NOTICE: Classes canceled today due to weather conditions. Check Blackboard for communication from your instructors.
View answers to frequently asked questions regarding Southwest Baptist University's response to the COVID-19 pandemic and campus operations plans for the Fall 2021 semester. The updated Bearcat Blueprint provides the detailed plan for the Fall 2021 semester.
All classes scheduled to meet in-person will meet in-person.
We strongly recommend each student bring a personal computer for completing coursework in between in-person class sessions. The University recommends the use of a Windows PC or Apple computer. A Chromebook may not be the best choice for many disciplines. However, computer labs will be open for use by students who do not have a computer. Cleaning supplies will be available for students to clean computers before and after use.
Face coverings are recommended for all individuals.
Please continue to be respectful of others and wear a mask when requested. Some individuals may be part of a vulnerable population and feel more comfortable with those around them wearing face coverings.
Any student on any campus who tests positive for COVID-19 should immediately notify the SBU Killian Health Center at (417) 328-1888.
We have developed guidelines for when we have a positive COVID-19 test on any of our campuses.
On the Bolivar campus, free COVID-19 testing is available for students with COVID-19 symptoms. Contact the SBU Killian Health Center at (417) 328-1888 to schedule an appointment.
Students on other SBU campuses should work directly with their local health department for COVID-19 testing.
The first person to contact is the student. The student receives all information via a phone call from the SBU Killian Health Center and an email from Residence Life. This email includes all pertinent information about the quarantine.
For health-related questions, please contact the SBU Health Center at (417) 328-1888. This can include questions regarding quarantine dates and what to do if symptoms progress or reside.
For students on the Bolivar campus, contact Student Life at (417) 328-1885.
Options for students living on-campus:
Options for students living off-campus:
Students living on-campus must complete a form (link provided in an email sent to the student) providing information to assist with food preparation and delivery. Meals will be delivered daily during dinner, including breakfast and lunch for the next day. The meal delivery includes a hot dinner, continental breakfast, and a cold lunch.
Students living off-campus may order groceries online and pickup at stores offering a curbside delivery, such as Woods Supermarket or Walmart.
Yes. Packages should be addressed to the location where the student is in quarantine or self-isolation.
SBU Killian Health Center and Residence Life staff check on students daily when they are in isolation or quarantine.
If a student begins experiencing symptoms in quarantine or if symptoms worsen in isolation, the student needs to call the University Health Center (417-328-1888) or 911 immediately.
Students are expected to contact their professors to inform them of their quarantine or isolation status.
When in self-isolation or quarantine, DO:
When in self-isolation or quarantine, DON'T:
SBU continues to work closely with the University’s food service provider, to implement protocols providing a safe dining environment. Tables in Mellers Dining Commons are arranged to facilitate physical distancing.
We are still accepting students for our Fall 2021 and Spring 2022 classes, and financial aid is still available. Applications can be submitted online at any time.
SBU understands getting transcripts and/or taking the ACT/SAT is a struggle right now. To assist, SBU is temporarily moving to test optional and self-reported high school GPA for all admission. However, to potentially improve academic scholarship eligibility, students may elect to take the online CLT test.
Please contact your admissions counselor if you have questions or concerns.
If you have a question not answered above, please use this form to ask SBU.