Campus COVID-19 Update
Update: January 18, 2021
Winter Semester Begins as Planned Jan. 18, 2021
Madonna University welcomes students and faculty back to campus for on-campus classes
for the Winter Semester on January 18, 2021. Classes are offered as scheduled unless
federal, state, or local health department mandates or related guidelines change.
Courses will be delivered on-ground, online, and in the hybrid (online/on-ground)
format by adhering to the safety measures outlined in the Reopening Plan listed below.
Because the health and safety of our students, staff, faculty, and community members
remains our top priority, we will continue these safety measures and use of the ReturnSafe
self-screening contact tracing app in compliance with the guidelines set forth by
the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
Instructions to download the ReturnSafe contact tracing app for iPhone and Android
users can be found in the ReturnSafe App Overview and FAQ. The web-based ReturnSafe app for visitors can be found at this link.
Mask-up, social distance, and wash your hands frequently. Welcome back. Have a safe
and successful semester!
For any health-related questions, contact the Campus Health Center at campushealthofficer@madonna.edu or 734-432-5450.
Update: December 7, 2020
'Pause to Save Lives' Extended to Dec. 20, 2020.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's administration extended the current suspension of
in-person instruction at high schools and colleges, as well as indoor dining at restaurants,
and other businesses restrictions, through Dec. 20 as COVID-19 continues its surge.
To that end, classes for the Fall semester at Madonna University will be delivered
online through the end of the semester.
The initial three-week "Pause to Save Lives" order was originally set to end at 11:59
p.m. Dec. 8. The expiration date is now 11:59 p.m. Dec. 20, five days before Christmas.
Winter classes are scheduled to begin Jan. 18, 2021, at Madonna University. Any updates
will be posted here, as more information becomes available.
Update: November 16, 2020
Yesterday, Madonna University received notification from Governor Whitmer through
Robert Gordon, director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, that
new restrictions will be in place for the State of Michigan until Tuesday, December
8, 2020. The plan is “Pause to Save Lives” and implements practical restrictions while
permitting other functions of our everyday lives.
The University has prepared for this inevitability. With thorough COVID-19 planning
this year and with the support of our distance learning technologies, we will be able
to provide quality instruction during these temporary restrictions.
Madonna is making the following adjustments to its COVID-19 response plan beginning
Wednesday, November 18, 2020:
- Academic classes will be delivered remotely until further notice. Some classes, such
as clinicals and labs, may meet in person under certain restrictions.
- The Library will remain open, but it must not exceed 30 percent of total occupancy
limits established by the State Fire Marshal. The Spirit Store will remain open under
the guidelines for retail establishments.
- Students in the residence halls shall be able to remain and the University will provide
daily maintenance and food service for the remainder of the semester.
- Athletics will be paused for the remainder of the semester.
- Official University activities and gatherings will be suspended until December 8,
2020. Faculty and staff may gather in groups of less than ten people for the purpose
of educational activities with proper masking and social distancing.
- Students, faculty, staff, and other members of our community must continue to maintain
social distancing practices adherent to the Madonna University COVID-19 policies and
procedures. Daily screenings on the ReturnSafe App will be monitored more strictly
and closely..
We must continue to be responsible and live our Franciscan-Felician values every day.
We must lift-up and pray for our front-line workers who are dedicating each day to
providing services so we may live. We also stand in support of Governor Whitmer and
her desire to use responsible government toward protecting the state and fighting
this deadly virus. We owe a debt of gratitude for her efforts to enable us to collaborate
with her to find mutual solutions.
Madonna University is committed to the return of normal activities and understands
that the best way is to adhere to the restrictions and guidelines provided by health
and government departments. We will continue to update our community through notifications
on this Coronavirus web page. Students, faculty, or staff who experience symptoms
or believe they have been exposed to the virus, should contact the Campus Health Center
at ext. 5450 to schedule testing. Let us all continue to pray for our community, state,
country, and the world, as we all do our part to defeat COVID-19.
Update: October 9, 2020
The University’s COVID-19 safety protocols outlined in the Madonna Cares Plan below
have had a positive effect on the safety of our University community as evidenced
by last week’s report of no new cases (see side bar report and related graph). We
will continue these safety measures and use of the ReturnSafe contact tracing app
in compliance with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services October 5,
2020 Emergency Order.
Update: September 7, 2020
Madonna University is committed to the safety of its students, faculty, staff, and
surrounding community, and to the transparency of its reports related to the University’s
COVID-19 statistics. The data shown here reflects the current situation, as reported
to the Chief Health Officer, as well as the trend over time. These statistics will
be updated before the end of the day each Monday (or Tuesday if Monday lands on a
holiday).

Explanation of Reported COVID-19 Numbers
Confirmed positive cases: This is the total number of confirmed positive COVID-19 cases reported to the Chief
Health Officer each week.
Tested: This is the number of individuals who were tested at Madonna, or who provided documentation
that they were tested off campus, reported to the Chief Health Officer each week.
Isolating on campus: This is the number of individuals who received a positive test result and who were
directed to isolate on campus by the Chief Health Officer during each week. Note that
this does not include individuals who were requested to temporarily quarantine due to reported
symptoms while waiting for test results.
Isolating off campus: This is the number of individuals who received a positive test result and who were
directed to isolate off campus by the Chief Health Officer during each week. Note
that this does not include individuals who were requested to temporarily quarantine due to reported
symptoms while waiting for test results.
The cumulative totals for confirmed positive cases and tested are from the beginning
of the Fall 2020 semester through the end of the most recent week reported.
Madonna University Campus Reopening Plan
Stay up-to-date on campus operations and health advisories related to Coronavirus
(COVID-19) here.
Update: August 3, 2020
At Madonna University, we are committed to a safe return to campus, and the health
and safety of our students, staff, faculty, and all in the campus community remains
our top priority. Following the requirements from the federal, state, and county health
departments, and the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC), and with input from eight University workgroups, a campus reopening plan has
been developed to safely return to the University’s Livonia and Southfield campuses
for the Fall Semester 2020.
In the spirit of St. Francis, the Madonna community is ready for another semester
of respecting one another, caring for the environment, working for peace and justice,
and pursuing education for truth and service. To that end, we are prepared to adapt
swiftly to developments in the COVID-19 pandemic. No matter what happens, rest assured
that the Mission of Madonna University will be accessible for all.
We will continue to communicate regularly with the campus community through this webpage
and email regarding any updates to the plan.
Campus Reopening Plan Details - August 3, 2020
Following the requirements from the Federal Government, State of Michigan, and county
health departments, and the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC), and with input from eight University workgroups, Madonna University
has prepared the following plan to safely reopen the University’s Livonia and Southfield
campuses for the Fall Semester 2020.
Because no college or university, let alone Madonna University, nor any other organization,
can guarantee an environment free of COVID-19, it is expected that everyone associated
with the University understand that there is a risk of contracting the virus at the
University or anywhere. With that being said, the health, welfare, and safety of Madonna
students, faculty, and staff is the utmost priority of the University. To manage the
COVID-19 risk factors and to safely resume in-person education for the Fall Semester
2020, Madonna University will take full advantage of the unique benefits of its personalized
instruction ethos, large park-like campus, and the expertise of its renowned nursing
program.
After careful thought, research into best practices, and consideration of current
federal, state, and local requirements and guidelines, it was determined that a campus
Health Center would be established to focus solely on COVID-19 activities, at this
time, including COVID-19 testing. A Chief Health Officer (CHO) has been appointed
to direct and manage all Health Center activities related to COVID-19. The Health
Center is located in the DiPonio Building. The phone number is 734-432-5450, and the
email is campushealthofficer@madonna.edu.
In addition to health and safety guidelines, this document outlines the University’s
reopening plans for academics, athletics and performing arts, events and gatherings,
food services, and residence halls.
This plan and each Madonna community member’s commitment to following it will help
us continue to keep the Madonna flame of knowledge burning brightly in the safest
manner possible during a global pandemic.
The University is determined to monitor and appropriately respond to all potential
instances of COVID-19 exposures or outbreaks on Madonna University’s campus. The University
will follow all federal, state, and local health department mandates and guidelines
to help keep members of the campus community safe. All building entrances and exits
will be clearly marked. All common areas and classrooms, as well as frequently-touched
surfaces will be disinfected frequently per applicable guidelines and University policies.
All individuals coming to campus must follow these safety measures:
- Self-screen, including a temperature check, and self-identify any symptoms of COVID-19
- Wear a mask/shield
- Practice social distancing
- Wash your hands frequently or use a hand-sanitizer station, which will be available
at all entrances, exits, elevators, stairwells and other public areas.
- Avoid gathering in groups that exceed the permitted number of people.
- Enter and exit buildings using the marked doors.
The self-screening surveys are available on the University’s Coronavirus web page
– www.Madonna.edu/coronavirus. At-risk populations, including nursing students and residential students, must
self-screen twice daily.
COVID-19 testing will be administered by Health Center personnel upon request. Individuals
who report symptoms will be offered a test on campus (billed to insurance), or they
may obtain testing from their health care provider and report the results to the Health
Center.
Health Center personnel will monitor self-screening surveys and any reports of COVID-19
cases. Anyone on campus who tests positive for COVID-19 will be interviewed and University
attendance data will be gathered to determine who may have been exposed, so that they
can self-isolate, complete a COVID-19 test and comply with other health and safety
measures. Failure to comply with this protocol can result in the person being removed
from campus and/or suspended from all University activities.
Faculty and staff who test positive for COVID-19 must leave campus to quarantine/isolate
per CDC guidelines, and be cleared by the Health Center to return to campus.
All student-athletes, coaches, and athletics staff members are required to get one
nasal swab COVID-19 test 7 days prior to the team’s first competition, per the NAIA
guidelines.
Students who self-disclose or are suspected of having COVID-19 symptoms will be required
to leave campus and return home to self-quarantine/isolate. Those students who are
unable to return home will be reassigned to a designated room on-campus or a nearby
location for self-quarantining/isolating. Students will remain in quarantine/isolation
until cleared by the Health Center to return to campus.
Meals for students quarantined/isolated on campus will be placed outside the student’s
room by a Residence Life staff member at designated meal times.
Faculty will academically accommodate students who are quarantined/isolated
In addition to personal hygiene and social distancing safety measures, students, faculty,
and staff should avail themselves of any other treatments or therapies to help lessen
their risk of contracting COVID-19 or the severity of the virus if contracted, including
getting the flu vaccination as soon as it becomes available, and getting the COVID-19
vaccination as soon as one is available.
Unless otherwise required to comply with federal, state and local health department
mandates and related guidelines, the University will be conducting on-campus class
sessions for Fall Semester 2020. Courses will be delivered on-ground, online, and
in the hybrid (online/on-ground) format by adhering to the aforementioned safety measures,
as well as to the measures listed below:
- On-ground class attendance will be limited to the size of the room in order to comply
with the 6-ft. social-distancing guidelines. Furniture in all rooms will be arranged
to enable proper social distancing.
- Building occupancy will adhere to the federal, state and local mandates and guidelines.
- For on-ground classes, faculty and students are required to self-clean their learning
station and/or teaching area at the beginning and end of class.
- All computer and lab equipment are required to be self-cleaned before and after use,
with supplies available in the room.
- A synchronous remote option (i.e., ability to simultaneously view the class via video)
will be available to students, if they are unable to attend in person.
- The library will be available, although the number of patrons will be limited to ensure
compliance with social-distancing guidelines. A maximum capacity will be posted at
the library entrance.
- Faculty shall review the University’s COVID-19 policy with students at the beginning
of each class. Students who exhibit COVID-19 symptoms will be directed to go to the
Health Center, immediately.
- All students will agree to take the Madonna Cares Pledge.
Athletics
All athletic staff members, coaches, and student-athletes will follow the guidelines
and policies set forth by the NAIA, the WHAC and the University including, but not
limited to the following:
- Comply with the home team’s fan policies and procedures
- Wash all practice gear/ uniforms/equipment after every use
- Limit the number of student-athletes and staff on the bench
- Limit the number of people in the weight room at one time
- Discontinue handshakes, high fives, the use of water bottles, and sharing of equipment
or towels
- Wear face masks/shields when not actively engaged in practice or a game
Performing Arts
Faculty and students involved with Madonna’s many performing arts ensembles will follow
federal and state guidelines for social distancing, wearing face masks/shields, and
audience limits, and will relocate practices outdoors or to larger spaces as appropriate.
Other measures that will be taken to ensure the health and safety of performers and
faculty include:
- Offering virtual performances or video streaming of live performances
- Reducing the number of performers in and the number of performances of each production
- No partnering (physical contact) or sharing of instruments, props or ballet barres
Students living in the residence halls are required to wear masks/shields and maintain
social distancing in hallways, common areas, and fitness rooms. Because roommates
and suitemates will be treated as a family unit, face coverings and social distancing
is not required in their rooms.
The common cooking locations are limited to no more than two people at a time.
International students arriving from an international location will be tested and
may be required to self-quarantine/isolate per CDC guidelines before coming to campus.
Aside from Move-in Day, no guests will be permitted in the Residence Halls, except
under special circumstances.
Move-in Days
Move-in Days are Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, Aug. 27, 28 and 29. To help ensure
a safe Move-in Day for students and their family members, students are being invited
to move-in day in groups of approximately 30 students, spread over broad blocks of
time, and across the three different buildings.
Students may bring two family members to help with move-in and face masks/shields
must be worn during move-in.
Prior to coming to campus, students and their two family members must complete the
COVID-19 Self-Screening Survey online (www.madonna.edu/coronavirus), including a temperature check.
Check-in at the Franciscan Center, upon arriving on campus. Family members can go
to the Franciscan Center Lecture Hall for light refreshments while the student completes
the check-in process. Masks/shields and social distancing will be in effect.
During check-in, Residence Life staff will provide each student with COVID-19 educational
materials and a Madonna face mask. They also will answer any questions about move-in,
and assist students in finding their new campus residence.
Madonna’s Health Center staff will have a tent set up near the Residence Halls and
will be available to answer questions and provide safety information.
If a student happens to arrive early or late for their move-in timeframe, the Residence
Life staff will still be ready to provide assistance. If you find that you might
be early or are experiencing a delay, simply call 734-432-5520 to let our Residence
Life staff know when they might expect you.
Food service for students in the dining hall includes contactless, delivery, grab-and-go,
and reserved table options, where the capacity is limited to 75 people, with the potential
for increase. Faculty and staff may utilize the grab-and-go option, unless capacity
is available. Beverages will no-longer be self-serve. Online menus will enable customized,
advance ordering. Food service staff will maintain a sterilized environment.
Event regulations may change at any time, based on the Governor’s Executive Orders,
local health department regulations, and/or CDC guidelines. As much as possible, events/gatherings
will be held outdoors, and will only be held indoors in compliance with guest limits.
As necessary, several small events will be held in place of one large event. Virtual
event options should be offered for events as needed. Food and beverages served at
events will be individually pre-packaged, single-serving items. Guest screening for
COVID-19 will align with current guidelines.
A Message To Our Alumni and Friends

from President Michael A. Grandillo
We are lifted up by our more than 50,000 alumni, friends, and religious members around
the world who support us and send us their prayers. And I can tell you this: Madonna
community members, especially alumni nurses, police officers; first responders, social
workers, doctors, researchers, teachers, volunteers, and community activists, are
doing everything they can in this fight against the virus. Even our nursing faculty
members work in COVID-19 units on weekends. These heroic Crusaders embody the Madonna spirit and inspire generosity and commitment.
Students and Faculty Resources for Online Course Delivery
Online resources are available on the Portal for students under the Students tab,
and faculty under the Faculty tab. Visit MY Portal for details.
MY Portal
Staff Resources for Working Remotely
Online tools and resources are available on the Portal for employees under the Employee
Help tab. Visit MY Portal for details.
MY Portal