On Tuesday, March 31, 2020, Samuel W. “Dub” Oliver, president of Union University, sent an email to students announcing that classes will be moved online for the remainder of the spring 2020 semester and that May commencement ceremonies will not take place as they usually do.
The university has been monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic and communicating updated plans in response to developments. While leadership at Union University was hopeful that students would be able to return to classes later this semester, the need for continued social distancing and safer at home directives have rendered this no longer a possibility.
“Thank you for your graciousness as faculty and staff have moved instruction online, and for your commitment to the continued pursuit of our Christ-centered mission,” said Oliver in his email to students. “Even though the COVID-19 virus has disrupted our plans, it has not altered our mission.”
Classes will continue with online instruction, and the university will continue to provide free academic tutoring through the center for academic success (CAS) as well as free writing consultations for students through the writing center. These sessions will be held over Zoom.
For more information and to schedule an appointment with the center for academic success, visit www.uu.edu/studentlife/academic-success. To schedule an appointment with the writing center, visit www.uu.edu/academics/writing-center.
Due to the expectation that restrictions on large gatherings will remain in place for some time after current governmental directives end on April 30, Union commencement ceremonies will not take place as they typically would in May.
“Be assured that, for students who are graduating this semester, degrees will still be officially conferred in May,” said Oliver. “Understanding that an organization values what it celebrates and celebrates what it values, we are still thinking through the best way to honor graduates and their families.”
The university will communicate commencement plans once they have been more definitively established.
While residential students still have the option of living on campus, the university will, at this time, offer prorated refunds for residential students who choose to not live on campus for the remainder of the semester.
“Even though most buildings are locked and the residence halls are almost empty, faculty and staff are working from home where feasible, and we are still pursuing our mission to provide Christ-centered education that promotes excellence and character development in service to Church and society,” said Oliver. “Even though it is not as we most desire it, Union is still operating.”
Photo by Tamara Friesen
