In response to COVID-19 concerns, Colorado Mesa University (CMU) has made the decision to move classes online, effective March 23 through April 5, according to an email from CMU Vice President of Student Affairs John Marshall.

All CMU campuses, which includes Bishop, Montrose and the Main Campus, will remain open during this time. This includes all academic buildings and business operations such as Tomlinson Library and the University Center.

“Students can expect to hear more information from faculty members in the coming days concerning schedule, expectations and format,” Marshall’s email read. “It will be critically important that students are frequently checking CMU email and D2L course shells.”

This follows a string of other Colorado universities transitioning to online classes, including Colorado College, University of Colorado Boulder and Colorado State University.

“Buildings are fully disinfected every morning, afternoon and following closing — and an additional daily cleaning has been added for a total of 3-5 cleanings each day,” Marshall’s email read. “Academic buildings are disinfected and cleaned daily and Residence Halls are currently being cleaned and disinfected twice daily.”

On Tuesday, March 10, Colorado Governor, Jared Polis, declared a 30-day state of emergency order that will be renewed as needed. As of 8:15 p.m. on Wednesday, March 11, there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Mesa County.

On Wednesday, March 11, the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus a pandemic. There are over 900 cases of COVID-19 reported in the United States. More than 100 countries have been affected nationally, with 115,000 cases with over 4,200 deaths being reported. In Colorado, there are currently 33 confirmed cases.

Information regarding CMU and moving to online classes can be found here.