Important Update for Spring 2021 Semester

Thursday, January 14, 2021

As the spring semester begins, the COVID-19 case rates in Houston and throughout the US have continued to climb. In response to this challenge, HCU classes will be offered 100% remotely from Tuesday, January 19 through Friday, January 29, until in-person/hybrid instruction resumes on Monday, February 1. Students should utilize Blackboard to obtain course information and class instructions. Although classes will be remote during this two-week period, all campus services including the Moody Library and Looper Learning Commons, Baugh Dining Hall, Bookstore, and Residence Halls will remain open.

Residential students are strongly encouraged to return to campus and re-establish their “family bubbles” during this time to reduce the likelihood of academic disruption later in the semester. Free COVID-19 testing will be available on campus Tuesday, January 19, and Friday, January 22 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Testing will be available through both a walk-up and a drive-through model in the parking lot adjacent to Atwood II facing the soccer fields. The entire HCU community is strongly encouraged to participate both days in an effort to ensure a University-wide COVID free environment.

Hybrid instruction will resume on Monday, February 1, and students will be expected to be present in person on campus during their designated class days (Last name: A-K on Mon-Tues; Last name: L-Z on Wed-Thurs). Data from the fall suggests that there can be significant challenges to effective learning and engagement when hybrid attendance is poor. If you have not applied for 100% remote instruction this semester, you are expected to attend on-campus classes as assigned, and attendance will be closely monitored.

All safety precautions from the fall: Density (no spaces at more than 50% occupancy), Defend (masking across campus and CIMR units in dining, science, and classroom areas), and Disinfect (heightened space sanitation, with PathoSans available throughout campus for extra safety) remain in effect for the coming semester.

We understand that continued vigilance regarding COVID-19 can feel challenging and even be a sacrifice at times. Yet, we have seen the best in our students, faculty, and staff members during the past months. HCU had an extraordinarily successful fall semester because of the collective teamwork of our entire community. While precautionary measures will need to continue a bit longer, we are confident of your bright future and we are Husky Strong! We will stand together, making actions and choices to protect one other until these challenges have passed.

Thank you and God Bless.