Vanguard University is Opening Campus

Vanguard University President Dr. Beals announced on Tuesday, September 25, in an email that Vanguard is planning to, “move forward with additional in-person learning and will do so on a gradual basis” starting Sept. 28. Vanguard is able to do this because Orange county has progressed to Tier 2 in California’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy.  

Rumors of Vanguard opening its campus circulated Zoom calls on Monday Sept. 14 as professors asked their students if they would return to in-person classes. The rumors were confirmed in an email sent Tuesday afternoon.  

President Beals assures that Vanguard is prepared for in-person learning and has implemented, “appropriate safety measures throughout campus”. The email points to Vanguard’s Summer Undergraduate Research Program as an example of how they have successfully held summer classes without any coronavirus spread on campus.  

The announcement stated that Vanguard had, “invested in resources, reconfigured classrooms, and developed a hybrid schedule for classes to ensure student, faculty and staff safety and wellness”. The Vanguard website states that thorough cleanings will occur, and one-way entrances and exits have already been implemented. 

Yesterday, Sept. 21, the Vanguard COVID-19 Leadership Team emphasized the face covering policy, “Please remember that face coverings are required at all times when on campus unless you are eating or drinking or in your dorm room.  Those who are found not adhering to face covering requirements, either student or employee, may be subject to disciplinary actions.”  

On-campus housing for Fall 2020 will also be open to students returning to campus. Students who wish to return to on-campus living must submit an application and housing deposit on Vanguard’s Housing Portal or contact housing at housinginfo@vanguard.edu. 

An additional email was sent from Dr. Menjares, Office of the Provost, Wednesday Sept. 16 providing more information on which classes would be allowed to meet in person and how Vanguard is following state and federal guidelines.   

Vanguard will have no more than, “25% capacity or less than 100 people in their largest venue” as stated by Dr. Menjares. In the venues, staff and students will be socially distanced.   

The return to campus will be commenced in phases, with only a few in person classes in the first phase. The list of classes and labs approved for in-person sessions is available on the Office of Registrar’s webpage. If your class is listed, the Provost’s email states that your professor will contact you within the next couple days. Remote learning will still be available to any student not returning to campus.  

This article may be updated as additional information is released.