Bethune-Cookman University Shifts to Mask-Optional Guidelines on Campus

BETHUNE-COOKMAN UNIVERSITY SHIFTS TO MASK-OPTIONAL GUIDELINES ON CAMPUS

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (May 18, 2022) – Starting this week, masks and face coverings are optional on campus at Bethune-Cookman University. Administration officials recommend following the current guidelines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) when deciding whether to wear a mask.

“Even though there are fewer people on campus during the summer term, our university’s top priority remains to ensure the health and safety of our students, faculty, staff and community,” said Interim President Hiram C. Powell. “We will continue to monitor the rate of community spread in our area and issue updated guidelines as needed.”

According to the CDC’s website, Volusia County is currently considered low-risk for community spread. Current CDC mask guidelines are as follows:

• People may choose to mask at any time.
• People with symptoms, a positive test or exposure to someone with COVID-19 should wear a mask.
• Masks are recommended in indoor public transportation settings and may be required by other places by local or state authorities.

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About Bethune-Cookman University (B-CU)

Mary McLeod Bethune founded the Daytona Educational and Industrial Training School for Negro Girls in 1904. In 1923, it became a co-ed high school as a result of a merger with Cookman Institute of Jacksonville, Fla. One year later, the school became affiliated with the United Methodist Church, evolved into a junior college by 1931 and became known as Bethune-Cookman College. In 1941, the Florida State Department of Education approved a four-year baccalaureate program offering liberal arts and teacher education. On Feb. 14, 2007, the Board of Trustees approved a name change to Bethune-Cookman University.