PEORIA, Ill. — Bradley Executive Director of Public Relations Renee Charles expanded upon Bradley extending their spring break and moving classes online afterwards at today’s news conference.
Bradley’s spring break is being extended an extra week, with students back to receiving instruction on March 30. When students do return, it will be through online and not in person.
Classes will then run online through at least April 12. Bradley is hoping that by then the virus situation is more contained.
“Our hope is that by that time things are a bit more contained,” said Charles. “For now, we will be going online through the 12th.”
To ensure that students have the ability to access technology to complete their classwork while classes are online, the university asked students to respond to a survey.
“That’s one of those things logistically we’re continuing to look at,” said Charles. “If we do have students that have [technological issues] we’re hoping that we can work one-on-one. The same thing goes for those who can’t necessarily go home.”
Charles continued to say that arrangements will be made with students that cannot go home. Bradley is recommending that all students, who are able, return to their permanent address beginning on Saturday, March 14.
Through at least April 13, Bradley is cancelling any event or meeting that includes more than 25 people. Bradley said in their press release Thursday that they will continue to evaluate this, and the community will be updated with any changes.
Before this announcement and the NCAA cancelling postseason tournaments, Bradley did have a watch party planned for Selection Sunday in the Renaissance Coliseum.
In addition to the NCAA cancelling the men’s and women’s basketball tournaments, the Missouri Valley Conference cancelled the women’s basketball tournament as well as suspending all spring sport contests through March 30.
In addition to sporting events, Bradley is also looking at graduation in May.
“We’re still aways off from that. Commencement is a big deal, and it’s coming soon,” said Charles. “We’re hoping to get through these next couple of weeks, and then we’ll determine what we want to do with some of those others that are down the road.”
Charles also said that the university will be considering all options among holding it, cancelling it, and everything in between.
Charles added that colleges across the country are trying to balance making sure students get their education as well as making sure everyone is safe while doing so.
Bradley’s Health Services will remain open. Any student who feels ill should visit Health Services and not the emergency room per OSF recommendations. Bradley also said in their press release that walk-ins will not be accepted per CDC recommendation, so patients should call and make an appointment first.
