Due to the recent outbreak of COVID-19, Kansas State implemented precautionary measures to limit potential exposure and substantial community spread. After spring break, the university announced in-person classes would be suspended for the remainder of the spring semester. Additionally, campus has shifted to limited operations.
More recently, though, K-State announced orientation will take place online, and campus visits will be suspended until May 17.
All summer classes will also be held online.
“With the difference and advancements in technology in today’s society, I believe that an all-online orientation won’t be a massive switch up,” Colton Adkins, incoming freshman, said. “It’s a big deal, but students can handle it,”
Garrett Winter, sophomore in architectural engineering, said he thinks an online orientation can be just as successful as an in-person one.
“I don’t see it as a massive disadvantage or anything, it is just a change in format,” Winter said.
K-State’s website also states that online orientation and enrollment will be provided at a discounted cost of $50. Parent orientation will be free of charge.
The June Wildcat Warm-up has also been cancelled. However, the university is offering a Wildcat Warm-up experience in August prior to the beginning of the fall semester.
The Center for Disease Control published a statement on their website confirming that institutions of higher education who are working with local health departments play a significant part in slowing the spread of diseases.
“As a way to provide additional flexibility, K-State has made several accommodations to registration and enrollment for the spring 2020 and summer 2020 semesters,” Karen Goos, vice provost, said.
In a virtual town hall on March 31, Provost Charles Taber said the university is making plans in the instance that the university chooses to extend online classes through the fall semester.
K-State will be updating its website as more information comes out regarding the virus. For now, students are asked to check their student email for updates.