Upland, Indiana – Taylor University officials today announced the suspension of on-campus classes will continue through the end of the 2020 spring semester. Classes will resume in a virtual delivery format on Monday, March 30, and continue through the remainder of the semester.
Additionally, Taylor’s commencement, previously scheduled for Saturday, May 23, has been postponed. According to Dr. Michael Hammond, Provost and Executive Vice President at Taylor, input on an alternate date for commencement will be sought from members of the senior class.
“In the interest of the health and safety of our community, Taylor University will not be able to resume on-campus classes and programs on April 14, 2020 as we had hoped,” said Hammond and Interim President, Dr. Paige Comstock Cunningham. “As we have monitored the developments of the COVID-19 pandemic, and received direction from federal, state, and local authorities, this has become the most prudent option. The decision was made after an emergency session last evening (March 19) with the Taylor Board of Trustees and Taylor’s Senior Leadership Team.”
The announcement follows the placement of Grant County, Indiana, at an Orange level travel advisory, meaning only essential travel should be undertaken. Additionally, in the State of Indiana, the number of COVID-19 cases has more than doubled from 39 to 79 in the past two days, including one confirmed diagnosis in Grant County.
Hammond and Cunningham also said Taylor’s residence halls will be closed and secured immediately, and that provisions would be made for students still on campus who are unable to return to their homes. Additionally, all campus buildings will be locked and restricted to access by employees only.
“The health and safety of every member of the Taylor University community remains our primary concern,” said Hammond and Cunningham in the announcement. “We are grateful God’s work in each of our lives is not limited to the boundary of the loop or the ‘village border,’ nor is it defined by geography. Please continue to pray and have faith that the Lord will be honored in all of this and do amazing things in our midst.”
Taylor officials will continue to post updates as well as answers to frequently asked questions at: www.taylor.edu/coronavirus.
