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As Williams Baptist University navigates the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, this page will be updated with the most current information for the campus community. Following the guidance of the Centers Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local health officials regarding COVID-19, WBU staff and faculty have spent countless hours over the last few months developing protocols to protect the health of the campus community; we’ll continue to monitor the situation and adjust as needed throughout the semester.

Official Information Notice

There are no plans to cancel classes, however, if situations dictate a change, you will receive a notice via official WBU communications.

Arkansas Department of Health

For daily updates on COVID-19 in the state, go to the ADH status update page.

COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions

Are offices still open?

Most offices at WBU can be reached during regular business hours by telephone or email.  In-person visits are limited and must follow propper social distancing protocols. 

Can I still schedule a campus visit?

Individual campus visits are by appointment only and must follow social distancing guidelines.  Please contact the Office of Admissions at 870-759-4120 or admissions@williamsbu.edu if you have any questions about the University and the admissions process. 

Can new students still apply for admission and scholarships?

Absolutely!  Students can apply online and their admissions counselors will be in contact with them within 24 hours.

How can I make a payment on my account?

Online payment is easy.  Just follow this link: https://williamsbu.edu/pay/

Academics

Where can students get assistance with online coursework?

  1. Contact your professor directly via Vcamp or by using their campus e-mail address.
  2. Contact the appropriate department chair with questions or concerns.  (Department chair information can be found at https://williamsbu.edu/academics/departments-majors/).
  3. For further assistance, contact the Office of Academic Affairs at: thenderson@williamsbu.edu or kbennett@williamsbu.edu .

I have limited internet access at home. How can I do my online coursework?

First and foremost, communicate these known obstacles with your professors as soon as possible so they can work with you on alternate approaches. 

For those running into problems with their internet going out or routers locking up, a good idea is to reboot your wireless router every night for as long as this ordeal lasts.  Everyone’s router is being put to the test right now and “turning it off and then on again” remains the single best piece of advice at this point.

If your family’s internet plan limits monthly access, priority may need to be given to things like online learning.  That may mean disabling the wifi on gaming systems, setting your Netflix to a lower resolution, keeping discretionary ‘net browsing to a minimum, turning off the auto-update on your apple devices, etc.

Another possibility: Seek out places in your community that offer free internet access (this can often be accessed from an adjacent parking lot, even if the establishment is closed due to the coronavirus) and download video lectures there to watch later at home.

How do we register for classes?

If you have not been contacted by your advisor regarding registration, please feel free to contact him/her by calling or emailing.  You can contact the Registrar’s Office if you are unable to reach your advisor at thenderson@williamsbu.edu.

Financial Aid

Is WBU going to provide any assistance for students through the federal CARES program?

WBU is in the process of applying for funds for students through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF).  Once we know how much funding we will receive, Williams will have an application process so that students can apply and their financial need can be determined.

What are the new requirements to keep the Arkansas Challenge Scholarship?

The Division of Higher Education in Arkansas recently announced that the continuing GPA requirement of 2.5 has been waived for Fall 2020 scholarship recipients. The yearly enrollment requirement of 27 hours for the first academic year and 30 hours for each academic year after the first year still remain in place.

What if I have questions regarding my financial aid?

Please reach out to us by phone or email with any questions regarding your financial aid. Our contact information is:

How do I take out Federal Student Loans?

Students are not required to take out Federal Student Loans, but they can be a helpful way to financially assist with your WBU education. To apply for student loans, students will go to www.studentaid.gov and complete the Master Promissory Note (MPN) and Entrance Counseling. The maximum loan amounts that you qualify for are located on your awards letter. If you would like to take out less than the maximum, please contact our office directly.

How does a parent apply for a Parent PLUS Loan?

Parents who are interested in taking out a Parent PLUS Loan can apply for one at www.studentaid.gov. After we have received a completed application, the financial aid staff will reach out to discuss the next steps in the loan process. 

What do I need to be doing now regarding my financial aid for next year (2021-2022)?

The first step in the process is to complete your 2021-2022 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The document can be completed at www.studentaid.gov. Once we have a completed FAFSA, we can begin to process your 2021-2022 financial aid.

Are there any other loans available after Federal Student Loans have been applied?

Students who need additional financial aid may apply for Alternative Loans. Alternative Loans are private loans outside of Federal Student Loans. Students will need to apply and meet certain qualifications to receive the loans. The WBU Financial Aid Office advises for Alternative Loans to be used for financial aid as a last resort. A helpful website for exploring Alternative Loan options can be found here: https://choice.fastproducts.org/FastChoice/home/110600/1

How do I check my Business Office account balance?

Students can log into their WBU student portal to see an updated account summary and balance information.

How do I check my financial aid online?

To see updated financial aid information for the 2020-2021 and upcoming 2021-2022 year, students can log into https://finaid.williamsbu.edu. You will use your 5 digit WBU Student ID (located in the top right corner of this letter) to create your account.

How do I submit needed documents to the financial aid office?

There are a number of ways to submit required financial aid documents to the office. Below are a few options:

Counseling

Will I have access to therapy the remainder of the year?

Yes, you can schedule a therapy appointment directly to fit your schedule through telehealth services.  The appointments will be face to face or without the video if you prefer but will be completed through a board-approved secure site. 

How do I access WBU Counseling Services support remotely?

With all of these changes, you may be experiencing a higher level of anxiety, and your mental health is important to us. WBU Counseling Services will continue to support you; we have simply shifted how we deliver those services, now through video conferencing (can be completed if you do not have an available camera using audio only).  These services are available Monday through Friday and can be accessed by students anywhere.  Make an appointment with WBU Counseling Services by following the WBU link at https://gracehavencounseling.com/ 

What is the cost of WBU therapy sessions?

As always, the cost is free to all WBU students.  It is important to us that you know you are supported.  Aneita Cooper will be available for any questions at acooper@williamsbu.edu

Is tutoring still available?

Yes. You can still access tutoring by sending an email to tutoring@williamsbu.edu. Be sure to include the following information in the email: your name, your contact information (tutors will call or contact you through video conferencing methods), and the subject you need help with. As always, tutoring is free to WBU students.  

COVID-19 Communications

Can’t find a piece of earlier information about our campus response to the COVID-19 pandemic? Visit our archive page.

—–> Click Here

CARES (HEERF) Act Disclosure

As part of the CARES Act, the US Department of Education, (ED) recently authorized more than $7 billion in emergency funding to colleges and universities across the United States. Williams Baptist University signed and returned the required certification and agreement forms to ED to receive funds from the CARES Act.

 

HEERF I

WBU received a total of $264,361 to be issued directly to eligible students. WBU plans to award approximately $30,000 to current eligible students, based on an application process, during the first round of funding. The remaining allotment will be distributed in August.

WBU students were notified that they could apply for funds based on reimbursement for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus. Eligible expenses included food, housing, course materials, technology health care, and child care.

WBU is currently in the process of reviewing student applications. The first round of disbursement checks will be distributed by July 31st.

Update July 29, 2020

As of July 18th, 2020, WBU had distributed $29,694 to 111 students. The total number of students that are eligible for CARES funds is an estimated 391 students.

On June 19th, an email was sent to all students making them aware of an application that was provided to all students for them to report emergency costs associated with the campus closure due to Covid-19. WBU awarded money based on these applications. WBU awarded a total of $29,694 through the application process.

Update August 10, 2020

On August 5th, 2020, WBU distributed $220,800 to 276 students. The money was distributed to returning students in increments of $800 each. The total amount of money distributed as of August 10th is $250,494. As of August 10th, 2020 WBU has $13,867 available to distribute.

Update October 20th, 2020

As of October 20th, 2020 WBU has $13,867 available to distribute.

Final Report – November 19th, 2020

WBU distributed the remaining balance of the student portion of the CARES funds to current students who had tested positive for Covid-19 as of Tuesday, November 10, 2020. The final amount distributed was $13,867 and it was divided equally amongst 80 students. Each student received $173.33.

CARES (HEERF) Act Disclosure

As part of the CARES Act, the US Department of Education, (ED) recently authorized more than $7 billion in emergency funding to colleges and universities across the United States. Williams Baptist University signed and returned the required certification and agreement forms to ED to receive funds from the CARES Act.

WBU received a total of $264,360 as a part of the Institutional Portion of the CARES Act Section (a)(1) and $25,701 as a part of the Minority Serving Institution Portion of the CARES Act Section (a)(2). The total amount of money received in Sections (a) (1) and (a) (2) was $290,061.

As of September 30th WBU had spent the entirety of these funds to provide reimbursement of housing expenses for residential students.

The required Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Report can be found at this link.

 

 

HEERF II

July 8, 2021

WBU received a total of $264,361 to be issued directly to eligible students. Based on guidance received WBU distributed this allotment of funds based on student need. 

As of April 30, 2021 WBU had distributed the following aggregate amounts: Full-time Pell-eligible students received $162,700. Full-Time non-Pell eligible students received $84,800. Part-Time Pell Eligible students received $2800. Part-Time non-Pell eligible students received $750. These amounts totaled $251,050. 

As of July 8, 2021WBU has $13,311 available to distribute in HEERF II student portion funds. 

The required Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Report for the institutional portion of HEERF II funds can be found at this link.

 

HEERF III

October 8, 2021

The required Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Report for the institutional portion of HEERF III funds can be found at this link.

UPDATE – January 10, 2022

As of December 31, 2021, WBU had distributed the following aggregate amounts in student portion funds: Full-time Pell-eligible students received $233,700, Full-time non-Pell eligible students received $143,450, Part-time Pell-eligible students received $1,400, Part-time non-Pell eligible students received $300.

Other Covid related student reimbursements totaled $1,190.91.

The required Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Report for the institutional portion of HEERF III funds can be found at this link.

UPDATE – April 7, 2022

As of March 31, 2022, WBU had distributed an additional $1,824.07 in student portion funds to students for covid related reimbursement expenses.

The required Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Report for the institutional portion of HEERF III funds can be found at this link.

UPDATE – July 8, 2022

As of June 30, 2022, WBU distributed the following aggregate amounts in student portion funds:

Full-time Pell-eligible students received $228,548.35.

Full-time non-Pell eligible students received $143,000.

Part-time Pell-eligible students received $1,100.

Part-time non-Pell eligible students received $1,200.

There were no other Covid related student reimbursements.

The required Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Report for the institutional portion of the HEERF III funds can be found at this link.

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