LEXINGTON, Ky. — Transylvania University in Lexington is preparing to welcome back students for the fall.  

What You Need To Know


  • Transylvania University lays out return plans

  • Courses broken up into modules

  • Full detailed plan available online

  • Classes begin August 31

Friday, President John N. Williams and President-Designate Brien Lewis announced the new plan, Healthy at Transy. 

The letter sent out via the school's blog says the Reopening Steering Committee has reviewed and had discussions about the plan. Healthy at Transy will not only allow students back for in-person instruction but also welcome them back into the residence halls. 

The joint statement said, "It will require all of our community — faculty, students, and staff along with alumni and visitors — working together to make the fall in-person instruction happen, and we will all have to be prepared to accept some inconveniences for the protection of our fellow community members. It is our shared responsibility to keep our classrooms, residences, and facilities safe for our entire community. That will mean regular health and temperature checks, enhanced cleaning protocols, wearing masks, sanitizing work and living spaces, and, in some cases, accommodating distance learning when needed."

The plan is lengthy and detailed, but here is a snapshot of how classes are being handled. The academic year will consist of six modules. First-year students will be in Module 1, a week of seminars for new students beginning August 23.

In Modules 2-5, students will take two courses over seven weeks, with classes beginning August 31. The school's traditional four-week May term is Module 6. 

Classrooms are being looked at to make sure they meet social distancing requirements. Transylvania says some classes may be offered remotely to accommodate faculty members who are designated high risk for COVID-19. Other classes will use a hybrid course model; here in-person and remote learning is used to help students who are considered high risk for COVID-19 and to make sure proper social distancing takes place. 

Williams and Lewis also said, "Our campus experience this fall will undoubtedly be different than in years past. However, together we will continue to focus on our core value of engaging with the liberal arts to prepare our students for their futures. What better way to truly embody our university’s mission than by living out the values of independent thinking, open-mindedness, and creative expression during these uncertain times.”