Remote Learning Will Continue For Remainder of Spring Semester

March 25, 2020

Dear Lions,

Thank you for your patience and the hard work put into moving to a virtual learning environment this week. I am proud of your commitment to a strong finish to this academic year. As events continue to evolve, I have been working with our trustees, faculty leaders, leadership team, our town, our county, and state leaders to determine the safest course for you and our community. I also consulted with our SGA leaders yesterday. We have all held out hope to see you back on campus this spring, but today, we know that is not possible. This message will serve as the formal announcement that Mars Hill University will complete the remainder of the Spring 2020 semester through distance learning.

Our classes will continue in the mode you are currently doing. Unfortunately, our Spring Graduation will need to be postponed. We promise you that we are not canceling graduation. We will celebrate your huge accomplishments at a time that is safe for you and your loved ones. We promise to update you more on that as soon as we can get an alternative date firmed up and a clear plan in place.

I know this announcement will lead to questions from students such as, “When can I get my belongings?” We are ready to begin that process, but your safety and the safety of your loved ones and our community must be protected while doing it. Many North Carolina counties have begun to declare shelter-in-place recommendations. We cannot allow large groups to gather in buildings in close quarters. We have set up a system for you to make an appointment to come to campus and move this weekend, March 27-31, 2020 (Friday-Sunday), and check out of your residence hall or apartment. This will be by appointment only. If you are unable to check out during the designated time, we will have one final check-out at the conclusion of the spring semester, May 1-3, 2020. Click here for more information on that.

It is important that you finish this semester and not let this virus cause you to fall behind in chasing your dreams. I know that this is tough, but so are you. I believe in you, I believe in a Mars Hill spirit that no one but us can understand. You can make this work. When we return for graduation and next fall’s start of the new year we are going to celebrate like never before and have the best graduation and best year ever. Many of you have written to me with different emotions. You have expressed that you already miss this place and your friends. Thank you for telling me these things and for reaching out to me and for caring about this place. This place needs you! This place and our people love you. Please, don’t ever forget that. Be safe, be careful and take care.

Thanks,
Tony Floyd