JWU Announces Plans for Students to Return to Campus This Fall

PRESS RELEASE

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — June 15, 2020 – Johnson & Wales University (JWU) today announced its plans to welcome students back to campus for the fall semester. With the return of students to campus, there will be changes to the delivery of academic classes and campus life as the university follows federal, state and local guidance in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are excited to be preparing for the first day of class, seeing students in classrooms, kitchens, and labs as we start another academic year at JWU,” said Chancellor Mim Runey, LP.D. “The academic year has two bookends – the first day of class and graduation. It is my hope that we will be able to celebrate both the 2020 fall start of school and the May 2021 commencement in person.”

To reduce density in the classrooms, students in undergraduate lab and academic classes will have both in-person and remote instruction through synchronous learning during their weeks on campus. After November 20, students in all academic classes will transition to fully remote learning for the remainder of the fall semester. By November 20, the in-person component of all lab classes will be completed; lab class schedules have been adjusted with the goal of ensuring that in-person course outcomes can be achieved by November 20. As currently planned, students living on campus will be allowed to move in earlier in the summer and should make arrangements to leave their residence halls after November 20 for the remainder of the fall semester.

All JWU graduate programs except, as currently planned, programs in Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Master of Science in Addiction Counseling, Master of Arts in Teaching, Master of Education, Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies, Occupational Therapy Doctorate, and Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership will be fully remote for the fall semester. 

Cleaning and sanitizing measures will continue to be modified based on the most recent federal, state and local guidance. Throughout campus, students, faculty and staff will see hand disinfectant and sanitation wipe stations at elevator lobbies on each floor, main entrance hallways, computer labs, libraries, and service desks. Classrooms and large common assembly areas will be cleaned on a regular schedule; special attention will be given to high-touch surfaces such as handrails and doorknobs. All common bathrooms will be cleaned frequently.

This university has developed a COVID Code of Conduct that applies to all on- and off-campus students., The university will inform its community of the most up-to-date information regarding COVID-19 screening, testing, contact tracing, face coverings, and physical distancing protocols. 

About JWU

Founded in 1914, Johnson & Wales University is a private, nonprofit, accredited institution with more than 8,000 graduate, undergraduate and online students at its campuses in Providence, Rhode Island and Charlotte, North Carolina. An innovative educational leader, the university offers degree programs in arts and sciences, business, culinary arts, design and engineering, education, health and wellness, hospitality, nutrition and physician assistant studies. Its unique model integrates arts and sciences and industry-focused education with work experience and leadership opportunities, inspiring students to achieve professional success and lifelong personal and intellectual growth. The university’s impact is global, with alumni from 125 countries pursuing careers worldwide. For more information, visit jwu.edu.

MEDIA CONTACT Ryan Crowley, communication & media relations specialist, 401-598-2752. Follow @JWUnews