COVID-19 Update: Course evaluations canceled, Library services changing and Mass going online

Dear Marquette community:

In the week since we announced a transition to remote learning, we have seen the entire campus rally to take on this challenge. Hundreds of faculty have received training on remote learning technology, students are completing assignments and engaging in class discussions online, and staff across campus are finding ways to support students in new and creative ways. Thank you to the entire Marquette community for banding together, even in this time of social distancing.

Amid these changes, we are committed to keeping you updated as decisions are made to protect the health, safety and well-being of our Marquette community. Please visit Marquette’s coronavirus website, which is updated daily with new information, and Frequently Asked Questions.

Spring term course evaluations (MOCES) canceled
Given the decision to move all courses online as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Provost Kimo Ah Yun – in consultation with and with support from the University Academic Senate Executive Committee, Marquette University Student Government, Graduate Student Organization, Deans Council, Committee on Teaching, and the University Committee on Faculty Promotions and Tenure – has decided to suspend MOCES student course evaluations for spring term 2020. Students will still be given an opportunity to provide feedback about course experiences, but it will not be tied to individual course instructors.

Changing Raynor Memorial Libraries services
To serve our students who remain on campus because they were not able to complete their remote studies elsewhere, Raynor Memorial Libraries is open Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with limited services. Through Wednesday, March 25, patrons will be able to check out books at the main circulation desk and ask research questions at the information desk. To limit the spread of coronavirus and practice vigilant social distancing, beginning next Thursday, March 26, all in-person services at the libraries will be discontinued. Raynor Library will be open only for use as a study and work space; there will be no access to Memorial Library. Check the Raynor Memorial Libraries website for more details.

Hours and services for campus-area businesses
Many campus-area businesses and restaurants are open for business and offering takeout options. Visit the coronavirus website for a full list with hours of operation. The list will be updated weekly.

“Admissions during coronavirus” website for future students
Admissions continues to work tirelessly to recruit students for next fall using virtual technology. If you know a future student who has questions about how the pandemic is affecting campus visits or the deposit deadline, please share this resource.

Mission and Ministry livestreaming Mass at 9 a.m. Sunday
Rev. Jim Voiss, S.J., vice president for mission and ministry, will celebrate Mass by himself in the Madonna Della Strada Chapel in Zilber Hall at 9 a.m. Sunday, March 22. The Mass is not open to campus given the need to practice social distancing, but it will be livestreamed on Facebook and Instagram from the Mission at Marquette pages. Join the online event and celebrate our faith together.

It is clear that shifting to online teaching could impact student grading and promotion and tenure processes.  Knowing that we have important decisions to make, we remain committed to making them in consultation with the appropriate shared governance bodies on our campus and in a thoughtful manner. We remain focused on doing what is best for our students, faculty and staff in both the near and long term.

Thank you for continuing to care for each other as we live our mission during these challenging days.

Sincerely,

Dr. Kimo Ah Yun
Provost and Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs

Joel Pogodzinski
Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer