Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information
Houston Baptist University continues to monitor the outbreak of COVID-19.
Forms: International Travel Registration | Telecommuting Request
Mar. 27 COVID-19 Update
This update to our response plan includes information about:
- two HBU students diagnosed with coronavirus
- a change to the pass/fail policy for the spring 2020 semester
- housing refunds
- summer courses moving online
- an extension to the enrollment deposit
The Stay Home, Work Safe Order
Wednesday, March 24, 2020
Earlier today, County Judge Lina Hidalgo issued a “Stay Home, Work Safe” order for Harris County, which includes the City of Houston. The order goes into effect at 11:59 p.m. March 24 (Tuesday night) and will stay in effect until at least April 3. Fort Bend and Galveston Counties have issued a similar order, effective for the same period. Other neighboring counties are considering similar actions. This page outlines some important things you need to know about how these actions affect the University.
A Message From Dr. Sloan, HBU President
Wednesday, March 24, 2020
Bradshaw Fitness Center Users
Friday, March 20, 2020
Houston Baptist University has no known cases of COVID-19. Out of an abundance of caution we are informing you that a Bradshaw Fitness Center student worker has a sibling who tested positive for the coronavirus. The student worker was on duty Sunday, March 15 from 11:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and is now under the 14-day self-quarantine period off campus. The student and remainder of the family show no signs of the virus.
HBU Graduation Update
Thursday, March 19, 2020
Commencement ceremonies scheduled for May graduates are postponed. Be assured that, for students who are graduating this semester, degrees will still be officially conferred in May. Graduates are invited to participate in a commencement ceremony in August.
Cashier’s Office Information on Refunds
Wednesday, March 18, 2020
For students with federal aid for the 2019-2020 year, the final disbursement for this spring term 2020 was posted to your account on Monday, March 16th. The Accounting department will process the refunds for anyone not enrolled in the online second eight weeks term on Friday.
Mar. 17 COVID-19 Update
Tuesday, March 17, 2020
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- extension to remote delivery of courses
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immediate changes for students who live on campus
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an update to the temporary telecommuting arrangement for faculty and staff
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changes for campus and university events
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updates about events for prospective students and their families
Continuity of Instruction
Friday, March 13
Faculty will work during March 16-20, 2020 to prepare for remote delivery of residential classes. The Associate Provost of E-Learning and Continuing Education will be disseminating a separate communication soon for HBU faculty concerning training times. Students enrolled in residential classes should plan to resume their classes remotely beginning Monday, March 23, 2020. HBU will use the learning management system (LMS), Blackboard, as the primary means for delivering content. To help with efforts to slow the virus, the University is asking that students meet with faculty remotely for concerns about their current spring 2020 classes.
COVID-19 Response Plan
Thursday, March 12
Dear HBU Community,
As we continue to see more and more news about the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus), our mutual concern motivates us to be vigilant and proactive. As you know, the situation is changing daily and will remain very fluid over the next several weeks, perhaps months. Please be assured that Houston Baptist University takes this rapidly evolving situation very seriously. You should plan to check this website frequently for updates. This is an update to the University Community to the health bulletin that we issued on March 5, 2020.
Wednesday, March 11
University officials are closely monitoring news pertaining to the prevention measures being recommended to slow the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus) by state and local government entities. This is a very fluid situation with numerous issues arising by the hour.
The University is assessing and reviewing all available options for classes and university events.
The University will distribute a plan for HBU faculty, staff and students by end of business on Thursday, March 12.
Thursday, March 5
Houston Baptist University is restricting travel to all countries for which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 3 Travel Warning related to the Coronavirus. The CDC applies this warning to countries in which there is widespread community transmission. At this time, the CDC has issued the Level 3 Travel Warning to China, South Korea, Italy and Iran. Due to rapidly changing conditions, anyone considering international travel is advised to monitor the CDC’s travel advisory website for the latest updates regarding travel and COVID-19.
Saturday, Feb. 1
Houston Baptist University is restricting travel to all countries for which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 3 Travel Warning related to the Coronavirus. The CDC applies this warning to countries in which there is widespread community transmission. At this time, the CDC has issued the Level 3 Travel Warning to China, South Korea, Italy and Iran. Due to rapidly changing conditions, anyone considering international travel is advised to monitor the CDC’s travel advisory website for the latest updates regarding travel and COVID-19.
