After further discussion with my Administrative Team, we have decided to extend our Spring Break for students through March 25, to give our faculty a few extra days to prepare to teach all classes online until further notice. Online classes will take effect on Thursday, March 26 and students are required to log in on that day, as instructors will communicate course requirements via the bulletin board feature in populi.

All faculty and staff will meet on campus starting Monday, March 23 at 11am and at that time we will have lunch. We will meet through Wednesday, March 25, to receive extensive training on online learning and one-on-one assistance in converting their classes into this format.  Dr. Brent Sykes is working with his Academic Affairs Team to develop a training schedule, which he will provide on the 23^rd. For the time being, faculty members should review course student learning outcomes (SLOs) and consider alternative forms of assessment that are consistent with online education.

Although our classes will be online for the foreseeable future, our campus will remain open, including computer lab access.  Starting on March 23, our dormitories and cafeteria will be open for students, faculty, and staff who are on campus.  All students wishing to return to campus must first contact Jody Blackwell, our Dean of Students, to receive authorization (jblackwell@ru.edu).

Please continue to check emails during this extended spring break, as this is a fluid situation. Be advised that CDC Recommendations and local and national guidelines will inform our decision-making process.

In times like these, it is comforting to know that we can band together as the Randall family to weather this storm.  Let us continue placing our trust in the Lord.

President Robert G. Thompson

President, Randall University