Students and faculty returning to Wilberforce University (Wilberforce, Ohio) for the 2020 fall semester are working remotely. Because of the continued, pervasive spread of COVID-19, the historic institution announces classes will continue to engage solely in virtual teaching and learning environments for the fall term.
The university temporarily suspended its campus operations and the nearly 600 students began learning virtually after the initial corona virus outbreak in March of this year. Now, after monitoring and adhering to messaging from local and Ohio public health experts, Governor Mike DeWine and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Wilberforce will offer its 19 academic concentrations in undergraduate, master’s and adult and continuing education programs virtually. In the meantime, after observing COVID-19 infection rates, the university’s leadership team will make a science-based decision whether to resume face-to-face teaching, learning and living on campus in January.
“After considering the rates at which the corona virus is spreading, we considered the best way to keep students and staff in a healthy, comfortable, learning environment is to provide virtual teaching and learning in their personal surroundings.” -Dr. Elfred Anthony Pinkard, President, Wilberforce University
All students will have the opportunity to be a part of this new academic model. The university will provide laptops and hotspots to ensure an enriched virtual teaching and learning experience.
“It will be different, but the world is changing, and we have to change. That means the way we learn is evolving and we have to be prepared for the future.” – Michael Beasley, Wilberforce University, Class of 2021
Virtual orientation for new students began August 26-30. Classes for the student body and instructors will begin immediately after that. The campus will remain open for essential personnel to perform their duties.
