News from Washburn University

     Topeka, Kan. – Washburn University announced that it will add a “social distancing” component to its response to the COVID-19 outbreak.  That means that students are encouraged not to return to campus and that all in-person classes are cancelled through March 20 at the university campus.  A decision is forthcoming for the Washburn Tech campus and is expected no later than tomorrow.  The university emphasized that this response is being made out of an abundance of caution.

     After March 20, most classes will be conducted via the university’s distance learning systems.  The pause in face-to-face classes next week will allow faculty the time needed to adjust to a remote delivery system for their courses.

    “Our priority is always the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff and we think these steps will help protect the Washburn community,” said Jerry Farley, Washburn president.  “While there are no cases of the virus in or around our community, we want to make arrangements now to ensure that we can continue to deliver academic courses for the rest of the semester and we feel that this addition of social distancing will help protect our community and our mission.”

     The spread of the COVID-19 virus will be continually monitored and plans will be reviewed and updated in a timely manner, he said, and all updates will be shared on the university’s website at www.washburn.edu.  There is a special link on the home page for coronavirus information.

     “We are committed to working together to ensure our students can achieve their educational goals making progress toward the ultimate goal of graduation,” Farley said.

    At this time, key points of the university plans are:

Washburn University

• The campus remains open with faculty and staff reporting as usual

• Students are being encouraged to stay home and not return to campus after spring break until face-to-face classes resume.

• Face-to-face classes have been cancelled for the week of March 16. 

• Online classes will continue as normal.  

• Face-to-Face classes that are not already delivered online will be converted to distance learning during the week of March 16-20. 

• A decision about returning to face-to-face classroom instruction will occur no later than the week of March 23-27.

• All large events expecting 100 or more people occurring on campus through April 4 will be reviewed and possibly cancelled.

Washburn Tech

• A decision will be forthcoming for Washburn Tech and is expected to be released after consultation with our high school partners.

Again, for current information and update, check the Washburn University website at www.washburn.edu and follow the link to the coronavirus information.

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