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MILLIGAN, Tenn. (Aug. 7, 2020) — Milligan University President Dr. Bill Greer announced today undergraduate students have the option to complete their courses 100% online this fall.
“Our administration, faculty and staff have worked tirelessly this summer to prepare for an on-campus fall semester, and we look forward to welcoming our students home. However, we also want to provide students the option to complete their courses entirely online this fall,” said Greer. “Our top priority continues to be providing students with Milligan’s distinctive educational experience while ensuring everyone’s health and safety. We are preparing for most undergraduate students to return to campus this fall, but we understand that some students’ personal situations may favor continued online learning at this time.”
Both options will meet the same learning goals and provide students with the full educational experience Milligan champions. High levels of faculty-student engagement will remain a priority, as well as opportunities for student activities, spiritual formation, career development and student success.
Courses with clinicals, science labs, skills labs or experiential requirements may not be available for the online option, including upper-level nursing and engineering courses.
Tuition and fees will remain the same cost for undergraduate students who select to complete the fall semester virtually, however students living remotely will not be charged for room and board. Eligibility for Milligan scholarships and grants will still be available for the online option, but scholarship amounts may be impacted if the total cost of attendance is reduced. Eligibility for other sources of aid may change as well.
Students in graduate, seminary and professional studies programs should check with their program director and academic advisor regarding online possibilities.
Students will be emailed a form next week to declare whether they select online or on-campus instruction. Their decision is due by Friday, Aug. 14.
The first day of classes will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 25, and the fall semester will end one week early on Dec. 4. All students will be expected to return for on-campus instruction for the Spring 2021 semester, pending improvements in the COVID-19 pandemic.
In preparation for students’ return to campus, Milligan’s Response Team and six planning teams have created the “Milligan Returns Home” plan outlining health and safety guidance for all aspects of the institution.
Some of the measures Milligan plans to take to reduce the risk of COVID-19 on campus include:
- Wear a face mask in any campus buildings and in outdoor common areas when social distancing of six feet is not possible.
- Deliver classes primarily face-to-face but include a wider variety of hybrid formats to accommodate students and faculty in vulnerable health populations or other factors impacting their ability to participate in on-campus teaching and learning.
- Offer a residential experience with a cohort model for roommates and suitemates.
- Build community through curricular and co-curricular opportunities for students to connect and explore opportunities for shared experiences.
- Modify on-campus dining services to conform with physical distancing and safety protocols.
- Operate athletic programs in accordance with NAIA and conference guidelines.
The details of the “Milligan Returns Home” plan, in addition to any updates, can be viewed online at milligan.edu/returnhome.