A timeline of
JBU’s COVID-19 Response JANUARY 31 The Crisis Response Team begins to actively monitor the coronavirus pandemic. Two international trips are canceled.
MARCH 12 A Community Service is held to announce decision to suspend face-to-face classes on March 13, close residential housing on March 21 and resume classes online on March 30. MARCH 13 In light of increasing travel restrictions and the declaration of a national emergency, JBU moves up the close of residence halls to March 16. Last day of face-to-face classes. MARCH 26 President Pollard holds the first of many regular Town Hall meetings for faculty and staff via Zoom. The meetings cover a range of topics and allow participants to ask questions. APRIL 6 Announcement of JBU at Home summer program offering more than 60 online classes, taught by full-time faculty at a discounted rate of $249/credit hour. Spring commencement is postponed, and credits for program disruptions are announced. MAY 9 Online Celebration of Graduates via YouTube. (Not intended to replace commencement but serves as a celebratory marker until further plans can be made.)
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MARCH 9 Crisis Response Team starts meeting daily to determine JBU response and make preparations for possible move to remote education. MARCH 12-13 President Pollard takes graduation photos with seniors. MARCH 16 The majority of employees transition to working remotely from home. Screening guidelines are established for those working on campus. The Walton Lifetime Health Complex is closed. Campus buildings are closed to the public. Faculty and staff work to transition academic instruction to remote classes. MARCH 30 Classes resume via remote education. MAY 4 President Pollard announces JBU’s intention to resume classes on campus in the fall in compliance with all government requirements to protect the health of our students, faculty and staff as well as the community of Siloam Springs. JUNE 10 Fall semester details are announced including changes to the academic calendar and health and safety guidelines. Gifts to the Fill the Gap Scholarship Fund, created to help students facing economic challenges in need of additional financial aid, totals more than $470,000.
For details related to the coronavirus, visit jbu.edu/coronavirus For information on the fall semester, visit jbu.edu/backtoschool BROWN BULLETIN
