UM-Dearborn Athletics Update on COVID-19

The University of Michigan-Dearborn Department of Athletics & Recreation update on the situation surrounding COVID-19 (Coronavirus) as it pertains to UM-Dearborn athletics, recreation services, the Wellness Center, facilities, student-athletes, and staff.

UM-Dearborn announced Friday, March 13, 2020, that all UM-Dearborn athletic competitions, practices, meetings, and in-person functions have been suspended until further notice due to the COVID-19 global pandemic.

UPDATED: Effective immediately the Fieldhouse will be closed indefinitely. No staff or students will be permitted in the building unless deemed essential. Staff will continue to work remotely. The athletic training will be closed and only if it is an emergency or essential, pre-approval to receive treatment in the athletic training room must come from an athletic trainer. Student-athletes currently receiving treatment or rehabilitation will receive exercises to perform at home.  

Important updates from the University and UM-Dearborn Athletics:

• UM-Dearborn has suspended all athletic competitions, practices, and team gatherings until further notice.
• All UM-Dearborn classes are canceled March 12-14. Classes will resume Monday, March 16 in alternative formats – not meeting in person through the end of the semester.
• Final exams will take place remotely in alternative formats.
• All UM-Dearborn events are canceled until further notice.
• We are suspending all U-M and UM-Dearborn international travel until further notice with rare exceptions requiring approval. Domestic travel for university business is strongly discouraged.
• U-M and UM-Dearborn study abroad programs will be altered or suspended.
• The 2020 Spring Commencement scheduled for April 26 has been canceled as well as the Spring Open House on May 2.
• The 2020 All-Sports Banquet scheduled for April 27 has been canceled.

On Friday, March 13, the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference announced that all remaining spring sports competitions have been canceled for all 23 sports in the WHAC. Click here for the full statement from the WHAC.

The NAIA released a statement on the cancelation of the 2020 spring sports season and an update on eligibility for student-athletes that have been impacted. Click here here for the full statement from the NAIA. The NAIA released FAQs for eligibility for the 2020-21 academic year and beyond. View the FAQs here.

Click here for the full UM-Dearborn statement on the COVID-19.

UM-Dearborn student-athletes will continue to be required to complete all coursework for their classes as mandated by the UM-Dearborn Faculty. Please remain in contact with your professors and advisors throughout this process.

For information on the Academic Enhancement Program (AEP), including study tables, contact Assistant Director for Student-Athlete Services Eric Stark at ericstar@umich.edu. Student-athletes are responsible to stay in contact with your head coaches throughout this time to receive updates. All prospective student campus visits are suspended until further notice. Potential UM-Dearborn recruits should contact their sport's head coach for information.

Minimizing Risk

Avoid gathering socially in large groups. Gathering in large groups is not recommended -- and this includes gathering socially. Reducing the density of people in physical spaces will help to prevent the spread of disease within our community and for society at large.

These actions are based on general public health principles recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. They are designed to protect everyone in our communities, particularly those at higher risk from coronavirus.

There are everyday actions we can all take to help prevent the spread of all respiratory viruses:

• Stay home when you are sick.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Consider alternatives to shaking hands.
• Unless you are sick with cough, sneezing, and fever, it is not advised to wear a mask.

The UM-Dearborn Athletics community wishes all good health throughout this time. Please be safe as we all work through this situation together.

This was last updated at 4:30 PM on Monday, March 16, 2020, with information about the closure of the Fieldhouse and from the NAIA. Further updates will be announced via this page when available.