University-wide communications related to COVID-19

Contact:

Sherry Mercurio
Executive Director, Office of Community Relations
(614) 947-6581
Email: sherry.mercurio@franklin.edu

With a focus on maintaining a safe environment, the university has been closely monitoring the coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19). A task force of senior leadership and subject matter experts has convened, focused on our university’s preparations and response.

We continue to align our recommendations with and follow guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization, and the Ohio Department of Health. 

While there are no campus-associated cases of COVID-19, at least three confirmed cases have been identified in the state of Ohio, and the experts predict that there will be more. Earlier today, we participated in a phone call with Governor DeWine who addressed members of the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Ohio (AICUO). Following his recommendations, the series of updates below is provided related to classes, work arrangements, travel and campus events that will allow us to continue the education of our students while protecting our community. These changes are being implemented with the safety of our campus community as our top priority.

Direction for students and faculty regarding classes

• All students in face-to-face classes will be moved to an online format, effective tomorrow, Wednesday, March 11 through the end of the term, May 9. Over 90% of Franklin University classes this term are held online, limiting the amount of disruption that may be experienced.
• A separate communication will be sent to all faculty teaching courses this term providing additional guidance related to procedural changes resulting from any conversion to the online format.
• FAQs are being developed to help students and faculty navigate these changes and will be available on www.franklin.edu.

Remote work opportunities for faculty and staff 

• The University recognizes the need for providing flexibility for faculty and staff to work remotely. Supervisors should be flexible in allowing those employees who are able to do so to work from home. More information about working remotely will be communicated in the coming days. 
• All employees are encouraged to utilize available technology to hold meetings virtually.
• As a reminder, employees who are sick should stay home and follow CDC guidelines.

Travel 

• Effective immediately and until further notice, all university-sponsored international travel is suspended. This includes new travel as well as any currently booked trips for the next thirty days.
• All domestic travel on behalf of the University is prohibited for the next thirty days unless approved by the president.

Events                                                         

• All events scheduled through the end of the term will be postponed until further notice and no new events will be scheduled.  The University is reviewing options for the upcoming commencement and will provide further information when a final decision has been made.

We will provide updates and any deadline extensions for the above guidelines as more information becomes available.

Due to the rapidly evolving nature of the current situation, guidelines are subject to change as new information emerges. We will continue to monitor regularly and make any necessary modifications as needed with a focus on providing a safe environment for our University community. Please check www.franklin.edu for updates and other information related to the University’s response.

Sincerely, 

David R. Decker, President 

About Franklin University

Accredited, nonprofit, and dedicated to educating adults since 1902, Franklin provides onsite course options at our Main Campus in downtown Columbus, Ohio, and is an innovator in providing personalized online education. The University offers applied in-demand undergraduate, masters, and doctorate programs that enable adult learners to achieve their educational and professional goals. Through agreements with partner institutions, the University also offers international academic programs, including its top-ranked MBA.

Franklin University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and holds specialized accreditations for specific academic programs through the International Accreditation Council for Business Education, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, and the Commission on Accreditation of Health Informatics and Information Management Education. The National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security have designated Franklin University as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CDE).