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Coronavirus questions: the answers we have now

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With the constant barrage of novel coronavirus news updates, it can be hard to stay informed. Here’s a list of some important coronavirus related questions The Miami Student has answered over the past month:

Q: Is the coronavirus in Oxford? If so, does anyone at Miami have it?

A: Yes, the coronavirus is in Oxford. As of last weekend, four patients had tested positive at McCullough-Hyde Memorial Hospital, said Rob Whitehouse, TriHealth’s vice president of marketing and communications. Only one had symptoms severe enough to require hospitalization. The patient was in a stable condition and did not need a ventilator.

There have been two cases of coronavirus among members of the Miami community. There is little information about the two people who tested positive, but we know one is a Miami employee. Neither person has been on campus since March 20. 

Q: Can I opt for credit/no-credit for any class, or just classes not related to my major?

A: Provost Jason Osborne said restrictions on the credit/no-credit grading option have been relaxed this semester. Students can take most undergraduate classes with the credit/no-credit option, regardless of the course’s relation to a student’s major. To see which of your courses can be taken as credit/no-credit, consult your Bannerweb account. 

Q: When is registration for fall courses? Will it work the same as usual?

A: Registration has been pushed back two weeks and will begin on April 23. Check your Bannerweb account to find your updated time ticket to schedule. Scheduling for fall courses will work as it usually does, with students using Bannerweb to register for classes. All academic advising has been moved online. 

Q: Will classes resume on campus in the fall?

A: Right now, the answer is yes. Although faculty have been told to prepare for the possibility of online instruction through the beginning of the fall semester, that is currently a worst case scenario. Classes are scheduled to return to face-to-face instruction for the fall semester. 

Q: What’s the latest with commencement?

A: Spring commencement has been canceled. But, President Greg Crawford announced the rescheduling of events for the weekend of Sept. 11-13. Graduates will be invited back to partake in divisional ceremonies and events honoring the entire class. 

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Q: Will Miami refund me for housing and meal plans?

A: Yes. The university is finalizing its partial refunds of housing and meal plan expenses, as well as a partial refund of various fees students pay each semester along with tuition. 

Q: I’m looking for a job; is Miami hiring right now?

A: No. Miami placed a hiring freeze into effect to combat the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on the university’s finances.

This is a developing story, and information will be added as it becomes available.

Miami’s coronavirus information page can be accessed here. The CDC also has a comprehensive coronavirus page. Anyone who is experiencing symptoms can call the Student Health Service at 513-529-3000. 

Students with questions about the coronavirus and the university’s policies can reach out to Associated Student Government.

@timcarlin_

carlintm@miamioh.edu