Arbitrations are beginning for COVID-19-related housing disputes between BYU students and landlords. (PHOTO: BYU/Twitter)
PROVO, Utah — Brigham Young University says they’re planning to see students return to the Provo campus this fall.
In a tweet issued by the University, they state the fall semester is set to begin on August 31. There will be a mix of hybrid in-person and remote classes.
BYU says the plan could change between now and the start of their fall semester but barring any other guidance from state or local governments, they expect students to be back in the classroom.
“The safety and protection of the BYU community is our first priority,” BYU wrote on Twitter Tuesday.
Keri Jenkins, a spokesperson for BYU, told KSL NewsRadio there have been 19 different committees at BYU that have been preparing and planning for students to return this fall.
BYU will require face coverings for students and employees in all university buildings and classrooms as well as in any other areas where directed.
“We are requiring all members of our campus community to wear face coverings indoors and to follow the physical distancing of six feet,” said Jenkins. BYU is also asking people to wear face coverings outside when physical distancing isn’t possible.
Jenkins said there’s been a lot of creative thinking in their plans to return to campus, including occupying spaces that wouldn’t normally be used as classrooms–like large ballrooms as places for students and teachers to meet.
BYU will return to remote coursework after the Thanksgiving break and “students who travel home for Thanksgiving are encouraged to finish fall semester at home,” said Jenkins.
Students who fall under any of the high-risk categories are encouraged to stay off-campus and remote coursework will be available to them.
No announcement has yet been made for the school’s Winter Semester.
Both Utah and Weber State University made similar announcements late last week saying they will also have a mixture of in-person and remote learning available for students.
Weber State says their final decision will be made the first week of July.