After a two-week spring break, students returned\u00a0 to their studies \u2013 solely on their computers. About 6,500 classes went completely online through the end of the semester and the summer sessions, to protect the health and safety of the campus community.<\/p>\n
Moving classes online is one form of social distancing — a strategy that public health experts say is the most effective way to slow the spread of COVID-19 — among others implemented by the University.<\/p>\n
Montclair State has also closed most of the campus, except for a few buildings including a small number of residence halls, the health center and dining options for the approximately 450 students who still live on campus.<\/p>\n
The term \u201csocial distancing\u201d \u2013 a rarely used phrase until the coronavirus pandemic began \u2013 refers to avoiding close contact with others<\/a> in order to reduce contagion.<\/p>\n \u201cThe University has two critical current objectives. First, to keep our students and employees as safe as possible. Second, to enable our students to complete the academic term,\u201d President Susan A. Cole said.<\/p>\n The social distancing precautions Montclair State has adopted to reduce health risks include:<\/p>\n Montclair State Public Health Professor Stephanie Silvera, an epidemiologist who has provided the news media with expert insight into minimizing the spread of COVID-19<\/a>, said colleges provide complex challenges, especially public universities serving a broad community of students with varying needs.<\/p>\n It is essential to maintain services for students who do not have the ability to leave, while at the same time practicing social distancing to protect health, safety and wellness, she said.<\/p>\n \u201cWe’re not really talking about being socially distant, so much as we’re talking about being physically distant,\u201d Silvera explains. \u201cThe idea is you want to maintain at least six feet between you and another person in order to reduce your risk of coming in contact with the disease.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cStaggered work hours, ensuring people are a safe distance apart, and making sure students don\u2019t congregate in dining halls will serve all the constituents of the University, and that means, students, faculty and staff,\u201d\u00a0 Silvera said.<\/p>\n \u201cThese certainly are unusual and difficult times and we will do our best to ensure that students\u2019 needs are met as effectively as possible,\u201d Cole said. \u201cOur efforts may change as the situation evolves and I am extremely grateful to all of the faculty, staff and student employees who are working so hard on this complex effort.\u201d<\/p>\n You can find all University Communications and what students, faculty and staff need to know about the coronavirus on the Montclair State coronavirus website<\/a>.<\/p>\n Story written by Staff Writer Marilyn Lehren<\/a><\/p>\n\n