Baylor Fall Planning Heavy on Flexibility

Although Baylor University intends to return to in-person classes in the fall, the Texas institution said that doesn't mean it's planning for a "normal start." Among the work being undertaken currently is planning for the use of online courses to run alongside in-person classes, development of campus "quarantine spaces," rules about facial coverings and tactical use of classroom space to accommodate physical distancing.

The university's "Project 8.24" planning team (named for the data when Baylor's fall session begins) is "planning for the worst and hoping for the best," according to a recent memo to the campus community from President Linda Livingstone.

Planning includes a five-phase framework for reopening the campus to staff and faculty. Beginning this week, Baylor is bringing back staff in operations and facilities, IT, student health and research. Over the next 90 days, staff from additional offices will begin working on campus again, with "staggered attendance" by faculty, staff and "certain students" beginning in July.

According to reporting by the Waco Tribune-Herald, Baylor planners expect to continue holding the largest classes online, to free up large lecture halls for small classes to convene on campus while still leaving six feet between students. For courses with more than one section, at least one of those will be dedicated to the online format, to help those who have to quarantine themselves and international students who can't return to campus.

The newspaper reported that Student Life administrators are still planning how residence halls will operate; but the proposal is expected to include "contingency plans for isolation or quarantine spaces on campus in case a student in the dorms tests positive for COVID-19."

While the university has been delivering remote education officially since Mar. 16, 2020, following spring break, to finish out the spring semester, it also announced an online "summer of discovery" program, encouraging students to take bundles of classes at a discount during three separate summer sessions.

Last week the Baylor Broad of Regents approved a budget of $679.9 million for the 2020-2021 fiscal year. That's about $14.2 million less than last year, with $73.3 million in cuts to address expected "significant headwinds" caused by COVID-19. For example, the campus is expecting fewer students in dorms and dining halls, resulting in a decline in that revenue. Cuts fall into three broad categories: cost reductions ($30.3 million), one-time funding reallocations ($24.5 million) and cost avoidances ($18.5 million). While a hiring freeze has been implemented, various units are reviewing where to lay off staff.

"While we cannot eliminate all risks, we intend to mitigate these threats in every reasonable way we can," Livingstone wrote. "In the weeks and months ahead, we will work diligently to refine our preparations to create a safe, productive educational environment for all of you."

About the Author

Dian Schaffhauser is a former senior contributing editor for 1105 Media's education publications THE Journal, Campus Technology and Spaces4Learning.

Featured

  • Florida State University Selects Architect for Lacrosse Stadium

    Florida State University in Tallahassee, Fla., recently announced that it has selected PBK Architects as the designer for its new lacrosse stadium, according to a university news release. The university’s women’s lacrosse team will play its inaugural season in spring 2026 along with the stadium’s completion.

  • Tennessee College Selects Designers for $72M Renovation Project

    Tennessee College of Applied Tech Memphis (TCAT Memphis) in Memphis, Tenn., recently announced that it has approved documents from DLR Group and 4FDesign for an upcoming multi-phased renovation project, a news release reports. DLR Group previously completed the college’s 2020 TCAT Statewide Master Plan Update.

  • PBK Announces New Chief Strategy & Growth Officer

    Architectural planning and design firm PBK recently announced the hiring of a new Chief Strategy & Growth Officer for its office in Houston, Texas, who will lead the firm’s strategic growth initiatives like mergers and acquisitions.

  • Understanding the Training of School Resource Officers

    SROs are now integral components of nearly every educational system in the country. But instead of being a more passive entity in schools, they have gradually become mentors to students, adding to their support network of teachers, parents, coaches, and other caring adults.

Digital Edition