Topeka, Kan. – Washburn University took a major step toward offering face-to-face classes in the fall with a formal plan which was distributed today to faculty and staff. Washburn intends to resume normal classes at both the university campus and at Washburn Tech for the fall semester.
The plan lists a four step process for the campuses to gradually return to normal operation with more employees physically on campus, though with additional safeguards to prevent spread of Covid-19. The plan was created by a steering committee drawn from operational units throughout the school’s campuses and focuses on providing an educational experience in a safe environment.
“Washburn University and Washburn Tech will continue to follow the advice and guidance of both state and local officials as we return to the classroom,” said Dr. Jerry Farley, president of Washburn University. “But we know that our students want the face-to-face educational experience that is our hallmark and – barring unforeseen circumstances – we are convinced that we can do that safely for the fall semester.”
Farley noted that Washburn will have to make some adjustments such as frequent disinfecting, limiting class sizes and helping students, faculty and staff maintain appropriate social distancing.
Washburn already announced that summer classes will be held entirely online. However, Farley noted that nearly 80 percent of the summer classes were already scheduled to be online.
“In the summer, students tend to gravitate to online classes to allow for maximum flexibility with summer jobs, vacations and internships,” he said, “even though they prefer face-to-face classes.”
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Ed Note – The re-opening plan – named Non Nobis Solum after Washburn’s motto -- is posted on the university’s website at https://washburn.edu/student-life/health-safety/_files/WU-Web-Reopening.pdf The plan will be updated as needed throughout the summer into the fall semester.
