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MSU won't hold spring classes in Berkey Hall rooms impacted by shooting

October 27, 2023
Berkey Hall on Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023 - two days after the mass shooting in Michigan State University’s north campus.
Berkey Hall on Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023 - two days after the mass shooting in Michigan State University’s north campus.

Classes will not be held in the Berkey Hall classrooms directly impacted by the Feb. 13 shooting when the building re-opens for the spring semester, MSU announced today in a university-wide email. 

The statement said that "conversations are continuing about those spaces moving forward, though there are no plans to hold classes there in the future." 

Additionally, the update released by MSU's Office of Resource and Support Coordination said new door locks will be installed in all learning spaces in Berkey Hall before classes begin in the spring. Renovations planned before Feb. 13, which include technology upgrades and new furnishing, will also be completed before the spring semester. 

University spokesperson Emily Guerrant said MSU has been conversing with other institutions who have suffered similar situations. She said these schools have redesigned or found alternative uses for similarly sensitive spaces. 

"We're still reevaluating that space and deciding what we're going to be doing with it," Guerrant said. "We felt like, while we’re doing that evaluation, we don't need to be using (these classrooms) as instructional spaces if we can find other spots for those classes."

MSU will also offer increased support, including the availability of counselors in Berkey Hall during the first week of in-person classes, according to the statement. 

The university encouraged faculty teaching in Berkey to reach out to supervisors to discuss their needs and preparation. It also told students to be mindful of class locations when signing up for classes. The statement said students with concerns about attending class in Berkey should reach out to their academic advisors or the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities if applicable.

There will be no classes held on Feb. 13, 2024, but the university will remain open to "support students and our community," the statement said. It added that class will resume on Feb. 14, but assignments and exams will not be due then.

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