As students return to the Missouri Valley College campus in Marshall, President Dr. Bonnie Humphrey says this fall will be unlike any other in her 40-year education career.

Dr. Humphrey said classes are scheduled to begin on Thursday, August 20. She says sanitation is a big part of the plan to keep students and staff safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr. Humphrey says masks will be mandatory.

Dr. Humphrey says classroom setup and how classes will be handled will be different.

Dr. Humphrey says housing also has been altered to allow only a maximum of two students per room, even if that room normally houses four students. She says the dining experience will different, too.

No visitors will be allowed on campus, according to Dr. Humphrey.

Dr. Humphrey says steps have been taken to make things as safe as possible, and she praises the faculty and staff.

Dr. Humphrey says MVC is a huge part of the Marshall economy.

Dr. Humphrey says the one good thing that has come out of this is “The presidents in the Heart of America (Athletic) Conference talk to each other every week, and it’s been a good situation. We have changed from competitors to colleagues all fighting the same battle.”

Dr. Humphrey says there still is time for students to enroll at MVC, “especially if they are commuter students. Housing is pretty much locked in, I think at this point, at this point. But we have plenty of room for anyone that wants to drive in and drive out.”

The plan is to not have a fall break, and the semester to end on November 24 for a six-week Christmas break.