Harding University announced today that all classes would be conducted remotely until further notice. The University is currently on Spring Break with classes originally intended to resume Monday, March 16. They will now resume online.
In an email sent to students, President Bruce McLarty said students would receive information about the transition to online classes by Monday. Students were asked not to return to campus to gather their things until further notice, but encouraged to contact the Office of Student Life to gain permission and information if they feel they need to return.
Although unaddressed in the email, McLarty responded to the question of monetary refunds regarding room and board in a tweet at 4:22 p.m.
“The University will make appropriate refunds of unused room and board,” McLarty wrote in the tweet. “Until we know exactly what will be unused this semester, we ask for your patience in this matter.”
“The University will make appropriate refunds of unused room and board,” McLarty wrote in the tweet. “Until we know exactly what will be unused this semester, we ask for your patience in this matter.”
According to the email, Spring Sing 2020 and all on-campus events have been postponed with hopes of being rescheduled. Graduation 2020 was not specifically addressed.
Walton Scholars received a separate email earlier today from Nicky Boyd informing them of a meeting on campus Monday to address concerns and future circumstances. They will return to their dorms Sunday and have food provided by the cafeteria beginning Monday. Administration is currently working to address other issues surrounding the provisions of international students.
“These measures are unlike any we have ever had to undertake as a University; each decision is being made with the welfare of the Harding campus community in mind as well as concern for the surrounding community,” McLarty said. “We believe this decision gives us our best chance to resume on-campus classes this semester.”
Students attending Harding University in Latin America (HULA) learned earlier today that they would be returning to the States as soon as flights can be booked. The HULA students will be refunded $9,269.60 to their student accounts.
The University advised student athletes to communicate with their coaches. The email stated that Harding was working with the Great American Conference to figure out other aspects of athletics.
As of now, University employees will continue normal functions on campus.
As of March 12, dozens of U.S. universities and colleges have canceled on-campus classes indefinitely or for a period of time, including Pepperdine University in Malibu and Vanderbilt University in Nashville. Harding is the first university in Arkansas to suspend classes in this way.
This is a developing situation. Check out the live video posted at 5:53 PM CT for further information and continue to check our social media pages for updates.
