Butler University expects to welcome students back to campus in the fall

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Butler University is expecting to welcome students back to campus for fall semester.

According to the university’s website, university leadership, administration, faculty and staff are committed to a safe return for students both living and learning on campus.

The university says its size and low student-to-faculty ratio will give them an advantage when it comes to making adjustments to support social distancing. Butler University Provost Kathryn Morris as well as faculty, administration and staff are preparing for the possibility of utilizing various scenarios to ensure a safe educational experience.

“If the virus-risk increases and compromises the safety of our community, we will be prepared for any necessary shifts to distance or hybrid education for periods of time,” according to the school’s website.

Reducing density within classrooms, residential housing and other campus spaces is also a priority, the university says.

The university says it will follow protocols put in place by the Indiana State Department of Health.

“While no one can know for sure what the next few months will bring, the fall semester will be unlike any every experienced by American universities,” according to Butler.

The university will provide updates online as the summer progresses and different plans are finalized.

In the meantime, Butler says it’s requiring all on-campus employees to self-screen and wear face masks. The university is also planning to celebrate all May, August and December 2020 graduates on Dec. 18 during a ceremony at Hinkle Fieldhouse.