Students asked to vacate all on-campus housing; spring commencement postponed
Campbell University’s transition to online classes will continue through the remainder of the spring semester, President J. Bradley Creed announced on Thursday. All face-to-face, in-person classes have been suspended indefinitely.
Students who chose to remain on campus after the online transition must vacate all Campbell residence halls, suites, apartments and fraternity and sorority houses by noon on Saturday and return to their permanent off-campus residences, unless granted an exception by the University because of special circumstances. Residence Life staff members will be reaching out to all students currently on campus to guide them through this transition.
“This week, we took aggressive measures to minimize the spread of COVID-19 virus, including transitioning instruction to online and remote classes beginning March 16, and increasing sanitation efforts across campus,” Creed said in a statement released by the University. “We were hopeful we could resume normal operations by April 6, but it is apparent that additional measures are needed.”
Creed also announced that spring commencement for all campuses has been postponed.
“Rest assured that Campbell will still confer degrees in May and over the summer months for those who satisfy graduation requirements,” Creed said. “Please note that May commencement ceremonies are not canceled; they are delayed until an undetermined date.”
Read President Creed’s full statement below:
Dear Campbell Community,
This has been a trying few weeks, and I thank each of you for your flexibility as we work together to protect our campus community while delivering a quality education to our students.
This week, we took aggressive measures to minimize the spread of COVID-19 virus, including transitioning instruction to online and remote classes beginning March 16, and increasing sanitation efforts across campus. We were hopeful we could resume normal operations by April 6, but it is apparent that additional measures are needed.
Effective immediately, all in-person classes at all campuses will continue online and remote instruction for the remainder of the semester. Face-to-face classes will not resume this semester as anticipated. Students with clinical experiences, internships or practicums should follow the guidance from their program.
While most of our students have returned to their homes, quite a few remain on campus. Those students currently living on campus must vacate all Campbell University residence halls, suites, apartments and fraternity and sorority houses by noon on Saturday, March 21, and return to their permanent off-campus residence, unless granted an exception because of special circumstances. Residence Life staff members will be reaching out to all students currently on campus to guide them through this transition.
Residential students who are currently away from campus housing should not return for their remaining belongings until directed. We’ll work with students to retrieve belongings after April 1. Additional information can be found at: https://www.campbell.edu/life/residence-life/.
Graduation is a ceremony at the heart of our mission here at Campbell University, as we prepare students for purposeful and meaningful lives. I understand its importance, particularly for students nearing the end of their educational journey here. That’s why we have also made the difficult decision to postpone our commencement ceremonies until a later date. Rest assured that Campbell will still confer degrees in May and over the summer months for those who satisfy graduation requirements. Please note that May commencement ceremonies are not canceled; they are delayed until an undetermined date.
We have also extended the University suspension of events through the end of the semester. This includes all University activities, events, conferences and large gatherings. As announced on March 18, the Big South Conference has canceled all athletics competitions through the end of the academic year, including spring sports that compete beyond the semester.
While instruction and housing may look a little different for the rest of this semester, the rest of the operations of Campbell University will go on, and the campus will remain open. We ask that those who work on campus continue to follow proper health guidelines related to COVID-19.
We will continue to keep you informed on how COVID-19 will affect your Campbell experience over the next few weeks. We will get through this, and we will be stronger because of it.
Remain calm. Wash your hands. Be safe and Go Camels!
Brad Creed
President