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President Miller Announces Plans to Reopen in Person August 26
A safe and cautious approach will be taken, with contingency plans in place should they be needed
University News | May 7, 2020
Virginia Wesleyan University President Scott D. Miller released the following message through video on May 7, sharing plans to reopen campus in person on August 26:
"I hope this message finds you and yours well. Let me begin by again expressing my gratitude to our Marlin family for your strong support and dedication to our University during this unprecedented crisis of COVID-19. While we have been presented with many unique challenges, we are thriving as an institution in many ways and continue to see growth and success across the board. Thank you to each of you for your vital role in our shared mission.
Campus is quiet, but looking more beautiful than ever this spring. I miss the action of our Virginia Wesleyan community and look forward to your return. That said, I am pleased to share that, given what we know at this moment, we are optimistically planning to resume normal residential and academic operations in-person for the fall semester, beginning August 26. An in-person orientation for first-year students will also be offered in late August prior to the start of the academic year.
University leadership and the Emergency Management Team are working diligently to create a plan to support appropriate social distancing and increased health measures. To continue to focus on our primary priority--the health and well-being of our Marlins and extended community--a safe and cautious approach will be taken. We will continue to comply with all federal and state guidelines to promote a healthy and comfortable environment. We are following the latest updates from the Governor, national and state-wide higher education consortiums, the CDC and other relevant sources.
I have asked Dr. Maynard Schaus, Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Dr. Keith Moore, Vice President for Campus Life and Operational Management, to head a task force that will prepare our institution from an academic and student life standpoint to be ready for the August 26 return. They will involve key constituency groups in the planning to ensure a thorough and thoughtful strategy.
While it is our “Plan A” to open in-person this August, contingency plans are in the works should they be needed due to extenuating circumstances. Again, given what we know at this point in time, we are moving full-steam ahead preparing for our Marlins to join us on campus this August. Thank you for your support and adaptability as we navigate COVID-19 together. Be well."
The University moved to remote instruction for the remainder of the spring semester on March 23.
COVID-19 UPDATE FOR FALL 2020 SEMESTER
May 7, 2020
