As a result of COVID-19, Bluffton University suspended face-to-face classes starting March 16 through Monday, April 13. Also canceled, is the May Day Musical, The Beaver Monologues, Civic Engagement Day and Senior Art Show reception.
According to a March 11 email sent by President Jane Wood, the majority of classes will move to online or remote learning.
Thursday’s classes will happen as usual, and Friday, March 13, classes have been canceled to help prepare for the transition to online learning.
According to an email from Registrar Iris Neufeld, all Forum events have been canceled as well.
While there are no confirmed cases of the coronavirus at Bluffton, the university has decided to take precautionary measures to ensure the health and safety of students, staff and faculty.
According to the Ohio Department of Health, there are four confirmed cases of coronavirus in Ohio and 24 people are under investigation for the virus.
This precaution aligns with a recommendation from Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine Tuesday, March 10.
On March 10, he asked for higher education institutions to move to online or remote learning on Twitter.
“As a residential campus, Bluffton University recognizes that some students do not have the ability to return home and therefore the university will remain open, including student support services, the Learning Resource Center, academic resources, residence and dining facilities, athletic and recreation facilities,” said Wood in her campus email.
Wood’s email also outlined a process for students who decide to leave campus during this time.
Students are allowed to go home during this time. If they choose to do so they must check out with their hall director before 5 p.m. Friday, March 13, and they will not be able to return to campus until April 14.
As Bluffton decided to suspend face-to-face classes, students should continue to wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
