COVID-19 changes COVID-19 brought an abrupt end to on-campus classes and activities for the 2019-20 school year. 0 n Jan. 21, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed in a press release that there was a case of COVID-19 in the United States. The virus originated in Wuhan, China, in late 2019 and infected hundreds of thousands of people around the world. After the first confirmed case in the U.S., cases grew exponentially, causing many restaurants, businesses and schools to close. Harding University moved all classes online beginning March 16. Administration, students and faculty adapted all classes and planned events to deal with these unprecedented events. Online Classes Students and faculty left Harding University's campus March 9, 2020, to embark on their spring break travel with intentions to return to campus the following week. On March 12, Harding announced its decision to close its campus temporarily due to the COVID-19 worldwide pandemic. On March 19, the University canceled all spring semester events and closed the campus for the remainder of the semester. President Bruce McLarty said in his first email about the temporary closure that the decisions made were unprecedented but were in the best interest of the Harding community. "These measures are unlike any we have ever had to undertake as a University; each decision is being made with the welfare of the Harding campus community in mind as well as concern for the surrounding community," McLarty said. "I am deeply saddened that this situation has had a negative impact on the Harding experience of so many and ask you to join me in prayer for peace and healing for all during these challenging conditions." Senior Christina Curtis said she was left in disbelief when she read the intial email from Harding about switching to online classes temporarily. "So, upon receiving the email, regarding temporary closure, you could say it left me in a state of, sort of, disbelief," Curtis said. "I, at the time, thought it was a precautionary measure being taken. I honestly started to think positively about it, thinking, 'Well, this is an extended break to get some much-needed rest and time to get caught up on some last-minute things before graduation."' On the other hand, Dr. Jim Miller, associate professor of communication, was not surprised when the University moved online for the remainder of the semester. "The University made the right decision based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and healthcare professionals around the world," Miller said. "Harding is committed to keeping our communities safe and healthy. Suspending on-campus classes indefinitely was the best way for us to do that." When Harding officially switched to online classes, faculty had limited time to convert their courses. Professors continued to use online methods for grading class assignments. Many professors used video conferencing software to communicate with their students, and others simply used email to contact students about how the virtual classroom would work. "We miss our community," Miller said. "We miss the interactions that extend well beyond the classroom. Staying connected helps us know we're not alone as we adjust to a new way of living, at least for a season." 312 International Programs Beginning in February 2020, COVID-19 made its first impact on Harding University by abruptly ending the Harding University in Florence (HUF) study abroad program only three weeks into the trip. This first cancellation was the beginning of many; the remaining spring study abroad programs - Harding University in Greece (HUG) and Harding University in Latin America (HULA) - would soon follow suit with the cancellation of summer programs as well. Audra Pleasant, executive director of Harding's International Programs (IP), said the decision to close the HUF campus was made Feb. 26, 2020, based on warnings from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. State Department as well as restrictions imposed by the Italian government prohibiting educational tours throughout Italy. "This was not an outcome any of us imagined for HUF this spring, and I share in the disappointment and sadness that many students expressed after hearing the decision," Pleasant said. Robbie Shackelford, director of HUF, said Harding was one of seven other university study abroad programs in Florence that sent students home within the same week. Shackelford expressed his love for the HUF program and his heartache for the students. "I love sharing its culture and beauty with the young adults that choose to come; I was sad to see them leave," Shackelford said. "After three fun, intense weeks, we had bonded, formed a family and were looking forward to the rest of our time of learning, adventures and experiences together." On March 11, 2020, IP made the decision to close the HUG campus due to the growing number of cases of COVID-19 in Greece and concerns about limitations on international travel, according to Pleasant. Sophomore Katie Beth Sharp attended the HUG spring 2020 program and said she was disappointed about returning home early but was thankful for the experience. "I have been kind of bitter about being sent home because of the coronavirus, but when I actually look back at it - I still got two months of adventure that I could never trade for anything," Sharp said. On March 12, 2020, IP made the decision to close the HULA campus based on the Global Level 3 Health Advisory issued by the U.S. Department of State and the same concern about limitations on international travel, according to Pleasant. However, due to a fog delay in Arequipa, Peru, the HULA students were unable to leave in time for their connecting flight to the U.S. Because of their missed flight, the group remained in Peru until the U.S. Embassy could help them find another way home. Shawn Daggett, the visiting faculty member for HULA 2020, said students were still taken care of through home-cooked meals prepared by their hotel's owner and family. During the time period between their attempted and actual returns to the U.S., Daggett said students attended classes and chapel, played ping-pong, watched movies and did many other things a HULA student would do on a normal day at their hotel. "[The students] are cheerful, hopeful and making the most of the situation," Daggett said. "This is an extraordinary group of students who are thoughtful, kind, fun-loving and who absolutely enjoy being together."
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