Brigham Young University–Hawaii plans to allow a limited number of students to experience in-person learning during the Winter 2021 Semester. This is part of BYU–Hawaii's Phased Student Return to Campus Plan. In addition to all courses being offered in a remote learning mode, select courses will also be offered in-person. A lower-than-normal amount of on-campus housing openings will also be available with increased safety measures. These openings will be offered to students based on university student employment priorities and expected graduation dates.
This phased return of students back to the BYU–Hawaii campus is made possible by the establishment of state and local COVID-19 response frameworks. The State of Hawaii began a pre-travel testing program on October 15 that allows travelers with negative test results to bypass the mandatory 14-day travel quarantine. Students accepted for on-campus housing, however, will be required to complete a modified five-day quarantine in university housing. Students who are unable to or choose not to participate in the pre-travel testing program will need to complete the State's required 14-day quarantine.
Students returning to campus will be asked to follow recommendations from the Hawaii Department of Health and complete online COVID-19 training from the University. Students who do not follow State and University rules will face civil and/or university penalties including separation from the University.
'The University has set the bar for safe behavior higher than that of local and state regulations," said President John S.K. Kauwe III. "This is intentional and motivated by our care for the students' safety and the safety of our community. This is an opportunity to live the second greatest commandment to “love thy neighbor as thyself.”'
In an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19, in-person winter semester courses will occur in large, well-ventilated rooms and outdoor spaces. All students will be required to wear masks during in-person learning.