Campus and residence halls to remain open; students have option to remain or go home while continuing their studies
As a precautionary move to protect the safety and well-being of its students, faculty and staff, William Woods University(WWU) will move all academic classes and cohorts online effective Monday, March 16. The University will maintain its strictly online policy until the end of the spring semester and final exams, which will be completed by April 24.
The University will keep the main campus in Fulton open. Faculty and staff will continue to report to work and observe normal operating hours. Students will have the option to remain on campus or go home while continuing their classes online. Residence halls and the dining hall will remain open, as will all campus services.
“While there are no confirmed coronavirus cases on the William Woods campus, we are taking this proactive measure after considerable contemplation to reduce the likelihood of the virus’ spread on both our campus and the Fulton community,” said Dr. Jahnae H. Barnett, President of William Woods University. “Our number one priority has always been the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff, and feel strongly that this is the most responsible course of action we can take at this time.”
There will be in-person classes for the final day tomorrow, Friday March 13, before all classes move to online delivery on Monday, including at the University’s Columbia location. The University’s leadership team has been meeting regularly for weeks in response to the potential threat represented by the coronavirus, ensuring that faculty were fully prepared to move all classes online when necessary. The University continues to evaluate scenarios and discuss contingency plans for campus events scheduled for April.
“By transitioning to online classes and promoting social distancing practices, our students will be able to continue their education,” said President Barnett. “We reached this decision through an abundance of caution and believe it is in the best interest of everyone in the WWU community.”
