There is no denying the gravity of the current epidemic of the COVOID-19 virus. Most, if not all sources believe that a large quantity of the population in the United States will contract the virus. Considering how the virus is transmitted, population centers like college campuses will become a breeding ground for the virus, and regardless of precautions taken, the coronavirus will come to GMU’s campus if we continue to operate as normal. Wiping surfaces and keeping hands washed will only  be a temporary solution, one that has not solved any of the Student Body’s fears. While many students are very conscious about keeping themselves protected, many are not. Students will come to campus regardless if they are sick or not. Some students will not even know they are infected. At the time this is being written, it is theorized that the actual number of COVOID-19 cases is unknown, because some people have no idea they even have or had the virus. This means that a plan involving quarantining students AS they get sick will have virtually no effect on the outbreak. 

When looking at the statistics of the virus, the fatality rate in typical college aged humans is low. While this could be an excuse for some colleges to continue operation as normal, we must take into consideration GMU’s situation. Many students that attend the school are commuters, living at home with family. That alone exponentially increases the gravity of the situation. If a student comes to campus, contracts the virus, and then goes home, the chances of infecting family members is very high. Considering the fatality rate among older individuals is extraordinarily high,  students with older parents, or students who live with grandparents could inadvertently cause their loved ones’ deaths. 

The faculty and staff of George Mason is at risk as well. Many professors are retired professionals who come to pass on knowledge. This means that many of them fall into the category of people in which the fatality rate is very high. We should not be forcing our esteemed professors to risk their lives by coming to campus. 

Many other universities have already taken precautions such as moving classes to online formats. On just the day of writing this, 3 big name universities have cancelled on campus classes, and are transitioning to a temporary online format. We will not be alone if we move to an online format.

Making classes online will not only protect many of the Students and faculty, it will also keep GMU from becoming one of the many schools and organizations who will fail to mitigate the the damage caused by the virus. From the emails we have received from University Administration, it seems as if the university believes that students will be fine with whatever the university decides. This is not the case.  

I believe I speak on behalf of a majority of the student population that we are worried for our safety, and that of our loved ones. We want to be healthy and safe, and want to be able to learn without the constant worry of contracting a deadly virus. We are requesting that you transition to online class format for the time being, at least until we know more about the virus and how population centers will be affected. 

Thank you for your time.