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BSC announces Return to the Hilltop plan
BSC announces Return to the Hilltop plan
For Immediate Release
Jun. 26, 2020
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Birmingham-Southern College has announced its “Return to the Hilltop” plan for on-campus classes and operations for the fall term. The plan, outlining details for returning to in-person instruction and campus operations, was approved by the BSC Board of Trustees on June 24 and shared with students, families, faculty, and staff during a series of online town halls on June 25.
An adjusted academic calendar – with classes beginning August 24 and the elimination of fall break – will allow classes to end November 20, before Thanksgiving.
BSC has worked with experts in Birmingham and across the country to design a plan for the fall term that significantly mitigates risk. The “Return to the Hilltop” plan builds on several attributes that have long been part of the Birmingham-Southern experience: the size of our community, a self-contained campus, and class sizes of no more than 30 people.
The risk mitigation plan is based on three pillars: blocking the virus from coming to campus; disrupting the spread of the virus if detected on campus; and isolating the virus upon detection. Strategies include class size limits and adjusted classroom usage, a modified travel policy, changes to residence life and dining, modified student activities, limited guest access, and accommodations for those in a high-risk category.
The full plan can be read here. The plan will continue to evolve as additional information regarding the virus and safe practices becomes available.
“Our plan significantly reduces the risks of bringing our campus community back together,” says President Daniel B. Coleman. “This will take a lot of effort by our entire BSC community, but the effort is worth it to provide the personalized, hands-on education that BSC is known for. With students and faculty in masks, hand washing stations, and social distancing, this term will be like no other. It will be a learning experience and an adventure in and of itself.”
About Birmingham-Southern College:
Birmingham-Southern College is a four-year, private liberal arts institution in Birmingham, Ala., founded in 1856 and affiliated with the United Methodist Church. It enrolls about 1,300 students from more than 30 states and 8 foreign countries. Learn more online at www.bsc.edu.