by jowens | Apr 22, 2020
Dear Students and Parents,
This is a time of great uncertainty. Yet we serve a God who is able to do far more abundantly than we could ever ask or think because of His great power which is active in our lives (Eph. 3:20). We’re so excited about the students who are going to attend Welch this fall, and I wanted to write a brief letter and let you know about some things we are doing to prepare for the fall semester.
Safety
Our Special Coronavirus Committee was out in front of the pandemic in February, before it ever gained traction in the U.S., and we will be following best practices regarding safety protocols for colleges and universities when we gather together in the fall. We’re going to go above and beyond the call of duty to ensure your safety in our Christian community of faith and learning. We will keep you apprised as we move forward in our safety planning.
Financial Aid
Another concern many prospective students and parents have is finances. Some parents have lost their jobs or have suffered a pay cut. Government grants for students who have been hurt by the Coronavirus will be made available through Welch College based on need. These are grants, not loans. So they won’t need to be repaid. Welch will also be making need-based grants available to students beginning this fall, many of which will be provided by friends of the college who will be making charitable contributions for this purpose.
Tuition Freeze
Welch normally increases its tuition, room, and board costs to keep up with inflation and the rapidly rising cost of providing a quality education. We had planned to increase these costs by 3% this year. However, the Coronavirus pandemic and the economic upheaval this puts many of our families in has prompted us to freeze the increase in tuition, room, and board this year. Thus these costs will remain the same as last year’s costs.
Contingency Planning
Based on current projections from public health experts, we believe the fall semester will begin on campus. So while we don’t anticipate remote or online learning for dorm and commuter students, we will keep you posted if this eventuates. When we gather this fall, we will be taking every precaution necessary and carefully observing the best practices recommended by public health officials. We will keep you informed as we move forward with this planning.
We look forward to seeing you in the fall. If we can do anything to be of service to you, please contact us.
The Lord bless you and keep you in these trying times.
Sincerely,
Matt Pinson
President
by jowens | Apr 20, 2020
Dear Friends of Welch,
As a way of keeping you updated on the impact of COVID-19 on Welch College, and urging you to pray for Welch, I wanted you to have a copy of the letter I sent the Welch faculty and staff this morning.
Please continue to keep us in your prayers.
The Lord bless you and keep you.
Matt Pinson
President
Dear Faculty and Staff,
These are perilous days financially for small Christian colleges like Welch as we cope with the Coronavirus pandemic. We have had to send students home, gear up for remote teaching and learning, and credit dorm students for unused room and board. Summer sources of revenue are drying up, giving is going down, and almost certainly our fall incoming class will be smaller than we had projected.
Yet we are confident that God is going to meet our needs as He has in the past, and I wanted briefly to share some news with you and ask you to join us in prayers of thanksgiving. We have applied for a federal Paycheck Protection Program loan, which is part of the recently passed CARES act, and we have received a $785,000 loan from this program. We thank God for these needed funds. Welch has never received direct government funding. But our Administration and Board of Trustees strongly believe that this “wartime” situation demands that we receive these funds.
While this is a large sum of money, it pales in comparison to the shortfall that we—like hundreds of other colleges and universities—will face as a result of COVID-19. We are running budget contingency scenarios to ascertain the spending reductions that will be necessary to sustain Welch through these difficult times. We believe it will be possible to maintain all academic programs and not to engage in layoffs or salary reductions. We are carefully monitoring the situation and will be communicating with you soon about the process by which we will formulate our revised budget for the 2020–21 fiscal year.
In addition to prayers of thanksgiving and prayers for wisdom as we move forward and engage in needed budget reductions, please join me in praying for the Lord to provide for the needs of Welch as He has in the past. Pray that God will raise up donors who are in a position to help us in this once-in-a-lifetime crisis. And pray that God will bring us the students He wants us to have this fall.
Thank you for all you are doing to continue mentoring and ministering to our students toward the fulfillment of our mission to educate leaders to serve Christ, His Church, and His world through biblical thought and life. The students treasure you, and I do as well.
The Lord bless you and keep you.
Sincerely,
Matt Pinson
President
by jowens | Apr 9, 2020
Dr. Matthew Pinson, president of Welch College, has announced that the annual Strong and Courageous event has been postponed owing to the COVID-19 pandemic. “The safety of our event sponsors and guests are of primary importance to us,” Pinson said. “The event was originally scheduled for May 11.We’re delaying it and will set a new date when health officials determine it’s safe for larger groups to be together once again.”
The annual event is centered on the theme of honoring and celebrating Christian faith in Sumner County and includes music, drama, and inspirational messages. Money raised from Strong and Courageous goes to fund scholarships for students attending Welch College. Former speakers and entertainers include Dr. Ming Wang, Ricky and Sharon Skaggs, Congressman John Rose, and a guest dramatic performance about the biblical character Joshua.
According to Dr. Charles Lea, Special Assistant to the President, Strong and Courageous will take on a new meaning this year as our community celebrates the courageous faithful in healthcare and how God has strengthened all of us through the pandemic crisis. “We are grateful to our many community leaders and sponsors who have made this a signature event for the college,” Lea said.
Welch College continually ranks among the best colleges in the South yet remains affordable for area residents. For more information about Welch College visit welch.edu. An announcement as to a specific date for Strong and Courageous 2020 will be forthcoming.
by jowens | Apr 6, 2020
Members of the Welch College community have been asking various questions about COVID-19. Dr. Ian Hawkins, who leads the natural science programs at Welch, answers some of them below.
What is COVID-19 and Coronaviruses?
Scientists have known about coronaviruses for quite some time. This group of viruses has mostly caused minor colds in individuals. SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) was the first-known coronavirus to become a significant health concern, which led to a renewed interest in understanding coronaviruses. MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) was another coronavirus that enhanced the understanding of these viruses. Mostly, these viruses have been confined to different animals, but, in the cases of SARS, MERS, and now COVID-19, they have accumulated mutations and began infecting the human population.
What are the Symptoms of COVID-19?
Healthcare workers are looking for three main symptoms: fever, dry cough, and shortness of breath. Many patients who have coronavirus also experience chills, headaches, body aches, and sore throats; however, these are not the symptoms that healthcare workers would use to warrant testing someone. As testing becomes more widespread, more individuals with fewer symptoms will be tested.
What Should We Do in This Pandemic?
Stay calm and do the things that you can do such as: wash your hands regularly, keep away from people outside your family, stay away from crowds, keep your hands away from your face as much as possible, and clean surfaces that are touched often. These are the best preventative measures. Also, continue to reach out to those in need and to your friends and family. Still, maintain social interaction, even with the restrictions on face-to-face meetings.
When Should You Quarantine Yourself?
If you know you have come into contact with someone who has tested positive, or you have tested yourself and are awaiting results, then you need to quarantine yourself away from everybody for fourteen days. This course of action will prevent you from spreading the virus if you have it or have been exposed to it. If you have been exposed to it, symptoms may take up to fourteen days before appearing; consequently, you do not want to infect other people accidentally.
What Should You Do if You Test Positive for the Virus?
Individuals who have tested positive should stay quarantined and away from other family members if they are living in the house with you. You should have a separate room and preferably a separate bath. Your healthcare provider should continually keep in touch with you, probably once or twice a day, and monitor your situation to determine if hospitalization is necessary. If your breathing gets worse to the point that you are having difficulty getting out of bed, then they would probably advise you to seek hospitalization. Your healthcare provider will keep you informed and monitor your condition to advise you on whether that is necessary.
Why are We Taking This Virus So Seriously When We Usually Do Not Do This for Other Flu Viruses?Healthcare workers are taking this virus more seriously for two main reasons. First, COVID-19 seems very contagious so that one person can infect many people all at once. Secondly, since the virus can spread so rapidly, health care systems will be overwhelmed with patients if measures are not taken to limit the spread. By taking this disease seriously, we can curb the speed of the spread so that our healthcare system can maintain safe and important treatments.
Are There Any Medicines That Can Help Against Coronavirus?
Over the past few weeks, doctors have prescribed certain medications that could be beneficial. They have used chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine in many cases, and some of them have shown positive results. Also, a few antiviral drugs, which are either new or were used for other viruses, may also prove helpful. Several other treatments including antibodies from patients who have survived the virus are also being used. The current challenge is that the evidence is inconclusive, and some of these medicines are new and require more extensive testing. Over the next few months, doctors and scientists will be more able to correctly determine the best treatment options we have.
What Should Our Churches Do During This Crisis?
Our local congregations can serve an important role during this pandemic. We need to help people stay calm, and we need to provide emotional support. Churches should maintain social distancing and support the orders of governmental agencies, but that will not mean that churches cannot reach out. We can provide grocery runs and pickups for our older members and place them on their doorsteps. We can increase social interactions through telephone calls, prayer times, and other means that will allow us to keep our distance while still maintaining relationships. These are just a few suggestions, and not only will they help our members during isolation but also will lead to a stronger church body. This time of heartache and uncertainty is also a time when God’s people can demonstrate their faith in Christ, which gives us the peace that others may want, leading to opportunities to share our faith. May God give us peace and courage to help others and be good examples of Christ in these perilous times.
About Dr. Hawkins
Dr. Ian Hawkins serves as Associate Professor of Biology, Chairman of the Department of Arts and Sciences, and coordinator for science programs at Welch College. He holds undergraduate degrees in both biology and biochemistry from East Carolina University, an M.S. in biology from Vanderbilt University, and a Ph.D. in chemistry from Middle Tennessee State University. He has served at Welch since 2006.
by jowens | Apr 2, 2020
Dear Students,
I trust you’re doing well in these trying times. We miss you, and we’re praying for you. Daily, things change drastically with the Coronavirus pandemic. I appreciate your patience with us as we pivot quickly in response to government orders.
This afternoon, after the Special Committee on the Coronavirus emailed you, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee issued a stricter stay at home order, like that of at least thirty-seven other states, that prohibits leaving home except for “essential functions.” Thus the Special Committee has elected to change its decision and not allow exceptions for moving out and retrieving items from the dorms.
We have also consulted with Dr. McAffee about students who may have left textbooks in their dorm room. If you left a textbook or other item that you need for a course, please email Mrs. Terri Cockrell at tcockrell@welch.edu, and arrangements will be made to get you what you need.
When Craig Mahler of the Special Committee notified me of this recommendation this afternoon, I had been informed of the Governor’s new order, and I assured Mr. Mahler that I concurred with the committee’s recommendation. I also told him that our students would understand completely. We will update you as to when it will be possible for you to move your things out.
Students, you have been extraordinarily mature and understanding in this very difficult set of circumstances. I’m proud of you, as we all are. And we pray and look forward to having you back on the Welch campus as soon as possible.
The Lord bless you and keep you.
Sincerely,
Matt Pinson
President
by jowens | Mar 25, 2020
Welch College officials learned this afternoon that Welch Men’s Resident Director Russell Houske received notice of a positive COVID-19 test earlier today, according to President Matt Pinson. Houske’s test followed exposure during his duties as an EMT on or about March 16 to a non-college-related individual who later tested positive for COVID-19.
Houske continues to exhibit no symptoms but is rigidly following all CDC and Tennessee Department of Health recommendations, including the required 14-day period of self-quarantine, which both he and his family will observe in their campus apartment.
Upon receiving the test result today, Houske immediately notified college officials. He also notified family members and other individuals who were in recent close contact. Presently, none of the notified individuals has symptoms, and there are no other reported confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the College community.
Welch students, faculty, and staff left the campus for spring break beginning on March 11, and the campus has remained closed for business since that time. At that time, there were no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Sumner County. Students, faculty, and staff were to return from spring break on March 23. However, following “Safer at Home” orders from Governor Bill Lee and Sumner County Executive Anthony Holt, College officials elected to cancel campus for the rest of the semester, with all courses now being taught online. The campus is closed until further notice, and faculty and staff are working remotely.
Nine students with hardships were permitted to remain in the residence halls. One of the three male students in the men’s residence hall has been appointed as resident assistant, and Dr. Jon Forlines, Vice President for Student Services and Dean of Students, has assumed resident director duties during Houske’s self-quarantine. All these students and most of their parents were informed via video conference Wednesday night about the details of the quarantine, as well as the safety precautions the college has put in place for them.
The College’s facilities contractor initiated a special antiviral cleaning protocol before learning of the positive test. This “deep cleaning” of campus facilities continues in preparation for the yet-to-be announced reopening of the campus.
College President Matt Pinson asked that all in the college community pray for Houske and his family during the self-quarantine period. Pinson said, “I’m calling on the whole extended family of Welch College to pray for Russell and his family during this time. Neither he nor his family have any symptoms. Russell is a meticulous healthcare professional who’s taking every precaution and understands what ‘quarantine’ means. Let’s all be in prayer for this dear family who love our students so much and have invested their lives in their spiritual and personal development.”
Additional updates will be provided as warranted.
