Georgia Baptist colleges back in swing with precautions

Students were welcomed to Truett McConnell's campus last weekend. TMU FACEBOOK

DULUTH – All three Georgia Baptist colleges are planning to host on-campus classes this semester – with some adjustments due to COVID-19.

Brewton-Parker College in Mount Vernon began working on its reopening plan soon after the March 19 campus shutdown, President Steven F. Echols, shared. This updated plan includes:

• limited class sizes that allow for a two-day class format mixed with recorded sessions,
• a “web enhanced hybrid instruction model,” allowing flexibility and access for students who are quarantined,
• socially distanced lecture halls and buildings,
• required masks in all classrooms and campus tours,
• and a restricted dorm visitation policy.

On-campus classes will end on Nov. 20, allowing students to remain home after Thanksgiving until the Spring semester starts, and take exams Nov. 30. The other two Georgia Baptist colleges are doing something similar, hopefully lowering the risk of virus transmission.

In addition, the school has doubled cleaning staff and hired a nurse practitioner and an LPN to increase the student’s medical services.

“BPC has been grateful for the response of students and parents to these efforts as enrollment is on target to be up significantly over last fall,” Echols added.

All the precautions and guidelines BPC is taking for the Aug. 17 return to campus can be viewed at bpc.edu/covid-19.

Shorter University in Rome is recommending all students and staff follow CDC guidelines.

In accordance to those guidelines and in addition:

• students may have their temperature checked randomly,
• masks are mandatory in the classroom and other areas where it is impossible to social distance,
• overnight guests are not allowed in the dorm,
• and students are being asked to meet in smaller groups.

Their semester will begin Aug. 24 and end Dec. 11. Beginning Nov. 30 (the Monday after Thanksgiving Break), the university will transition to a week of remote learning followed by a week of remote final exams.

“This Fall semester is certainly unlike any we have faced before, but we are moving forward, confident in the future God has in store for Shorter University and our students,” said President Don Dowless. “We look forward to having our students back on campus and have been working diligently to develop procedures and plans to best protect the health of our entire campus community.”

The precautions and guidelines Shorter is following can be found at shorter.edu.

Truett McConnell University in Cleveland starts classes tomorrow (Aug. 12). However, it has updated some of its policies to help limit exposure to COVID-19.

• Social distancing is encouraged, although the classroom sizes do not allow for it.
• Masks are not a campus-wide requirement, but they are encouraged in situations where social distancing cannot be maintained. Students must check their individual syllabi to see if a teacher is requiring them.
• Random temperature checks will be administered.
• Buildings will be sanitized daily.

In addition, the school spaced out check-in to residence halls last weekend for enhanced safety.

The TMU semester ends on Nov. 24.

“With a blend of safeguards and stability, Truett McConnell University is welcoming a record class of undergraduate and graduate students this fall. After months without students on campus, there is a palpable energy of anticipation awaiting new and returning students,” President Emir Caner shared.

All the precautions TMU is taking can be found here.