Last updated May 28, 2020 at 4:30 p.m. regarding Fall 2020
In light of the Coronavirus pandemic, MBU is taking precautionary measures to ensure the safety of our students, faculty and staff. Summer courses will be held online. MBU’s fall semester will continue as normal with in-person classes. We look forward to seeing you soon!
In addition, MBU personnel, have started coming back to campus in phases. MBU is still enforcing face masks and social distancing.
Students should continue to monitor this web page. Additional questions can be directed to Covid19response@mobap.edu. Responses will be made within 60 minutes of receipt either by phone or email from 8 a.m. through 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.
Currently, there are no known cases of Coronavirus at MBU. If MBU were to learn that a student, faculty or staff member has been exposed to the virus the University would require a self-quarantine, along with notification to the St. Louis County Department of Health. If a member of the MBU community tests positive for the virus, notification will be immediately disseminated.
A documented list of all communications to the MBU Community regarding COVID-19 is accessible below.
Frequently Asked Questions
General FAQs About COVID-19
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How can I protect myself?
How can I protect myself?
There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
- For information about handwashing, see CDC’s Handwashing website
- Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others, even if you are not sick.
- Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
- Do NOT use a facemask meant for a healthcare worker.
- Continue to keep about 6 feet between yourself and others. The cloth face cover is not a substitute for social distancing.
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What are the symptoms?
Current symptoms reported for patients with COVID-19 have included mild to severe respiratory illness with fever1, cough, and difficulty breathing. Read about COVID-19 Symptoms.
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What should I do if I feel sick?
Call your healthcare professional if you feel sick with fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, and have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19, or if you live in or have recently traveled from an area with ongoing spread of COVID-19.
Your healthcare professional will work with your state’s public health department and CDC to determine if you need to be tested for COVID-19.
Students & Parents
Academics
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Will there be classes on campus?
In-person courses will resume on all MBU campuses starting Fall 2020.
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How will MBU handle grades?
Regarding Spring 2020
Grades
Dr. Andy Chambers, Provost, and the Academic Leadership Team
in collaboration with academic deans, department chairs, and faculty conducted
a thorough review of possible grading options for students during this time of significant
disruption. Missouri Baptist University has made the decision not to move to a
pass/fail grading option due to several factors.
- Missouri Baptist University started the Spring 2020 semester earlier than many institutions and when the change to online classes took place the semester was 65% completed. Faculty have been urged to extend grace to students for the last weeks of the term which is inherent within our University culture.
- Many other universities will not accept pass/fail grades and students who wish to transfer in the future may encounter difficulties transferring their classes taken Spring 2020 to a different university.
- Many graduate and professional schools require letter grades in certain classes for their programs.
- Missouri Baptist University has a large student-athlete population and pass/fail grades could potentially impact their eligibility.
- Missouri Baptist University has utilized Canvas as the learning management system for many years and faculty already had course shells built. MBU also has a strong fully online academic program for adult students with established student resources and faculty teaching best practices. Many other institutions making a decision for pass/fail did not have a similar level of online learning established. While a mid-semester change to online-only classes is not ideal, the university was well prepared for the adjustment.
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Are the offices open?
MBU personnel have safely returned to campus following the CDC guidelines for social distancing. MBU is taking safety precautions and providing faculty and staff with masks. Departments that can safely and effectively work from home will be encouraged to do so.
View the online directory here.
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Will my professor respond?
If you are trying to communicate with your professor and have not heard back within a reasonable time frame, we can help. Please send the following information to: provost@mobap.edu. Include your name, course number and course name. We will reach out to your professor.
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What about commencement?
After very careful thought and consideration, we have made the difficult decision to postpone Commencement scheduled for April 28 at the St. Charles Family Arena. Our decision reflects the restrictions from both St. Charles and St. Louis counties, as well as guidance from the CDC that no mass gatherings with 50 people or more be held for the next eight weeks.
MBU’s plan is to schedule the 2020 commencement at the St. Charles Family Arena on November 13, 2020.
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What if I need the TOEFL?
MBU is now accepting the English3 Proficiency Test for applicants from countries in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis. For more information and to see if you are eligible, please contact international@mobap.edu.
Resident Life
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Will Food Services still be open on main campus?
Food services will be closed. Resident life will coordinate food for residents.
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Will there be housing refunds?
Yes. Please visit https://www.mobap.edu/coronavirus-advisory/email-3-24-to-students-regarding-housing-updates/ for details.
Athletics
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Are athletic events cancelled?
In conjunction with the American Midwest Conference (AMC), all MBU athletic activities–including practices, travel and competitions–related to the spring 2020 season have been cancelled. This includes both AMC and non-AMC affiliated programs which include cheer & dance, women’s beach volleyball, football, men’s lacrosse, women’s lacrosse, men’s volleyball & women’s wrestling.
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What about my eligibility?
In an effort to provide relief, no spring sport student-athlete will be charged a season of competition. Any spring sport student-athlete who was enrolled full-time in 2020 will be awarded two additional semester terms of attendance or the equivalent.
The NAIA is continuing to address outstanding questions related to these unprecedented changes and will share new information as it becomes available.
Student Employees
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What about student employees?
Due to the stay-in-place order, student employees will not be allowed to work on campus. Students should contact their supervisors.
Financial Aid
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What about my financial aid & CARES funds?
Excel
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What about my Excel courses?
Faculty & Staff
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Where are online teaching tools?
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Is University travel cancelled?
All University-sponsored student and employee travel, both international and domestic, scheduled for April is cancelled unless approved by the President’s Cabinet.
In regards to University sponsored summer study abroad trips, The University will continue to monitor guidance from the CDC and WHO regarding international travel. The University will work with faculty trip sponsors and updates for students will come directly from the faculty sponsor.
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What about student employees?
Some employees are working on campus. Please reach out to your supervisor.
