Bulldogs,

As we enter the first few days of August, we are filled with anticipation for the start of a new school year.  Due to COVID-19, we know that we will experience a very different set of circumstances and we all must do our part to ensure the safety of all and the continuance of your education. 

Over the last 4+ months, under President Danko's leadership, multiple work groups have developed the necessary protocols for the safe return to campus and the start of the fall semester at our university.  If we are diligent in following these measures, we will have the best opportunity for a successful outcome.  While not exhaustive, the list below highlights the many elements in place to reduce the spread of the virus and some lessons we have learned.
 

• Pre-arrival COVID-19 education
• Social distancing measures
• Masking directives
• Hand hygiene
• Cover cough/sneeze
• Stay home if sick and self-assessment technology
• Deep cleaning and disinfecting
• A Testing Strategy for Athletics
• Surface virology surveillance of cleaning efficiency
• Isolation plan
• Quarantine plan
• Contact tracing plan
• Local hospital system capacity, monitoring ICU bed and respirator/ventilator availability
• Risk assessment/protocols for vulnerable populations
• Academic schedule alterations
• Travel modifications

      
As for your athletic experience in the coming year, it is our plan to do everything that we can to make it possible to safely train, practice and compete.  Some decisions have already been made including the elimination of fall season non-conference competitions as well as fall non-traditional season competition.  More decisions lie ahead and we will share those as they are made. 

We know that we cannot eliminate all risk of contracting COVID-19 but we can do our part and commit to following the university's student return to campus plan in order to protect the vulnerable and mitigate the dangers.

In closing, I'd like to share the advice I've heard from a respected colleague.  It is best to continue to be "patient and flexible."  I would add that we should accept our responsibility to protect each other.  That is the Butler Way.
 
See you soon and Go Dawgs!
 
Barry Collier
Vice President and Director of Athletics
Butler University