In-Person Classes Will Not Resume During Spring Semester 2020

Dr. Stanley T. Wearden

Given the quick spread of the novel coronavirus and the critical need for social distancing, we will not resume face-to-face classes for the remainder of Spring Semester 2020.

Dear Students and Parents,

Given the quick spread of the novel coronavirus and the critical need for social distancing, we will not resume face-to-face classes for the remainder of Spring Semester 2020. In addition, we are requiring all residential students to vacate the campus by Monday, March 23, at 5 p.m., except for those who are approved to remain because of clear extenuating issues.

There are still no diagnosed cases of COVID-19 on the Methodist University campus. We are taking this action on the advice of health care professionals, who recommend aggressive, proactive steps to slow the spread of the disease.

Additional important information:

  • All students will be able to finish their spring courses via distance learning.
  • The university and its facilities remain open for those who absolutely must remain in the residence halls.
  • Residential students will receive a separate email shortly from the Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students outlining:
    • The checkout process for leaving campus
    • The process for students to report extenuating circumstances and to request permission to remain in the residence halls
  • Commuter students may continue to use the library, labs, and academic spaces. We ask commuter students to exercise careful judgement before returning to campus and to practice social distancing and COVID-19 preventative measures.
  • All students will receive a separate email shortly from the Provost outlining:
    • What they can expect regarding distance learning
    • The ability to request a grade of incomplete and to finish a course later
    • What services are available to students

We apologize for the change in our decision about residential students. We have tried to balance students’ educational needs and appropriate health and safety precautions in an environment where information about how best to respond to COVID-19 is constantly shifting. We thank you for your patience.

Sincerely,

Stanley T. Wearden, Ph.D.
President