ACU Community,

We are committed to the health, safety and well-being of our students, faculty and staff, and have been continually monitoring the changing COVID-19 situation in Texas. With the rapidly rising number of cases in Abilene, we are making a change in our campus health precautions and operations. The goal of this change is to protect student experiences and allow as many as possible to continue.

Beginning tomorrow, Sept. 7, and for the next two weeks, all faculty and students – regardless of vaccination status – will be required to wear face coverings in classrooms, labs, studios and other instructional spaces, and indoor Chapel gatherings. All other common interior spaces on campus will remain mask-optional, including the Bean.

As was our practice last fall, students will not be admitted to class without a properly worn face covering that conforms to CDC guidelines. Eating will not be allowed in any of our instructional spaces.

Organizers of large events are asked to move them outdoors when possible to minimize interactions in close indoor spaces. Face coverings for faculty and staff, and physical distancing, are encouraged in office settings, and continued use of Zoom or other technology as needed for meetings.

If you have not been vaccinated, we strongly recommend that you go to the Medical Clinic ASAP. No appointment is necessary and there is no charge for the vaccine. Check our Coronavirus website for the most recent information on COVID-19.

We will continue to monitor CDC guidelines and evaluate the pandemic’s effect on our learning and living environments. On or before Sept. 20, we will reassess the COVID-19 landscape and let you know if we need to take additional action or can revise these protocols.

Gratefully,Phil Schubert, Ed.D.
President