000 people, and killed over 4,000 people worldwide. 1,000 of the confirmed cases have occurred in the US. There are currently 4 confirmed cases in Ohio. 

Tiffin University President Dr. Lillian Schumacher, emailed students, staff and faculty Tuesday to inform them of the actions the university will take moving forward. 

In a statement from Tiffin University, “In response to the recent confirmed cases of the Coronavirus in the United States, and the state of Ohio, Tiffin University, in consultation with state and local officials, has established a plan to protect its students, employees, visitors and the Tiffin community against any possible threats of the virus, likely or unlikely.” 

School officials have decided to move classes online, following suit with other universities, such as Ohio State, Kent State, Miami and Toledo. 

“Tiffin University will continue all classes through an online modality effective Wednesday, March 11. Please note, this change will remain in effect until Sunday, March 29, unless notified otherwise.” 
Students must still complete all online work tasked by professors. The staff is going through normal operations until further notice. 

This would impact international students negatively. They would be stranded here until they could get a flight home. 

Students are able to decide whether or not they want to stay on campus or go home. All campus events have been cancelled so far and people not associated with the campus are not allowed to attend events on campus through March 29.

All buildings remain open as well as the cafe.

While some student athletes must remain on campus for games and practices, students without those obligations are taking advantage. Student athletes have been alerted to be ready for anything, the semester could end at any given moment dependent on the virus’ spread. 

“I think it's nice that people that don’t play sports like me can go home’” said Tiffin sophomore Hayley Lyons. “We can go home and do class work with our families and all of that”. 

Currently there are no confirmed cases in Tiffin or any involving the university, but the recent confirmation of the virus being discovered near Cleveland has raised concern. 

Some schools in the United States and In other countries have already cancelled the spring semester, telling students they have to move out. Heidelberg, another school in the Tiffin area, has sent students home for the remainder of the semester.

The university has set up a page on its website regarding the corona virus that will update students and staff with the newest decisions and information. 

“At this point in time, I cannot state how long this plan will remain in place. It may be extended and/or changed between now and March 29. We will do our best to keep everyone informed.” 

For the full response plan visit: 
​https://www.tiffin.edu/offices/campus-safety-security/coronavirus https://www.tiffin.edu/offices/campus-safety-security/coronavirus/response-plan