Dear Students,
As you all know, Welch College is temporarily moving all of its traditional courses to an online format, beginning March 25, due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19). We are currently planning to carry on with this modality until class sessions resume on April 8. This plan, however, is subject to change as the College administration monitors ongoing developments related to the Coronavirus.
Our faculty are currently making plans to convert all courses to online delivery. We will host an online orientation for faculty members on Monday, March 23. I have instructed all faculty members to reach out to you by the end of this week with any information you may need to know in preparation for you online classes to begin on March 25.
I would also like to draw your attention to a tool that we will use for video conferencing and class lectures. Many of your professors may utilize Google Hangouts. You can access this app in your Welch email account. Simply click on the Google apps icon in the top right hand corner of your screen [three rows of three dots]. Click the “Meet” app. That will then launch a new browser in your browser: meet.google.com. It gives you the option of joining a meeting. Some of your professors may ask you to access lecture content through this app. The app is also available for download on your smartphone. Once you have downloaded “Google Meet” to your smartphone, simply sign in with your Welch College email and password. I would encourage you to familiarize yourself with this app prior to the start of classes on Wednesday, March 25. (For more help and support for Google Hangouts, go to https://support.google.com/a/users/answer/9282720?hl=en.)
Please remain vigilant in keeping up with all College communication that you receive. Each communication piece is intended to provide vital information for our college family as we respond to the ever-changing circumstances surrounding this Coronavirus. The Special Committee on the Coronavirus and college administrators are monitoring the situation daily and will update you as needed.
Also remember that classes resume March 25. Our move to online courses does not mean that Welch College is taking an extended vacation. It is extremely important for you to remain vigilant in pursuit of your education at Welch. This resolve is all the more imperative for our college family as we continue fulfilling our mission in this temporary season of online education.
As we approach March 25, I ask you to do the following things in preparation:
- Check your email daily for important communications from your professors and Welch College updates on the Coronavirus.
- Review all of your course syllabi for upcoming assignments and lecture topics.
- Familiarize yourself with Google Meet.
- Pray for the Special Committee on Coronavirus and College administrators as they monitor this global crisis and make important decisions daily.
We are thankful for the Lord’s guidance during these days of change and uncertainty. We are confident in the hope and security that is found in Christ alone. I pray that the Lord will bless you richly in the coming days as all of us weather the current storm.
Sincerely,
Matthew McAffee
Provost