COVID-19 Preparedness Update

In an effort to minimize the spread of COVID-19 and protect our campus community and beyond, Buena Vista University will extend its current spring break for students by one week—through Sunday, March 29, 2020.

BVU campus

In an effort to minimize the spread of COVID-19 and protect our campus community and beyond, Buena Vista University will extend its current spring break for students by one week—through Sunday, March 29, 2020. This is effective at 5 p.m. Friday, March 13. Classes will resume Monday, March 30, 2020. 

Additionally, the University is suspending all University-sponsored international and domestic travel for students, faculty, and staff through Monday, April 13, 2020. For future travel, we’ll continue to monitor and assess as necessary. Students, faculty, and staff independently traveling are still encouraged to fill out the Travel Reporting Form.  

BVU emphasizes that at this time there are no known cases of COVID-19 on our campus, in Storm Lake, or in Buena Vista County. The action BVU is taking is merely in an abundance of caution for the health, safety, and wellness of our campus community.

Going forward, you can find BVU’s information and other updates related to COVID-19 here. We also encourage you to continue accessing information related to COVID-19 from expert sources such as these:

All BVU-sponsored events and events hosted at the University have been canceled through Monday, April 13, 2020. For future events, we’ll continue to monitor and assess as necessary. 

Information for Students & Families

Classes are canceled for the week of March 23 as part of the spring break extension. Students are strongly encouraged to remain at their home/permanent residence throughout the next two weeks. We also encourage students to bring their books and other learning supplies home with them in preparation for the potential of online classes. Essential services, including residence halls, will continue to be open to students who choose to be on campus. Campus Dining (The Serve) closes March 13, 2020 at 1:30 p.m. and will reopen on March 22, 2020 at 5 p.m. 

Students who are scheduled for active learning experiences such as student teaching, internships, practicum experiences, and more should report to their designated sites unless otherwise directed. 

Athletics

Friday, March 13, 2020 Update- The American Rivers Conference Presidents Council met to discuss the COVID-19 Coronavirus situation. 

Based on the advice received from state, federal, and other public health authorities, with the priority being focused on the health and well-being of our campus communities, it is with unprecedented sadness the Presidents Council concluded that all conference competition will be cancelled, effective Friday, March 13, 2020, for the remainder of the spring season. The cancellation includes all A-R-C spring regular season competition, championships, and awards. 

The A-R-C eagerly awaits news from the NCAA regarding lost eligibility for all student-athletes affected by this nation-wide health pandemic. 

Faculty

Faculty will be expected to return to work on Monday, March 23. Classes will resume at BVU on Monday, March 30. It is possible coursework will be moved to online at that time. Please closely watch your email and this page for updates.

Staff

BVU intends to run all normal operations. Staff should report to work as scheduled during this period unless you are otherwise notified. 

Admissions Campus Visits

The University does intend to run all normal operations, except for large group visits until further notice. Small group campus visits will run as scheduled. If you wish to schedule or reschedule a visit, please contact Admissions at admissions@bvu.edu or 800.383.9600.  

Going Forward

We will be sure to provide an update by Friday, March 20. Be assured we intend to return to normal campus operations as soon as possible. 

Buena Vista University will continue to work closely with public health officials to determine the best course of action for the health, safety, and wellness of the campus community.

Meanwhile, please rely on this page for the latest information, additional announcements, and updates. These are extraordinary circumstances, and we ask for the grace, patience, communication, and cooperation as we work to determine the best course of action in the days and weeks ahead. If you are ill, please stay home and communicate with your supervisor.

Please practice social distancing by avoiding large groups, gathering places, and interacting closely. 

Students and parents- If you have any further questions or concerns, please reach out to BVU Student Success at 712.749.2123 or studentsuccess@bvu.edu.

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Coronavirus Resources and Updates

The health of the Buena Vista University community is our top priority. As we continue to closely monitor the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, we will update this resource page with new and relevant information.