BREVARD, N.C. – After careful consideration in the wake of nationwide cancellations and postponements in the intercollegiate and professional sports landscape as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, and in the best interest of the health and well-being of student-athletes, family, staff, and fans, the USA South Athletic Conference has announced the conclusion of the 2020 Spring regular season. This also extends to all USA South Conference championships and the 2020 USA South Spring Sports Festival, originally scheduled for April 23-26 in Rocky Mount, North Carolina.
As a result of this news, and in alignment with the USA South and the NCAA, the Brevard College Department of Athletics will be suspending all athletic-related activity - including competitions, practices, and travel – for the remainder of the 2020 Spring semester. This extends out to current Spring sports in their traditional season of competition as well as Fall sports entering into their non-traditional practice seasons. The cancellation of all athletically-related activities includes Brevard College's non-NCAA sports of Cycling, Climbing, and Competitive Cheer & Dance, while also extending to the use of on-campus athletic facilities such as the weight room and gymnasiums, among other areas.
Below is the official statement and release from the USA South Conference in relation to COVID-19 and the cancellation of all remaining regular-season Spring competitions.
“Due to the ongoing spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), with the safety and well-being of students and campus communities being paramount, the Presidents’ Council of the USA South Athletic Conference has unanimously decided to cancel all remaining regular season, including non-conference contests, and tournament competition in all sports for all League members, effective Monday, March 16.
Although the Conference acknowledges the disappointment this decision creates for our student-athletes, families, and fans, it keeps the safety of those individuals and their communities at the forefront.”
Release link: https://www.usasouth.net/
Below is the statement from the NCAA released on March 12:
"Today, NCAA President Mark Emmert and the Board of Governors canceled the Division I men's and women's 2020 basketball tournaments, as well as all remaining winter and spring NCAA championships. This decision is based on the evolving COVID-19 public health threat, our ability to ensure the events do not contribute to the spread of the pandemic, and the impracticality of hosting such events at any time during this academic year given ongoing decisions by other entities."
Below is the letter sent from Brevard College President David Joyce sent to the Brevard campus community on March 12.
“Dear members of the Brevard College community:
This is a very unique and rapidly changing time. All of us are well aware of the spread of the COVID-19 virus and angst and anxiety associated with these developments. The attached document outlines the decisions we have made based on the best information available to us at this time. We will continue to monitor the latest developments as necessary and share any changes that will be implemented as soon as possible. It is important that we be transparent, patient, and mutually supportive.
Perhaps our greatest asset is our campus community. Calling ourselves a family is more than a wish, it is a reality. Now we have the opportunity to demonstrate it to the wider community.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we continue to work together through this challenging time.”
For updated information regarding the plans and procedures for Brevard College going forward in regards to classes and operations, please visit https://brevard.edu/covid-19-
The below information outlines the current plans and procedures in place for Brevard College in response to COVID-19.
· Brevard College’s spring break has been extended to Sunday, March 22. Brevard strongly encourages students not to return to campus during this period. Students are asked to remain off campus during this period. However, if there are students who need to return to campus, Brevard asks that they carefully consider their decision, taking into account any preexisting health conditions and alternative housing options. Students requesting to return to campus must email campuslife@brevard.edu to receive permission and guidance before returning.
· All classes and field trips are canceled through Sunday, March 22.
· Staff members will continue normal operations.
· Faculty are asked to use the extended Break period to prepare for the likelihood of moving their Spring semester courses to an online format.
· Classes will resume on March 23 either in person or online. Official notification and instructions concerning whether the classes will be offered on campus or online classes will be sent out no later than Wednesday, March 18. Faculty will receive notification and instructions from the Office of Academic Affairs and their respective Division Chairs with regards to preparing to move classes online.
· Scholarship day will be conducted by Admissions staff via Skype interview
· The Center for Disease Control (CDC) clearly notes that individuals over the age of 60 with preexisting medical conditions should avoid attending events with large crowds because they have a greater risk of complications related to COVID-19. Brevard would like to emphasize that the College will remain open during this time. Brevard College leadership will continue to monitor the situation and provide further instructions, as needed. Students, faculty, and staff should continue to check their Brevard College email and www.brevard.edu for updates.
-BC-