DBU Ranked Top Tier School Amidst COVID Response

During the COVID-19 crisis, universities across the country experienced massive shifts in campus operations and worked to deliver a continuity of a college experience. In response to this work, Educate to Career, a non-profit organization based in California, examined the responses of institutions throughout the U. S. and ranked DBU in the top-tier for its ability to adapt to the crisis.

Over the course of the past decade, DBU took intentional steps to prepare for such unforeseeable circumstances. Through the implementation of new information technology infrastructure, online education training for every full-time and adjunct faculty member, implementation of online registration systems, and a variety of other items, DBU's educational and administrative operations were prepared for the full shift to digital.

Beginning as early as February 11, Dr. Adam C. Wright created a specialized Coronavirus Taskforce, chaired by DBU General Counsel Christa Powers, in order to monitor and prepare for issues related to the pandemic. By early March, it became clear that universities across the country would have to make alternative plans for their Spring semesters, and on March 11, DBU announced an extended Spring Break and a shift to online classes.

Within eleven days, all courses were meeting exclusively online, as faculty and staff members headed to their homes to work remotely, with the exception of essential personnel who remained on campus.

While at first it was hoped that the semester could resume as normal, within a few weeks, and in the midst of shelter-in-place orders, DBU transitioned the remainder of the Spring semester to online classes, all while still providing continuing on-campus services to those students who chose to remain on campus.

In addition to the shift to online classes, DBU began a variety of other ways to continue its mission through the launch of the following virtual events.

• New Webinar Series
• DBU Chapel Live
• DBU Worship videos
• Advising, financial aid, and admissions meetings
• Tele-health options for student, faculty, and staff
• DBU Responds Blood Drive
• Career Fair
• Counseling Services
• Friday Symposiums
• Honors Day Service
• Memorial Day Service
• Noondays
• DBU Prayer Challenge (12 hours, global day of prayer)

The semester concluded with DBU's first Commencement Parade with 650 cars including graduates and over 350 family and friends. Over 500,000 people joined the celebrations virtually from around the world as the parade was streamed live on Facebook and the website.