Task Force Announcements

CRRSAA and ARP Notice and Update

Tuesday, January 10, 2023

An update on the disbursement of the Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds (HEERF II) and American Rescue Plan (ARP).

Read The January 10 Update


Friday, October 7, 2022

An update on the disbursement of the Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds (HEERF II) and American Rescue Plan (ARP).

Read The October 7 Update


Monday, July 11, 2022

An update on the disbursement of the Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds (HEERF II) and American Rescue Plan (ARP).

Read The July 11 Update


Monday, April 10, 2022

An update on the disbursement of the Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds (HEERF II) and American Rescue Plan (ARP).

Read The April 10 Update


Monday, January 10, 2022

An update on the disbursement of the Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds (HEERF II) and American Rescue Plan (ARP).

Read The January 10 Update


Spring 2022 Semester Updates

Thursday, January 6, 2022

An update on campus health and safety initiatives for the Spring 2022 semester.

Read The January 6 Update


CRRSAA Notice and Update

Sunday, October 10, 2021

Another update on the disbursement of the Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds (HEERF II).

Read The October 10 Update


Gift Card for Vaccinated Huskies

Wednesday, August 25, 2021

To encourage all students, faculty, and staff to protect themselves and others by being vaccinated, we are announcing a voluntary opt-in program.

Read The August 25 Update


We Will All Be Back Together

Monday, July 19, 2021

Updates for the fall semester including information about vaccinations, quarantining and facilities.

Read The July 19 Update


CRRSAA Notice and Update

Saturday, July 10, 2021

Another update on the disbursement of the Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds (HEERF II).

Read The July 10 Update


CRRSAA Notice and Update

Friday, July 9, 2021

An update on the disbursement of the Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds (HEERF II).

Read The July 9 Update


Normal Operations Resume on June 1

Tuesday, March 30, 2021

We are happy to announce we will resume fully in-person classes and campus occupancy standards this fall.

Read The March 30 Update


Masks Will Still Be Required on Campus

Friday, March 5, 2021

HBU will maintain all current masking, social distancing, and disinfecting activities through the end of the spring semester.

Read The March 5 Update


Important Update for Spring 2021 Semester

Thursday, January 14, 2021

Instruction will be 100% remote in the month of January, returning to hybrid mode on Monday, Feb. 1. The University is also offering free COVID testing next week.

Read The January 14 Update


Final CARES Act Notice and Update

Tuesday, January 6, 2021

A final update on the Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds.

Read The January 10 Update


Third CARES Act Notice and Update

Friday, October 30, 2020

An update on the completed disbursement of the Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds.

Read The October 30 Update


Planning for Spring 2021

Thursday, October 29, 2020

All residential students will be required to attend classes during Spring 2021 on campus, following our proven safety practices, unless approved through a special process. To provide safe distancing, and follow general health guidelines, HCU will continue to employ a remote hybrid delivery mechanism that reduces occupancy in classrooms and labs to no more than 50%.

Read The October 29 Update


November Commencement

Wednesday, October 7

Two graduation ceremonies will be held at Husky Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020.

Read The October 7 Update


Second CARES Act Notice and Update

Tuesday, September 23

An update to the notice delivered in August about the University’s distribution of Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds.

Read The September 23 Update


CARES Act Notice and Update

Wednesday, August 31

An update to the initial notice delivered in May.

Read The August 31 Update


Fall Semester Begins Aug. 24, 2020

Wednesday, August 19

We are eager to begin on-campus classes at HCU on Monday, August 24! Now, with many safety measures in place, we believe the hybrid delivery model will help keep students, faculty and staff safe and serve learners well. We are looking forward to having you back on campus, and we have several resources and reminders to help you to be successful. Learn more about course delivery, safety and health, move-in, dining and Welcome Days.

Read The August 19 Update


Town Hall Recordings

Tuesday, August 11

The University recently held two virtual town halls led by Husky Strong Task Force officials.  View recordings of the session for new students and the one held for returning students.


Fall 2020 Update

Monday, July 14

We are committed to safely reopening the University and hosting in-person classes this fall. As scheduled, fall classes will begin on Monday, August 24 and conclude on Friday, December 11. However, we will extend the period of physical distancing for several weeks prior to the Christmas break. Beginning Monday, November 30, all classes will be held remotely, including final exams. This will not reduce or lengthen the semester. The faculty and administration of HCU are working diligently to ensure that the blend of in-person, hybrid, remote and online courses that will be offered in Fall 2020 does not diminish the quality and value of a degree from HBU.

Read The July 14 Update


August 2020 Graduation Ceremony Cancellation

Monday, July 6

Our traditional May commencement ceremony plans were disrupted due to the COVID-19 crisis. We planned eagerly to celebrate the May and Summer 2020 graduates at an August 8, 2020 ceremony, but since that time, HCU has received further state and local guidance on sizable gatherings.  In compliance with the governor’s directives, and in an abundance of caution, we must inform you that the Saturday, August 8, 2020 commencement ceremony is cancelled.

Read The July 6 Update


Fall 2020 Update

Thursday, June 25

Plans to return to campus this fall are progressing as the Husky Strong Task Force has been working diligently to minimize disruptions to the Fall 2020 calendar while following the guidance of experts and authorities.  This update covers:
  • Academic delivery
  • Distancing policies and procedures
  • Student housing
  • May and Summer commencement ceremony
  • Summer welcome events

Read The June 25 Update


Academic Offerings and Procedures for the Fall

Tuesday, June 2

The Husky Strong Task Force presents an initial strategy for how we will deliver on-campus classes in the fall, subject to change.  This update addresses:

    • Hybrid model
    • Capacity and classroom layout
    • Personal distancing and hygiene protocols
    • Requirements for labs, studios and non-traditional classrooms
    • Self-reporting

Read The June 2 Update


Plans to Return to Campus are Progressing

Friday, May 15

The Husky Strong Task Force has been working diligently to safely reopen the University. Our charge from President Robert Sloan is to think creatively and strategically to develop a plan that will accommodate students in classrooms on campus this fall while making every effort to physically distance and prioritize safety. The task force is working through various scenarios to address academic delivery, distancing policies and procedures, various student support services, athletic and other HCU events, and the optimization of technology.

Read The May 15 Update


CARES Act Notice

Monday, May 11

The higher education emergency relief fund provides funds for enrolled students to be used to cover expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus (including eligible expenses under a student’s cost of attendance such as food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and child care).  We are providing grants to the neediest students.

Read The May 11 Update


Moving Forward and Preparing to Reopen

Friday, April 24

By God’s grace, we believe we will emerge from this season stronger. We are preparing for what lies ahead and moving forward as we plan to be back together again for fall 2020. This update includes:

  • creation of a reopening task force
  • National Pay It Forward Day fundraiser
  • distributing CARES Act funds
  • accommodations for future students

Read The April 24 Update


Refunds and Other Financial Assistance

Wednesday, April 1

We understand that COVID-19 has impacted students and their families in profound ways, including financially. Recently we have been working to develop a plan to address the financial implications due to COVID-19. This plan covers:

  • 15% discount on summer 2020 classes
  • housing balances
  • meal plans
  • financial holds
  • refunds and handling of credit balances
  • work-study positions
  • impacts of the CARES Act including provisions for student loans

Read The April 1 Update


March 27 COVID-19 Update

This update to our response plan includes information about:

  • two HCU students diagnosed with coronavirus
  • a change to the pass/fail policy for the spring 2020 semester
  • housing refunds
  • summer courses moving online
  • an extension to the enrollment deposit

Read The March 27 Update


The Stay Home, Work Safe Order

Wednesday, March 24

Earlier today, County Judge Lina Hidalgo issued a “Stay Home, Work Safe” order for Harris County, which includes the City of Houston. The order goes into effect at 11:59 p.m. March 24 (Tuesday night) and will stay in effect until at least April 3. Fort Bend and Galveston Counties have issued a similar order, effective for the same period. Other neighboring counties are considering similar actions.  This page outlines some important things you need to know about how these actions affect the University.

Read The March 24 Update


A Message From Dr. Sloan, HCU President

Wednesday, March 24


Bradshaw Fitness Center Users

Friday, March 20

Houston Christian University has no known cases of COVID-19. Out of an abundance of caution we are informing you that a Bradshaw Fitness Center student worker has a sibling who tested positive for the coronavirus. The student worker was on duty Sunday, March 15 from 11:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and is now under the 14-day self-quarantine period off campus. The student and remainder of the family show no signs of the virus.


HCU Graduation Update

Thursday, March 19

Commencement ceremonies scheduled for May graduates are postponed. Be assured that, for students who are graduating this semester, degrees will still be officially conferred in May. Graduates are invited to participate in a commencement ceremony in August.

Read The March 19 Update


Student Account’s Office Information on Refunds

Wednesday, March 18

For students with federal aid for the 2019-2020 year, the final disbursement for this spring term 2020 was posted to your account on Monday, March 16th. The Accounting department will process the refunds for anyone not enrolled in the online second eight weeks term on Friday.

Read The March 18 Update


March 17 COVID-19 Update

Tuesday, March 17

This update to our response plan includes:
    • extension to remote delivery of courses
    • immediate changes for students who live on campus
    • an update to the temporary telecommuting arrangement for faculty and staff
    • changes for campus and university events
    • updates about events for prospective students and their families

Read The March 17 Update


Continuity of Instruction

Friday, March 13

Faculty will work during March 16-20, 2020 to prepare for remote delivery of residential classes. The Associate Provost of E-Learning and Continuing Education will be disseminating a separate communication soon for HCU faculty concerning training times.  Students enrolled in residential classes should plan to resume their classes remotely beginning Monday, March 23, 2020. HCU will use the learning management system (LMS), Blackboard, as the primary means for delivering content. To help with efforts to slow the virus, the University is asking that students meet with faculty remotely for concerns about their current spring 2020 classes.

Read The March 13 Update


COVID-19 Response Plan

Thursday, March 12

Dear HCU Community,

As we continue to see more and more news about the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus), our mutual concern motivates us to be vigilant and proactive. As you know, the situation is changing daily and will remain very fluid over the next several weeks, perhaps months. Please be assured that Houston Christian University takes this rapidly evolving situation very seriously. You should plan to check this website frequently for updates. This is an update to the University Community to the health bulletin that we issued on March 5, 2020.   

View Response Plan


Wednesday, March 11

University officials are closely monitoring news pertaining to the prevention measures being recommended to slow the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus) by state and local government entities.  This is a very fluid situation with numerous issues arising by the hour.

The University is assessing and reviewing all available options for classes and university events.

The University will distribute a plan for HCU faculty, staff and students by end of business on Thursday, March 12.


Thursday, March 5

Houston Christian University is restricting travel to all countries for which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 3 Travel Warning related to the Coronavirus. The CDC applies this warning to countries in which there is widespread community transmission. At this time, the CDC has issued the Level 3 Travel Warning to China, South Korea, Italy and Iran. Due to rapidly changing conditions, anyone considering international travel is advised to monitor the CDC’s travel advisory website  for the latest updates regarding travel and COVID-19. 

Read The March 5 Update


Saturday, February 1

Houston Christian University is restricting travel to all countries for which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 3 Travel Warning related to the Coronavirus. The CDC applies this warning to countries in which there is widespread community transmission. At this time, the CDC has issued the Level 3 Travel Warning to China, South Korea, Italy and Iran. Due to rapidly changing conditions, anyone considering international travel is advised to monitor the CDC’s travel advisory website  for the latest updates regarding travel and COVID-19.

Read The February 1 Update