Media Contact: Dr. Jeff Long 575.562.2221
While there are no cases of COVID-19 at the ENMU-Portales campus, there are multiple cases that have been confirmed in the state of New Mexico. We anticipate these numbers to increase. Our decisions are always guided with the safety of our campus and the health and well being of our students, faculty, staff, and visitors in mind. Hence, the following measures will be put in place on the ENMU-Portales campus to help prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and mitigate its impact on the community.
• Spring Break will be extended an additional week for all students, through Sunday, March 22, 2020. All classes will resume on Monday, March 23, 2020. In-person classes will be transferred to an online/alternative format.
• Employees – faculty, staff and administration should report to work as usual on Monday, March 16, 2020unless otherwise directed by a supervisor; the University will provide guidance related to social distancing and enhanced preventative public health hygiene.
• During this additional week of Spring Break, the University will finalize plans to initiate alternative instructional methods that will allow students to continue their education without coming to campus. Students should regularly monitor their ENMU email for updates on how their courses will be delivered.
• All large events and gatherings sponsored by the University or those scheduled in University facilities are canceled through Wednesday, April 15, 2020. Athletic events will follow NCAA and Lone Star Conference (LSC) guidelines. Questions related to scheduled University events should be directed to the Office of Student Affairs.
• All University-sponsored or funded travel out of state as well as international is suspended until further notice unless deemed critical and approved by the appropriate vice president or chancellor. We strongly encourage everyone to consider the risks related to out-of-state and international travel for personal reasons.
• The University has plans in place to address the needs of students residing on campus.
o Students are encouraged to remain home.
o Student residents are strongly encouraged to practice appropriate social distancing and enhanced preventative public health and hygiene measures; additional information regarding preventative measures can be found at cdc.gov.
o Arrangements will be made with the Office of Housing and Residence Life for students who are unable to travel home or those who do not the ability for other housing arrangements.
We understand that there will be numerous questions related to these decisions. The situation is rapidly evolving; therefore, all of these measures are subject to change. We will continue to monitor the situation regularly and adjust as needed
Dr. Jeff Elwell, Chancellor of Eastern New Mexico University, said, “Our students and employees well-being is our number one priority here at Eastern New Mexico University. We appreciate your understanding and continued cooperation during these difficult times. Thank you for all of your efforts to promote a safe and healthy campus community.”
For more information visit enmu.edu/UniversityOperations
