Dear Midway University Leaders:

We write to add our voices to those of many concerned Midway University system faculty, staff, and students regarding the return to campus in the fall semester. The alarm that each of us has about decisions made at Midway University has led us to come together to formulate these requests.

We call on the Midway University system and the administration of the campus to:

1. OFFER HYBRID/ONLINE: Because the COVID-19 epidemic is not yet under control and because communities surrounding our campuses are put at risk by campus activities, it is unsafe for students and instructors to return to face-to-face instruction; online hybrid or remote teaching should be the default mode on all campuses during the Fall, 2020 semester. It’s understandable for labs and clinical work to be in person, but listening to one talk for hours at a time in a closed area is putting the students at a risk that is not needed. Many students are healthcare workers and work directly with COVID-19 and at times are not appropriately protected by the virus.

2. BE TRANSPARENT: Increase participation of faculty, students, and staff in decision-making and improve communication between and among administrators, faculty, students, and staff.

3. PROTECT THE HEALTH AND ECONOMIC WELL-BEING OF THE UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY: Routinely test individuals, implement thorough and rigorous contact tracing, and provide protective equipment to all those who must be on campus. Ensure the continued employment of campus employees. We oppose all COVID-19-related furloughs and terminations of vulnerable workers and those who are essential to the core academic mission.