1780 – The Official Blog of Transylvania University

1780 | The Official Blog of Transylvania University

Frequently asked questions about Transylvania’s response to COVID-19

This information is current as of July 27, 2020.

Academics // Admission // Athletics // Events // Federal Assistance // Residence Life // University Employees

Transylvania University will return to in-person instruction and resume on-campus housing along with full academic support services this August. Under the Healthy at Transy plan endorsed by the university’s Reopening Steering Committee, there is a clear understanding that we will all need to remain flexible in the face of changes necessitated by the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Our Healthy at Transy website has information for students, faculty, staff and visitors on the university’s plan for returning to campus.

Our administration is meeting regularly to monitor developments, and we are issuing updates related to this health situation. We will also continue to update this FAQ page, so please check back frequently as we continue to respond to COVID-19.

Academics

Will students be able to return to classes at Transylvania this August?

Yes.

On May 8, Transylvania announced a move to a module-based academic calendar for 2020-21 to remain nimble and adaptive while sustaining the quality and accessibility of its academic programs and student support services.

The 2020-21 academic year will be structured in six modules. First-year students will participate in Module 1, a one-week First Engagements seminar. In Modules 2-5, most students will take two courses over seven weeks. Transylvania’s traditional four-week May term is Module 6. First Engagements will begin Aug. 24, and Module 2 will begin Aug. 31. There will be breaks at the conclusion of Modules 2-5 before the next courses begin. Commencement is scheduled for Saturday, May 29, 2021.

What about summer and fall travel courses?

International travel is currently suspended per State Department guidelines. This includes international sites and Transy-operated study abroad programs this summer in Ireland and Slovakia. Non-essential domestic business travel is also suspended. The Office of Global and Intercultural Education is working directly with students enrolled in these courses and programs to provide additional information. 

When is registration for fall 2020?

Fall registration for current students will occur June 22‑24 and for incoming first‑year students on June 26 and 29. Faculty will be available to meet with advisees to plan for classes prior to the registration dates.


Admission

Can I visit campus right now? 

Daily on-campus admissions visits resumed on July 13. The campus visit will consist of a 90-minute walking tour of both the academic and residential sides of campus with a student ambassador, as well as a 30-minute virtual admissions session with a counselor. Optional additional virtual meetings with coaches/offices may be added, based on availability. Each student will receive a personalized pre-packaged Transylvania bag consisting of brochures, a special visit t-shirt and mini-hand sanitizer.  Read more about campus tours on our Healthy at Transy website.

We also have a brand new video tour option and a self-guided tour, so you can browse our campus for yourself.  

Are admitted student events happening?

While we don’t have any in-person events scheduled, we are offering several ways for you to continue to learn how Transy can be a life-changing college experience. Visit our virtual experiences web page for details and then reach out to your admissions counselor to connect on your next steps on becoming a Pioneer.


Athletics

What is happening with Transy athletics?

Please follow TransySports.com and @TransySports on Twitter for the latest updates regarding our athletic programs and events. Recent updates include:


Events

On campus events have been rescheduled or canceled until further notice.


Federal Assistance

Did Transylvania receive CARES Act funding and what was done with it?

Transylvania University received emergency funds as a result of the recently approved Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The Act provides federal aid to institutions of higher education to help students cover expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to COVID-19 through emergency grants. 

Following the initial distribution of funds to eligible full-time students on April 24, individual students with more significant needs were able to apply for additional funding in accordance with the guidelines issued by the U.S. Department of Education using the university’s online emergency grant application.


Residence Life

Will students be living on campus in the fall?

Transylvania University intends to reopen campus housing at normal occupancy (two students in most rooms) using strict public health protocols to monitor student health regularly

  • General requirements for living on campus will be upheld for the 2020-21 academic year.
  • Students in higher at-risk categories and have documented concerns may petition for single-room or to be exempted from the university’s housing policies for the 2020-2021 academic year only.
  • Students who have other COVID-19 related implications regarding living on-campus may petition for a single room or to be exempted from the university’s housing policies for the 2020-2021 academic year only.
  • Required roommate and suitemate agreements will focus on health and safety.
  • Common areas within the residence halls may be closed or restricted to ensure social distancing.
  • Isolation and quarantine spaces for students who test positive for COVID-19 and need to self-isolate will be available.

Additional information is available to students via the Housing and Residence Life page on the Inside Transy intranet.


University Employees

Are staff and faculty on campus?

Transylvania is not closed, but in order to reduce the number of staff members on campus, Transylvania is encouraging as many employees as possible to work remotely or on rotational schedules. This workplace flexibility started on Monday, Mar. 16 and will continue until further notice.