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Longwood University President W. Taylor Reveley IV announced Thursday, April 16, the creation of a COVID-19 Planning Team made up of leaders and experts to help the university prepare to re-open for in-person learning this fall.

“The team will look at all aspects of campus life and develop a plan that has the health and safety of students as the top priority,” Reveley said. “With our setting, structure and experienced leadership, Longwood is well positioned to find our way back to familiar routines of in-person learning this fall while taking prudent steps to ensure public health.”

“Campus may need to feel a little different in some ways next fall, but I’m confident that with the help of this group we can find the right balance, and return to a more familiar Longwood,” Vice President for Student Affairs Tim Pierson said.

According to Reveley, the Covid-19 Planning Team will work closely with community leaders, local health care providers, and the Virginia Department of Health. The process will also include surveying parents, students and university stakeholders to garner feedback, questions and concerns.

“They will research and report back to the President’s Council with creative and informed recommendations covering every aspect of campus life—from academics to housing and dining arrangements to health practices around testing and responding if cases emerge,” Reveley said.

Reveley said he is not exactly sure what things will change for the upcoming fall semester.

“So much is at stake for our students and our community in college life returning,” Reveley said. “I am confident Longwood will be a leader when it comes to navigating this challenge safely.”