Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information
Houston Baptist University continues to monitor the outbreak of COVID-19. See the Husky Strong Task Force website for the most up-to-date and comprehensive information about the university’s pandemic response plans.
Fall Semester Begins Aug. 24, 2020
Wednesday, Aug. 19
Information on course delivery, safety and health, move-in, dining and Welcome Days for the fall semester.
Town Hall Recordings
Tuesday, Aug. 11
The University recently held two virtual town halls led by Husky Strong Task Force officials. View recordings of the session for new students and the one held for returning students.
Fall 2020 Update
Monday, July 14
We are committed to safely reopening the University and hosting in-person classes this fall. As scheduled, fall classes will begin on Monday, August 24 and conclude on Friday, December 11. However, we will extend the period of physical distancing for several weeks prior to the Christmas break. Beginning Monday, November 30, all classes will be held remotely, including final exams. This will not reduce or lengthen the semester. The faculty and administration of HBU are working diligently to ensure that the blend of in-person, hybrid, remote and online courses that will be offered in Fall 2020 does not diminish the quality and value of a degree from HBU.
August 2020 Graduation Ceremony Cancellation
Monday, July 6
Our traditional May commencement ceremony plans were disrupted due to the COVID-19 crisis. We planned eagerly to celebrate the May and Summer 2020 graduates at an August 8, 2020 ceremony, but since that time, HBU has received further state and local guidance on sizable gatherings. In compliance with the governor’s directives, and in an abundance of caution, we must inform you that the Saturday, August 8, 2020 commencement ceremony is cancelled.
Fall 2020 Update
Thursday, June 25
- Academic delivery
- Distancing policies and procedures
- Student housing
- May and Summer commencement ceremony
- Summer welcome events
Academic Offerings and Procedures for the Fall
Tuesday, June 2
The Husky Strong Task Force presents an initial strategy for how we will deliver on-campus classes in the fall, subject to change. This update addresses:
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- Hybrid model
- Capacity and classroom layout
- Personal distancing and hygiene protocols
- Requirements for labs, studios and non-traditional classrooms
- Self-reporting
Plans to Return to Campus are Progressing
Friday, May 15
The Husky Strong Task Force has been working diligently to safely reopen the University. Our charge from President Robert Sloan is to think creatively and strategically to develop a plan that will accommodate students in classrooms on campus this fall while making every effort to physically distance and prioritize safety. The task force is working through various scenarios to address academic delivery, distancing policies and procedures, various student support services, athletic and other HBU events, and the optimization of technology.
CARES Act Notice
Monday, May 11
The higher education emergency relief fund provides funds for enrolled students to be used to cover expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus (including eligible expenses under a student’s cost of attendance such as food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and child care). We are providing grants to the neediest students.
Moving Forward and Preparing to Reopen
Friday, April 24
By God’s grace, we believe we will emerge from this season stronger. We are preparing for what lies ahead and moving forward as we plan to be back together again for fall 2020. This update includes:
- creation of a reopening task force
- National Pay It Forward Day fundraiser
- distributing CARES Act funds
- accommodations for future students
Refunds and Other Financial Assistance
Wednesday, April 1
We understand that COVID-19 has impacted students and their families in profound ways, including financially. Recently we have been working to develop a plan to address the financial implications due to COVID-19. This plan covers:
- 15% discount on summer 2020 classes
- housing balances
- meal plans
- financial holds
- refunds and handling of credit balances
- work-study positions
- impacts of the CARES Act including provisions for student loans
March 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
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
Bradshaw Fitness Center Users
Friday, March 20
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
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
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.
March 17 COVID-19 Update
Tuesday, March 17
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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.
