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Milligan announces plans for on-campus fall semester


MILLIGAN, Tenn. (July 7, 2020) — Milligan University President Dr. Bill Greer announced today the university’s comprehensive plan for the safe return of students for an on-campus fall semester.

The plan, “Milligan Returns Home,” details the community standards and guiding principles Milligan will follow to minimize the incidence and spread of COVID-19.

The fall semester will begin as scheduled with the first day of classes held on Aug. 25, and classes will end one week early on Dec. 4. On-campus classes will end on Nov. 24, the last day before students leave for Thanksgiving Break. The last week of classes and final exams will be completed remotely.

“Our goal is to have an on-campus fall semester that provides Milligan’s distinctive educational experience while ensuring everyone’s health and safety,” said Greer. “Milligan’s response to COVID-19 is grounded in our responsibility for the well-being of our community and to support the international attempt to mitigate the further spread of this virus. We also aim to ensure our students continue to receive a high-quality learning experience during this unprecedented situation.”

Six planning teams consisting of faculty, staff and students worked with Milligan’s Response Team to develop the plan outlining guidance for all aspects of the institution. Milligan administration have also been in consultation with the State of Tennessee, the Tennessee Department of Health, local health care leaders, athletic associations and higher education organizations to ensure the university follows the safest guidelines possible.

Some of the measures Milligan plans to take to reduce the risk of COVID-19 include:

  • Wear a face mask in any campus buildings and in outdoor common areas when social distancing of six feet is not possible.
  • Deliver classes primarily face-to-face but include a wider variety of hybrid formats to accommodate students and faculty in vulnerable health populations or other factors impacting their ability to participate in on-campus teaching and learning.
  • Offer a residential experience with a cohort model for roommates and suitemates.
  • Build community through curricular and co-curricular opportunities for students to connect and explore opportunities for shared experiences.
  • Modify on-campus dining services to conform with physical distancing and safety protocols.
  • Operate athletic programs in accordance with NAIA and conference guidelines.

“I am grateful for how our faculty, staff, students, alumni and community partners have focused their efforts on creating a safe environment for the  fall,” said Greer. “As we face the challenges brought about by this pandemic together, I am encouraged to be a part of the Milligan community where such challenges are addressed with grace, compassion and unity of spirit.”

As Milligan continues to monitor and evaluate the changing dynamics of COVID-19, the university’s plan may be subject to change. Campus events scheduled for the fall may be postponed or reorganized to uphold social distancing guidelines and other public health measures. Additional information on scheduled events will be shared as details become available.

The details of the “Milligan Returns Home” plan, in addition to any updates, can be viewed online at milligan.edu/returnhome.


Posted by on July 7, 2020.