WKU announces plan for students to return to campus

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Western Kentucky University President Timothy Caboni released his plan Thursday afternoon for students to return to campus in August.

Called, the Big Red Restart, the 34-page plan is a tentative COVID-19 return playbook put together by Caboni,  faculty and staff.

The biggest takeaway from the proposal is WKU plans to have its campus open with students by the beginning of the fall semester.

Caboni also put an emphasis on the need for COVID-19 testing and the frequent use of personal protective equipment when the school year does officially start.

Caboni did note that the restart plan is a living document subject to change as needed.

“There also are some contingency plans that we are ready for if the virus were to spike,” he said during a press conference Thursday afternoon.

“Flexibility and adaptability are key to the success of our plan,” the plan reads. “While the focus of the Big Red Restart is an on-time, on-campus reopening this fall semester, we will follow the guidance and direction of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Governor Beshear.

“Should conditions dictate a departure from this focus, our plan includes contingencies that will help ensure the safety and well-being of our constituencies. As always, WKU’s strategic plan, Climbing to Greater Heights, will continue to guide our decisions and serve as the roadmap to our future,” the plan reads.