Butler University will start semester remotely

INDIANAPOLIS (Inside INdiana Business) – Butler University has announced all undergraduate instruction will occur remotely for the first two weeks of the semester. The university says the decision stems from a lack of compliance with health and safety guidelines among a small proportion of its students, which resulted in an increase in the number of students testing positive or displaying symptoms of COVID-19.

In a letter to students and parents, the university said, “We are writing to inform you that we have made the difficult, but necessary, decision that although our campus will remain residential, all undergraduate instruction will occur remotely for the first two weeks of the semester.”

The university says its decision was made for three primary reasons: a lack of compliance with health and safety guidelines, an increase in the COVID-19 positivity rate and predictive measures from its contact tracing process.

During the two-week period, Butler says students will be following a modified “shelter in place” protocol. In particular, students will not access any campus facilities other than their residence halls, dining facilities and outside spaces.

“Our ability to continue with our planned residential experience with in-person classes relies on a shared commitment to keeping one another safe by following the rules—including wearing masks whenever you are in the presence of others regardless of social distance (inside and outside), maintaining at least six feet of social distancing whenever possible, frequent handwashing and maintaining small social circles,” the letter said.

Although all in-person activities will be suspended during this time, the university says many virtual activities will occur, and all student support services will remain available through virtual means.