Fall 2020 plan

Our leadership team, along with our Baptist Memorial Health Care colleagues, is continuously monitoring the progress or any changes with the virus. We are meeting regularly to review our plan and procedures. In addition, our environmental services team has increased cleaning measures throughout campus. Please see below for updates/changes on specific topics.

Fall 2020 Classes

Updated 7/31/2020

We will begin the fall trimester as scheduled with classes beginning September 2. We will continue remote learning for classes and general education labs such as chemistry and anatomy & physiology. Hands-on clinical labs in the professional programs will be scheduled on campus and clinical rotations will continue. If you are on campus for a hands-on lab, there are environmental changes we want you to be aware of in order to promote the health and well-being of everyone. You will see special signage across campus to help you safely navigate your time on campus.

 

Classes will meet in rooms where it has determined that social distancing guidelines could be met. Face masks will be required at all times while on campus. That includes support staff and faculty as well as all students. There will be supplies for you to disinfect your desk or table as you sit down to begin your class and then again as you leave.

 

We recognize that learning in this new environment is a challenge. I encourage you to reach out and use our support services. Sometimes you just need to talk to someone - we all do. All campus resources are still available by phone or virtually. We all want to help you achieve your goals.

Fall 2020 Clinicals

Clinical rotations are expected to resume for all clinical programs in the fall. Additional communication will be forthcoming from your specific program regarding any preparations needed prior to beginning fall clinical rotations.

Daily Screening

There will be daily required screenings to gain access to campus facilities. You must first report to the Campus Hub lobby where you will be screened for fever. At this time, the screenings will take place daily from 7:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. in the lobby of the Campus Hub. After 6:30 p.m., entry to campus buildings will be prohibited. Employees who are on campus and are screened prior to 6:30 p.m. may continue to work but will not be allowed re-entry until the next day’s screening opens. Additionally, the entry to each campus building will be restricted to one entry point.

Masks

It is mandatory to wear a mask on campus. At the screening, you will be given a surgical mask to wear on campus. 

Residence Hall

As this summer has progressed our community has seen an increase in COVID-19 cases, and this virus has continued to impact a variety of areas in our lives. Unfortunately, these current trends are moving in unfavorable directions.  As a returning resident we wanted to share the following regarding the residence hall and campus housing for fall 2020.

The University's administration, along with input from infectious disease experts at Baptist Memorial Health Care, have reviewed and painstakingly considered the various aspects and higher education best practices involved in opening our residence hall for the fall term. Based on this information, and for the safety of our students, faculty, staff, and the patients we serve, the College has made the difficult decision not to open the residence hall for the fall 2020 trimester. 

Social Distancing & Preventing Illness

If you are on campus, you are expected to practice social distancing procedures.CDC Social Distancing Recommendations

• Avoid crowds or large gatherings of 10 people or more.
• Put six feet of distance between yourself and other people.
• Avoid touching high-touch surfaces in public places.

We also recommend diligence and following CDC’s recommendations to prevent flu, coronavirus or any respiratory illness. These include the following:

• Wash your hands properly and often.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Cough or sneeze into your upper arm, or cover your cough with a tissue and dispose of it immediately in the trash. Then, wash your hands.
• Avoid people with flu-like symptoms.
• Stay home and avoid exposing others if you think you have a flu-like illness.
• Reassess your travel plans based on CDC recommendations.

What do I do if I am sick, believe to have the COVID-19 virus, or test positive for the COVID-19 virus? 

Please notify your professors and seek health care attention. Visit the Baptist Coronavirus Resource Center for a list of symptoms and more information: www.baptistonline.org/coronavirus  

• BEFORE you go to your doctor, isolate yourself:
• CALL YOUR DOCTOR FIRST to discuss your symptoms. If you need to go in, they will be prepared for you.
  • If you don’t have a doctor, please call one of these numbers to be referred to a physician 844-837-2433 for the Metro-Memphis area, West Tennessee and North Mississippi, 855-733-8863 for the for the Jackson, Mississippi, area. 870-936-8000 for the Jonesboro, Arkansas, area.
• If you prefer, a minor med or urgent care center could possibly have more timely openings. Please call ahead so they will be prepared for you.
• If your symptoms are considered mild, staying at home is the safest option.
• If your symptoms are severe, call 911, or call your nearest emergency department before going there.