Midwestern University Official Statement for Winter Quarter 2020-2021 on Our Campuses

November 23, 2020 | Midwestern University

Midwestern University’s Campuses in Downers Grove, IL, and Glendale, AZ will continue the hybrid learning model for the Winter 2020-2021 academic quarter. This model combines virtual and in-person labs, lectures, and other educational experiences. Due in large part to careful planning by the Midwestern University Response Team and the efforts of everyone at Midwestern University, this model was successful during the Fall Quarter.

The University will continue its COVID-19 mitigation strategies to allow our campuses and clinics to safely continue operations. “I am impressed with the resilience of our campus community and the commitment our faculty and staff have shown to ensure that our students are able to complete their rigorous coursework,” said Kathleen H. Goeppinger, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer. “The health and safety of our community is our top priority and we will continue to make decisions that follow best practices and public health guidelines. Throughout this pandemic, we will rely on the cooperation of the entire campus community to be responsible for their actions on and off campus,” she added.

The University will continue to require everyone on our campuses and in our clinics to wear a face covering in all public spaces and in all campus facilities.  In addition to maintaining enhanced cleaning protocols, providing additional hand sanitizing stations, installing plexiglass shields in high-traffic areas, and increasing the air exchange in campus and clinic facilities, the University also has taken the following steps to ensure the health and safety of our campus community:

• Daily Health Screenings – students, faculty, staff, and visitors are required to complete a daily health screening and record their temperature prior to coming to campus. Protocols are in place to immediately address any health concerns and limit the potential exposure to the virus.
• Occupancy Limits – the University has implemented significant reductions in occupancy levels in classrooms, laboratories, and lecture halls, and will continue to schedule smaller student groups for in-person learning
• Enhanced Educational Technology – new hardware and software has been purchased by the University to provide better learning experiences for students, both online and in-person. This enhanced technology includes improved audio-visual tools to facilitate the recording of all lectures, presentation materials, and documents.
• Increased Cleaning and Sanitation Procedures – all campus and clinic facilities are cleaned and sanitized daily, as well as using outside airflow and HEPA filtration systems. Computer labs are being cleaned three times a day; campus cafeterias are open with additional health and safety protocols being followed; campus libraries are open with enhanced cleaning and social distancing guidelines in place, and library books and materials are being sanitized on a frequent basis. Signs throughout our campuses and clinics serve as important reminders to wear a mask, keep appropriate social distance, and wash your hands.
• Continued Student Support and Mentorship –interaction, guidance, and support of the Midwestern University faculty and staff is an important component to our students’ success and the University will continue to provide student support and mentorship with virtual meetings and office hours via teleconference. 

Midwestern University will continue to monitor the latest developments and recommendations from Federal, State, and Local authorities regarding COVID-19, and will update its plans accordingly. “As members of the healthcare community, we have shown that by working together we can continue to minimize the impact of COVID-19 on our campuses while continuing to provide excellent education to our future healthcare heroes,” Dr. Goeppinger said.