For the first time, the Wayne State University Board of Governors now has a code of conduct and statement of commitment. The code was proposed by the Higher Learning Commission, the university’s accrediting body.

The board passed the measure Friday at its regularly scheduled meeting; however, given the COVID-19 outbreak, the meeting was far from routine. The agenda was extremely limited, and due to concern for public health and the need for social distancing, the meeting was livestreamed. Several governors participated in the meeting remotely, and there was no public gallery seating.

Michael Wright, vice president for marketing and communications and chief of staff, began the meeting by providing an update on the university’s response to COVID-19. Wright, who is leading the Presidential Coronavirus Committee, told the board about the shift to online classes that began today, implications for university housing, and the confirmed COVID-19 cases related to the university.

In other action, the board unanimously approved 2020 parking improvements for up to $3.6 million to be funded out of the parking auxiliary. Improvements are planned in three Wayne State parking garages, all of which have received incremental repairs over the last few years.

Structure 4 on Canfield, Structure 5 on Anthony Wayne Drive and Structure 8 on Forest will receive concrete floor and beam repairs, expansion joint replacement, traffic coating installation, stair tower repairs and other maintenance items. All contracts for the project will be awarded in accordance with university policies.