To the Taylor campus community,
As we have continued to monitor the COVID-19 outbreak, we have made the safety of each member of our community our primary concern. As part of that effort, our campus leaders have monitored the actions of our local, state, and federal governments.
In the past 24 hours, the United States State Department has placed all global destinations at level 3, which means all global travel should be “Reconsidered.”
In addition, Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb has issued directives intended to prevent the spread of COVID-19, including avoiding gatherings of more than 250 people.
Today, in consultation with Dr. Paige Comstock Cunningham and the leadership of the Board of Trustees, we have determined the following measures in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. These measures are in effect until further notice.
- Taylor University will dismiss classes early for Spring Break and resume classes on March 30 using virtual course delivery methods. Students are expected to attend classes through Tuesday, March 17. March 18-20 will be reserved for faculty preparation for alternative course delivery. Spring Break for students will commence on March 18 and continue through March 29.
After Easter Break, students would return to campus on Monday, April 13, and return to classroom-based instruction on April 14. Taylor University leadership will monitor the COVID-19 situation daily to evaluate this plan. We plan to give an update to all campus community members by April 1. Residence halls will remain open for students.
Meals provided during the normal spring break will align with their current meal plan for no additional charge. Students are encouraged to return to their homes for Spring Break, and they may wish to move their belongings out of their residence hall room in case classes do not resume on campus as planned.
Taylor staff members should report to work as scheduled unless notified otherwise by their supervisor.
This plan has been developed with the utmost concern for our community safety while seeking to preserve many of the vital elements of our community experiences in the spring semester. It is our hope that we will have a successful restart to the on-campus programs and classroom-based learning on April 14.
Important dates:
March 17: Last class day before Spring Break
March 18-March 29: Spring Break
March 30: Classes resume with online or virtual delivery
April 13: Students return to campus
April 14: Classes resume on campus in classrooms
- Our study abroad programs will be suspended for the spring semester. We will be flying these students back to the United States by next weekend. They will return to their homes, not to campus, where they will be advised to self-isolate for 14 days. We will work with them in regards to the academic requirements of their classes.
- Immediate suspension of all employee travel outside the State of Indiana. Exceptions may be allowed through area Vice Presidents and Senior Leadership team.
- Personal travel outside the State of Indiana is strongly discouraged – this includes interstate or international travel.
- Immediate suspension of all international travel for any school sponsored event.
- Immediate suspension of all campus gatherings of 100 or more people. This includes chapel and student programs. There will be no chapel services on March 13 or March 16.
- Postponement of the upcoming 24@Taylor event scheduled for Friday, March 13 and suspension of on-campus admissions visits until April 14.
We appreciate your flexibility and patience as we monitor this constantly changing situation. Please contact the International Crisis Response Team with any questions at ICRT@taylor.edu. We pray for health and protection for our community and those around the world who are facing this crisis. Thank you for your prayers and support.