Click here to view the Student Safety PlanDecember 16 Update
Because of the pandemic and the upward trend in the spread of the COVID-19 virus, most William Carey University students will not return to campus after the Christmas break for in-person classes. Instead, online delivery of classes will continue until the end of the winter trimester on Feb. 16.
“Our top priority is the safety and health of our students and employees. Second to that is our determination to enable students to make progress toward their degrees. While the news about vaccines is encouraging, it will still be some time before we see a reduction in the virus,” said WCU President Dr. Tommy King.
“With this in mind, we’ve made the decision to continue online instruction until the end of the winter trimester. I am pleased that our students have responded so well to the online approach to teaching we have been forced to use – and I pray that we can allow students to return to campus for the spring trimester.”
WCU Provost Dr. Garry Breland said a small number of professional programs will continue with on-campus instruction, including the College of Osteopathic Medicine and Department of Physical Therapy at the Hattiesburg campus and the School of Pharmacy at the Tradition campus. Some exceptions may also be made for science labs and clinical courses.
“William Carey opened for in-person instruction, under strict COVID-19 safety protocols, at the start of the fall trimester. The university planned at that time not to bring most students back between the Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks, so students were already at home taking their classes online,” Breland said.
“We had hoped to welcome students back to campus on Jan. 11. But with the surge in COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations, it’s more prudent to extend the period of online instruction through the end of the winter trimester.”
University officials said they will monitor the situation carefully and make additional announcements as needed.
August 18 Update
William Carey University has published the
Student Safety Plan. Students should utilize this page for accessing all COVID-19 safety protocols and procedures. The
Student Safety Plan will be updated accordingly with any changes that may be implemented.
July 2 Update
To the William Carey family:
Let me assure you that you and your family have been in my prayers as we struggle with the COVID crisis. These past few months have been unprecedented and have required enormous strength and patience as we face major change. This will not go away soon and will require a new way of looking at the world. I pray for you as you cope with the situation.
I am so proud of our students and employees as we have faced these trying times and adjusted to the new reality. We shifted all courses to an online delivery system and completed the spring trimester successfully. An indication of the character of our student body is reflected in the fact that our summer school enrollment is the highest in the history of William Carey.
No one knows what the future holds, but we must look ahead to the fall trimester 2020. It is our intention to return to a regular on-campus schedule as we face the new normal. All plans are fluid and subject to change as directed by the Centers for Disease Control and state requirements. Please visit our website regularly for updates.
Some students will begin arriving in early August. Move-in day for most students will be Aug. 21 and classes begin Aug. 24. As we prepare for the coming year, our number one priority will be the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff. With that in mind, we will expect to make modifications as recommended by the CDC to enhance the environment in which we will live and learn together. The following adjustments are in the preliminary stage and will be revised as needed to improve the environment for learning:
- We will eliminate most large group gatherings. Chapel will be virtual and only one chapel attendance will be required of students (further information on this to come). Ministry groups, student organizations, campus activities, performances and sports events will require social distancing and masks.
- Beginning July 2, all employees and students who enter campus will be required to complete a daily health screening which will determine the probability of exposure to the virus and will determine whether the individual is cleared to enter campus or not.
- Class size will be limited to the number of students that a classroom or lecture hall can accommodate with distancing requirements. Professional programs requiring labs and clinical experiences will develop their own schedules to provide those experiences in the safest environment possible (students in these programs will be informed prior to the first class meeting). Flexible schedules, hybrid and online adjustments will be made to accommodate class size.
- Through the remainder of the summer we will operate with a skeleton crew with most employees working remotely. It is our intention, however, to be available to you to answer questions and accommodate your needs. You may contact us online or call the main number, (601) 318-6051, and you will be directed to the department or office that you need.
- This fall we will have in place appropriate standards of social distancing, required masks in all settings where other students/employees are present, suggested dining hours and daily self-monitoring.
- We will have precautions in place for students living in residence halls and sanitation plans for high-traffic areas. We will reserve some rooms in the event they are needed to quarantine students.
- We will continue to monitor on a daily basis the prevalence of infections and will adjust as needed. This will include converting to all-online classes, if necessary, to protect the health and safety of our students and employees.
Our priority is to keep students’ progress toward degree completion on schedule and we have plans to make whatever adjustments are necessary to assure that opportunity. May I again urge you to monitor our website regularly for updates to these plans. I look forward to seeing you this fall and am praying for you as you complete the summer.
God bless,
Dr. Tommy King, President
William Carey University
April 30 Update
Dear William Carey Family:
As we struggle to cope with the ever evolving COVID-19 Pandemic, I feel a strong need to communicate with you regarding our plans. Today you will be able to view the virtual Honors Day Convocation on our website. Honors Day Convocation allows us to recognize outstanding students in academics, athletics, and student activities. It saddens my heart that we cannot present these honors in person, however, the recognition is just as genuine. I know that parents, family, faculty and friends join me in congratulating them.
The next event will be graduation on May 16. This will also be a virtual event. Graduates are asked to submit a photograph to be used in this ceremony. We once again regret that we will not be able to congratulate all of our graduates face-to-face. They have worked so hard to reach this place in their lives and we are truly proud of them. We also appreciate family members who supported them through the difficulties of the last few years.
For the summer we expect to offer courses online to allow students who wish to continue their academic progress to do so. As of today our summer enrollment is about 50 students ahead of last summer. There will be limited housing available for students who are unable to make other arrangements.
As for Fall term, it is our intention to return to an on-campus schedule, depending on conditions at that time. We are working now to provide a more flexible format for degree advancement, more rigorous health and safety procedures and enhanced academic and personal support. Specific details will be developed and released in the coming weeks as we review all policies and procedures to remove any obstacles to student success Any of our plans can change based on decisions of healthcare officials and government regulations, however we expect to be able to resume a near normal operation. More information will be given as the plans develop.
Thank you for your support of WCU and our students. We covet your prayers as we come to the close of this academic year.
Tommy King, President
April 29 Update
The CARES Act establishes and funds the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund and allows WCU to provide emergency grants to students for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to COVID-19.
Funds are available to help cover expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the coronavirus. This includes food, housing, course materials, technology, healthcare, and/or child care expenses.
As outlined by the CARES Act, the following students are not eligible to apply: High School Dual Enrollment, International Students, Youth Challenge, Step Ahead, and students enrolled in exclusively online programs.
Qualifications for eligibility include but are not limited to:
- Enrolled at William Carey for Spring 2020 past March 13, 2020
- Eligible for federal financial aid (Title IV)
- Have a 2019-2020 FAFSA on file
Students who have not completed a FAFSA for 2019-2020, but who wish to apply for the funds should contact the Office of Financial Aid via email finaid@wmcarey.edu.
If approved, funds will be distributed through the University’s normal student refund process. All Cares Act payments will be processed through BankMobile. Visit www.refundselection.com to setup or review your disbursement options.
Students are encouraged to apply via the link provided in your student portal.
If you have questions, please email the Office of Student Support at studentsupport@wmcarey.edu.
April 10 Update
During the COVID-19 pandemic, William Carey University’s faculty and staff are adapting and finding new ways to deliver online educational opportunities to current and prospective students. Here’s a look at current announcements from WCU programs.
- Summer terms: Registration opens April 25 for online summer classes at William Carey University. The traditional summer term starts June 1. WCU also offers a concentrated, two-week summer term May 18-29. Online course fees of $15 per hour have been waived for both terms. For more information, visit www.wmcarey.edu or email admissions@wmcarey.edu.
- Nursing degree: WCU’s School of Nursing is accepting applications for the summer and fall terms from students seeking bachelor’s degrees. Because prospective students are unable to take the TEAS entrance exam, or Test of Essential Academic Skills, the following will be considered in lieu of the TEAS exam: 1) fall 2020 acceptance letter from another school of nursing; or 2) scores from other nursing school exams, like the HESI, NLN and Kaplan. For more information, visit www.wmcarey.edu/nursing or email nursing@wmcarey.edu.
- New music degrees: WCU’s Winters School of Music is offering two new degrees through its Music Studies in Worship program: 1) bachelor’s degree in music with a concentration in worship leadership; and 2) bachelor’s degree in music with a concentration in worship technology. For more information, visit www.wmcarey.edu/music or email music@wmcarey.edu. Watch video: Music Studies in Worship
- Bible study: Although mission work is limited during the pandemic, WCU’s Baptist Student Union is reaching out on social media with a Bible reading program. To take part, visit the BSU on Instagram at @carey_bsu.
- Online auditions: WCU’s Winters School of Music has made it possible for prospective students to audition online. Vocalists are asked to present one prepared piece. Instrumentalists should present two major scales and one prepared piece. All students who audition will receive a scholarship. For instructions, email music@wmcarey.edu.
- Classroom teachers: The Mississippi State Board of Education has suspended the requirement for licensure exams as an entry point into teacher education. Under the new guidelines, WCU offers several options, including undergraduate programs, a 50 percent tuition discount for active teacher assistants, and an “alternate route” program which allows people to receive licensure with any existing bachelor’s degree. If you have questions, email education@wmcarey.edu or use this online form, Request for Information
- Online MBA: In fall 2019, WCU launched an all-online Master of Business Administration program. The GMAT entrance requirement has now been waived. Students may enter the program in the summer, fall, winter, or spring trimesters. For more information, visit www.wmcarey.edu/business or email business@wmcarey.edu.
- School of Pharmacy: May 1 is the application deadline for the Doctor of Pharmacy program at WCU’s Tradition campus. Prospective students are encouraged to apply now, however, to avoid possible delays in the verification process due to COVID-19. For more information, visit www.wmcarey.edu/pharmacy or email pharmacyadmissions@wmcarey.edu.
- Entrance exams: WCU has suspended requirements for the following graduate entrance exams until further notice: Graduate Record Examination (GRE); Miller Analogies Test (MAT); and Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT).
April 3 Update:
During the COVID-19 pandemic, William Carey University’s faculty and staff are adapting and finding new ways to deliver online educational opportunities to current and prospective students. Here’s a look at current announcements from WCU programs:
- Summer term: Due to ongoing concern about COVID-19, William Carey University will extend its all-online delivery of classes through the summer term.
- Entrance exams: WCU has suspended requirements for the following graduate entrance exams until further notice: Graduate Record Examination (GRE); Miller Analogies Test (MAT); and Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT).
- School of Business: In fall 2019, WCU launched an all-online Master of Business Administration program. The GMAT requirement has now been waived. Students may enter the program in the summer, fall, winter, or spring trimesters. The MBA online curriculum consists of 30 credit hours, or up to 39 hours for those without undergraduate business coursework. For more information, visit www.wmcarey.edu/business.
- School of Education: WCU’s Educational Leadership online doctorate program is now accepting applications for Winter 2020. The GRE requirement has been suspended. Completed applications are due Aug. 1. For more information, contact Dr. Liesa Weaver at lweaver@wmcarey.edu.
- School of Pharmacy: May 1 is the application deadline for the Doctor of Pharmacy program at WCU’s Tradition campus. Prospective students are encouraged to apply now, however, to avoid possible delays in the verification process due to COVID-19. Applying as early as possible allows extra time for your recommendation letters and transcripts to be completed since some companies and schools may be operating with a reduced staff. For more information, email ABlahut-Neville@wmcarey.edu or visit www.wmcarey.edu/pharmacy.
- Classroom teachers: The Mississippi State Board of Education has voted to suspend the requirement for licensure exams as an entry point into teacher education for undergraduate and alternate route students. Under the new guidelines, WCU has several options available to start students on the path to a new career, including undergraduate programs, a 50 percent tuition discount for active teacher assistants, and a unique “alternate route” program which allows people to receive licensure with any existing bachelor’s degree. For information, email education@wmcarey.edu
- Criminal Justice: WCU’s Criminal Justice Department offers graduate and bachelor’s level programs. The online master’s program is designed to be completed in five trimesters, or about 14 months; the GRE requirement has been suspended. At the bachelor’s level, a minor in forensic science will be offered beginning in the fall term. For more information, contact Dr. Karla Pope at criminaljustice@wmcarey.edu.
- Online auditions: The Winters School of Music has made it possible for prospective students to audition online. Vocalists are asked to present one prepared piece. Instrumentalists should present two major scales and one prepared piece. All students who audition will receive a scholarship; submit auditions by April 15 for a scholarship upgrade. For instructions, email music@wmcarey.edu.
- Carey Dinner Theatre: Expected to celebrate its 45th anniversary this summer, Carey Dinner Theatre has canceled its 2020 season.
March 25 Update:
The University is monitoring daily guidance from local and state officials regarding COVID-19. The safety of all of our students, faculty, and staff is very important. At this time, all of our residential students are asked to return home unless you have an approved extenuating circumstance.
The University will provide housing for our international students and students from areas that are highly impacted by COVID-19 in the USA or internationally. If you need to remain on campus after Friday, March 27th you must have approval from the Housing Department.
Please contact the Housing Office via email at housing@wmcarey.edu if you would like to request to remain on campus. Students who stay on campus are required to practice health guidelines for limiting the spread of the virus.
Students who do not comply with guidelines will be required to leave campus housing.
March 24 Update:
May 2020 Commencement
This announcement applies to all WCU academic programs including the College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Due to prohibitions against group assemblies during the COVID-19 pandemic, William Carey University will not be able to hold commencement ceremonies in May. However, degrees will be conferred, graduates will receive diplomas, and their transcripts will show conferral of their degrees.
The Registrar will contact graduating students with further information and instructions. Graduates are asked not to call with questions about graduation until they receive information from the Registrar, as that information will answer most questions.
Even though the nature of this very uncertain and still unfolding crisis keeps us from planning events in the months ahead, we will survey graduating students for their input regarding possible alternatives.
March 23 Update:
William Carey University has postponed the upcoming Homecoming celebration April 16-18 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
We will announce alternate dates as soon as possible. Please watch the Carey website (www.wmcarey.edu) and Facebook page for further announcements about campus and alumni events.
For those already registered for Homecoming 2020, we will refund your registration fees. If you have not received a refund by April 15 or have any questions, please contact the Office of Alumni Relations at alumni@wmcarey.edu.
March 20 Update:
Due to the continuing health crisis, we regret that we are unable to accept students or visitors to University offices at this time except by appointment. However, we are eager to help! Please contact us by email or by calling 1-800-962-5991. We will be glad to assist you in any way.
March 16 Update:
TO ALL WCU STUDENTS:
I am sure that you have been following the events related to the COVID-19 virus. We have considered every aspect of the situation as it has changed from day to day. It is our intention to make sound decisions that take the health and well-being of our students and employees into consideration, while at the same time delivering the coursework.
Beginning on March 23 all WCU classes will be delivered online. Special arrangements are being made for professional programs that involve clinical components.
Students who have paid for housing and/or board will be allowed to live on campus and take meals in the cafeteria if they choose to do so.
Tommy King
President
March 15 Update:
As spring break is now underway, all students and employees are encouraged to continue to practice good hygiene, social distancing, and be attentive to signs and symptoms of illness. At this time six cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Mississippi, three of which are in the Hattiesburg area. William Carey University’s administrators are carefully evaluating plans for resuming classes following spring break and will give further updates as available.
March 13 Update:
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, William Carey University is cancelling all university sponsored international travel. Group and individual university sponsored domestic travel out of Mississippi is cancelled as well, with a few exceptions. Athletic programs will be able to travel as necessary through this weekend, and otherwise will be guided by Athletic Director DJ Pulley.
Because of the CDC’s instituting a level 2 global travel advisory, we recommend not traveling out of the country and exercising caution about traveling anywhere. Staying put seems one of the most helpful things we all can do in this situation. Please be aware that anyone returning from another country may be expected to have a 14-day period of self-quarantine before returning to campus.
March 5 Update:
Dear William Carey University Community,
We are continuing to monitor the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. As widely reported, the symptoms are similar to the flu and include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. If you or someone you know develops symptoms, please seek urgent medical attention. At this time, there are no confirmed or suspected cases among the William Carey University community, including those who are currently studying outside the United States. Joining with healthcare experts, we encourage attention to good hygiene, especially frequent hand washing, use of sanitizers, and covering coughs and sneezes. You should avoid contact with people who are sick.
It is very important to stay at home or in your room if you have a fever or other symptoms of respiratory illness, and seek medical assistance right away.
To protect the health and safety of all students, faculty, and staff at William Carey University, we are taking a proactive approach to this situation. We have appointed an ad hoc COVID-19 Response Team to help manage the threat posed by the virus. The team is led by Garry Breland, with members Valerie Bridgeforth, Dr. Italo Subbarao, Ron Moore, Alyssa Bond, Jeff Andrews, and Dr. Cassie Conner.
The university’s response has included the following steps so far:
- We cancelled plans for our spring study abroad program at Linyi University in China and cancelled the scheduled visit by two teachers from Linyi University to teach during our Spring Trimester.
- We have identified and are staying in touch with WCU students who are currently at overseas locations for study or internship programs.
- We are gathering information about planned overseas travel through the spring and summer.
- Travel will be prohibited to any country for which the Centers for Disease Control has issued Level 2 or Level 3 Travel Advisories. This includes travel with connecting flights through countries at Level 2 or 3.
- While no cases of the COVID-19 illness have been reported in Mississippi, let alone the Hattiesburg area, should any occur we will collaborate with the Department of Health regarding appropriate responses to keep people safe and limit the spread of the virus.
- Should it ever become necessary to suspend teaching in classroom settings, our plan is to carry on with online delivery of instruction until it is safe to return to the classroom.
- Other measures will be taken as necessary to meet the needs of residential students and campus personnel if usual activities have to be suspended at any time.
- For Spring Break travel or travel at other times, we encourage everyone to follow the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases.
- We are closely monitoring the travel notices from the CDC, which are available on their website.
- Faculty and staff with concerns about health-related employment issues should contact Dr. DeDe Shows (dshows@wmcarey.edu).
- Students with current health concerns should contact: on the Hattiesburg campus, Valerie Bridgeforth (vbridgeforth@wmcarey.edu); on the Tradition campus, Dr. Cassie Conner (cconner@wmcarey.edu); and on the Baton Rouge campus, Dr. Catherine Belden (cbelden@wmcarey.edu).
- International students with travel-related questions should contact Brandon Dillon (bdillon@wmcarey.edu).
- Groups that plan to travel overseas at any time are required to follow the university’s planning and approval procedures. For information or the forms to use, contact Valerie Bridgeforth (vbridgeforth@wmcarey.edu) or Alyssa Bond (abond@wmcarey.edu).
Additional information about the COVID-19 situation is available from the Mississippi Department of Health website: (https://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/_static/14,0,420.html).
