The latest information about Lawrence Technological University's response to the COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic. Please visit it frequently for updates that will be posted chronologically, with the most recent news leading each section.
March 4, 2021*
*data updated daily M-F
Dear Students, Faculty, Staff, Alumni, Parents, and Friends –
Happy new year and best wishes for a productive and successful spring semester. We’re glad to welcome our students back!
As you may have read elsewhere, Lawrence Tech is providing face-to-face instruction this semester as much as possible, augmented, when necessary, with hybrid and e-learning courses. Students have overwhelmingly told us that face-to-face learning is the method they prefer. A Lawrence Tech education, with its remarkable return on investment, is still very much worth the effort, even during the pandemic’s disruptions.
We’re very confident in offering face-to-face learning under appropriate conditions because of the splendid diligence our campus community showed in following health and safety protocols during the fall semester. However, the pandemic is not over. We need to continue wearing masks, practicing social distancing, limiting social activity, washing hands frequently, disinfecting our environments, and other safety procedures. Very importantly, these measures need to be followed not only on campus but off campus as well as at events, jobs, gatherings of friends and family, at restaurants, while shopping, and more.
We’re all very interested in the rollout plans for the COVID-19 vaccine. This phased rollout likely will take a number of months to complete. First priority are front line healthcare workers, emergency personnel, and the elderly. It ultimately fans out to all of us as a larger supply of vaccines become available. Please watch the news and contact your local health department or your personal healthcare provider when it is appropriate for you to make an appointment for your vaccine inoculation. The latest vaccine information can be found at:
- Oakland County: https://oaklandcountyvaccine.com/
- DHHS: Michigan.gov/COVIDVaccine
- CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/index.html
While the pandemic continues to affect all of us, in these difficult times I am heartened by your patience, cooperation, and the ways we work together to overcome any obstacles. Keep up your good efforts and know how much we’re cheering for your continued progress and accomplishments.
Sincerely,
Virinder K. Moudgil, PhD
President and CEO
OFFICE OF THE PROVOST
I hope that you find yourself well as we approach the halfway mark of the 2020-21 academic year. This year has presented the Lawrence Tech community with many challenges, yet we have persevered and will continue to do so. Placing high priority on health and wellness, I have made a decision to delay the start date of the spring 2021 semester.
The spring semester will begin on Tuesday, January 19, immediately following Martin Luther King Day. After consultation with numerous members of the LTU community, I have also decided to cancel the mid-semester break. These changes will help to ensure that we are healthy before returning to campus and limit potential exposure to illness. The semester end date of May 7, 2021, will remain as previously scheduled.
Universities in Michigan and throughout the nation have taken similar steps to ensure the safety and well-being of their communities. At LTU, we will continue to implement appropriate safety measures and prepare for a successful spring semester. More information will be provided to you very soon. I sincerely thank you for your understanding and continued commitment to Lawrence Tech.
Stay well and best regards,
Tarek Sobh, PhD, PE
Provost
OFFICE OF THE PROVOST
Earlier tonight, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer updated the State of Michigan on the latest restrictions and mitigations related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
As a result, Lawrence Technological University will make the following switches immediately, as of today (November 15, 2020) through the end of the Fall semester (December 17, 2020):
- All in-person, face-to-face instruction, including labs. and senior projects, is being replaced by online instruction through the end of the semester, December 17, 2020. Students should communicate with their college Dean if they need further details regarding course instruction.
- All courses currently delivered online will continue as scheduled.
- Students residing in University Housing units will receive further updates tomorrow from the Dean of Students office.
- All NAIA athletic practices and competitions are cancelled through November 29, 2020. Student-athletes will receive communications on the resumption of practices and competitions from the Director of Athletics later this week.
Thank you for cooperation and understanding. Be safe!
Tarek Sobh, PhD, PE
Provost
OFFICE OF THE PROVOST
Dear Students,
Our goal this semester was to provide as much of a traditional university experience as possible during these unusual times while maintaining safe practices. We have consistently monitored the virus in our community and adjusted our practices as deemed appropriate. It has recently become apparent that there is an increase in COVID-19 positivity rates in the State of Michigan and in the Lawrence Tech community, leading us to make an adjustment to our semester schedule with the goal of mitigating the spread of COVID-19.
Beginning on Monday, November 16, 2020, all classes will be delivered virtually for the remainder of the Fall 2020 semester. Laboratory courses and senior projects in the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Business and Information Technology, and the College of Engineering will be an exception and will remain on-campus through November 24, 2020. The College of Architecture and Design will identify the classes that will remain on-campus through November 24, 2020 and communicate these exceptions directly to its students.
Residence halls and dining services will remain open through their originally scheduled and communicated dates. These actions will hopefully allow us to do our part as Blue Devils and help slow the spread in our community.
I hope that you are well and thank you for your efforts.
Tarek Sobh, PhD, PE
Provost
Dear campus community
I am writing today to provide you with LTU's approach to the Fall 2020 semester, and to thank you for both your patience and your assistance in developing this plan. We have evaluated academic and residential options thoroughly, as well as the potential measures to mitigate risk.
We are grateful to all of our own colleagues who have dedicated many hours to these efforts, as well as the outside experts who have advised us on all matters. Having said that, we must acknowledge that new events may require changes to our carefully considered plans. If that happens, we will communicate as quickly and thoroughly as possible.
Below are some highlights of actions taken. More information can be found using this Guidance Document.
Classrooms and Teaching: The Colleges, along with Campus Facilities and the Registrar, have updated all information on the room capacity for each classroom. In many cases, furniture has been moved or modified. Additionally, much work has been done to accommodate the various modes of teaching that may be used (hybrid, online, on ground).
Housing and Dining: We will have residential housing in the fall. Areas have been modified to maximize social distancing, and a separate pod of rooms has been dedicated to any potentially infected students. The plans that have been developed were reviewed and approved by the Oakland County Health Department's Medical Director.
Student Life: A daily health screening will be required by all, including our students. At this time, a google document is being used, but a computer app through Rave Guardian will replace that form before school starts. All requirements for wearing masks, maintaining social distancing and other safety measures will be enforced. For students, it will be through the Student Code of Conduct. For employees, it will be through the regular process of disciplining employees.
Facilities, Cleaning and Signage: Facilities has increased its cleaning across campus. There are over 100 hand sanitizer stations that have been deployed across campus, and bottles of disinfectant will be made available for every department and classroom. Signage can also be seen both on exterior doors and interior doors, reminding people about masks and social distancing.
As the fall semester begins, we will be monitoring the plans we have put in place to see if any modifications are needed. The situation is fluid, and we ask for your patience as we settle into our new normal.
For now, I hope that you and your families are safe. I appreciate your support, patience and assistance as we move into the fall semester.
Virinder K. Moudgil, PhD
President and CEO
IMPORTANT REQUIREMENTS - RETURNING TO CAMPUS
I am writing about an important requirement when you are on campus this semester. Starting Wednesday, August 12, 2020, all students must complete a Daily Health Screen for any day they will be physically on the LTU campus.
LTU is using the GoCanvas App for your Daily Health Screenings. Earlier this morning, you should have received email in reference to activating your GoCanvas account.
Please make sure you do the following:
1) Review and sign the LTU COVID-19 pledge. The pledge affirms your commitment to reducing the spread of COVID-19. It also highlights mandatory behaviors such as masking and social distancing while on campus. Every student needs to sign and agree to the LTU COVID-19 Pledge, but it only needs to be completed once.
2) Complete your daily health screening. This is not optional. It must be completed prior to your arrival on campus or leaving your university housing unit for the first time that day. You can not be on campus if you have not completed the Daily Health Screening. The Daily Health Screening will provide you one of two potential results:
A) "Good to Go" - This allows you to be on campus for the day of the completed screeYou may be asked to show this to enter the classroom, cafeteria, field house, etc.,so consider taking a screenshot of the "Good to Go" image for that day.
B) "Stay at Home" - Your screening has not cleared you to be on campus. If you are a commuter, please remain off campus. If you reside in University Housing, please remain in your housing unit. If you are a student-athlete, do not attend any practices or conditioning sessions. A Student Affairs staff member will contact you to review your screening results. They will identify your next steps and a potential timeline for your return to campus and classes.
Students who choose not to complete the Daily Health Screening will be in violation of the Student Code of Conduct. Sanctions for an initial violation will be a warning and probation. Repeated violations will result in a suspension.
Take care and thank you for your commitment to the safety of our campus community.
Kevin Finn
Dean of Students
COVID-19 RESPONSE AND PREPAREDNESS, FALL 2020
Dear campus community
I am writing today to provide you with LTU's approach to the Fall 2020 semester, and to thank you for both your patience and your assistance in developing this plan. We have evaluated academic and residential options thoroughly, as well as the potential measures to mitigate risk.
We are grateful to all of our own colleagues who have dedicated many hours to these efforts, as well as the outside experts who have advised us on all matters. Having said that, we must acknowledge that new events may require changes to our carefully considered plans. If that happens, we will communicate as quickly and thoroughly as possible.
Below are some highlights of actions taken. More information can be found in the attached Guidance Document.
Classrooms and Teaching: The Colleges, along with Campus Facilities and the Registrar, have updated all information on the room capacity for each classroom. In many cases, furniture has been moved or modified. Additionally, much work has been done to accommodate the various modes of teaching that may be used (hybrid, online, on ground).
Housing and Dining: We will have residential housing in the fall. Areas have been modified to maximize social distancing, and a separate pod of rooms has been dedicated to any potentially infected students. The plans that have been developed were reviewed and approved by the Oakland County Health Department's Medical Director.
Student Life: A daily health screening will be required by all, including our students. At this time, a google document is being used, but a computer app through Rave Guardian will replace that form before school starts.All requirements for wearing masks, maintaining social distancing and other safety measures will be enforced.For students, it will be through the Student Code of Conduct. For employees, it will be through the regular process of disciplining employees.
Facilities, Cleaning and Signage: Facilities has increased its cleaning across campus. There are over 100 hand sanitizer stations that have been deployed across campus, and bottles of disinfectant will be made available for every department and classroom. Signage can also be seen both on exterior doors and interior doors, reminding people about masks and social distancing.
As the fall semester begins, we will be monitoring the plans we have put in place to see if any modifications are needed. The situation is fluid, and we ask for your patience as we settle into our new normal.
For now, I hope that you and your families are safe. I appreciate your support, patience and assistance as we move into the fall semester.
Virinder K. Moudgil, PhD
President and CEO
OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES
Return-to-work Reminders
The Office of Human Resources outlines some important Return-to-Work Reminders for all employees as the university re-opens our campus community.
Please be assured that HR is here to answer your questions please contact Starlett Sinclair, Senior Manager Benefits and HRIS, at benefits@ltu.edu for employee benefit questions. Feel free to contact Deshawn Johnson, Associate Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, at djohnson@ltu.edu for managerial issues related to this matter.
OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES
Telecommuting Policies and Procedures
Lawrence Tech is pleased to announce a Telecommuting Policy and Procedure for staff and administrators. We consider telecommuting a viable, flexible work option for rare cases where it is mutually agreed upon that both the employee and their job is suitable for such an arrangement. Telecommuting may be appropriate for some employees and their jobs but not for others. Immediate supervisors, and their supervisors, are responsible for making this determination and completing a Telecommuting Arrangement form in DocuSign - Envelope 12.
Telecommuting Policies and Procedures [PDF]
For interpretation of this policy, please contact Deshawn Johnson, Associate Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, on extension 2117 or at djohnson@ltu.edu.
September 15th
September 22nd
September 29th
Campus Tour – Students will have the opportunity to tour our beautiful Southfield, MI campus with one of our Student Ambassadors to see if Lawrence Tech is the right fit! Admissions Counselors are available to answer questions at the end of the tour. Daily tours will be offered Monday-Friday at 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. The health and safety of our campus community is important to us and we will be practicing social distancing and require our guests to wear masks.
Architecture and Design Tour -- Tour our College of Architecture and Design with Associate Dean, Scott Shall. During these limited offerings, you'll have the opportunity to see our facilities, learn more about our programs and curriculum, and ask any questions you might have. Admissions Counselors are available to answer questions at the end of the tour. Tours are limited to one family at a time. The health and safety of our campus community is important to us and we will be practicing social distancing and require our guests to wear masks.
Virtual Admissions Counselor Appointment – Schedule a phone call or online video chat with an Admissions Counselor to discuss any questions about your next steps.
Virtual Tours – Gives you a chance to explore our residence halls, classrooms, laboratories and studios.
Test Optional for Fall 2021 – Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, Lawrence Tech has made a temporary change in our standardized test submission policy to protect the health and well-being of our future students. Freshman applicants for the Fall 2021 semester will have the option to apply without submitting an ACT or SAT score. Test scores are not required to receive scholarships; students who are unable to submit standardized scores will not be disadvantaged in the merit scholarship process. However, if you have already taken or plan on taking the SAT or ACT and would like to submit test scores, your test scores will be considered supplemental information. To learn more about all scholarship opportunities, please visit our webpage here.
HOUSING REFUND
We appreciate your patience, and hope you and your family are safe and healthy. We know that students have questions in regard to housing and meal plan refunds and/or credits due to the impact of COVID-19. Please note housing rates vary depending on the building a student resides in. Here is a brief summary of LTU’s policy:
- Students who resided in Donley Hall, Reuss Hall or East Hall will receive a prorated amount of $1,100 for their housing and $700 for their meal plan.
- Students who resided in a one bedroom apartment in South Housing will receive a prorated amount of $1,000 for their housing and $700 for their meal plan. Students who resided in a two bedroom in South Housing will receive $700 for their housing and $700 for their meal plan.
- Students who resided in Arbor Lofts will receive a prorated amount of $1,400.
- Students with a meal plan exemption are not eligible for a prorated meal plan refund.
- Students with a reduced plan due to an approved disability accommodation, please email housing@ltu.edu for the meal plan refund amount.
- Graduate assistants and resident assistants are not eligible for housing and meal plan refunds.
- For all students, credits will first be applied to any outstanding student account balance.
- Students who have petitioned to graduate will receive a refund check.
- Students who have remained in University Housing and/or Arbor Lofts will not be eligible for a credit or refund.
Students who have not petitioned to graduate may choose to have a credit applied to their account for future charges or receive a refund check. Students selecting a refund check, please email Michele Hines, mhines@ltu.edu, in Student Accounts by 11:59 p.m. on April 12, 2020. Students who do not respond by April 12, 2020 will automatically receive a credit on their accounts.
Take care and be safe.
Kevin Finn
Dean of Students
The health of our community is of the utmost importance. If a member of our community is not wearing a mask, we ask that you approach them and provide a friendly reminder. If they are non-compliant or are a habitual offender, please report the violation here:
