Eastern Athletics COVID-19 Information & Resources

7/29/2020 3:51:00 PM | General

Guidelines, Related Content, Ticket Information

In keeping with the state of Michigan's MI Safe Start Plan, the Eastern Michigan University Athletic Department and Ticket Office will offer remote services only until further notice. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to us via email. If your questions are specific to event ticketing, please check the tickets section on this page for contact information.

Eastern Athletics is following directives and guidelines from the state of Michigan, the Washtenaw County Health Department, Eastern Michigan University, the NCAA and the Mid-American Conference regarding competitions, training, and academic classes based on the latest developments in the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).

As we continue to navigate during these challenging times, we know the impact has been felt by many around the country, in our community, and within Eastern athletics. Please know that everyone is in our thoughts, and we truly believe, united as one, we will emerge from these difficult times. We are optimistically looking forward to our student-athletes returning to campus and our teams competing.

To keep up with the latest information, follow the department's official Twitter account at Twitter.com/EMUAthletics, by Facebook at Facebook.com/EMUAthletics, or on Instagram at Instagram.com/EMUAthletics.

We will get through this together!

The health and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff has been our top priority in all actions related to the return to campus this fall.Unlike classroom, residence hall, and campus settings, the field of competition rarely allows for safe physical distancing and may complicate the use of masks or face coverings. These factors create a deep concern for student-athlete health and safety in the current pandemic. Over the past few weeks, we have heard clearly from our state’s health and medical experts indicating that this postponement was the only safe path forward. I know this news affects many of you deeply, and please know that I share in your disappointment.

- EMU President Dr. James M. Smith

Eastern Michigan Things to Know
This year, more than ever before, Eastern Michigan needs your support. There are many ways you can help - become an Eastern Athletic Fund member. Every dollar and every supporter makes a difference. Thank you.

Sept. 25, 2020 Update - MAC Football Returning to the Field; Season to Start Nov. 4
The Mid-American Conference Council of Presidents, on the recommendation of the Medical Advisory Panel voted unanimously to resume the fall football season. A six-game conference-only schedule will begin on Wednesday, Nov. 4, and the season will conclude on Dec. 18 or 19 with the MAC football championship game. The Conference will implement a COVID-19 testing program requiring four antigen tests per week with all positive tests needing confirmation with a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. Any student-athlete with a positive test will enter a cardiac screening protocol. Click here for more

August 8, 2020 Update - Mid-American Conference Announces Postponement of Fall Sports
The Mid-American Conference (MAC) has announced the postponement of all scheduled fall contests, as well as MAC championships, due to continuing concerns related to the COVID-19 global pandemic. The Council of Presidents unanimously voted to take this action with the health and safety of its student-athletes, coaches and communities as its top priority. The fall sports affected are men’s and women’s cross country, field hockey, football, men’s soccer, women’s soccer and women’s volleyball. Click here for more information.

July 30, 2020 Update - Statement Regarding EMU Football Games vs. Southeastern Conference
We are aware of scheduling decisions announced today by the Southeastern Conference. We are disappointed for our student-athletes, coaches, and fans that were looking forward to making the trip to Kentucky and Missouri for our non-conference football games. We continue to monitor the ever-changing collegiate landscape and will continue to consult with the Mid-American Conference regarding the 2020 schedule. Click here for more information.

July 16, 2020 Update - Mid-American Conference Delays Start of Fall Olympic Sports Season
The Mid-American Conference (MAC) announced Thursday that with all due caution for the health and well-being of the student-athletes, coaches and others involved, it will postpone the start of field hockey, men's soccer, women's soccer, women's volleyball and men's and women's cross country competition until Sept. 3, 2020. The decision will provide additional time to prepare for the safe return to competition on an adjusted timeline. Click here for more information.

July 14, 2020 Update - MAC Football Media Preview Suspended Indefinitely
Due to recent events, the Mid-American Conference is suspending indefinitely its virtual Football Media Day Preview until further notice. Originally scheduled for August 3-4, a decision concerning moving forward will happen at the appropriate time.

June 15, 2020 Update - Eastern Athletics to Activate Return to Campus Plan
Eastern Michigan University, in accordance with the state of Michigan's MI Safe Start Plan, the NCAA Resocialization of Sports Plan, the Mid-American Conference, and with the guidance of the University's Public Health Work Group, has determined football student-athletes will be allowed to return to voluntary workouts after being cleared by EMU Sports Medicine personnel.
The move comes as the NCAA Division I Council voted on May 22 to allow student-athletes to return to on-campus voluntary workouts beginning June 1. Click here for more information.

March 12, 2020 - EMU Department of Athletics Suspended All Athletic Activity
After consultation with officials from the Mid-American Conference, public health and medical professionals, and university administration, and in compliance with the NCAA and MAC's decision to cancel its winter and spring championships for the 2020 season, the EMU Department of Athletics has suspended all athletic activity. All voluntary workouts and organized practice activities, including spring football, and all in person recruiting activities – both on and off campus - for all sports are suspended until the University resumes normally scheduled operations. Click here for more information.

The health and welfare of our student-athletes, their families, our staff and our fans has to guide all decisions made in regards to competing in intercollegiate athletics. Moving the fall season to the spring hopefully affords our league institutions more time to prepare and fine tune our health and safety precautions. Our department will remain focused on ensuring the safest experience possible, as we pivot to provide training and development opportunities. As is always the case, Eastern Michigan Athletics will fully support our student-athletes through this challenging time in their athletic and academic pursuits.

- EMU Vice President/Director of Athletics Scott Wetherbee

Frequently Asked Questions Related to COVID-19 University Measures

This information is designed to serve as a central resource for common questions related to the state emergency declared by the President of the United States and Governor of Michigan in response to the COVID-19 global public health crisis. This is a rapidly-evolving situation, and the information will be modified and updated. Please review this resource regularly.

Please click here for COVID-19 updates pertaining to the University and resources. Click here for answers to the frequently asked questions about EMU.

Is the University open?

Yes, but the University has modified its operations in response to the declaration of a state of emergency by the President of the United States, the "Stay Home, Stay Safe" executive orders issued by the Governor of Michigan, and consistent with guidelines from applicable government agencies to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

Beginning Monday, March 16, all University in-person classes were delivered online for the remainder of the winter semester.

The first sections of the summer 2020 semester that begin in May will also be delivered online. The University is evaluating whether other in-person classes that are scheduled to occur later in the summer 2020 semester will also be delivered online. We will announce details as soon as they are available.

Most University offices are open, but the physical offices are closed. Email and online communication is encouraged because employees have been directed to work remotely unless designated by their supervisor to work on campus.

Details about other University operations are included throughout this FAQ document and on the University’s website that is dedicated to providing updates about the University’s operations during this national crisis. Click on the yellow banner (COVID-19) located at the top of the main page to view the latest information.

(Information is current as of July 14, 2020)

What are EMU's polcies on testing and workouts?

EMU will follow the NCAA's guidelines on voluntary workouts, which restricts coaching involvement.

With the safety of student-athletes and staff remaining the main priority, the following guidelines will be implemented:
• Student-athletes and staff will undergo a COVID-19 antigen test prior to the start of the voluntary workout period.
• Daily symptom checks will be administered to student-athletes and staff upon arrival at the facility.
• Activities will occur in staggered small groups of student-athletes to achieve social distancing.
• Student-athlete groupings will remain consistent throughout Phase I.
• All equipment and facilities will be thoroughly sanitized after each group use.
• Student-athletes will not be permitted to share towels or water bottles.
• Masks will be required for student-athletes and staff at predetermined times and locations during the workout sessions.
• Locker room facilities will not be available for any student-athletes or staff members.
• EMU has specific isolation protocols in place for any staff or student-athlete that reports symptoms or tests positive.

The plans are subject to change based on further guidance from the state of Michigan, the Washtenaw County Health Department, Eastern Michigan University, the NCAA or the Mid-American Conference.

Safe Return to Campus Plans

(Information is current as of July 14, 2020)

What if I know of an issue regarding the health or safety of an EMU student-athlete, coach, or staff member?

The number one priority of Eastern Michigan University Athletics is to emphasize the health and safety of its student-athletes, coaches and staff. As a department, we are committed to abiding by the safeguards outlined by public health officials. We have created a form to provide you with an opportunity to disclose issues in a confidential, anonymous manner. You can access it by clicking here.

This form is intended as a resource to provide an anonymous reporting line for inquiries outside of the athletics department, but it is not the only means of reporting information.

How many EMU student-athlete, coaches, or staff have tested positive for COVID-19?

The university is not sharing cumulative COVID-19 information publicly as it could lead to the identification of specific individuals and compromise their medical privacy

Will schedules and/or team travel be altered due to COVID-19?

It is very likely that schedules and team travel will be altered. Our priority is the safety and well-being of our scholar-athletes, and we may have to limit travel reductions.

Is official recruiting suspended?

While the NCAA has mandated a recruiting "dead period" until September 30 which restricts in-person visits, coaches are still permitted to talk to recruits via phone or through video conferencing technology.

(Information is current as of Sept. 1, 2020)

Will fall 2020 classes occur in-person?

The University’s goal is to hold as many courses and programs in-person on campus in fall 2020 as possible. We must, however, recognize that the global pandemic continues to evolve, and that this decision must be made carefully to ensure the safety of students and EMU employees. We are planning for several different scenarios and hope to announce a plan for fall in the middle of summer.

(Information is current as of July 14, 2020)

Is Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) open?

Yes, but support is now being offered via phone and video sessions with Zoom. If students have questions or need to speak with a counselor, they should email CAPS at counseling.services@emich.edu and communicate their interest. Phone messages can be left at 734.487.1118 and will be returned as soon as possible. CAPS will also continue to offer after-hours (after 5 p.m. and on weekends) phone support through its main CAPS phone line, 734.487.1118.

Other mental health resources include:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1.800.273.8255
Crisis Text Line: Text “hello” to 741741
COVID-19 Mental Health Resource Hub

(Information is current as of July 14, 2020)

What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is described by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) as “an outbreak of respiratory disease caused by a novel (new) coronavirus that was first detected in China and which has now been detected in more than 100 countries internationally, including the United States.”

According to the CDC, “reported illnesses have ranged from very mild (including some with no reported symptoms) to severe, including resulting in death.” Older people and “individuals of all ages with severe underlying health conditions – like heart disease, lung disease and diabetes, for example – seem to be at higher risk of developing serious COVID-19 illness.”

It is important to note that the word “novel” is used because this is a new coronavirus. Accordingly, there are many unknown factors, including the rate of spread, the longevity, whether the disease will return next year or disappear when the weather gets warm, the level of immunity developed by individuals who contract the virus, etc. These many unknowns means that this is a rapidly-evolving situation. People must be patient and take precautions to slow the spread of the disease.

(Information is current as of July 14, 2020)

What are the symptoms of COVID-19

COVID-19 symptoms include a fever greater than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit, a cough, and shortness of breath. You should call a health care provider if you experience these symptoms.

(Information is current as of July 14, 2020)

How can you protect yourself from COVID-19?

The CDC offers simple but important advice about how to reduce the chance of contracting or spreading illness, including:

Frequently wash your hands with water and soap. You should wash your hands for at least 20 seconds.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
If you do not feel well, stay home except to receive medical care. Do not attend class or work.
When you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth with a tissue. Throw away the issue after use.
Clean and disinfect frequently-touched surfaces on a regular basis. These include doorknobs, light switches, computer keyboards and mouse, countertops, telephones, toilets, faucets and sinks.

Learn more about how to protect yourself from the CDC website.

(Information is current as of July 14, 2020)

What guidance does the University rely on in assessing this rapidly-evolving situation?

The University relies on guidance from the State of Michigan, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and other government agencies.

(Information is current as of July 14, 2020)

Who can I contact if I have questions?

Individuals should only contact EMU’s Department of Public Safety if they have an emergency. Non-emergency questions should be handled as outlined below.

Email is the official form of communication for University business. During this period of modified operations, it is particularly important for communications to occur via email instead of telephone because, during a state of emergency, it is difficult to triage telephone calls.

Students with questions about their specific course should email their instructor or alternatively, email the department head or school director who sponsors the course.
Students with other questions should email the Dean of Students at EMU_DeanofStudents@emich.edu.
Students who live on campus and have questions regarding Housing should contact housing@emich.edu.
Employees with questions about whether they are a designated employee who must work on-campus should email their immediate supervisor.
Other questions may be submitted to COVID_questions@emich.edu.

Ticket Office Updates
The Eastern Athletics Ticket Office is maintaining normal business hours between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. ET. A date on which the Athletics Ticket Office inside the Convocation Center will open is still to be decided.

You may contact us via any of the following:

Phone: You may call the Eastern Athletics Ticket Office at 734.487.3669. If you don't reach us immediately, please leave a voicemail and we will return your call as soon as possible.
Text: Text us at 734.487.3669 to reach a Eastern Athletics Ticket Office representative during regular business hours.

Ticket Information
If the 2020 EMU Football season were to be cancelled and you have already made a payment, you will have two options: transfer the payment to the 2021 season or request a refund. Dates and times are subject to change.

Digital Ticketing: In light of the recent pandemic and in order to provide a more convenient fan experience, Eastern Athletics is encouraging all fans to transition to digital ticketing for all ticketed athletic events. With digital tickets, fans who purchase season or single game tickets will have the option to select either Print-At-Home or Mobile as their delivery method. With this new process, fans will have the flexibility to easily store tickets on their mobile device or print them at home.