UWA preparing for fall semester on campus

LIVINGSTON, Ala. — As the University of West Alabama marks the end of the Spring 2020 semester, university officials have been working on its approach and processes to safely return students to campus.

The campus closed March 16, when most residential students began early checkout from campus residences and commuting students did not return to campus since classes transitioned to online instruction. Most of the daily life on campus came to a screeching halt to comply with federal and state orders and prevention guidelines related to the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19).

University employees have been working remotely since then, minimizing essential time on campus in order to maintain social distance out of precaution prior to the governor’s stay-at-home order. A task force was set up to determine the best approach for employees resuming daily operations on campus when workplace restrictions are lifted statewide and conditions are deemed safe.

“We have remained committed and have aspired to making it through this academic term successfully despite unprecedented changes and challenges resulting from COVID-19, all with the primary goal of maintaining health and safety while guiding students to the next steps in their academic and career journeys,” said UWA President Ken Tucker.

“We anticipate having on-campus classes this fall, and are taking all necessary steps to maintain a safe environment when the regular schedule resumes.” 

Tucker added that he expects the task force “will deliver innovative, creative, thoughtful, and realistic solutions for campus operations, all of which must be in compliance with healthcare and government guidelines.”

Students who looked forward to this week the most, perhaps, are those graduating. Spring Commencement exercises were originally scheduled for May 9, but the event has been tentatively rescheduled for July 31, pending federal and state guidelines surrounding COVID-19.

UWA Provost Tim Edwards announced in April that summer campus classes will be delivered online, with no in-person class meetings for the summer. Heightened sanitation and disinfecting efforts continue throughout campus, helping to minimize risks for those who must be on campus and to help prepare for a phased approach to returning to campus.

“To be quite honest, our goals for the Fall 2020 semester are much the same as before the pandemic took hold of our daily activities—a promising freshman class on campus enjoying the college experience, course, faculty and staff rosters all full, academic enrichment, athletic victories, and exciting events teeming with unity and school pride,” Tucker said.

“We believe we can accomplish these, even if the days look a little different with continued social distancing and other protocols that are urged for our protection.”