Texas Baptist universities have launched tentative plans to resume in-person, on-campus instruction in the fall 2020 semester, but that does not mean an immediate return to pre-COVID-19 “normal.”
Baylor launches phased return to campus
President Linda Livingstone announced April 27 that Baylor University will begin a gradual return to campus, depending on “the continued decline in the number of COVID-19 cases within the greater Waco area, as well as guidance from federal, state and local government and public health officials.”
“It is important to note, however, that we are not planning for a ‘normal start’ of the fall semester, given the lack of a treatment protocol or vaccine for COVID-19,” Livingstone said. “The health and safety of our students, faculty, staff and guests must lead our decision-making regarding all activities. We are preparing to adapt our instructional and residential life models and on-campus activities, as needed, to protect our campus community while continuing to offer the distinct on-campus college experiences for which Baylor is known.
“While we cannot eliminate all risks, we intend to mitigate those threats in every reasonable way we can. In the weeks and months ahead, we will work diligently to refine our preparations to create a safe, productive educational environment for all of you.”
The “phased return-to-campus approach” for faculty and staff at Baylor begins June 1, starting with individuals involved in critical infrastructure and research support.
“The remainder of the return-to-campus process will continue gradually over the summer, as we phase in critical administration and business operations, support services and operations, and ending with the return of faculty and students near the beginning of the fall semester.”
Baylor is delivering summer classes through online instruction. All camps and other activities on campus have been cancelled through June.
HSU plans for the best, prepares for the unexpected
Hardin-Simmons University announced April 30 it is planning to resume on-campus classes in the fall but preparing for the unexpected if a resurgence of COVID-19 occurs.
“Because the safety and well-being of our HSU family is paramount, remote learning and adaptive content delivery methods are being discussed that allow HSU to be flexible and responsive if the pandemic virus resurges,” the statement from the university said.
Sign up for our weekly edition and get all our headlines in your inbox on Thursdays
Based on conversations with Abilene and Taylor County officials and health authorities, Hardin-Simmons is developing contingency plans for various scenarios.
“Currently the data shows our most likely scenario is a return to campus with a ‘new normal’ that might include wearing masks, limiting class sizes and using larger classrooms, temperature testing for fever, intensive cleaning and disinfection protocols and other preventive measures,” the announcement from the university stated.
Summer classes at HSU are being offered exclusively online as the university monitors the rate of novel coronavirus infections in the Abilene area.
“When it comes to our students, faculty and staff, our risk tolerance with this virus is very low,” HSU President Eric Bruntmyer said. “We know we can never eliminate all risk, but we can adapt our on-campus experience and our residential life in ways that promote health and safety as we continue to move forward in our mission of providing an education enlightened by Christian faith and values.”
Houston Baptist University task force at work
Houston Baptist University is preparing to return to on-campus classroom instruction for its 60th anniversary year, and the university announced April 24 it has a task force in place to plan how to implement the resumption of in-person classroom teaching.
“A Husky Strong Task Force is developing plans to accommodate students in classrooms with potential physical distancing in mind. Additionally, the task force will work to ensure measures are in place to protect the continued health of our campus community,” a May 1 statement from HBU announced.
To meet the needs of incoming freshmen who are unable to take the SAT or ACT exam, HBU is waiving the standardized test score requirement.
HBU transitioned quickly to offering classes remotely in mid-March and will continue to provide online-only instruction during the summer.
“HBU’s remote instruction has gone amazing well,” President Robert Sloan said. “Now, with the work of many committees and a major task force well underway, we are committed to a full resumption of in-person classes for fall 2020. We do so with a comprehensive commitment to all the best guidelines and practices for ensuring the health and safety of our students, staff and faculty.”
ETBU begins ‘phased re-engagement’ of campus operations
East Texas Baptist University plans to welcome students back to campus for the fall semester, and the university has begun a “phased re-engagement of all campus operations,” President J. Blair Blackburn announced April 28.
“In the wake of COVID-19, we are making strides for ETBU to be as healthy and safe as possible for our campus community. Our operational plans for Fall 2020 include rigorous sanitization and cleaning procedures, social distancing protocols and regulations, and health care services that help limit the spread of infection,” Blackburn said.
“To provide for increased campus security and to enable enhanced health and safety screening, ETBU will be installing wrought iron perimeter fencing and gates to control access into the University. ETBU’s contingency measures will provide students with continuous academic, spiritual and student life to safeguard successful student learning and engagement.”
DBU implements multiple scenarios for fall semester
Dallas Baptist University plans to “safely resume normal university operations for the fall 2020 semester” and is implementing a multi-phase process toward that goal, President Adam Wright announced April 29.
The university’s COVID-19 task force is working closely with the president’s cabinet to develop “multiple scenarios” for the fall semester, Wright noted. DBU is offering online-only classes for the first summer term but plans to offer in-person classes in June unless guided or mandated by the state.
Wayland commits to monitor and adjust
Wayland Baptist University plans to offer summer classes “in a face-to-face/hybrid format with the capability to shift online if needed,” according to an April 30 update on the university’s website.
“Wayland is constantly monitoring the updates released by Governor Abbott and other health authorities surrounding the coronavirus. We remain committed to your safety and will follow those directives as they apply to higher education,” the online update stated.
UMHB hopes for on-campus summer school
President Randy O’Rear posted a video on the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor website April 27 commending current students for their perseverance during challenging times and expressing regret that commencement exercises will be delayed until December.
“We will continue to follow guidelines from our federal, state and local officials, and as soon as it is safe to do so, we will be here to welcome you back to your UMHB home,” O’Rear said. “I hope that means I will get to see many of you on campus for summer school.”
Howard Payne will make adjustments as needed
President Cory Hines said Howard Payne University plans to resume on-campus classes in the fall, but the university “will continue to monitor the situation in the weeks and months ahead and make any necessary adjustments.”
HPU announced May 1 it rescheduled its commencement ceremonies for spring graduates to Aug. 22, but the university will continue to adjust as needed.
“Our top priority remains the safety of the HPU family and our surrounding communities,” Hines said. “We remain up to date on Governor Greg Abbott’s executive orders and regularly communicate with our city and county officials.”
BUA considers combination of online, in-person courses
Baptist University of the Américas will offer summer classes exclusively online, but the school plans a combination of on-campus and online courses in the fall, depending on the progress in efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19, BUA President Abe Jaquez said.
BUA currently is in the process of developing procedures and protocols for the fall semester, and it will follow guidelines developed by the City of San Antonio and the Texas governor’s office, Jaquez said.
We seek to connect God’s story and God’s people around the world. To learn more about God’s story, click here.
Send comments and feedback to Eric Black, our editor. For comments to be published, please specify “letter to the editor.” Maximum length for publication is 300 words.