Baylor intends to resume on-campus instruction in August

Baylor University intends to resume on-campus instruction as the fall semester begins in August, the university’s president, Dr. Linda Livingstone, announced Monday

The vast majority of the university’s students have been learning online since March and summer courses will involve online instruction, as well.

The plans for the fall semester depend on a continued decline in the number of COVID-19 cases in the greater Waco area as well as guidance from local, state and federal public health officials, Livingstone said.

If students do return to campus, they’ll encounter a new normal because of the virus, however.

“The health and safety of our students, faculty, staff and guests must lead our decision-making regarding all activities,” Livingstone said.

“We are preparing to adapt our instructional and residential life models and on-campus activities, as needed, to protect our campus community while continuing to offer the distinct on-campus college experience for which Baylor is known.”

“While we cannot eliminate all risks, we intend to mitigate these threats in every reasonable way we can,” she said.

The return to campus will proceed in phases, which Livingstone said she anticipates will begin on June 1 with the return of “faculty and staff involved with critical infrastructure and research support.”

“The remainder of the return-to-campus process will continue gradually over the summer, as we phase in critical administration and business operations, support services and operations, and ending with the return of faculty and students near the beginning of the fall semester,” she said.