SHAWNEE—Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU) has moved to online learning for a minimum of two weeks in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. OBU goes on Spring Break from March 16-20 and will then deliver all courses online from March 23-April 3, with a decision coming by March 27 on whether to extend that period of time.
OBU President Heath Thomas
Heath A Thomas, OBU president, issued the following statement through email Friday, March 13, regarding this decision:
“I pray this email finds you well. The past week has been extraordinary in so many ways, and the recent events have led us to a decision point for OBU regarding our campus. In light of recent developments regarding the worldwide coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19), university leadership is taking the following immediate actions in the interest of safety for all members of our campus community.
“Students:
“We are replacing all in-person classes with online instruction for a minimum of two weeks following Spring Break (March 23-April 3). A decision regarding whether to continue with online instruction will be made no later than March 27 and communicated to you via email.
“Students should take all items necessary for online courses with them, such as laptops, textbooks, and other course supplies.
“Please check your university email during Spring Break and log in to Canvas to receive directions for online course instruction.
“For students who have made arrangements to remain on campus during spring break, campus housing will be closing Friday, March 20. If you have an extreme hardship, please contact your RD by Wednesday, March 18.
“All OBU affiliated group travel during March is suspended and will be re-evaluated March 27.
“Employees:
“Campus will remain open and employees will report to work on their normal schedule. Details concerning self-isolation and other safety protocols will be sent via email from Human Resources. Please watch for those instructions to come by noon today.
“Faculty:
“Information will be coming to you via email from Dr. Susan DeWoody and Academic Technology regarding assistance for accomplishing online course delivery.
“Please continue to monitor www.okbu.edu/coronavirus as well as your University email account for further updates. This is a fluid situation and it is important for you to remain informed as further announcements are made. We pray for your health and safety and that your time away from campus will be refreshing and fruitful.”
Stay current with OBU’s response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak at okbu.edu/coronavirus.
For more information about OBU, visit okbu.edu.
