Abilene Christian University Will Not Require Masks for Fall Semester

ABILENE, TX – Abilene Christian University has announced students will return to in-person learning beginning this summer. 

During the summer session, students will continue to be required to wear masks while indoors and distancing protocols will remain in place. 

“We believe this is in the best interest of our campus community until more people can become vaccinated. Our top priority is always to provide a safe campus environment for our students, faculty, and staff,” said ACU President  Dr. Phil Schubert. “We will continue to monitor the COVID landscape throughout the summer and into the next academic year, and apply health and safety restrictions as needed.”

For the start of the fall term, the university plans a " more traditional environment...without face coverings and with classrooms and residence halls at normal capacity."

“In the fall, we look forward to a greater sense of normalcy and welcoming back large-group Chapel gatherings, athletic events, and a full slate of student programs and activities,” said ACU President Dr. Phil Schubert

In regards to the COVID-19 vaccine, ACU announced it will not require students to get vaccinated prior to coming to campus. In the event the State of Texas mandates the vaccine in the future, "students would be given an opportunity to seek an exception for personal or religious reasons."

“As university life begins to return to normal, I want to thank our faculty and staff. Their flexibility, innovative approaches, and amazing resilience are what made this year successful,” Schubert said. “And, I want to congratulate our students for weathering this unusual year and forging ahead. Despite the challenges, we felt their energy and saw their resolve as they made the most of this unpredictable year.”