There is a significant likelihood that Central Methodist University students will return to campus for the fall 2020 semester, according to CMU President Roger Drake. 

Drake said on Friday that he has a high level of confidence that the university will operate as normal in the fall. Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the university on March 17 transitioned all coursework online. CMU was in position to make such a quick change, having already adopted a program called Digital U, which puts iPads in the hands of every student and blends in-person learning with online technology.

Following a recent survey of CMU trustees in various medical and scientific fields, Pres. Drake said he was 85 percent sure that students would return to campus and that fall sports would be resumed. “They have a high level of confidence that the world will be such that we may operate this fall,” Drake explained.

This announcement will be well received by Fayette businesses already starved by regulations put in place to mitigate the spread of the novel coronavirus. Bars and restaurants, gas stations, and grocery stores are among businesses in Fayette that rely on the university's student body for regular business nine months out of the year.

“We miss our student neighbors in Fayette and we’re anxious for things to return to our new normal when the students return in the fall,” said Mike Dimond, Director of Fayette Main Street. “CMU is a huge part of Fayette in so many different ways, including sports and music events. The Main Street businesses are looking forward to the students, their families, and other CMU guests returning to town. Our ‘Welcome Home’ mat is out and ready.”

The return of students to campus also signals the start of fall athletics, such as football, soccer, and volleyball. Drake said that both the National Association of Intercollegiate Activities and the Heart of America Athletic Conference have indicated that if there is any possible safe way to proceed, there will be sports in the fall. That’s not to suggest that teams will be able to function with absolute normality. Major changes are in consideration, such as in-conference only competitions, delayed season starts, and empty stands.

“I think the greatest probability is that we’ll be back on campus with sports in the fall,” said Dr. Drake. “And I think there is an even higher probability that we’ll have resident students back. And that means young people patronizing our businesses.”

Central Methodist is scheduled to begin classes on Monday, August 17, with students arriving back to campus starting August 14.