EMU Today

YPSILANTI – Eastern Michigan University’s baseline planning for the fall 2021 semester is more similar to a traditional fall semester structure. In addition to a classroom experience that more closely resembles the traditional fall semester, Eastern is planning for safe on-campus experiences for student organizations, housing, athletics and other aspects of University operations.

Eastern Michigan University President James Smith said, “We understand that for many students, particularly those in their first and second years, a more traditional in-person/on-campus experience provides the greatest opportunity for a successful start to achieving their degree. We are approaching our planning cautiously and carefully, with safety considerations a primary consideration.”

The University’s #EMUSafe initiatives, led by a Steering Committee that includes faculty and union representatives, have guided the institution to a low overall COVID-19 case count relative to other universities in Michigan. Eastern continues to engage faculty and staff experts to adjust protocols accordingly, with the safety of students, faculty and staff paramount in all its decisions. 

The University is working with academic leaders to prepare other operating scenarios that provide reduced levels of in-person activities. Those scenarios ensure that, should public health matters dictate not operating at the in-person capacity of its baseline plan, it is prepared to adjust operations.

President Smith said, “I thank our students, faculty and staff for their adjustments and hard work to get us through the semester. I remain deeply grateful for our faculty’s extraordinary efforts to adapt course delivery and our student’s compliance with the many practices necessary to keep one another safe and our case numbers low.”

Highlights include striking new engineering and technology campus

Students will experience a striking new engineering and technology campus thanks to the $40 million renovation of Sill Hill to accommodate the expansion of engineering programs in the GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology. The expansion includes state-of-the-art classrooms, labs, and maker spaces. 

Renovated recreation center focused on overall wellness, fitness

Eastern’s recreation center, known as the Rec/IM, has undergone an extensive $16 million renovation and now stands as an exceptional and revitalized facility supporting the health and wellness of students, faculty and staff. The upgraded facility features new cardiovascular and weight training areas, gaming tables, and a commons area. 

Single-rooms discounted

Recognizing the ongoing interest in single rooms among students and their parents, Eastern is again offering single rooms at a significantly reduced cost for the Fall 2021 semester (2021-22 academic year) as part of its #EMUSafe efforts. The cost of a single room will only be $1,000 more than students’ cost to live in a double room. In the past, single rooms cost $2,500 more than doubles. The move will lower Eastern’s single room rates in residence halls by 16 - 18 percent, depending on the residence hall.

About Eastern Michigan University

Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 16,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and, its graduate school. EMU is regularly recognized by national publications for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website.