Spring Arbor University Announces Plans to Safely Resume On-Campus Learning for Fall 2020

(July 28, 2020 11:59 AM) Spring Arbor University has announced its plan for resuming traditional undergraduate, adult and professional and graduate-level learning this fall. SAU says It is their priority to care for the health and well-being of  students and community as they provide a quality, Christ-centered education. The university issued the following guidelines that comply with state and federal regulations and will allow SAU students to retain a sense of community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“SAU remains fully committed to providing a transformational and Christ-centered education for our students. We are excited to have students back on campus this fall, and we are taking every precaution necessary to ensure the health and well-being of our community,” said SAU President, Dr. Brent Ellis.

Traditional Undergraduate Students

Beginning this summer, athletes and student employees will undergo regular Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing, a test with 99 percent accuracy in detecting COVID-19. At the beginning of the fall semester, all students will receive PCR testing upon arrival to campus. Students will also complete an online health screening daily before they arrive on campus or leave their residence halls. Any student identifying virus symptoms will receive testing from the Holton Health and Wellness Center or through their personal healthcare provider. Students with potential infection will avoid participating in campus activities pending test results.

In-person instruction has been adjusted to allow for social distancing and to limit faculty-to-student contact. To that end, homework will be assigned and submitted online. Longer classes (typically evening) will be shortened with portions conducted via Zoom. Students exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms can attend classes via Zoom or review recorded class sessions as they are able. SAU continues to evaluate options for offering hands-on class elements with attention to preserving both safety and educational quality.

Most residence areas on campus will continue to house two students per room, but a limited number of single rooms will be available to students on a case-by-case basis. The move-in process will be modified with options added to provide a safe, socially-distanced experience. Revised occupancy levels and protocols for residential lounges and kitchens will be posted. Social distancing is expected across campus, especially in public spaces such as dining areas, libraries and laundry rooms. To continue providing dining services, staff service will replace a self-serve buffet, but all dining options, including new to-go options, will be available.

All common, high-traffic and high-touch areas will undergo increased cleaning compliant with CDC recommendations. Students, faculty and staff are required to wear masks indoors and in outdoor spaces where social distancing is not possible. SAU will provide each student with a mask; additional masks are the responsibility of the student.

SAU is making plans under the assumption that Michigan will be in Phase 4 this fall. To protect students and the larger community, guests (not members of the SAU community) will not be allowed on campus or in residence halls; SAU students may visit each other in the residence halls, with appropriate social distancing and face coverings, but not in individual rooms. Chapel, a key component to the SAU experience, will be modified to balance our commitment to students’ spiritual formation in community with the need to protect the physical health of our students, faculty, and staff.

Athletic practices, competitions and travel will be adjusted according to guidance from the NAIA, CDC and other relevant authorities.

We understand that students and families have varied experiences with and opinions about the virus that cover the spectrum. With that in mind, members of SAU leadership, including SAU President Dr. Brent Ellis, are hosting online conversations with students and families to answer questions and address concerns.

Adult & Professional and Graduate Students

Changes to adult and professional and graduate student instruction serve to mitigate the increased risk of COVID-19 transmission associated with lengthy face-to-face sessions. To maintain both quality of education and current schedules, classes will meet for synchronous Zoom sessions throughout the fall semester. As the situation around COVID-19 changes, SAU leadership will reevaluate and adjust for the spring semester, updating students as necessary.

SAU aims to maintain its tradition of quality, Christ-centered and community-based education despite rapidly changing circumstances. The university is working hard to ensure the safety of all its students, faculty, staff and extended family while maintaining a quality college experience. All students and families connected with SAU will be kept updated on the latest guidelines.

Visit www.arbor.edu/coronavirus for all updates on SAU’s plan regarding reopening campus for the fall.