BYU Announces Fall Semester Decision: Resume to In-person Classes with Several Adjustments

PROVO UTAH — Brigham Young University has announced its fall semester decision after months of observation and consideration.

“We are planning for an in-person fall semester starting Aug 31, 2020, with a hybrid of in-person and remote classes. This decision is subject to change depending on trends in disease prevalence and guidance from state and local government.”

Fall Decision Announcement:

We are planning for an in-person fall semester starting Aug 31, 2020, with a hybrid of in-person and remote classes. This decision is subject to change depending on trends in disease prevalence and guidance from state and local government.

— BYU (@BYU) June 23, 2020

BYU President Kevin J. Worthen also introduced its phased plans and a wide range of adjustments to ensure the safety of each student.

The safety and protection of the BYU community is our first priority. Students in high-risk categories, including older adults & the immunocompromised, are strongly encouraged to not be on campus during fall semester. Remote coursework options are available for these students.

— BYU (@BYU) June 23, 2020

This said adjustments are as follow:

Phased return of students to BYU on-campus housing
Hybrid classes that combine in-person and remote learning
Expanded number of BYU Online courses
COVID-19 testing for sick individuals and some testing of asymptomatic individuals
Contact tracing in partnership with the Utah County Health Department
Phased approach for reintroducing activities and events
Required use of face coverings by students, faculty, staff and visitors
A shift to remote instruction and exams after Thanksgiving

“Fall semester 2020 will begin, and perhaps remain, unlike any other semester at BYU,” President Worthen wrote. “For this to succeed, we all have to play our part. The BYU mission statement says that all relationships within the BYU community should reflect “a loving, genuine concern for the welfare of our neighbor.” Certainly that can be our motivation for wearing a face covering, washing our hands often, and staying home when we’re sick. We can react with empathy when someone we know tests positive for COVID-19. We can fight the virus of contempt with kindness even as we debate how to best respond as a society to the pandemic.”

Other colleges and universities operated by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have different plans for the fall semester. More details will be released at byu.edu/coronavirus.