Fall Semester Begins August 24, 2020
We are eager to begin on-campus classes at HCU on Monday, August 24! HCU, like many educational institutions and organizations, shifted our instructional delivery in March 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. Now, with many safety measures in place, we are certain our new, in-person instruction model will serve learners well. We believe the hybrid delivery model will help keep students, faculty and staff safe. We are looking forward to having you back on campus, and we have several resources and reminders below to help you to be successful.
Our Success Depends on You
Several universities have reported an increase in COVID-19 cases. In almost every instance, contact tracing has shown the cause to be students gathering socially in violation of the masking and distancing policies. Our plan for density, defense and disinfecting only works if we all agree to follow the rules and avoid putting ourselves and others at risk of careless exposure.
We have outlined these safety expectations and health requirements on the Husky Strong website. Please visit the General Safety and Health page and commit to love our Husky neighbors by following these guidelines and policies.
Hybrid Academic Delivery
HCU will use a hybrid delivery model that ensures safe social distancing, facial coverings, and clean learning spaces. Each residential class will be divided into two groups, so that no more than 50% of room capacity will be used at one time. Each class will be divided into two groups alphabetically, using the first letter of students’ last names. For most classes, the designation will be:
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Last Name: A-K Attend in person |
Last Name: L-Z Attend in person |
Remote Instruction | ||
Therefore, students with the last name A-K will attend in person for classes on Monday and Tuesday (while L-Z will attend remotely). Students with the last name L-Z will attend in person for classes on Wednesday and Thursday (while A-K attend remotely). We recognize that adjustments for student numbers may need to be made, so please be flexible these first few weeks as we determine the most effective scheduling. Additionally, some students have asked to attend classes 100% remotely; we will be working with students individually to accommodate these requests.
Please note, Convocation will be offered on Monday for A-K students, and on Wednesday for L-Z students, both at 11 a.m. in Dunham Theater. Students may also choose to attend Convocation on Thursdays at 4 p.m. in Belin Chapel.
Learn more details about teaching and taking residential courses this fall.
Move-in and Welcome Days
We are thrilled that many of you have chosen to live on campus. You should have received an email with your room assignment as well as instructions on what move-in will look like and how many people can accompany you on campus to move in at your designated time. Feel free to contact Reslife@HBU.edu with any questions. Please also note that there will be no visitation allowed in the residence halls at the beginning of the semester. Residence Life will notify students if that rule changes.
For new, incoming students this fall, please make note of the check-in schedule below:
| NEW Freshmen & Transfers | August 21 | |
|---|---|
| Residential Students | |
| 8 – 9:30 a.m. | Last name: A-D |
| 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. | Last name: E-H |
| 10:30 a.m. – noon | Last name: I-O |
| 1 – 2 p.m. | Last name: P-S |
| 2 – 3 p.m. | Last name: T-Z |
| Commuter Student | |
| 3 – 4 p.m. | Last name: A-L |
| 4 – 5 p.m. | Last name: M-Z |
We expect all new, incoming students to participate in Welcome Days. It is even more important to do so this year! Learn more and view the full Welcome Days 2020 schedule.
Returning students will move in on Saturday and Sunday, see below:
| Upperclassmen | August 22 | |
|---|---|
| 9 a.m. – noon | Last name: A-O |
| 1 – 3 p.m. | Last name: P-Z |
| Upperclassmen | August 23 | |
| 9 a.m. – noon | Last name: P-Z |
| 1 – 3 p.m. | Last name: A-O |
Taking Care of Business
As we return to campus, we still need to physically distance as much as possible; therefore,
we are asking students to schedule appointments in advance as opposed to coming to offices in person. Zoom appointments can be scheduled via Navigate for Financial Aid, Cashier (Financial Services), Advising and Success Coaches. The Registrar, HCU Bookstore and Moody Library will be accepting walk-ins as allowed by physical distancing. Additionally, the Admissions office will have tables set up in the MD Anderson Student Center (outside Husky Central) to assist students in person next week.
All individuals on HCU’s campus will be required to wear a mask over their nose and mouth at all times unless eating in the Baugh or MD Anderson Student Center, walking physically spaced from others outside, or in their own residential suite.
Although food service in the Baugh and MD Anderson will not be made-to-order in the first few weeks of the semester, everything will be open for service. There will be some new rules including no outside food or containers allowed in the Baugh, new cups required for refills, and limiting dining times to 30 minutes. However, our food service partners with Aramark are working hard to provide as many options as possible.
As a reminder, students were required to be financially settled by August 17. If you have not done so yet, please schedule an appointment with the Cashier or Financial Aid Office as soon as possible to set up a payment plan, complete your financial aid, and/or pay your balance. Students will have until Wednesday, August 26 to financially settle, or their class schedule may be administratively dropped.
We are All in this Together
We are so glad to have you as a student. Your plans to complete your education are still on track, and HCU continues to offer the distinctive education for which we are known. It’s going to be a great semester. Dawgs up and masks up!