Wittenberg University has been and always will be a residential educational experience that fulfills its mission and purpose when our community is living and learning on campus. With this as a core component of our foundation, we intend to do everything we can to move forward with resuming in-person classes this fall.
We are making our intent known with the full understanding that our plans must align with guidance from state and federal health officials and agencies. At no time will we compromise the health and safety of our students, faculty, staff, and visitors, so if we need to shift our planning at any point, we will. We are preparing for a return to on-campus instruction, but also for other scenarios.
Our efforts at this time are focused on developing a measured, strategic approach so we can safely welcome our students, faculty, and staff back to campus this fall. Make no mistake; it will be different as we adapt to best practices in social distancing and enhanced cleaning, and take other necessary precautions because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Smaller class sizes, modifications in student housing and dining services, hybrid courses, reimagined classrooms and meeting spaces, different schedules, and a re-thinking of campus events and athletic competition are all areas of exploration right now. Expectations regarding testing, contact tracing methods, and proper self-isolation procedures are also essential considerations in this process.
What will not change is our commitment to every student’s success and to helping generations of Tigers find their purpose in life.
We do not have all the answers at this moment, and we know that answers may change, and change again, as we all learn more about how to live with COVID-19, but we will take every step possible to ensure a safe environment. Come August, it is our intention for Wittenberg to return, stronger than ever, and to celebrate its 175th anniversary of teaching, learning, and serving. We look forward to welcoming our community back to campus soon.
Michael L. Frandsen, Ph.D.
University President