Click Here for COVID-19 Response from BUA President/Dr. Abe Jaquez
Click Here for COVID-19 Response from BUA President translated by Chief of Staff/Dr. Gabriel Cortés
April 10, 2023
03733300_HEERF_Q12023_041023.pdf
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January 10, 2023
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October 10, 2022
03733300_HEERF_Q32022_101022.pdf
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July 10, 2022
03733300_HEERF_Q22022_071022-2-1.pdf
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April 10, 2022
03733300_HEERF_Q12022_041022.pdf
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January 7, 2022
03733300_HEERF_Q42021_011022.pdf
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October 4, 2021
03733300_HEERF_Q32021_101021.PDF
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July 9, 2021 12PM
Click Here for Heerf-quarterly-reporting – July 10, 2021
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April 7, 2021 4:00PM
Click Here for Heerf-quarterly-reporting – April 10, 2021
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January 6, 2021 8:00AM
Click Here for Heerf-quarterly-reporting-January 10, 2021
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Oct 27, 2020 2:00 PM
Click Here for Heerf-quarterly-reporting-September 30,2020
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January 10, 2022
ARP Reporting
The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III (HEERF III) is authorized by the American Rescue Plan (ARP), Public Law 117-2, signed into law on March 11, 2021, providing $39.6 billion in support to institutions of higher education to serve students and ensure learning continues during the COVID-19 pandemic.
ARP funds are in addition to funds authorized by the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSAA), Public Law 116-260 and the Coronavirus Aid, Recovery, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, Public Law 116-136. Emergency funds available to institutions and their students under all emergency funds total $76.2 billion.
Baptist University of the Américas received $209,590.00 in ARP funding for Student Financial Aid. Following the receipt of these funds, an application was created and sent for all students to apply, especially if they had exceptional financial need created by the COVID-19 pandemic. After allowing ample time to complete and submit the application, the university’s Financial Aid Committee met to consider each student’s request. The committee then decided to distribute all allotted funds to those who applied, giving priority to those eligible for federal student aid. These received $5,000 each, while the other two groups received $4,000 and $2,941.25 respectively. Decisions related to the last two groups were made based on the level of need students communicated in their application. As allowed by HEERF III, funds were awarded to U.S. citizens and residents, but also to F-1 international students, DACA students and undocumented students that meet the residency requirement allowed by Texas law.
Upon awarding the funds, the university proceeded to issue checks and direct deposits to all student recipients for them to use as needed as they deal with the challenges presented by the current pandemic.
Baptist University continues to look for ways to assist our students during this difficult time, not only financially, but also physically, emotionally and spiritually.
Dr. Gabriel Cortés/Chief of Staff
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April 20, 2021
CRRSAA Reporting
The Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA) granted funds to institutions through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF). Universities must use 50 percent of the total allocated funds to provide emergency financial aid grants to students.
In adherence to the requirements, Baptist University of the Américas is acknowledging that the university disbursed 50 percent of the funds to eligible students. HEERF funds were received by the institution on January 19, 2021. Subsequently, the Financial Aid Office proceeded to award $61,112 to eligible students on April 8, 2021. This amount represents the total award of the HEERF grant to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.
This round of funding was entirely distributed to all students eligible to apply for Title IV aid that were enrolled in the University during the Spring 2021 semester. Following the directive of the U.S. Department of Education, Baptist University of the Américas proceeded to determine how to distribute these funds to eligible students.
The financial aid grants provided by the HEERF were awarded to sixty (60) students. Since the COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted most of our student population, University leadership decided to award each student the amount of $1,018.54.
Grant recipients were notified via letter once the amounts were approved. The university’s Business Office has ensured that all financial aid grants received through the HEERF are processed accordingly.
Baptist University continues to look for ways to assist our students during this difficult time, not only financially, but also physically, emotionally and spiritually.
Dr. Gabriel Cortés/Chief of Staff
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May 20, 2020 12:00 PM
CARES Act Reporting
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act granted funds to institutions through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF). Universities must use 50 percent of the total allocated funds to provide emergency financial aid grants to students.
In adherence to the requirements, Baptist University of the Américas signed and returned the Certification and Agreement form on April 13, 2020 acknowledging that the university agrees to disburse 50 percent of the funds to eligible students. HEERF funds were received by the institution on April 22, 2020. Subsequently, the Financial Aid Office proceeded to award $61,112 to eligible students on April 29, 2020. Subsequently, the Financial Aid Office proceeded to award $61,112 to eligible students on April 29, 2020. This amount represents the total award of the HEERF grant to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.
This round of funding was entirely distributed to all students eligible for Title IV aid (determined through FAFSA completion) that were enrolled in the University as of March 13, 2020. Following the directive of the U.S. Department of Education, Baptist University of the Américas proceeded to determine how to distribute these funds to eligible students. As part of the process, an Emergency Financial Assistance Form was developed to assess the pandemic’s impact on each individual student. Distributions were made accordingly.
The financial aid grants provided by the HEERF were awarded to seventy-two (72) students. The award amounts were as follows:
- Eligible students enrolled in nine or more credit hours – $1,029.09
- Eligible students enrolled in six to eight hours – $430.01
- Eligible students enrolled in three to five hours – $250
Grant recipients were notified via email once the amounts were approved. The university’s Business Office has ensured that all financial aid grants received through the HEERF are posted and processed accordingly.
Baptist University continues to look for ways to assist our students during this difficult time, not only financially, but also physically, emotionally and spiritually.
Dr. Gabriel Cortés/Chief of Staff
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April 2, 2020 4:04 PM
Dear BUA Students,
As you know, Baptist University of the Américas has extended their Online and Virtual Instructional Delivery platform throughout the spring 2020 semester. In preparation for what is still pending to complete your academic year, we are informing you of the following items that need clarification from the Office of Academic Affairs: There will be no face-to-face classes held at our BUA campus. All classes will be offered either online or through a virtual platform on your Blackbaud portal account. Library and tutorial services will be available online only!
Future Spring 2020 Academic Calendar Items & Clarifications:
April 10, 2020: Good Friday Holiday (No Classes)
April 12, 2020: Easter Sunday
April 13, 2020: Fall Semester Registration Begins
April 16, 2020: Career Fair (Cancelled)
April 17, 2020: Student Formal (Cancelled)
April 23, 2020: Last day for Graduating Seniors to clear financial account
April 24, 2020: BUA closed after 12:30 p.m. (No Classes held for afternoon & evening students!)
April 24, 2020: Chapel Auditions (Cancelled)
April 28, 2020: Academic Recognition (Cancelled)
April 30, 2020: Academic Scholar Day (Cancelled)
May 01, 2020: Community Picnic (Cancelled)
May 05, 2020: End of Spring Semester
Note: All administration of Final Exam will be conducted through and Online or Virtual Platform and Not Face-to-Face. It will be based on instructor’s judgement regarding format modifications. Please scroll down to view your spring final exam schedule below.
May 06, 2020: Final Exam Week Starts
May 12, 2020: End of Final Exam Ends
May 15, 2020: Graduation Dinner (Cancelled)
May 16, 2020: Graduation Ceremony (Postponed)
May 22, 2020: Final Grade Submission (All Students)
May 29, 2020: Last Day for Removal of Incomplete Grades for January Mini-Term
We are so proud of all our BUA students, faculty and staff for making the necessary adjustments during this major time of transition. Please remember that we are here to serve you and feel free to contact the Office of Academic Affairs with any questions or concerns. We will continue to pray for your health and well-being during this transitional period.
Blessings,
Dr. Sam Garcia/Dean of Academic Affairs
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Dear Piper Singles:
By now, you should have received the email notifying you that online and virtual classes have been extended to the end of the Spring 2020 semester. As a Piper resident, what does this mean to you?
- You are able to stay at Piper Village until May 18, which is move-out date. Piper Village has not closed.
- If you choose to leave Piper Village for the rest of the semester, please notify your Resident Assistant and Orlando Contreras. Before you check-out, Mr. Contreras must inspect your dorm area to ensure that everything is in good condition and you must clear the refrigerator and the dorm of all your personal property, including food.
- You still have the responsibility of paying off your account balance. You can do this through Blackbaud or by calling the school at (210) 924-4338. Remember that you can’t register for the Fall semester if you have a balance in your account.
We are committed to do our best to assist you in this transition. Please reach out to us if we can be of assistance.
Stay safe! Be blessed!
Dr. Gabriel Cortés/Chief of Staff
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Dear BUA students:
Thank you so much for being flexible with your classes these last 2 weeks. We are very proud of you and your hard work, especially for the commitment you have shown towards your education. We are blessed by having students like you.
As you know, the situation with COVID-19 continues to develop and more cases are identified across the country, including our San Antonio area. Stricter social distancing and gathering restrictions have been put into place by state and local government. For these reasons, the University’s leadership has expanded our precautionary measures by extending online and virtual classes through the end of the Spring 2020 term.
Faculty has been informed of this decision, and you should soon hear from them and the Office of Academic Affairs about the implications of this extension. Single students living at Piper will also be receiving a separate email with information pertinent to them.
These are certainly unprecedented times that require everyone to adjust and make significant changes. Please know that we are praying for you as you finish the semester away from the classroom, especially those of you that are graduating in May. May God continue to bless you and keep you safe.
Sincerely,
Dr. Abe Jaquez/President
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March 28, 2020 8:47 AM
Dear BUA Students,
We CONGRATULATE YOU on the completion of one week of Online and Virtual classes! Both you and your instructors have gone the extra mile and adjusted to unbelievable measures taken in such a short amount of time. Therefore, BUA would like to offer you an additional resource to your instructional program: The (Online) University Tutoring Center (UTC) for all your project needs. Since there will be no face-to-face tutoring on campus, tutoring sessions will be held online through your Blackbaud account.
If you already used the services of the UTC online program this semester, you will follow the same procedures. If this is your first time to access the program, the following instructions will facilitate the process.
Online Tutoring Program: Access Instructions
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- Students will access the university website at: www.BUA.edu
- Select: Student Life and scroll down & (select for now): University Writing Center
- Scroll & Select: (Click Here to make your writing center appointment) for all appts.
- Enter you BUA email address & PW (Create a profile if you are new to the site)
- UTC Spring 2020 will appear or utilize drop down arrow for Math Tutoring Option
- Click on Calendar to make sure you are on the correct month and week!
- Review Appointment Calendar & select from tutors available by day and time
- Complete Appointment Questionnaire & Upload any reference documents
- Select Create Appointment Option and then Select Close Window
- Email notification will be sent to you confirming your appointment
On the day & time of your appointment, do the following:
1. Login to the following link: https://bua.mywconline.com/schedule.php
2. Select UTC Spring 2020 or dropdown arrow for Math Tutoring
3. Select your Tutor and Option to Join Session!
In case of difficulties, please contact our BUA main number 210-924-4338 and leave your name, message and phone number with the receptionist. Ms. Luisa Angel will return your call, or you can also send an email to writing.center@bua.edu. As always, please remember that we are here to serve you and feel free to contact the Office of Academic Affairs with any questions or concerns. We will continue to pray for your health and well-being during this transitional period.
Blessings,
Dr. Sam Garcia/Dean of Academic Affairs
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March 24, 2020 9:37 PM
Dear BUA Students:
Due to COVID-19 (coronavirus) and our compliance with the mayor’s directives, BUA staff and faculty will be working remotely Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, starting tomorrow Wednesday March 25, 2020. If you need to contact a BUA staff or faculty member, please call 210-924-4338 or send an email to the person you are seeking to communicate with. You will get a response within 24 hours.
Stay safe and in touch! God bless!
Dr. Gabriel Cortes/Chief of Staff
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March 24, 2020 5:40 PM
Dear BUA Graduating Students:
As you well know, the world is going through a very difficult time right now, and it is impacting all of us in significant ways. Our daily routines, the way we learn and the manner in which we conduct our work has changed. Because of this, I’m writing to share important news about our 2020 Commencement Ceremony.
After careful dialogue and prayerful consideration, the University has decided to postpone the Commencement ceremony that was scheduled for Saturday May 16, 2020. The threat of the Coronavirus, along with national, statewide and local restrictions, have led us to make this very difficult decision. While we are optimistic that things will improve, the University understands that you need to know this as soon as possible in order for your loved ones to change their travel plans.
We know that crossing the stage is a significant event for you. You have worked extremely hard to earn your degree and postponing Commencement does not change that. Once you complete your graduation requirements, you will graduate regardless of whether we hold a ceremony or not. However, the University continues to look for ways to have our Commencement ceremony later in the year for any graduate that wishes to participate. As soon as we make a decision regarding a new date and location, we will share that information with you.
If you have any questions regarding this decision, please reach out to Dr. Gabriel Cortes at Gabriel.Cortes@bua.edu. For matters related to transcripts, etc., please contact Maria.Diaz@bua.edu. As you finish your journey at BUA, we want to let you know that our staff and faculty are praying for you, especially during these challenging days. Our God is with you!
Sincerely,
Dr. Abe Jaquez/President and CEO
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March 21 8:26 PM
Dear BUA Students:
Please find below three items for you: 1) Video Message from the President in English, 2) President’s Video Message translated in Spanish by Dr. Cortes and, 3) Email from Dean, Dr. Sam Garcia. Thank you for your attention to these matters. You continue to be in our prayers.
- Video Message from President Dr. Abe Jaquez to BUA Student (English Version)
- Mensage Video de parte de Dr. Gabriel Cortes (Version Español)
- Message below from Dean of Academic Affairs, Dr. Sam Garcia
Dear BUA Students,
We have made the final preparations to launch our Virtual Course Delivery System for the week of March 23, 2020! This is just a friendly reminder on how to access your course delivery system. As you know, there will be no face-to-face classes held at our BUA campus. All classes will be offered either online or through a virtual platform on your student Blackbaud portal account.
If you were already taking an online class this spring semester, it will remain as scheduled. If you were taking a face-to-face class, it will now be transitioned to a virtual delivery platform.
Virtual Delivery Platform: Access Instructions
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- Classes will meet via virtual platform at the same day & time as scheduled
- Log on to BUA Blackbaud account at least 5-10 minutes prior to your scheduled time by clicking on this link: https://bua.mycampus-app.com/
- In the course section, select the class option to join
- Look for the virtual classroom link on the class Bulletin Board and click on the link
- Select to open one of the options:
For personal computers (Windows / Mac / Chromebook), join from your browser or download the desktop app
For Mobile devices, install Webex meetings app from Apple App Store or Google Play
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- Type your name and BUA email address
- Select join meeting
- In case of any difficulties, please contact your instructor or send an email to helpdesk@bua.edu.
Please remember that we are here to serve you; therefore, feel free to contact the Office of Academic Affairs with any questions or concerns. We will continue to pray for your health and well-being during this transitional period.
Blessings,
Dr. Sam Garcia/Dean of Academic Affairs
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March 19, 2020 4:12 PM
Dear BUA Students,
In preparation for the week of March 23, 2020, this is a communication update that we are sending you regarding our library access and procedures.
Virtual Library: Access Instructions
Teresa Martinez, Director, Pace LRC
- Student library needs will be met via electronic platform until further notice
- Students can access the BUA website and select academics, then scroll down to Learning Resources Center and select any of the “virtual access points” or utilize the following link: https://www.bua.edu/en/academics/lrc/ which includes the EBSCO databases: Academic Search Complete, Religion and Philosophy Collection, and Business Source Complete
- A “Virtual Librarian” service is also provided to students, faculty and staff so they may speak to a qualified librarian for research and reference assistance. Bibliographic Instruction can be scheduled by sending an email to Teresa.martinez@bua.edu so she can send an invitation to meet with her in the virtual classroom found at: https://teresamartinez-603.my.webex.com/meet/teresa.martinez | 14380567
Virtual Librarian service will be available 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (Monday-Friday)
- Students can also obtain a public library card in their community (with proof of address within their Texas county). The membership card will allow students to borrow resources using the interlibrary loan and checkout services. In addition, students can request a TexShare card which gives access to other public and academic libraries in their area that participate in the resource sharing group called TexShare.
Please remember that Mrs. Terry Martinez and the Office of Academic affairs are here to serve you should you have any questions or concerns. She can be reached via email or at the following number (210-467-8595) (M-F) 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. We will continue to pray for your health and well-being during this transitional period.
Blessings,
Dr. Sam Garcia/Dean of Academic Affairs
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March 19, 2020 10:40 AM
Dear Graduating Students:
Hope all is well with you as you work to finish your degree this semester. We are very proud of you!
As you well know, we have all been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic. Just want to let you know that our graduation team will be meeting this week to explore options related to the 2020 BUA Commencement (Graduation) Ceremony. The university is committed to do everything we can for you to celebrate your accomplishment and will keep you updated as we move forward. Graduation is very high on our priority list. You are very important to us.
If you have any questions or concerns, please call me at the school or email me at Gabriel.Cortes@bua.edu.
God bless.
Gabriel Cortés/Chief of Staff
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March 19, 2020 9:59 AM
Dear BUA students:
As you know, all our classes will be offered online or virtually starting the week of March 23rd. If currently, you don’t have internet access at home, there may be an option for you. Charter/Spectrum is offering free internet service for 60 days for new clients. For more information, please click on the link below, and if you would like to ask any specific questions or would like to set it up, the number provided to us is 844-488-8395. Piper Village residents already have internet access. This option is for students that live in the San Antonio area but don’t live on campus.
Also, since Charter/Spectrum is a third-party company and is not affiliated with BUA, the university cannot be responsible for any issues you may have with this service, if you choose to subscribe to it.We’re just sharing this information with you, in case you don’t have internet service at home.
Praying for all of you.
Gabriel Cortés/Chief of Staff
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March 18, 2019 5:05 PM
Dear BUA Students:
Due to the Coronavirus pandemic impacting our world, and the San Antonio mayor’s emergency order which forbids gatherings of 50 people or more, the university has no choice but to cancel the BUA Student Formal that was scheduled for Friday April 17th, less than a month away. At this time, there are no plans to reschedule. If anything changes, we will let you know.
If you have any questions about the cancellation, please reach out to me at (210) 924-4338 or at Gabriel.Cortes@bua.edu.
Be safe.
Dr. Gabriel Cortés/Chief of Staff
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March 18, 2020 6:26 PM
Dear BUA Students:
In preparation for the week of March 23, 2020, this is one of several communication updates that you will receive regarding your course delivery system. As you know, there will be no face-to-face classes held at our BUA campus. All classes will be offered either online or through a virtual platform on your student Blackbaud portal account.
If you were already taking an online class this spring semester, it will remain as scheduled. If you were taking a face-to-face class, it will now be transitioned to a virtual delivery platform.
Virtual Delivery Platform: Access Instructions
-
- Classes will meet via virtual platform at the same day & time as scheduled
- Log on to BUA Blackbaud account at least 5-10 minutes prior to your scheduled time by clicking on this link: https://bua.mycampus-app.com/
- In the course section, select the class option to join
- Look for the virtual classroom link on the class Bulletin Board and click on the link
- Select to open one of the options:
For personal computers (Windows / Mac / Chromebook), join from your browser or download the desktop app
For Mobile devices, install Webex meetings app from Apple App Store or Google Play
-
- Type your name and BUA email address
- Select join meeting
- In case of any difficulties, please contact your instructor or send an email tohelpdesk@bua.edu
Please remember that we are here to serve you and feel free to contact the Office of Academic Affairs with any questions or concerns. We will continue to pray for your health and well-being during this transitional period.
Blessings,
Dr. Sam Garcia // Dean of Academic Affairs
—————————————————————————————————————————————————————-March 18, 2020 4:38 PM
Dear BUA students:
Good afternoon. Just want to let you know that you will be able to register online for the May Term and Summer Term next Monday March 23, 2020. For any questions on how to do this, please contactRicardo.Cancino@bua.edu. For any specific questions about the courses being offered, please contactSam.Garcia@bua.edu or Irma.Rivera@bua.edu.
Stay safe and God bless.
Gabriel Cortés/Chief of Staff
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Monday, March 16, 2020
Attention All Students Living at Piper Village: Town Hall Meeting on Tuesday, March 17, 2020 at 11:00 AM at Piper Village Clubhouse to discuss BUA moving forward.
Enrollment Services & Student Services
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Monday, March 16, 2020
BUA Students: The BUA business office will be open this week, 8:00 am– 5:00 pm. Students may come to the office to make payments on their student accounts . Students may also make payments by phone, which is recommended. Piper Village residents may come by during this time to pick up their mail and/or packages. We do suggest that students call the office for any questions regarding business office services at 210.924.4338.
Enrollment Services & Student Services
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Friday, March 13, 2020
Dear BUA Students, Faculty and Staff:
Due to recent national, statewide and local developments, BUA has reviewed its response to the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), which is described below. Please remember that we are all navigating an unprecedented situation that is constantly changing in real time. We will be in touch with more information in the coming days.
- Spring Break has been extended for the week of March 16, 2020.
- Classes will resume the week of March 23, 2020 through online and virtual platforms.
- All faculty members will be trained and equipped to teach using online and/or virtual platforms.
- Faculty will provide detailed instructions to their students on how to access their classes on the online and/or virtual platforms.
- There will be no chapel the week of March 16, 2020. Once classes resume, you will receive an email every Monday with links to online messages for you to watch and send in your report to Mrs. Irma Rivera. More details will be provided the week of March 23, 2020.
- The entire BUA campus will be open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday starting on March 16, 2020. This includes all offices, the library and Piper Student Village. Full-time faculty and staff will be available on campus during these times.
- If you are a current resident of Piper Village, you are free to return to your dorm or apartment at any time. If you are a single student living in a dorm, please notify your Resident Assistant if you will be coming back to live on campus.
The special provisions above will be in place indefinitely. BUA leadership will determine if and when these will change. If you’re a student or staff member and have any questions or concerns, please contact Dr. Gabriel Cortes at Gabriel.Cortes@bua.edu. If you are a member of the faculty, please contact Dr. Sam Garcia at Sam.Garcia@bua.edu.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)