Church Educational System Announces Temporary Guidelines To COVID-19 Concerns

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Several changes are being implemented through the Church Educational System of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a response to the increasingly widespread COVID-19 concerns.

CES released a statement about temporary guidelines for institutions of higher learning  that will go into effect March 16.

The Church Educational System has students around the world and at higher education campuses in three states. CES schools include Brigham Young University, BYU-Idaho, BYU-Hawaii, LDS Business College and BYU-Pathway Worldwide.

“CES is deeply interested in the health, education and spiritual growth of each of these students and those who serve them. Concerns related to COVID-19 have impacted every part of society, including education,” the statement read.

Guidelines will be applied to how CES institutions meet and gather.

There will be no large gatherings.

“There will be no gathering for large events such as commencements, convocations, devotionals, conferences, public lectures, performances and concerts,” the statement read.

Events can be streamed, recorded or cancelled as determined by leadership at each institution. BYU will make decisions about hosting athletic events.

Instructors have been asked to consider guidelines from public health officials in decisions to hold classes. Courses will continue, but faculty are encouraged to consider remote alternatives.

Seminary and Stake Institute programs will follow the decisions of local congregations. Release-time seminary will follow the gathering decisions of local high schools or college campuses. Area presidencies will decide about gatherings for local devotionals and graduations, according to the statement.

“The Church will continue to monitor these evolving circumstances and make adjustments as necessary,” the statement read.