July 13, 2020
OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
Danley Hall, Suite 204
1100 E. 14th Street, PMB P-8 • Ada, OK 74820-6999
580-559-5213 office • 580-559-5788 fax • www.ecok.edu
Dear Students,
As you know, we are living in unique and uncertain times. We recognize that you are seeking certainty, but none of us can know what the future holds for certain. We can, however, control how we approach the future. East Central University is working hard and is confident that whatever shape the academic and non-academic curriculum takes, it will be the excellent, collegial, and productive experience that drew you to East Central University.
For the fall 2020 semester, beginning August 17, we will have a mixture of face-to-face, blended (online/virtual and in-person mix of instruction) as well as online/virtual instruction. ECU will maintain a fall academic calendar consistent with past years which includes scheduled holidays for Labor Day, Fall Break, and Thanksgiving. We are working to ensure our plans are consistent with prevailing health guidance and local, state, and national government requirements. You will be informed as soon as we become aware of any changes. You may also review the ECU COVID-19 Response page on the website for additional information and check for updates.
To help everyone stay informed, we are planning a virtual ECU student town hall meeting prior to the start of the semester. In this forum, we will share any updates, and you will have the opportunity to ask questions. The Zoom link will be shared via the ECU website, email, and text message. More information will be forthcoming about this event.
East Central University is doing all that it can to make an informed, safe, and reasonable decision about the fall 2020 semester. Please understand that whether you attend classes on campus or online, a few things are certain:
- ECU holds as paramount the health, safety, and welfare of every member of its community.
- None of us can guarantee what shape COVID-19 will take, and none of us, including ECU, can guarantee a COVID-19-free environment. A virus-free environment is simply not feasible. It would be disingenuous to suggest otherwise.
- ECU is taking steps to minimize the risk of COVID-19 infections as well as the spread of any disease. Every member of our community—including you—must do their part. This means adhering to national, state, and local health guidelines and requirements as well as specific measures ECU is taking. These measures include the following:
- Most classrooms will be arranged to allow for six-feet of social distancing between students. Please keep the seating as arranged when you enter a room. Some rooms, such as laboratories, may not allow for social distancing; other measures, such as mandatory face coverings, will be followed.
- Each room will have disinfectant wipes, sprays, and gloves should you wish to wipe down your area before using it.
- There are hand sanitizer stations in hallways. Use them frequently.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Wear a face covering at all times when you are near others.
- Anyone who feels sick should seek medical care and not come to campus until cleared to return.
As members of the ECU community, we believe you will agree it is necessary to follow the precautions we have in place, those listed above and any others that may be needed in the future, not just for yourself, but for the safety of others.
Please understand that if you return to the physical campus of ECU, whether in Ada, McAlester, or Durant, there is a risk you may contract COVID-19. We certainly do not wish anyone to become ill, and we are taking all recommended steps to mitigate this risk, but we cannot categorically guarantee this will not happen. By coming to campus, you understand that this is possible.
Finally, regardless of the learning environment for fall 2020, the tuition and fees will be the same. The tuition and fees you provide are in exchange for learning, academic credit, and academic and non-academic services that will be offered whether in-person, in a hybrid environment, or entirely virtual.
East Central University will continue to do its part to have a meaningful, productive, and safe fall 2020 semester. We ask that you do your part as well.
We look forward to seeing you in August for the start of the fall semester.
Sincerely,
Katricia G. Pierson, PhD
Katricia G. Pierson, Ph.D.
President