The majority of Bluffton University’s residential students will move into residence halls Aug. 13-16 with classes to resume Aug. 17.

Fall semester was moved up two weeks as part of Bluffton’s Protect the Dam plan for returning to campus housing and instruction. The academic calendar change also means in-person classes will end by Thanksgiving break and students will not return to campus until the spring semester begins.

Other health and safety measures outlined in the plan include social distancing, wearing face masks, reducing classroom density and symptom monitoring.

The plan was developed based on guidelines from resources including the CDC, the Allen County Health Department, and the Ohio Department of Higher Education, and have been guided by Bluffton’s educational mission, including the enduring values of discovery, community respect and service.

The full Protect the Dam plan including quarantine and isolation protocols can be found by clicking here.

Information on how the campus community will respond if increased spread of the virus is detected can be found by clicking here.

While some campus events will continue for student participation, events and facilities will be closed to visitors and off-campus guests for at least the fall semester.

“In a normal year we encourage Village residents and families of students, faculty and staff to attend campus events and enjoy campus facilities,” said Robin Bowlus, vice president for advancement and enrollment management.

“Unfortunately, for the fall and maybe the entire year, campus events (music, art and sporting events) and facilities like The Commons (campus dining), Musselman Library and athletics facilities will remain closed to the public. We hope to offer livestreaming for many of our campus performances and events.”