by jowens | Mar 23, 2020
Dear Students,
This is a time of mixed emotions for the Welch College family. Combined with the changes and difficulties the Coronavirus is bringing to our daily lives, and the suffering wrought by it, we see all around us people who are responding with wisdom and hard work and the love of Christ.
We have seen this in our Welch College family and its students, faculty, and staff. We are especially thankful for all the outstanding work we have seen from our Welch Coronavirus Special Committee (co-chaired by Craig Mahler and Greg Fawbush), which got out ahead of this pandemic very early on, as well as our Provost Dr. Matthew McAffee.
We wish we didn’t have to write this email, because we so miss you being on campus. Yet, like so many other colleges and universities, our college leadership has concluded that it will be necessary to finish the spring semester remotely. This online format will include the taking of exams, and the ending date for the semester will be the same as it originally was.
As we said to you in a previous email, our faculty is already skilled at teaching remotely/online. Unlike most college faculties, they have the advantage of having already done this two years ago, when the opening of our newly constructed campus was delayed by several weeks.
Sadly, we will not be able to have commencement ceremonies on the regularly scheduled date in May. We are considering our options for a ceremony later in the year. We know how much of a blow this is to our seniors and their families, as it is to us, and will have everyone on campus as soon as possible to celebrate our graduates and the signal accomplishments for which they’ve worked so hard.
The Special Committee in concert with the Offices of the President and the Provost are developing plans for keeping in touch with you and for delivering online chapel content from the faculty. Like you, the sense of community at Welch is one of the things we love the most about the college. So a committee has been appointed to keep faculty and staff in touch with students, one-on-one, to give spiritual and emotional support over the coming weeks. We are also planning pro-rated credits for room and board. We will get you details on that as soon as we finalize them.
We know you have a lot of questions. The Office of the Provost and the Special Committee on Coronavirus will be communicating with you soon with more detail and answers to your questions. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please email them to covid-19@welch.edu. Continue to check your email for further updates from the college.
We want to remind you of God’s promise to you in life’s worst circumstances. We urge you to meditate prayerfully on this promise from Isaiah 41:
Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
We also encourage you to observe the widely communicated guidelines on social distancing and stay safe. Use the technological means at your disposal to keep in touch with your fellow students, as well as faculty and staff, and to show Christ’s love to those in need. We’d even recommend that you call the people who love you, especially the elderly in your church, family, and neighborhood, to let them hear your voice. We know you’ll continue to join us in prayer for those affected by the Coronavirus.
We’ll never forget when we had “survived” the move from the old campus to the new one, having been separated from our students for all that time—Christmas break, followed by several weeks of online instruction with our faculty and staff working from home as campus construction was completed. When it came time for everyone to come back, a sign was hung out in front of the campus that said, “Welcome home!” The reunion was sweet. Please know that you are dear to us, and we are looking forward to seeing our wonderful Welch students back on this campus and saying, “Welcome home!”
In the meantime, let’s keep praying and being who the Spirit is leading us to be in Christ.
The Lord bless you and keep you.
Matt and Melinda Pinson
President
by jowens | Mar 18, 2020
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
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).
