On March 5, Samford University announced its intent to l resume normal operations and in-person learning this fall semester. In an email sent to Samford students and faculty, Executive Vice President Buck Brock announced that due to the low number of COVID-19 cases on campus, the university looks forward to returning to a more normal environment this fall semester as well as safely expanding gatherings on campus.
Along with normal operations returning to campus, Samford also announced that some university travel, including to the Daniel House, will resume this fall semester.
“We are excited about cautiously moving toward the normal college experience and university operations,” Brock stated in the email.
This news comes not too long after Alabama Governor Kay Ivey announced the extension of the “Safer at Home” mandate to April 9, one that will end after that date. Samford University later clarified that even though the Safer at Home order and mask mandate will expire after April 9, students and faculty will still be required to follow the university’s masking, hand washing and social distancing guidelines for the remainder of the spring semester.
Brock also announced that university officials are currently evaluating the inter-residence hall visitation guidelines, explaining that they are looking at whether students living in a residence hall can be allowed to visit other students living in a different residence hall.
“If this action is taken, details will be provided by Student Affairs,” Brock said in the follow-up email. “This does not mean that we are considering visitation by off-campus students or visitors in residence halls.”
Many students said they are excited for everything to be back to normal this fall semester.
“I think that they are right to get back to somewhat normal,” student Win Liggett said.
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to be an ever-changing situation, and Samford University made it clear that officials are continuing to monitor the situation at this time and will continue to do so into the future.
“In the meantime, we appreciate your continued partnership as we seek to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 on our campus while endeavoring to responsibly expand social opportunities, events and gatherings,” Brock said.
For more information regarding this fall semester and COVID-19 updates, visit samford.edu.
