by jowens | Mar 17, 2020
Dear Faculty, Staff, and Students,
As announced by Dr. Pinson on March 13, the college is adjusting its academic schedule as a result of the Coronavirus outbreak. Rather than returning to campus on Monday, March 23, as planned, students will remain at home and conduct their courses online. Faculty will return to campus on March 23 for in-service training regarding remote teaching and learning. Courses will resume online on Wednesday, March 25.
At this juncture, on-campus classes and residence in residence halls (with limited hardship exceptions) will not resume until April 8. We realize, however, that this is subject to change, and we will keep you updated as changes are made.
The Special Committee compiled the following Frequently Asked Questions to update the campus community with important information related to the unprecedented event. Both the Special Committee and the Provost’s Office will issue updates as necessary; thus please monitor campus email. The Special Committee asks that all stakeholders direct questions to covid-19@welch.edu.
The Special Committee appreciates patience as both the committee and the Provost’s Office continue to monitor this global phenomenon and plan for a successful transition to remote learning that both preserves academic quality and fosters community.
Special Committee on Coronavirus,
Members, in alphabetical order:
Matthew Steven Bracey
Greg Fawbush, Co-chair
Dr. Jon Forlines
Russell Houske
Dr. Greg Ketteman
Craig Mahler, Co-chair
See the following pages for Frequently Asked Questions. Please bear in mind that reviewing other announcements from Welch College regarding COVID-19 may be helpful. Those include:
February 19 (Initial statement from the Special Committee to review Coronavirus outbreak)
March 2 (Statement announcing Welch College’s intent not to sanction planned international trips)
March 7 (Letter to FORUM20 attendees)
March 10—including a list of important FAQs
March 12 (Statement from Dr. Pinson)
March 13 (Dr. Pinson’s statement announcing remote teaching and learning)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
CAMPUS OFFICES
Are campus offices open?
Yes, though both faculty and many staff are out of the office currently for spring break and will return on or before March 23. Office hours remain 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Faculty report to campus on Monday, March 23 (see other FAQ and future Provost’s Office communiques for more information). Staff report as normal. Welch College will announce any adjustment to either office hours or employee work arrangements, when and if necessary.
STUDENTS
When will students begin classes?
Spring break is extended by two days (i.e., from March 23 to March 25), and students begin remote learning on Wednesday, March 25. At this juncture, on-campus courses and residence in residence halls will not resume until April 8; however, that is subject to change. Welch College is offering limited hardship exceptions for living in residence halls. See FAQs below.
What does remote/online learning mean for students?
While both the Provost’s Office and/or faculty will communicate specific details soon, generally, remote/online learning utilizes Populi and/or other technology to provide lectures, class discussion, assignments, etc. Though a number of technological resources are available, both the format and technology used is by discretion of the Provost and/or faculty and may look different by class or faculty member. However, both the Special Committee and the Provost have emphasized the importance of maintaining the same academic quality to which Welch College students are accustomed. The Special Committee will find ways to support the Provost’s Office, faculty, and students during the online experience and is confident in the college’s quality faculty and capable students.
Are residence halls open?
Residence halls are closed and, therefore, unavailable for living, with limited hardship exceptions. However, if students need to visit the residence hall to gather only their belongings, they should contact their Resident Director to make arrangements.
How do I request a hardship exception for living on campus?
Complete the form linked here. Hardship exceptions are limited and considered only on a case-by-case basis by the Special Committee, which will respond to requests as soon as feasible.
What does remote learning mean for graduate students?
Graduate students will receive important details regarding their courses from either the Provost’s Office and/or the respective Program Coordinator/Dean.
Will library services be available to students during the remote learning experience?
Though we are still finalizing the details, we expect that library services—especially electronic resources—will be available to students. More information is forthcoming from the Provost’s Office and/or Mrs. Thornsbury.
What is the status of commencement? See the FAQ in the EVENTS section below.
GENERAL
Does the college continue to discourage international travel?
Yes. As reported previously, any faculty, staff, or student who travels internationally is subject to a fourteen day quarantine prior to returning to Welch College to complete the spring semester.
EMPLOYEES
If an employee has a hardship, can he or she request to work from home?
Yes; the request will be reviewed. Requests from faculty may be submitted to Dr. McAffee, while requests for staff may be submitted to Mr. Mahler.
Will training be available for faculty?
Yes. All regular faculty report to campus on Monday, beginning at 10:00 a.m., for orientation. Training (corporately and individually) and class preparation continue Monday and Tuesday, March 23–24. Remote teaching and learning begins on Wednesday, March 25.
Though the Special Committee will share important updates to faculty (due to their being employees), the Provost’s Office will communicate specific academic-related details moving forward. Faculty, please direct all academic-related questions to the Provost’s Office.
Where can employees find important information regarding sick time and other employee benefits?
Please see the Business Office, which is currently compiling an Employee Resource Guide with this and other related information. NOTE: Though we understand that this transition to remote learning will be an especially busy time, any employee who is ill should seek appropriate medical treatment and remain home until well PRIOR to returning to the office.
Are employees allowed to travel for college purposes?
Employee travel for college purposes is suspended until at least March 31, and the Special Committee will review it at that time.
EVENTS
What is the status of upcoming events? (This list is fluid, which the Special Committee will update to include other events as necessary.)
- With a Voice of Singing! Welch College Choir Tour: cancelled after March 13
- Community Worship Service for Area College Students/March 28: cancelled
- State of Sumner County; Hendersonville Chamber/April 7: TBD
- Rejoice! Travel: postponed until students return to Welch
- Spring Musical/April 15–18: postponed until later date due to inability for rehearsal
- Welcome Days/April 16–18: TBD
Will commencement and related activities continue as planned?
Though we hope that commencement will occur on Friday, May 8, as originally planned, it is subject to change, depending on how the COVID-19 situation unfolds and impacts Welch College.
by jowens | Mar 13, 2020
Dear Welch Students, Faculty, and Staff,
The fast-changing developments surrounding the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) have the members of our administration and our Special Committee on the Coronavirus conferring on an hourly basis. I am writing you to announce that we have elected to extend Welch’s spring break by two days and move all classes online beginning March 25.
Thus, rather than returning to campus on Monday, March 23, as planned, students will remain at home and conduct their courses online. Faculty will return to campus on March 23 for in-service training regarding remote teaching and learning. Courses will resume, online, on Wednesday, March 25.
We will keep you updated as to how long the period of online instruction will be. At this juncture, on-campus classes and residence in residence halls (with limited hardship exceptions) will not resume until April 8. We realize, however, that this is subject to change, and we will keep you updated as changes are made.
You will be receiving more detailed information from the Provost’s Office as well as from the Special Committee. Please check your email frequently. If you have any questions, please email them to COVID-19@welch.edu.
At this time I am reminded of something C. S. Lewis said in one of his letters: “God, who foresaw your tribulation, has specially armed you to go through it, not without pain, but without stain.” Let us make the most of this tribulation, strengthening our faith in the God who holds us in the palm of His hand.
Sincerely,
Matt Pinson
President
by jowens | Mar 12, 2020
Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,
Recently I came across a quotation from Corrie Ten Boom: “Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.” In this time of uncertainty surrounding the Coronavirus and its effects, this truth comforts us, reminding us that God will meet all our needs, now and in the future.
I wanted to write you and let you know that we are closely monitoring the developments on residential college and university campuses regarding the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). As you may have heard, many colleges and universities have suspended face-to-face classes, moving them online—most for two or three weeks, some for the remainder of the semester.
One way Welch is different from many schools is that our spring break started a week later than that of many schools, meaning that our normal break would end a week later as well. This gives us a little more time to monitor the situation and make appropriate decisions.
Some institutions have elected to extend spring break, followed by a two-to-three-week period of online coursework. It will probably be necessary for us to do this. One advantage we have at Welch is that we conducted the first part of the Spring 2017 semester in just this way, owing to the late opening of our newly constructed campus that semester. Thus we don’t anticipate a difficult transition to online classes if and when we feel the need to make that transition.
Provost Dr. Matthew McAffee and I met today with the co-chairmen of the Special Committee, Craig Mahler and Greg Fawbush, to discuss next steps. Our plan is to keep abreast of the developing situation over the weekend and make a final decision on Monday. I will inform you then of the details of our teaching and learning situation going forward.
The Lord bless you and keep you.
Sincerely,
Matt Pinson
President
by jowens | Mar 10, 2020
March 10, 2020
Dear Faculty, Staff, and Students,
The Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak continues to dominate national news coverage. Its global impact is real and lasting, and it requires an appropriately measured response. The Special Committee urges our community of faith and learning to view these circumstances through a gospel-informed lens and to understand that COVID-19 offers believers an opportunity to infuse this troubling phenomenon with the radiant hope offered by the gospel message of Jesus Christ.
Our priority is to make informed decisions that promote the well-being of our faculty, staff, and students. Presently, Welch College expects to resume on-campus courses as planned on Monday, March 23.
However, we continue to monitor this rapidly changing situation, and we are prepared to respond to a situation where, due to community spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), normal collegiate operating procedures are no longer feasible. Thus, the College may, for example, modify college travel, including for Choir tour, transition from residential (i.e., on-campus) to online learning, and even cancel events.
While the Committee believes that current facts and circumstances do not warrant such measures at the present time, the development of the COVID-19 phenomenon has demonstrated that all plans are subject to change (and sometimes rapidly!). Therefore, follow campus email and other sources of College information closely for any announcements. In order to communicate quickly and effectively, the Committee has decided that it will use the college’s emergency notification system to communicate important updates concerning the Coronavirus (COVID-19) to the campus community, if needed.
If a member of the Welch community (e.g., faculty, staff, or student) is exposed through interaction with someone who tests positive or tests positive himself or herself (over spring break or after), then he or she must report this information to the Committee immediately by emailing covid-19@welch.edu.
In an effort to answer several important questions related to Coronavirus (COVID-19), we have included a section of frequently asked questions below.
The Committee continues to monitor this changing situation actively and its impact to the Welch College community. We will issue further updates as needed. As always, contact the Committee with any questions or concerns by emailing covid-19@welch.edu.
Special Committee to Review Coronavirus Outbreak
Members, in alphabetical order:
Matthew Steven Bracey
Greg Fawbush, Co-chair
Dr. Jon Forlines
Russell Houske
Dr. Greg Ketteman
Craig Mahler, Co-chair
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Coronavirus (COVID-19), and what information do I need to know about this illness?
See the factsheet from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) linked here about this respiratory illness originating in China. Current symptoms reported for patients with COVID-19 have included mild to severe respiratory illness with fever, cough, and difficulty with breathing.
Has anyone on campus been exposed to or tested positive for the Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
We have not received report of any cases at this time. However, if a member of our community is exposed through interaction with someone who tests positive for COVID-19 or tests positive himself or herself, then he or she MUST report this information to the Committee as soon as possible by emailing covid-19@welch.edu.
If faculty, staff, or students learn that he or she has interacted with someone who tested positive or tests positive himself or herself, what steps should they follow?
- Contact the Committee immediately (email: covid-19@welch.edu).
- Follow the steps outlined by the CDC found here, including contacting your medical provider, self-isolating, and taking preventative measures to limit exposure to others. However, please note that the CDC recommends that one first call his or her medical provider (or a local hospital) if one believes he or she is sick with COVID-19 (i.e., do not visit the healthcare facility without first talking with a doctor or healthcare professional by phone). Such persons should also notify 911 dispatch of this same information when seeking assistance in a medical emergency.
Will Welch College provide testing to those exposed to or showing symptoms of (COVID-19)?
The Committee understands that test kits are not available to the general public and that public health officials (e.g., in Tennessee, the Tennessee Department of Health) must approve testing. Although professionals are developing a vaccination for COVID-19, they have not yet completed it.
Will Welch College transition its courses from on-campus to online like other colleges or universities?
This option is a possibility. Fortunately, it is one with which Welch has some experience, since the College implemented it for a time when it relocated from Nashville to Gallatin. The Provost is currently working with faculty on that option in the event that Welch determines that this option is necessary.
When does the College expect to move on-campus classes to an online format?
While the College reserves this option, it is hopeful that it will not implement it. However, due to changing circumstances surrounding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, such an option is possible. As of now, classes are expected to resume as normal (i.e., on-campus) on March 23; however, if circumstances warrant, we could implement the plan for online learning now (e.g., to begin March 23) or later (e.g., at some date after returning to campus on March 23).
Owing to the possibility of transitioning on-campus courses to an online modality as early as March 23, the Committee advises all students to take all textbooks and other materials for school with them when leaving for spring break.
If the college exercises the aforementioned option, it will need to communicate numerous other details. Consequently, Welch constituency must follow campus email closely for new announcements related to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and its impact at Welch College, including over spring break. In addition, due to the nature of this situation, we may use the college’s emergency notification system to communicate important updates to everyone.
What steps can we taken to prevent (or at least minimize the risk) the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) (or, for that matter, other communicable illness)?
Preventative measures include:
- Wash hands regularly with soap and water for at least twenty seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least sixty percent alcohol.
- Avoid touching one’s face with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with anyone who is sick. If you are sick, avoid others.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or sleeve. If using a tissue, immediately throw it away.
- Routinely clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces and objects.
- Stay home if you are ill.
- Many recommend avoiding handshakes, hugs, or other common forms of greeting.
For more information, review the CDC’s guidelines.
Is Welch College implementing special cleaning procedures?
The College regularly uses commercial-grade cleaning agents. However, we have recently acquired a hospital-grade cleaner and will deep clean public areas over spring break.
Will the campus remain open for employees to report to work if Welch College implements the aforementioned plan for temporary online learning?
It depends. Unless circumstances warrant a temporary shutdown that includes a time where employees remain home, employees will report to work. Other than the possibility for mandatory training days and once online learning is implemented, the Provost may permit other faculty work arrangements.
Whom should one contact if he or she is feeling anxious or struggling to cope with the impact of COVID-19?
The Committee understands that some anxiety and concern exist and we continue to pray for and support faculty, staff, and students (both generally and specifically) who may be struggling with the impact of COVID-19. Resources and services are available, beginning with the College’s caring, compassionate faculty and staff who view supporting our student body as part of their vocational responsibility and calling as teachers.
We remind anyone who struggles with fears about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) (which is understandable, especially given the proliferation of media attention) to find hope in the Lord.
Though we are prudent to isolate ourselves when ill, the Committee urges faculty, staff, and students to avoid unnecessarily taking social distancing to an extreme, remembering that we are called to live in Christian community and fellowship.
We would remind our community of the counseling and other resources available to students (contact Student Services).
by jowens | Mar 7, 2020
Dear Friends,
Our community of faith and learning anticipates the upcoming FORUM20/Bible Conference. This annual gathering is an important event in the life of Welch College that complements our mission to educate leaders to serve Christ, His Church, and His world through biblical thought and life. We believe that this conference will encourage those in attendance as we gather to hear the Word of our Lord.
We have also engaged in serious deliberation about the event in light of recent concerns about the Coronavirus (COVID-19). While we have noted that, some have expressed exaggerated fears, our primary concern is for the health and well-being of our community, including the many guests who plan to join us for FORUM20.
As you may be aware, a special committee was recently appointed to monitor this global phenomenon. Originally, the committee was charged to study the feasibility of international travel by our students to serve in both Taiwan and the U.S. Virgin Islands over the coming spring break. However, due to the rapid change in this situation, the committee quickly realized the necessity of assessing campus preparedness in the event of a community-level outbreak. We recently announced the cancellation of both trips, though we are prayerfully hopeful that sponsors can reschedule the trips when the Coronavirus situation improves.
Additionally, we have implemented measures to monitor faculty, staff, and student international travel to areas with community spread and/or locations with active travel advisories from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Upon the explicit recommendation of members of the local medical community, we are requiring that anyone who travels to these areas will self-quarantine for at least fourteen days prior to returning to Welch College to complete the spring semester.
Recent actions follow highly publicized warnings from governments and health organizations, and they come from a concern for the welfare of individuals planning to travel as well as concern for our broader community. As the spread of the Coronavirus continues to grow and raise concerns, we want to communicate some helpful information on how we are monitoring and preparing the campus for this apparent eventuality.
In order to provide a safe and healthy environment for those attending FORUM20, we are asking that faculty, staff, students, and guests use discretion so as not to expose others to communicable illness, especially if one has traveled to/from an area with community spread and/or active CDC travel advisories. Furthermore, we ask that constituents follow preventative measures recommended by the CDC and others, including limiting close contact with those who are sick, covering coughs or sneezes, staying home when one is sick, and cleaning hands regularly with soap and water for at least twenty seconds, among others.
Though we understand the impossibility of eliminating the spread of Coronavirus and other communicable illness entirely, we are grateful for the commitment of the Welch community to do its part to minimize this risk and, in so doing, to provide for the well-being of others.
Blessings,
Special Committee to Review Coronavirus Outbreak
Members, in alphabetical order:
Matthew Bracey
Coach Greg Fawbush, Co-chair
Dr. Jon Forlines
Russell Houske
Dr. Greg Ketteman
Craig Mahler, Co-chair
