Update regarding COVID-19 from President Houston Davis to students, faculty, and staff
Since we first began discussing COVID-19 and its impact, our response has been guided by our commitment to ensure the health and well-being of our campus and broader community, while also providing educational excellence in a teaching, learning, and living environment that is second to none. Today we announce the next, pivotal step in our response.
After many lengthy, detailed discussions with campus leadership and health officials, it is our plan to be in regular operation for fall semester and begin classes as scheduled on August 20. This is our hope and the outcome we are diligently working toward. However, given the rapidly changing nature of COVID-19, we have planned for several additional scenarios and are prepared to modify our course of action if necessary. We continue to follow the guidance issued from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Arkansas Department of Health, and we will remain in close contact in the coming weeks.
The health and well-being of our students and campus community are always top priorities. In preparation for the August 20 start to fall semester classes, university-wide teams are working around the clock to ensure a safe transition back to campus. We will continue enhanced cleaning and sanitizing measures in all buildings, and we are working on detailed plans to facilitate social distancing in classrooms and other locations across campus. This includes, but is not limited to: possible changes in class scheduling and locations, ensuring a safe plan for housing and supporting students in the residence halls, and considering proper use of face coverings in closed spaces. Our Student Health Clinic, in partnership with local health systems, will also be prepared to test, trace, and isolate members of the campus community, should they test positive for COVID-19.
We know and understand that there will be many questions about how we will move forward. This planning process is ongoing, and we will share more details as soon as they are available. As a reminder, all of our COVID-19 information and updates are available on our website.
We continue to think of those who are recovering from COVID-19, members of our campus community who have lost loved ones due to the virus, and those who are struggling with a very real financial impact. While this has certainly been a challenging season, I remain hopeful and optimistic as we look to the fall semester. I continue to have the deepest gratitude for our exceptional students, faculty, and staff and your determination and unwavering university spirit. You are showing us exactly what it means to be a UCA Bear. Thank you again.