July 20, 2020
By News Director Jared Atha
Southwestern Oklahoma State University has released its plan on how to have in-person classes this fall.
According to a statement released by SWOSU President Randy Beutler, classes will resume on both the Weatherford and Sayre campuses on Monday, August 17 – with a few changes. Fall Break, which was scheduled for October 15 and 16 has been canceled, and Commencement ceremonies that were postponed in May will be held on November 20 and 21 with limited guest participation. Classes will meet as usual on November 23 and 24, before the Thanksgiving holiday. Beutler says after the Thanksgiving break, in order to minimize the spread of the virus from potential holiday travel, all classes will transition to online only instruction, with virtual finals starting on Thursday, December 3 and end on Wednesday, December 9.
The statement also noted that the university will require facial coverings for students, faculty, visitors, and staff in hallways and classrooms for the fall 2020 semester. The statement said details of specific types of coverings will be forthcoming. Beutler says many courses will feature online sections for those students who do not wish to wear facial coverings.
The statement concluded by saying that the university will be adjusting classrooms to maintain at least four feet between students. In some classrooms, there will be clear plastic at the front of rooms and in front of podiums. SWOSU will provide hand sanitizer in hallways and classrooms and ask that students use it frequently throughout the day. The statement says the faculty will be developing seating charts and track attendance at each class. This will aid preventative measures in the event of a positive case among class members.
