Health & Wellness

1 p.m., Friday, April 1, 2022

Dear Bethany Campus Community,

As you know, campus mask mandate policies across the country and throughout our region continue to evolve as health care officials, governments, and educational leaders revise policies based on promising evidence that the negative impacts from the pandemic are subsiding.

Since Bethany College’s mask mandate policy was revised on Feb. 28, there has only been one positive case reported on campus. Given this, and in keeping with our plans, effective today mask wearing is now 100% optional in all Bethany College campus spaces, including classrooms. Thank you in advance for respecting each individual’s privacy and choice in this matter.

I am grateful for the sacrifice, vigilance, and care that each of you have demonstrated throughout this challenging time. It’s because of your efforts that we’re able to make these changes.

Sincerely,

Jamie Caridi, Ph.D.
Interim President

1 p.m., Friday, March 18, 2022

Dear Bethany Campus Community,

I am pleased to share that we remain in the Green Level of our warning level system with one positive case. The case was discovered through symptomatic testing, and the student is isolated off campus.

Out of 95 additional students who were tested upon return from Spring Break, zero received a positive result.

Thank you for doing your part to keep yourselves and each other safe.

Sincerely,

Jamie Caridi, Ph.D.
Interim President

3:10 p.m., Friday, March 4, 2022

Dear Bethany Campus Community,

I am pleased to share that we remain in the Green Level of our warning level system with zero positive cases on campus.

Have a safe and restful Spring Break!

Sincerely,

Jamie Caridi, Ph.D.
Interim President

12:20 p.m., Friday, Feb. 25, 2022

Dear Bethany Campus Community,

I am pleased to share that we remain in the Green Level of our warning level system with zero positive cases on campus.

Beginning on February 28, 2022, masks will be optional on campus, except for classrooms, where our existing classroom protocols will remain in effect. Students and employees will no longer be required to wear masks in non-classroom spaces, such as dorms, athletic spaces, dining areas, offices, and hallways of buildings with classrooms. Our intention is to be 100% mask optional, including classrooms, on April 1. Select College events, as designated by the Cabinet, may still require masks during this time of transition. These will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Thank you for the sacrifice, vigilance, and care that each of you have demonstrated throughout this challenging time. It’s because of your efforts that we’re able to make these changes.

Sincerely,

Jamie Caridi, Ph.D.
Interim President

1 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 24, 2022

Dear Bethany Campus Community,

I want you to be aware of revisions Bethany College is making to its mask mandate policy.

As you know, campus mask mandate policies across the country and throughout our region are evolving as health care officials, governments, athletic conferences, and educational leaders revise policies based on promising evidence that the negative impacts from the pandemic are subsiding. For example, here at Bethany College I am pleased to report we’ve had zero positive cases of COVID-19 over the past two weeks.

Given our collective assessment of conditions, and having received input from the College Cabinet, Pandemic Response Team, Human Resources, and the Faculty Welfare Committee, we will be making the following changes to our mask mandate policy.

Beginning on February 28, 2022, masks will be optional on campus, except for classrooms, where our existing classroom protocols will remain in effect. Students and employees will no longer be required to wear masks in non-classroom spaces, such as dorms, athletic spaces, dining areas, offices, and hallways of buildings with classrooms. Our intention is to be 100% mask optional, including classrooms, on April 1. Select College events, as designated by the Cabinet, may still require masks during this time of transition. These will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Thank you for the sacrifice, vigilance, and care that each of you have demonstrated throughout this challenging time. It’s because of your efforts that we’re able to make these changes.

Sincerely,

Jamie Caridi, Ph.D.
Interim President

11 a.m., Friday, Feb. 18, 2022

Dear Bethany Campus Community,

I am pleased to share that we remain in the Green Level of our warning level system with zero positive cases on campus.

Please note that Bethany’s COVID-19 warning level system is subject to change based on the ever-changing guidance of health officials and the CDC.

Please remain diligent in following all health and safety regulations while on campus and off. Facial coverings must be worn properly indoors at all times except when eating or alone. Thank you for doing your part to keep yourselves and each other safe.

Sincerely,

Jamie Caridi, Ph.D.
Interim President

1:05 p.m., Friday, Feb. 11, 2022

Dear Bethany Campus Community,

I am pleased to share that we remain in the Green Level of our warning level system with zero positive cases on campus.

Please note that Bethany’s COVID-19 warning level system is subject to change based on the ever-changing guidance of health officials and the CDC.

Please remain diligent in following all health and safety regulations while on campus and off. Facial coverings must be worn properly indoors at all times except when eating or alone. Thank you for doing your part to keep yourselves and each other safe.

Sincerely,

Jamie Caridi, Ph.D.
Interim President

2:20 p.m., Friday, Feb. 4, 2022

Dear Bethany Campus Community,

I am pleased to share that we remain in the Green Level of our warning level system with six positive student cases, three of which are currently isolating on campus.

All of these cases were caught by symptomatic testing.

Please note that Bethany’s COVID-19 warning level system is subject to change based on the ever-changing guidance of health officials and the CDC.

Please remain diligent in following all health and safety regulations while on campus and off. Facial coverings must be worn properly indoors at all times except when eating or alone. Thank you for doing your part to keep yourselves and each other safe.

Sincerely,

Jamie Caridi, Ph.D.
Interim President

4:50 p.m., Friday, Jan. 28, 2022

Dear Bethany Campus Community,

I am pleased to share that we remain in the Green Level of our warning level system with seven positive student cases. Of these students, five are isolating on campus and two are isolating at home.

One of these cases was caught by this week’s surveillance testing of 29 athletes, and the rest of the cases were discovered through self-reported testing at the Wellness Center.

Please note that Bethany’s COVID-19 warning level system is subject to change based on the ever-changing guidance of health officials and the CDC.

Please remain diligent in following all health and safety regulations while on campus and off. Facial coverings must be worn properly indoors at all times except when eating or alone. Thank you for doing your part to keep yourselves and each other safe.

Sincerely,

Jamie Caridi, Ph.D.
Interim President

Friday, Jan. 7, 2022

We are excited to welcome our students back to Bethany College for in-person classes and the on-campus experience. Please read this carefully. These steps will help to keep the campus safe for everyone including students, faculty, staff, and guests.

What to expect when you return to campus!

• All students will report to the Recreation Center on January 16, 2022, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. for check in and testing.
• All students will be required to get tested upon arrival no matter vaccination status. If you are coming from far away, it Is strongly recommended that you try to get tested prior to coming to campus and if positive, stay home until your quarantine is over.
• All students will meet with the Financial Aid and Student Accounts Staff members at check in to make certain your account is clear.
• All Students will review and sign a FERPA Release intention form.
• Students will get keys after completing these steps.
• Student may then move into their residence halls.

Mask Requirements:

The Omicron Variant is much more transmissible than Delta or the original COVID 19 virus. As such, we are continuing to require mask wearing at all times indoors when not eating or in your room. This includes wearing your mask in classrooms. Must wear mask at all times except when eating at table.

What types of mask?

Neck Gaiter masks (tube over your face) are shown to be the least protective and all students, faculty, staff, and contracted workers should seek out and wear masks with filters or extra protections. Three layer masks are recommended.

Mask Wearing:

Appropriate mask wearing must be adhered too at all times. Appropriate mask wearing must:

Cover the mouth and nose at all times when not eating.

Failure to wear your mask appropriately will result in a three strike system.

1. First Strike: Verbal warning
2. Second Strike: Written Warning
3. Third Strike: Sent home or removed from campus with no refund for room, board, or tuition for a determined amount of time. (possibly the remainder of the semester).

Students without a mask appropriately worn will not be able to:

• Eat in the dining hall
• Be served food at the line
• Enter or stay in a classroom
• Enter student events, sporting events, residence halls, or recreational facilities
• In your residence hall room with a guest present

I feel ill what do I do?

• Don’t go to class or the dining hall
• Self-isolate until you can be tested or given more instructions.
• Contact Wellness (304-829-7567 or by email at acupp@bethanywv.edu or Lbain@bethanywv.edu) immediately for a test
• Wear a mask everywhere you go on campus and in vehicles with others.

What are the symptoms:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

I have a positive test, what should I do?

• If not tested in Wellness Center, notify the wellness center staff.
• If possible to go home, please go home

A student who is positive must self-isolate at home or at the Gresham Inn for five days if that student:

• Has no symptoms
• Wears a mask at all times around all people after leaving self-isolation for five days.

A student who is positive must self-isolate at the home (off campus) or the Gresham Inn for 10 days if that student:

• Has symptoms
• Is found not wearing a mask after being released from self-isolation.

Social Distancing

Social distancing is again strongly recommended especially while indoors. The dining hall has had seating removed to only permit limited numbers of seating at one table. Please do not move extra chairs to tables. Social distancing helps to control the spread of COVID 19 and the Omicron and Delta Variants.

Three areas of greatest concern regarding the spread of COVID 19 and Omicron and Delta Variants are the dining hall, athletic events including spectators, and in the residence halls.

No social events or gatherings in the residence halls or Greek houses are permitted at this time. Each occupant may have one guest in their room.

Guests:

At this time, we are not restricting guests to campus.

All guests must comply with policies and procedures for students, faculty, and staff.

Random Surveillance Testing

Surveillance testing will be continued during the Spring 2022 semester. Students who are not vaccinated will be required to test every other week.

Students who are fully vaccinated and have provided evidence of their booster will be tested on a random basis. Failing to complete surveillance testing will result in a student being sent home without refund for tuition, fees, room, and board. Students who are sent home may not be able to complete some courses if they are unable to be provided through distance learning. Additionally, athletes, actors, band members and other activities may be removed for failing to complete required testing.

Safety is everyone’s responsibility!

It is only with the help of the students, staff, and faculty that we will continue to meet in person, eat in the dining hall, and compete in athletic practices and competition. Help us keep our community safe.

12:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 10, 2021

Dear Bethany Campus Community,

I am pleased to share that the campus community is over 80% vaccinated, and we are ending the semester in the Green Level of our warning level system with five positive cases.

This will be the last weekly campus update until the start of the spring semester.

Have a safe and happy holiday season!

Sincerely,

Rev. Dr. Tamara Nichols Rodenberg
President

1:55 p.m., Friday, Dec. 3, 2021

Dear Bethany Campus Community,

I am pleased to share that the campus community is over 80% vaccinated, and we remain in the Green Level of our warning level system with two positive student cases and one positive staff member case.

One of these cases was caught by this week’s surveillance testing of 30 students/staff and 77 athletes.

Please continue to social distance and wear facial coverings indoors so that we can end the semester safely.

Sincerely,

Rev. Dr. Tamara Nichols Rodenberg
President

3 p.m., Friday, Nov. 19, 2021

Dear Bethany Campus Community,

I am pleased to share that the campus community is over 80% vaccinated, and we remain in the Green Level of our warning level system with one positive case.

There were zero positive results following this week’s surveillance testing of 12 students and 48 athletes.

Have a safe and healthy Thanksgiving break.

Sincerely,

Rev. Dr. Tamara Nichols Rodenberg
President

4 p.m., Friday, Nov. 12, 2021

Dear Bethany Campus Community,

I am pleased to share that the campus community is over 80% vaccinated, and we remain in the Green Level of our warning level system with zero positive cases.

There were zero positive results following this week’s surveillance testing of 30 students.

Please remember that we are under a mask mandate through the rest of the fall semester. Facial coverings must be worn properly indoors at all times except when eating or alone.

Thank you for doing your part to keep yourselves and each other safe.

Sincerely,

Rev. Dr. Tamara Nichols Rodenberg
President

2:44 p.m., Friday, Nov. 5, 2021

Dear Bethany Campus Community,

I am pleased to share that the campus community is over 80% vaccinated, and we remain in the Green Level of our warning level system with three positive cases.

There were zero positive results following this week’s surveillance testing of 25 students and 95 athletes.

Please remember that we are under a mask mandate through the rest of the fall semester. Facial coverings must be worn properly indoors at all times except when eating or alone.

Thank you for doing your part to keep yourselves and each other safe.

Sincerely,

Rev. Dr. Tamara Nichols Rodenberg
President

10:10 a.m., Friday, Oct. 29, 2021

Dear Bethany Campus Community,

I am pleased to share that the campus community is over 80% vaccinated, and we remain in the Green Level of our warning level system with three positive cases.

There were zero positive results following this week’s surveillance testing of 40 students.

Please remember that we are under a mask mandate through the rest of the fall semester. Facial coverings must be worn properly indoors at all times except when eating or alone.

Thank you for doing your part to keep yourselves and each other safe.

Sincerely,

Rev. Dr. Tamara Nichols Rodenberg
President

2:20 p.m., Friday, Oct. 22, 2021

Dear Bethany Campus Community,

I am pleased to share that the campus community is over 80% vaccinated, and we remain in the Green Level of our warning level system with one positive case.

There were zero positive results following this week’s surveillance testing of 40 students.

Please remember that we are under a mask mandate through the rest of the fall semester. Facial coverings must be worn properly indoors at all times except when eating or alone.

With COVID-19 still very active in the region, you are strongly encouraged to wear a mask when visiting off-campus public places as well.

Sincerely,

Rev. Dr. Tamara Nichols Rodenberg
President

11 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021

Dear Bethany Campus Community,

I am pleased to share that the campus community is over 80% vaccinated, and we remain in the Green Level of our warning level system with two positive cases.

There were zero positive results following this week’s surveillance testing of 40 students.

With Homecoming Weekend in full swing, we remain aware of the ongoing Coronavirus and Delta Variant concerns. Most events will take place outdoors with social distancing in mind.

Please remember that we are under a mask mandate through the rest of the fall semester. Facial coverings must be worn indoors at all times except when eating or alone. I also strongly encourage everyone to wear facial coverings outdoors while participating in Homecoming events.

Let’s celebrate Homecoming safely so that we can continue the semester in person.

Sincerely,

Rev. Dr. Tamara Nichols Rodenberg
President

4 p.m., Friday, Oct. 1, 2021

Dear Bethany Campus Community,

I am pleased to share that the campus community is over 80% vaccinated, and we remain in the Green Level of our warning level system with three positive cases.

There were zero positive results following this week’s surveillance testing of 40 students.

As we welcome alumni to campus for Homecoming Weekend Oct. 8-10, we remain aware of the ongoing Coronavirus and Delta Variant concerns. In order to move forward with our homecoming schedule, we have made several adjustments that will allow us to celebrate in a safe environment. Most events will take place outdoors, which will allow social distancing to be followed.

Please remember that we are under a mask mandate through the rest of the fall semester. Facial coverings must be worn indoors at all times except when eating or alone. I also strongly encourage everyone to wear facial coverings outdoors while participating in Homecoming events.

I look forward to celebrating Homecoming safely with you soon.

Sincerely,

Rev. Dr. Tamara Nichols Rodenberg

President

5 p.m., Friday, Sept. 24, 2021

Dear Bethany Campus Community,

I am pleased to share that we remain in the Green Level of our warning level system with one positive case.

Please remember that we are under a mask mandate through the rest of the fall semester. Facial coverings must be worn indoors at all times except when eating or alone.

Thank you for doing your part to keep yourselves and each other safe.

Sincerely,

Rev. Dr. Tamara Nichols Rodenberg

President

3:05 p.m., Friday, Sept. 17, 2021

Dear Bethany Campus Community,

I am pleased to share that the campus community is over 80% vaccinated, and we remain in the Green Level of our warning level system with one positive case.

Please remember that we are under a mask mandate through the rest of the fall semester. Facial coverings must be worn indoors at all times except when eating or alone.

Sincerely,

Rev. Dr. Tamara Nichols Rodenberg

President

11:45 A.M., Friday, Sept. 10, 2021

Dear Bethany Campus Community,

I am pleased to share that we remain in the Green Level of our warning level system with four positive cases.

Please remain diligent in following all health and safety regulations while on campus and off. Wear facial coverings indoors, and stay socially distant.

Sincerely,

Rev. Dr. Tamara Nichols Rodenberg

President

12:15 p.m., Friday, Sept. 3, 2021

Dear Bethany Campus Community,

I am pleased to share that we remain in the Green Level of our warning level system with one positive case.

Thank you for doing your part to keep yourselves and each other safe.

Sincerely,

Rev. Dr. Tamara Nichols Rodenberg

President

10:10 a.m., Friday, Aug. 27, 2021

Dear Bethany Campus Community,

Thank you for a safe and healthy first week of classes. As promised, we are updating the campus every Friday with our COVID-19 warning level.

I am pleased to share that we remain in the Green Level with one active case, and the individual is quarantined off campus.

Thank you for your cooperation and diligence in wearing facial coverings indoors, staying socially distant, and doing your part to prioritize the safety of yourself and those around you.

Sincerely,

Rev. Dr. Tamara Nichols Rodenberg

President

4 p.m., Friday, Aug. 20, 2021

Dear Bethany Campus Community,

Thank you for following safety policies and contributing to a safe and healthy freshman move-in experience.

As promised, we are updating the campus every Friday with our COVID-19 warning level. I am pleased to share that we are in the Green Level of our warning level system with zero cases on campus.

As we welcome returning students back to campus this Sunday, please review Bethany College’s health and safety policies and continue to hold each other accountable as we look forward to a productive and healthy fall term.

Let’s kick off the year with enthusiasm and truly embrace what it means to be #BethanyBOLD!

Sincerely,

Rev. Dr. Tamara Nichols Rodenberg

President

1:35 p.m., Friday, Aug. 6, 2021

Dear Bethany Community,

We are only a few weeks away from beginning the 2021-22 academic year. This is always a time of anticipation and excitement, and I am hopeful that we can have as normal a year as possible with in-person learning. Achieving this goal will again require all of us at Bethany College to join together in keeping our community healthy and safe.

Toward that end, and recognizing that CDC guidance will continue to shift as new information is gleaned relative to the Delta variant and future variants, we enter the fall semester with cautious optimism and new expectations to ensure the well-being of our students, faculty, and staff.

As was shared with you in June, Bethany College is requiring that all students must be vaccinated and provide proof of vaccination. Students who wish to be excused from this requirement must request a vaccination waiver form prior to arrival and submit a completed waiver prior to or upon arrival. If you have not yet done so, please submit your documentation now in order to expedite the campus arrival process.

At the bottom of this message is an infographic to explain what to expect upon arrival. I want to specifically share with you a few details:

• Upon arrival, all students must report directly to the Recreation Center. Please follow the registration signs.
• All students and family members, along with Bethany employees, will be required to wear facial coverings inside and maintain social distance.
• As family and parents move into the residence halls, all students and guests will be required to remain masked whenever you are inside a College building.
• Students will first be checked for proof of vaccination, proof of COVID diagnosis in last 90 days, or completion of an exemption request. Until you have been cleared as vaccinated or passed a negative COVID test, you will not be able to receive keys for residence halls or enter College buildings.
• All non-vaccinated students will be required to submit to a Binax Antigen Rapid Test upon arrival on campus.
• Students with a positive COVID test must go home immediately until the 14-day quarantine is completed or go to an area location and take a PCR COVID test and provide proof of a negative test result. Under limited situations, students may move directly to Quarantine Housing for the remainder of their Quarantine period.
• Students wishing to get vaccinated may do so during a number of our vaccination clinics on campus. Vaccinations will be available on August 11, 18, 19, or 23 for any faculty, staff, students, or contractors.
• Students who have not completed all requirements prior to arrival including: completing their Title IX training; paying their bill or making financial arrangements with the student accounts office; finalizing any financial aid requirements; providing health forms and medical history; completing class registration with a minimum of 12 credits; or registering their vehicle (copy owners card, copy of license, student ID number, proof of insurance, and what class year they are) will need to meet with the required office.
• Upon completion of registration, students will end at the desk of the Office of Student Life to be issued keys to your room.

Since the start of the pandemic, we have embraced a mindset of compassionate adaptability, and I am proud of the success we have achieved to date in keeping our students, faculty, and staff safe. The situation will undoubtedly continue to evolve, and we will shift our efforts as needed in response, but the caring spirit that defines us will never fade. As we start the semester, it is important you know the following:

• Out of an abundance of caution and following recent CDC recommendations, all students, employees, and vendor employees will be required to wear masks inside for an undetermined amount of time.
• We will continue to monitor cases and return to the weekly update to the community to share the number of COVID cases identified
• We will continue to comply with NCAA requirements and mandates, which will require regular, mandatory testing of unvaccinated athletes.
• Non-vaccinated students will also be required to complete a bi-weekly COVID test at the Wellness Center.
• Failure to attend two test dates will result in the student being asked to study at home with no refund for room and board.
• Non-vaccinated students who are listed as a close contact to a positive COVID case on campus will need to self-isolate in their room or may return home for the incubation period.
• Vaccinated students will continue to be asked to monitor their health daily but may still attend classes and eat in the dining hall in the event they are named a close contact and provided they are asymptomatic. Symptomatic students will need to self-isolate.
• Vaccinated students who test positive for COVID will need to quarantine in COVID-designated housing or may choose to return home to recover.

Above all else, I want to take this time to strongly encourage everyone in our community to make every effort to get the vaccination. I am pleased to share that 96% of our faculty and over 80% of our employees have received the vaccination. By requiring students to be vaccinated, our goal remains to reach a level of herd immunity on campus that allows us to remove the masks at a future date and stop the spread of this deadly disease. It requires all Bethanians who are eligible to be vaccinated to do so and demonstrate we are truly #ONEBethany dedicated to #ProtectTheHerd.

Thank you for your understanding, flexibility, and commitment to our community’s well-being as we prepare to welcome students back to campus. The current policies are subject to change in this fluid situation and we will continue to keep you informed as needed.

Sincerely,

Rev. Dr. Tamara Nichols Rodenberg
President

10 a.m., Friday, April 30, 2021

Dear Bethany Campus Community,

I am pleased to share that we remain in the Green Level of our warning level system with two active cases on campus.

Please remember to celebrate Comps safely so that we can host an in-person graduation ceremony next week.

Thank you for doing your part to assure that we end the year #BethanySTRONG.

Sincerely,

Rev. Dr. Tamara Nichols Rodenberg

1:29 p.m., Wednesday, April 28, 2021

Dear Bethany Campus Community,

I am pleased to share that we remain in the Green Level of our warning level system with two active cases on campus.

As we near the end of the academic year, please remain diligent in following all health and safety regulations while on campus and off. Wear facial coverings, and stay socially distant.

Thank you for doing your part to assure that we end the year #BethanySTRONG.

Sincerely,

Rev. Dr. Tamara Nichols Rodenberg

11:55 a.m., Friday, April 23, 2021

Dear Bethany Campus Community,

I am pleased to share that we remain in the Green Level of our warning level system with seven active cases on campus. We are following our contact tracing protocols and quarantining probable contacts to control any possible community spread.

We can assure everyone in our community that Bethany will remain vigilant and proactive in addressing this rise in cases and that our first priority is to ensure that we complete the semester and upcoming graduation in a way that preserves the health of all members of our community.

Certain activities and athletic events on campus have been cancelled to help mitigate any further spread. Please remain diligent in following all health and safety regulations while on campus and off. Wear facial coverings, and stay socially distant.

Let’s do our best to assure that we end the year #BethanySTRONG.

Sincerely,

Rev. Dr. Tamara Nichols Rodenberg

2:25 p.m., Wednesday, April 21, 2021

Dear Bethany Campus Community,

I am pleased to share that we remain in the Green Level of our warning level system. However, there are seven active cases on campus. We are following our contact tracing protocols and quarantining probable contacts to control any possible community spread.

We can assure everyone in our community that Bethany will remain vigilant and proactive in addressing this rise in cases and that our first priority is to ensure that we complete the semester and upcoming graduation in a way that preserves the health of all members of our community.

In an effort to keep everyone as updated as possible, I will begin sending campus updates twice a week.

Certain activities and athletic events on campus have been cancelled to help mitigate any further spread. Please remain diligent in following all health and safety regulations while on campus and off. Wear facial coverings, and stay socially distant.

Thank you for doing your part to assure that we end the year #BethanySTRONG.

Sincerely,

Rev. Dr. Tamara Nichols Rodenberg

11:30 a.m., Friday, April 16, 2021

Dear Bethany Campus Community,

I am pleased to share that we remain in the Green Level of our warning level system. However, we have seen an increase with six active cases on campus.

Please remain diligent in following all health and safety regulations while on campus and off. Wear facial coverings, and stay socially distant. Thank you for doing your part to keep yourselves and each other safe.

Sincerely,

Rev. Dr. Tamara Nichols Rodenberg

9:15 a.m., Friday, April 9, 2021

Dear Bethany Campus Community,

I am pleased to share that Bethany College remains in the Green Level of our warning level system with no new cases.

Thank you for your cooperation and diligence in wearing facial coverings, staying socially distant, and doing your part to prioritize the safety of yourself and those around you.

Sincerely,

Rev. Dr. Tamara Nichols Rodenberg

11:35 a.m., Friday, April 2, 2021

Dear Bethany Campus Community,

I am pleased to share that Bethany College remains in the Green Level of our warning level system with no new cases.

Thank you for continuing to follow COVID safety policies.

Have a wonderful Easter holiday!

Sincerely,

Rev. Dr. Tamara Nichols Rodenberg

9 a.m., Friday, March 26, 2021

Dear Bethany Campus Community,

I am pleased to share that Bethany College remains in the Green Level of our warning level system with one active case.

Please continue to wear masks and socially distance so that we can end the year safely.

Sincerely,

Rev. Dr. Tamara Nichols Rodenberg

8 a.m., Friday, March 19, 2021

Dear Bethany Campus Community,

I am pleased to share that Bethany College remains in the Green Level of our warning level system with three positive cases.

Thank you for continuing to follow COVID safety policies.

Sincerely,

Rev. Dr. Tamara Nichols Rodenberg

10 a.m., Friday, March 12, 2021

Dear Bethany Campus Community,

I am pleased to share that Bethany College remains in the Green Level of our warning level system with one new positive case.

Thank you for doing your part to keep yourselves and each other safe.

Sincerely,

Rev. Dr. Tamara Nichols Rodenberg

12:35 p.m., Friday, March 5, 2021

Dear Bethany Campus Community,

I am pleased to share that Bethany College remains in the Green Level of our warning level system with no new cases.

Thank you for your cooperation and diligence in wearing facial coverings, staying socially distant, and doing your part to prioritize the safety of yourself and those around you.

Sincerely,

Rev. Dr. Tamara Nichols Rodenberg

12:35 p.m., Friday, Feb. 26, 2021

Dear Bethany Campus Community,

I am pleased to share that Bethany College remains in the Green Level of our warning level system with no new cases.

Thank you for continuing to follow COVID safety policies.

Sincerely,

Rev. Dr. Tamara Nichols Rodenberg

4:20 p.m., Friday, Feb. 19, 2021

Dear Bethany Campus Community,

I am pleased to share that Bethany College remains in the Green Level of our warning level system. Two students have received a positive result this week.

Thank you for your cooperation, and have a wonderful weekend.

Sincerely,

Rev. Dr. Tamara Nichols Rodenberg

11:38 a.m., Friday, Feb. 12, 2021

Dear Bethany Campus Community,

I am pleased to announce that Bethany College remains in the Green Level of our warning level system with no new cases.

Thank you for continuing to take the required steps to protect yourselves and each other on campus.

Sincerely,

Rev. Dr. Tamara Nichols Rodenberg

9:08 a.m., Friday, Feb. 5, 2021

Dear Bethany Campus Community,

I am pleased to share the we remain in the Green Level of our warning level system. There are three active cases, and the individuals are quarantined.

Thank you for your cooperation and diligence in wearing facial coverings, staying socially distant, and doing your part to prioritize the safety of yourself and those around you.

Sincerely,

Rev. Dr. Tamara Nichols Rodenberg

9:35 a.m., Friday, Jan. 29, 2021

Dear Bethany Campus Community,

I am pleased to share the we are back in the Green Level of our warning level system. There is one active case, and the individual is quarantined on campus.

Students should continue to self-isolate in their rooms until 7 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 31.

While in-person classes resume on Monday, Feb. 1, please remember that there will be no class on Tuesday, Feb. 2, which is our first of three separate One-Day Breaks in place of Spring Break.

Thank you for doing your part to keep yourselves and each other safe.

Sincerely,

Rev. Dr. Tamara Nichols Rodenberg

Friday, Jan. 22, 2021

Dear Bethany Campus Community,

Welcome back to Bethany as we kick off the spring semester and the 2021 calendar year. In an effort to keep everyone informed, I will once again update the campus every Friday with our COVID-19 warning level.

As of today, we have nine confirmed positive cases, which moves us into the Yellow Level of our warning level system.

For the health and safety of the campus, it is with my strongest recommendation that I encourage you to familiarize yourself with college policy and follow the appropriate safety precautions.

Together, we are #BethanySTRONG.

Sincerely,

Rev. Dr. Tamara Nichols Rodenberg

Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020

To the Bethany College Community,

As the new year nears, I am sending this communication in hopes of both informing and easing anxiety with regard to our plans for the spring semester. Please know that we are working to ensure a smooth, thoughtful transition with the health and safety of everyone at the core of our decision-making.

To begin, we are implementing a tiered approach to our return to in-person learning and on-campus activities. We have intentionally structured our approach to align with state guidance, and to allow all our students, faculty, and staff to return to campus safely.

The tiered approach is as follows:

January 2: Winter Sports athletes return schedule starts. Please refer to the Athletics Department for specific details
January 4: Students studying on-campus for January Comprehensive Exams
January 10: Students returning to take Comprehensive Exams
January 16: Sophomores, juniors, and first-time students at Bethany
January 17: First-year students and seniors
January 18: First day of classes

Students may be asked to quarantine up to 14 days after arrival depending on testing and WV policy. As a reminder, all students are being asked to do the following prior to and upon returning:

• Take a COVID-19 test at home no earlier than 72 hours prior to arriving at Bethany.
• Have temperature taken upon arrival.
• Complete COVID-19 test upon arrival.
• Self-quarantine in their rooms with online classes for the first two weeks of classes.
• Only leave their rooms to go to the dining hall to pick up “Grab and Go Meals” – no seating in the dining hall for the first two weeks.
• Bring extra snacks, food supplies and personal items to prevent the need to leave campus during the 14-day self-isolation period.

During the quarantine period, all offices will be open and available for Zoom meetings and phone calls, however walk-in service will NOT be an option for the first two weeks.

Our institutional policies have been updated for the Spring semester and can be found on our website. The full Return to Campus Plan is also available on the website. Should students have questions regarding arrival, special arrival dates, or the check-in process, I encourage you to connect with Sam Goodge at sgoodge@bethanywv.edu as soon as possible.

To our students planning to take Comprehensive Exams at this unprecedented time, Provost Lane will be sending you an email with more details regarding this year’s exams.

The past year has been filled with challenge, but the uncompromising commitment to and from our students will inspire me long after we say goodbye to 2020. As always, we will continue to monitor the ever-changing situation, and we will communicate any changes as appropriate.

Thank you, and may this time away be filled with rest, peace, and reflection.

Sincerely,

Rev. Dr. Tamara Nichols Rodenberg
President

10:40 a.m., Friday, Nov. 20

Dear Bethany Campus Community,

I am pleased to share the we are ending the semester in the Green Level of our warning level system. Five students have received a positive result.

This will be the last weekly campus update until the start of the spring semester.

Have a safe and happy holiday season, #ONEBethany!

Sincerely,

Rev. Dr. Tamara Nichols Rodenberg
President

10:40 a.m., Friday, Nov. 13

Dear Bethany Campus Community,

I am pleased to share that Bethany College remains in the Green Level of our warning level system. Three students have received a positive result and are quarantined at home.

Thank you for continuing to prioritize the safety of yourself and those around you.

Sincerely,

Rev. Dr. Tamara Nichols Rodenberg
President

12:15 p.m., Friday, Nov. 6

Dear Bethany Campus Community,

I am pleased to share that Bethany College remains in the Green Level of our warning level system. One student has received a positive result and is quarantined on campus.

Thank you for your cooperation, and have a wonderful weekend.

Sincerely,

Rev. Dr. Tamara Nichols Rodenberg
President

9:30 a.m., Monday, Nov. 2

Dear Bethany Students, Faculty, and Staff,

I write today to thank you for taking our health and safety guidelines seriously. Your efforts have allowed us to be together on campus for months now, living and learning in community. Bethany College has also consistently remained in the green category of our campus-wide warning system throughout the fall semester. This feat is a shared accomplishment, and I am deeply proud. Thank you for caring about each other and for showing what it means to be #ONEBethany as we continue to navigate COVID-19.

Following a review of our emergency response planning and knowing our sustained green health status, I also want to use this opportunity to announce our spring plans. We will begin classes in-person this year on Monday, Jan. 18, 2021. Comprehensive exams will take place on Jan. 11-12 (written) and Jan. 13-15 (oral). The start of the spring semester also coincides with the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday, which we will again honor with special activities as has been our tradition. I expect more information will be distributed soon.

We are nearing the end of the fall semester, and we have been #BethanySTRONG from the beginning. Let’s continue to show our powerful Bison spirit in these final weeks and keep our community safe.

Sincerely,

Rev. Dr. Tamara Nichols Rodenberg
President

10:50 a.m., Friday, Oct. 30

Dear Bethany Campus Community,

I am pleased to share that Bethany College remains in the Green Level of our warning level system. One staff member has received a positive result and will not work on campus again until cleared.

Thank you for continuing to prioritize the safety of yourself and those around you.

Sincerely,

Rev. Dr. Tamara Nichols Rodenberg
President

1 p.m., Friday, Oct. 23

Dear Bethany Campus Community,

After completing testing protocols this week, Bethany College remains in the Green Level of our warning level system.

Please remember to take the required steps to protect yourselves and each other throughout Homecoming Weekend.

Sincerely,

Rev. Dr. Tamara Nichols Rodenberg
President

10:45 a.m., Friday, Oct. 16

Dear Bethany Campus Community,

After receiving nearly 70 test results from this week’s random testing, I am pleased to announce that results so far have been negative. However, one staff member, who was tested separately, has received a positive result and will not work on campus again until cleared.

Bethany College remains in the Green Level of our warning level system.

The individual who previously tested positive has been released from quarantine, and five contacts are still in self-isolation until Tuesday morning.

Thank you for continuing to take the required steps to protect yourselves and each other on campus.

Sincerely,

Rev. Dr. Tamara Nichols Rodenberg
President

10:45 a.m., Friday, Oct. 9

Dear Bethany Campus Community,

I am pleased to announce that Bethany College remains in the Green Level of our warning level system. Following a round of testing on Monday, one student case was identified, and that student is quarantined on campus.

Thank you for continuing to prioritize the safety of yourself and those around you.

Sincerely,

Rev. Dr. Tamara Nichols Rodenberg
President

9:55 a.m., Friday, Oct. 2

Dear Bethany Campus Community,

I am pleased to announce that Bethany College remains in the Green Level of our warning level system with no new cases.

Starting as soon as next week, the college will participate in weekly state funded and mandated surveillance testing of 10% of the on-campus population. Details will be shared soon by Dean Stebbins.

Along with the State testing, we will continue our NCAA testing protocol.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Sincerely,

Rev. Dr. Tamara Nichols Rodenberg
President

11:23 a.m., Friday, Sept. 25

Dear Bethany Campus Community,

I am pleased to announce in this weekly campus update that Bethany College remains in the Green Level of our warning level system. There is one active case, and the individual is quarantined off campus.

Thank you for your cooperation and diligence in wearing facial coverings, staying socially distant, and finding ways to connect while remaining physically apart.

Together, we are #BethanySTRONG.

Sincerely,

Rev. Dr. Tamara Nichols Rodenberg
President

12:30 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2020

Dear Bethany Campus Community,

After yesterday’s COVID-19 testing of 100 individuals on campus, I am pleased to share that Bethany College remains in the Green Level of our warning level system with 0 new cases among its students. One staff member has tested positive, and all protocols are being followed as recommended by the CDC.

Thank you for doing your part to keep yourselves and each other safe.

Sincerely,

Rev. Dr. Tamara Nichols Rodenberg

President

12:30 p.m., Friday, Sept. 18

Dear Bethany Campus Community,

I am pleased to announce in this weekly campus update that Bethany College remains in the Green Level of our warning level system. There is one active case, and the individual is quarantined off campus.

Thank you for your cooperation and diligence in wearing facial coverings, staying socially distant, and finding ways to connect while remaining physically apart.

Together, we are #BethanySTRONG.

Sincerely,

Rev. Dr. Tamara Nichols Rodenberg

President

12:30 p.m., Friday, Sept. 11

Dear Bethany Campus Community,

After a random testing of 97 students, faculty, and staff members, I am delighted to announce that there are no new confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 on campus this week.

Therefore, Bethany College remains in the Green Level of our  COVID-19 warning level.

However, West Virginia is reported to have the highest rate of COVID-19 spread in the nation. We must remain vigilant to keep ourselves and each other safe.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Sincerely,

Rev. Dr. Tamara Nichols Rodenberg

President

11:20 a.m., Friday, Sept. 4

Dear Bethany Campus Community,

I am happy to share in this week’s update that there are no new confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 on campus. Therefore, Bethany College remains in the Green Level of our  COVID-19 warning level.

Thank you to the campus community for continuing to take the required steps to protect yourselves and each other on campus. When you are off campus, it is critically important to not only follow state mandates requiring facial coverings and social distancing, but also to commit to protect yourself in order to “Protect the Herd.”

Stay safe, #ONEBethany.

Sincerely,

Rev. Dr. Tamara Nichols Rodenberg

President

8:55 a.m., Friday, Aug. 28

Dear Bethany Campus Community,

As promised, we are updating the campus every Friday with our COVID-19 warning level. With nearly all of the students’ COVID-19 test results being reported at this time, we have received a total of two positive test result. We have implemented all CDC guidelines and Bethany College procedures in response and we end the second week of classes in the Green Level of our warning level system.

Thank you to the campus for the cooperation and diligence in wearing facial coverings, staying socially distant, and finding ways to continue to connect with each other while remaining physically apart. I especially want to thank and encourage our students who are currently safely self-isolating for the health and safety of the campus. Let’s all continue to “Protect the Herd” and follow the guidelines to keep the campus open.

Sincerely,

Rev. Dr. Tamara Nichols Rodenberg

President

11:20 a.m., Friday, Aug. 21

Dear Bethany Campus Community,

Thank you to the community for a safe and healthy first week of classes. As promised, we are updating the campus every Friday with our COVID-19 warning level. The COVID-19 test results are being reported and as of this morning, we have received one positive test result. We have implemented all CDC guidelines and Bethany College procedures in response and we end the week in the Green Level of our warning level system.

For the health and safety of the campus, it is with my strongest recommendation that I encourage you to please stay on campus this weekend, stay socially distanced, wear facial coverings, and spend time outside with fresh air. To “Protect the Herd” and to keep the campus open to spend time with your friends as you pursue your educational goals, please remain vigilant in following the guidelines for safe interaction.

Sincerely,

Rev. Dr. Tamara Nichols Rodenberg

President

11:20 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 20

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,

As the Bethany community reunites in-person for the start of the fall semester, it is imperative that we, as a campus, follow all the health and safety rules our College has established. All students, faculty, and staff must wear facial coverings at all times when indoors, except when eating/drinking. Facial coverings must cover the mouth and nose. Facial coverings may be removed when outside and more than six feet away from other people. Generally, our community must also follow the six-foot minimum distance between individuals. These measures are designed for your health and well-being and that of our community in slowing the virus’ spread. It is also imperative you remember to daily complete your self-screening form.

If these measures are not followed, our ability to remain together will be jeopardized, so please continue to follow our established health and safety practices every day. To those of you who are consistently wearing facial coverings appropriately and maintaining social distance, I thank you. We all thank you! Remind each other of the importance of taking these steps. And to ensure we are all doing everything we can to keep our campus healthy, I have authorized faculty and staff to remind students to follow these expectations.

Be safe,

Rev. Dr. Tamara Nichols Rodenberg

President

9:35 a.m., Monday, Aug. 17

Dear Bethany Community,

The day has finally arrived when we can be together on campus. Welcome back! Extraordinary steps have been taken to make our re-opening possible, and I want to thank my Cabinet and every single Bethanian for prioritizing the health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff. You have consistently demonstrated what #BethanySTRONG means, and because of that commitment, we are now able to welcome the Class of 2024 personally and resume in-person education for all our students.

With the start of classes underway, I want to remind everyone that the health and safety measures we have put in place are for the protection of all Bethanians. I know it may be challenging at times to acclimate to our new normal, but it is important that we all stay the course if we are to have a successful fall semester. Should faculty or staff have any questions, please reach out to members of leadership of the College, or consult our special COVID-19 health and wellness website. Students, please connect with your Resident Advisor or Dean Stebbins.

From the start of the pandemic, Bethany College has followed guidance from the CDC, the West Virginia Department of Health, and local health officials. This will continue, and we will adjust as needed as new information becomes known, so please check the website and your email regularly.

I would also ask that you regularly check-in with each other through text, FaceTime, Zoom, and every safe, physically distanced way you can this year. Bethany College is about community even in the midst of a pandemic.

We are #ONEBethany. Let’s continue to show the world why. Have a wonderful year ahead.

Sincerely,

Rev. Dr. Tamara Nichols Rodenberg

President

5:30 p.m., Monday, Aug. 10

Dear Students and Families,

We at Bethany are excited for your return this week and I write to share a few reminders.

• Be sure you arrive during your assigned move-in dates and times this week:
  • Thursday – First Year Only
    • 8 a.m. – Noon – Room number ends in an odd number
    • 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. – Room number ends in an even number
  • Friday – Returning students
    • 8 a.m. – Noon – Room number ends in an odd number
    • 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. – Room number ends in an even number
• Refer to the arrival instructions and flowchart. Do not go directly to your room. You will not be given a key until you have completed the arrival process.
• During the arrival process, you and any members of your party will be required to have your temperature scanned. To be given access to your room, you and others in your party must not have a temperature above 100.4 or have any symptoms of illness.
• Please note that no overnight visitors are permitted on campus and in general, visitors are to be limited until further notice. Guests may come to pick up or drop off students, but should wait outside the residence halls.
• Finally, a reminder that Bethany College requires everyone to wear appropriate facial coverings to cover the nose and mouth and social distancing.
• You are encouraged to pack light. Keep an emergency COVID bag packed in case you become ill and need to move to self-isolation. It should include fever reducing and pain relief medicine, extra set of pajamas, and possibly an extra charger for your phone etc.

Safe travels as you make your way to campus for a successful and safe start to the semester.

Sincerely,

Dean Stebbins

8:30 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 8

Dear Students,

It is important that you consider these important points while packing to return.

• While the college will take every precaution to provide a safe living and learning environment, if necessary, either due to the spread of the virus or mandate from Governor or other authorities, we could close the campus and ask everyone to return home. This would only occur if we could not continue to offer a safe living learning experience. While our intent is to have a full semester, there is no guarantee that will be possible in light of the pandemic, student cooperation with policies, and the prevention of community spread.
• You are strongly encouraged to only bring the items to campus that you believe are absolutely necessary. It would not be prudent to bring large items you may not need such as extra chairs or other large furniture items. It is best to be prudent in the items you bring with you. Don’t pack things you won’t use or need.
• All residents are strongly encouraged to have renters’ insurance. You can check with your personal home or rental insurance agency or search for rental insurance online.
• It is recommended that each student create a personal COVID emergency bag or suitcase which would include fever and pain reducing medicine, pajamas, extra chargers, and extra copies of your insurance information. If you were to become ill now or during the flu season and would need to be quarantined or self-isolated, it will be quick and easy to grab the bag and be ready to go. Create your own first aid kit.

It is important that you understand Bethany College’s protocol regarding positive or suspected COVID 19 cases on campus.

A student who has a positive COVID 19 test is first encouraged to go home immediately so that family may provide aid and assistance. Every student who tests positive or shows symptoms must immediately contact the Health Center to discuss next steps. If the student cannot go home, and with approval from the Health Center, the following steps will be taken to provide service for the student.

• Isolation will help Bethany protect everyone by preventing exposure to people who have tested positive COVID 19. Isolation separates sick people with a contagious disease from people who are not sick. Isolation at Bethany will be used to separate people infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, from people who are not infected. Bethany will enforce an isolation policy for those students who test positive for COVID 19
• Isolation will be in effect 10 days from symptom onset and 24 hours with no fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and COVID-19 symptoms have improved (for example, cough, shortness of breath)
• If asymptomatic, isolation will be in effect for 10 days from the date of the positive testing
• Students will be provided a room with a private bath. This accommodation is for the positive tested individual ONLY.
• Visitors, including parents, are strictly prohibited
• Essentials will be delivered to a closed door, without physical contact.
• Students, upon notice of positive testing, will be responsible for packing all necessary items, e.g., clothing, medication, electronics, chargers, etc. to have and use when in isolation
• Medical assistance will be virtual. It can be accessed by calling 304-829-7567 (8AM to 4PM), or calling student life staff on call at 304-830-3933 between 4PM to 8AM, or by emailing ctyler@bethanywv.edu or acupp@bethanywv.edu
• If non-medical needs arise, they will be addressed by the student life office by calling 304-829-7631
• Monitor your symptoms. If you have an emergency warning sign (including trouble breathing), seek emergency medical care immediately by calling 911.

While in isolation the student will be responsible for a large part of their recovery process. They are encouraged to keep in touch with student health. It is important to rest, stay hydrated, monitor temperature, and reach out to student health for assistance if there are medical concerns.

We look forward to your healthy return to campus. Pack smart, come prepared to for a safe and healthy semester.

Sincerely,

Dean Stebbins

4:20 p.m., Friday, Aug. 7

Dear Students and Families,

As you prepare to return to campus next week, I would like to share some information and recommendations about the academic program and your classes for the upcoming semester.

We have updated the academic calendar to reflect our later start date. Please note that students should plan to be in class through Friday, November 20 so travel plans should be made so that you leave campus on Saturday, November 21. Exams and final classes will be scheduled for November 23-25, but those will be conducted remotely. There is no Fall Break on purpose as we want students to stay on campus throughout the term to avoid situations that might bring COVID to campus.

Obviously, the Fall 2020 term will be unlike any other that we have offered or that you have attended. Social distancing and masking policies will be in effect across campus, including in classrooms, and this will make for a very different dynamic than you may be used to. Please be aware that your instructors have been asked to adhere to these College policies and will enforce them. Public health experts tell us that the droplets and aerosols expelled when we speak are among the most potent carriers of coronavirus, and the chances of infection are higher when we are gathered talking with others in enclosed spaces. It is incumbent on each of us to be masked to protect not just ourselves but others.

As you read earlier in our June communication, Bethany has adopted a HyFlex model of education for Fall 2020. You can expect to have “class” in many forms, and you may experience different types of classes in any one course over the semester. It is more important than ever that students read the syllabus for each course to understand when and where a class will meet (and it may be a virtual space) and what is expected when a class does meet. I have asked your faculty to upload their syllabi to Canvas by next Thursday, August 13 so that you can read the descriptions of your classes and know what to expect.

With a variety of class types going on, it is vitally important that you log on to Canvas before classes begin to review each syllabus and to understand how each class will work. You should find clear instructions about what to do on the first day of class. If you have any questions about how to access Self-Service to review your class schedule or how to access Canvas to see the materials for your classes, please reach out to the Registrar (registrar@bethanywv.edu) or Help Desk (hdesk@bethanywv.edu) for assistance with Self-Service and contact canvashelp@bethanywv.edu for assistance with Canvas.

We are using a variety of terms to refer to how classes are delivered –

1. “Face-to-Face” is the most obvious. This refers to classes that in most cases are being offered in person in a classroom at a traditional time on the schedule.
2. “Hybrid” classes involve some mix of face-to-face and online instruction. The exact details may vary from class to class. In some cases, you may be in class on some days and online on others. In some cases, there may be an online lecture and in-person discussions or labs. Read the syllabus and know what is expected and when.
3. “HyFlex” classes provide a variety of ways to attend and complete assignments and may require your making choices for yourself about some elements of the experience. Once again, read the syllabus carefully.
4. “Online Synchronous” classes meet in a virtual space, usually Zoom, at a specific time. Attendance is expected and required as it would be in a more normal semester even though the space is online.
5. There are a very small number of “Online Asynchronous” classes that are completed entirely online without regular meeting times. Many of you will not have any courses meeting this description, but once again, I recommend that you read the syllabus to understand how class attendance will work and what is expected of you.

When you are physically attending classes, you will be expected to adhere to a general set of classroom protocols that is included with this message. Lab and performance courses will have strict classroom protocols that are appropriate for the subject matter and specified in their syllabi.

It is worth reminding you that effective participation in a semester like this one requires us to have appropriate access to technology, and I have also linked to the “Tech Guidelines” that have been posted all summer and sent several times by Dean Stebbins. Please make every effort to arrive at Bethany with an appropriate laptop computer that meets the guidelines so that you are prepared to participate, however courses are delivered.

When you read the syllabus for your courses, you will also discover contingency plans for what happens if we are compelled to go online because of infections on campus and/or state or federal mandates. Make sure you read those carefully and discuss them with your instructors when you review the syllabus in class so you know what to expect if classes do move online.

If you or members of your family have health concerns that lead you to the conclusion that you would be better served to study remotely for the Fall 2020 semester, we do have a process place to facilitate online study. You must submit an application to be approved for this opportunity. Please contact Dean Stebbins to discuss and apply for this option at gstebbins@bethanywv.edu or 304-829-7631.

However you may attend classes, and whatever adjustments may need to be made, the important thing to remember is that your instructors have spent this summer preparing to offer creative, engaging, and meaningful classes in a variety of different models. They are prepared to work with you to make your educational experience as meaningful as it can possibly be. We all wish that we could do this the “normal” way, but as Bethany’s chief academic officer, I can assure you that it is our intention to offer you extraordinary instruction, to help you think deeply, and to challenge you to do your best work regardless of the challenging circumstances we may face. Our professors are here to help you. Do not hesitate to reach out and ask when you have questions.

Be sure to adhere carefully to Dean Stebbins’ announcements on the return to campus that were sent on Wednesday. Be safe and healthy, and we will see you at Bethany very soon.

#ONEBethany!

Dr. Joe Lane, Provost and Dean of Faculty
Bethany College

Friday, Aug. 6, 2021

BETHANY COLLEGE Fall 2021 SEMESTER RETURN TO CAMPUS PLAN

Dear Bethany Community,

We are only a few weeks away from beginning the 2021-22 academic year. This is always a time of anticipation and excitement, and I am hopeful that we can have as normal a year as possible with in-person learning. Achieving this goal will again require all of us at Bethany College to join together in keeping our community healthy and safe.

Toward that end, and recognizing that CDC guidance will continue to shift as new information is gleaned relative to the Delta variant and future variants, we enter the fall semester with cautious optimism and new expectations to ensure the well-being of our students, faculty, and staff.

As was shared with you in June, Bethany College is requiring that all students must be vaccinated and provide proof of vaccination. Students who wish to be excused from this requirement must request a vaccination waiver form prior to arrival and submit a completed waiver prior to or upon arrival. If you have not yet done so, please submit your documentation now in order to expedite the campus arrival process.

At the bottom of this message is an infographic to explain what to expect upon arrival. I want to specifically share with you a few details:

• Upon arrival, all students must report directly to the Recreation Center. Please follow the registration signs.
• All students and family members, along with Bethany employees, will be required to wear facial coverings inside and maintain social distance.
• As family and parents move into the residence halls, all students and guests will be required to remain masked whenever you are inside a College building.
• Students will first be checked for proof of vaccination, proof of COVID diagnosis in last 90 days, or completion of an exemption request. Until you have been cleared as vaccinated or passed a negative COVID test, you will not be able to receive keys for residence halls or enter College buildings.
• All non-vaccinated students will be required to submit to a Binax Antigen Rapid Test upon arrival on campus.
• Students with a positive COVID test must go home immediately until the 14-day quarantine is completed or go to an area location and take a PCR COVID test and provide proof of a negative test result. Under limited situations, students may move directly to Quarantine Housing for the remainder of their Quarantine period.
• Students wishing to get vaccinated may do so during a number of our vaccination clinics on campus. Vaccinations will be available on August 11, 18, 19, or 23 for any faculty, staff, students, or contractors.
• Students who have not completed all requirements prior to arrival including: completing their Title IX training; paying their bill or making financial arrangements with the student accounts office; finalizing any financial aid requirements; providing health forms and medical history; completing class registration with a minimum of 12 credits; or registering their vehicle (copy owners card, copy of license, student ID number, proof of insurance, and what class year they are) will need to meet with the required office.
• Upon completion of registration, students will end at the desk of the Office of Student Life to be issued keys to your room.

Since the start of the pandemic, we have embraced a mindset of compassionate adaptability, and I am proud of the success we have achieved to date in keeping our students, faculty, and staff safe. The situation will undoubtedly continue to evolve, and we will shift our efforts as needed in response, but the caring spirit that defines us will never fade. As we start the semester, it is important you know the following:

• Out of an abundance of caution and following recent CDC recommendations, all students, employees, and vendor employees will be required to wear masks inside for an undetermined amount of time.
• We will continue to monitor cases and return to the weekly update to the community to share the number of COVID cases identified
• We will continue to comply with NCAA requirements and mandates, which will require regular, mandatory testing of unvaccinated athletes.
• Non-vaccinated students will also be required to complete a bi-weekly COVID test at the Wellness Center.
• Failure to attend two test dates will result in the student being asked to study at home with no refund for room and board.
• Non-vaccinated students who are listed as a close contact to a positive COVID case on campus will need to self-isolate in their room or may return home for the incubation period.
• Vaccinated students will continue to be asked to monitor their health daily but may still attend classes and eat in the dining hall in the event they are named a close contact and provided they are asymptomatic. Symptomatic students will need to self-isolate.
• Vaccinated students who test positive for COVID will need to quarantine in COVID-designated housing or may choose to return home to recover.

Above all else, I want to take this time to strongly encourage everyone in our community to make every effort to get the vaccination. I am pleased to share that 96% of our faculty and over 80% of our employees have received the vaccination. By requiring students to be vaccinated, our goal remains to reach a level of herd immunity on campus that allows us to remove the masks at a future date and stop the spread of this deadly disease. It requires all Bethanians who are eligible to be vaccinated to do so and demonstrate we are truly #ONEBethany dedicated to #ProtectTheHerd.

Thank you for your understanding, flexibility, and commitment to our community’s well-being as we prepare to welcome students back to campus. The current policies are subject to change in this fluid situation and we will continue to keep you informed as needed.

Sincerely,

Rev. Dr. Tamara Nichols Rodenberg
President

2:50 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 5

Dear Students and Families,

In response to President Rodenberg’s announcement last week regarding the delayed start of the semester, I write today with additional details regarding move-In and mandatory testing procedures. During these unprecedented times, we eagerly await your safe and healthy return to Bethany. We hope you are equally excited to get back to campus, although also realize that the on-going pandemic requires that we all take necessary steps to prepare for your return and to take care of ourselves and each other through the semester. Please read this email carefully for important information and instructions.

Prior to arrival:

• Self-Isolate and Self-Quarantine for at least 5 days prior to arrival, if possible.
• It is highly recommended that you receive a COVID-19 test and bring the results with you if your test is negative. If you have a positive test result, stay home and start your classes online and contact Dean Stebbins at gstebbins@bethanywv.edu to notify him and discuss next steps.
• Provide your personal proof of health insurance to Carol Tyler, Director of the Wellness Center at ctyler@bethanywv.edu. Every student must have proof of personal health insurance to come to Bethany.
• Submit your health forms to Carol Tyler at ctyler@bethanywv.edu. This includes your dates of immunizations.
  • Health Record Form
  • Health Physical Evaluation Form
• For a parking pass, send a copy of your owner’s registration and proof of insurance to Director Sara Dent at sdent@bethanywv.edu and your parking pass will be placed in your campus mailbox.
• Finalize your financial obligations prior to arrival. The payment deadline for the semester was August 1. Please follow the instructions on your billing statement or questions may be directed to the Office of Student Accounts at 304.829.7170 and studentaccounts@bethanywv.edu.

Upon Arrival:

• You must arrive during your pre-assigned arrival time. First year students living in Residence Halls: All students will be honored as a Fast Pass holder. Unfortunately, students who arrive late will not be permitted to enter their residence hall and will need to re-enter at the next arrival time available.
• Begin your check in at the Oglebay Gates: The campus will be designated as one way during Check in on August 13th (first year students) and August 14th (upperclass students). Do not go directly to your residence hall.
• Proceed to Campus Loop to pick up your books: You will be met along the Campus loop near Morlan Hall and be provided your box of books to begin your academic year.
• Proceed to the Coal Bowl: You will be required to take your temperature and will need to wait about 5 minutes for your outcome. Any student whose temperature is above 100.4 will need to leave campus immediately and return home to start classes online. Contact Dean Stebbins at gstebbins@bethanywv.edu to discuss next steps regarding returning to campus later in the semester. Additionally, you will be asked to sign the “Protect the Herd” pledge and a letter of understanding regarding the COVID-19 policies.
• Please refer to the arrival flow chart here to understand the arrival process. Do NOT go directly to your residence hall when you arrive on campus. You will not be permitted to enter until you have received your admittance pass found in the Coal Bowl. This will be an in vehicle process.
• Wearing face coverings in West Virginia is required and is also required by Bethany College policy at the top of this page. Face coverings or clothing which are objectively racist, homophobic, sexist, or demeaning in nature are not permitted and will be considered a violation of the student code of conduct regarding harassment and actions constituting bias.
• Commuter students must also come to campus during the move-in times in order to go through the process of Check-in and receiving books.
• All faculty, students, and staff will be required to complete a free COVID 19 test at the Recreation Center between 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. on August 14th (first year students) or August 15 (returning students). Students need to walk, not drive, to the Recreation Center. As there is also community-wide drive-up testing occurring on the same days at the Recreation Center, it is imperative Bethany students enter the walk-through line for testing rather than the drive-through line.
• Failure to complete the test may result in being asked to leave campus or being quarantined and assessed a $150 non-compliance fee. The student would need to provide a negative test result after the 14th or 15th testing on campus in order to be able to return to class/practice/activities. For students who have health concerns and would like to apply to study online only, from home, please contact me to discuss and apply for this option at gstebbins@bethanywv.edu or 304-829-7631.

Finally, I ask that you please once again familiarize yourself with the COVID-19 interim policies shared in July to focus on the steps we all will need to take to keep ourselves and each other safe including daily self-screening, required face coverings, social distancing guidelines, and personal hygiene recommendations.

As President Rodenberg said in her letter last week, #ONEBethany has never been more important than now as we come back together as a community and work together to “protect the herd.” She also said #BethanyStrong is our motto for the year ahead. We know that by working together, we will be strong in our resolve to come back to campus safely and continue to care for our community

Sincerely,

Gerald Stebbins
Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students

3:20 p.m., Friday, July 31

Members of the Bethany Community,

As I have shared from the start of this global pandemic, the health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff must guide every decision we make. For that reason, and after assessing the ongoing global health threat of COVID-19, our Board of Trustees and I have determined that delaying the start of the new academic year by one week is the best course of action for the health and wellbeing of all in our community. This decision means that our new move-in dates will be August 13 for new students and August 14 for returning students, with classes starting on August 17.

This decision was not made lightly. With the current situation nationwide, and under advisement from medical professionals and the NCAA, all students, faculty and staff will be required to take a COVID-19 test. Brooke County will provide free testing on August 14-15 on Bethany’s campus. The decision to change the start date is driven by the fact the required testing is available on campus these dates. This will allow us to test all members of the Bethany College community within 24 hours of arrival on campus. Further information regarding testing procedures will be sent shortly.

Additionally, we recommend that all students receive a test and bring proof that it is negative with you to campus. If you do test positive for COVID-19, please plan to stay home and to work with your family’s medical provider. Contact us and we will give you help in beginning your classes online. Students should follow the social distancing, personal hygiene and face covering guidelines. Please re-familiarize yourself with the COVID-19 policies I shared on July 9th.

Our greatest hope is that all members of our community stay healthy and can continue to fulfill our mission of teaching and learning. However, in order to ensure that we are prepared for various scenarios, and out of an abundance of caution, we have created a level warning system, which you can reference here.

We firmly believe we are taking every precaution to keep our campus clean and safe. However, for students and families who have specific health concerns, we have created an entirely online class option for students who need to stay home for the semester. For those interested in applying for consideration for this option, please contact Dean Stebbins at gstebbins@bethanywv.edu.

#ONEBethany has never been more important than now as we come back together as a community and work together to “protect the herd.”  Please see the “Protect the Herd” pledge below. Students will be given a copy of this pledge upon arrival and will be asked to sign it. I ask that all take this pledge seriously and commit to it, as I have done, to keep our campus community safe throughout the semester.

The revised academic calendar will be posted online early next week to assist with further planning.  Students will also receive an important email from Dean Stebbins with detailed move-in instructions. Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we navigate these uncertain times.

Sincerely,

Rev. Dr. Tamara Nichols Rodenberg
President

5 p.m., Friday, July 24

To All Bethany Students, Faculty, Staff, and Alumni,

An hour ago, the Presidents’ Athletic Conference (PAC) Presidents’ Council released its announcement regarding postponing fall 2020 athletic competition in all NCAA-defined “high-contact” and “medium-contact” sports until spring 2021. These sports include football, men’s and women’s soccer, women’s volleyball, and men’s and women’s cross country. The NCAA-defined “low-contact” sports of women’s tennis and men’s and women’s golf will be able to compete with conference competition only, as the PAC announced earlier, and the conference is exploring options for holding fall athletic competition in the “low-contact” sports of men’s and women’s outdoor track and field, and men’s tennis, which have typically held their traditional seasons in the spring.

This decision was an extremely difficult one, but it was a necessary one that places the health and safety of our student-athletes and all those involved in delivering excellence in Division III athletics at the forefront. I want to thank our Bison athletics staff for meeting with our fall teams to share this challenging news. I also want to commend the division for showing tremendous flexibility and for working tirelessly to develop meaningful opportunities for the student-athletes affected to continue to train at the highest levels. More on those plans will be communicated to our student-athletes in the coming days.

The PAC is also continuing to provide guidance and recommendations for our athletic community during this time. One of the recommendations is to test all athletes upon arrival, which we are exploring now. The full resocialization collegiate plan from the NCAA will be placed on our website for additional review, and I encourage you to visit our COVID website for more information and updates.

The sense of loss right now is very real on multiple levels, and I understand that. I also know that the Bethany spirit is greater than one decision, and I am confident that together we can deliver a high-caliber athletics experience designed to prepare our fall student-athletes for considerable success.

Sincerely,

Rev. Dr. Tamara Nichols Rodenberg
President

7:25 p.m., Thursday, July 9

Dear Students, Faculty, Staff, and Alumni,

Warm greetings from Bethany College. We are now only a few weeks away from re-opening our campus and returning to on-campus education. I am excited to be at this point in our planning and wish to praise the efforts underway, as I know that every action we are taking – and will continue to take – is for the health and safety of our community.

Classes this year will begin on August 10, preceded by a staggered move-in and socially distant check-in experience August 5-9. Our faculty and staff will begin to transition back to on-campus work July 20. To help us prepare, our Pandemic Response Team and Fall 2020 Contingency Planning Group have been monitoring guidance from the CDC and state of West Virginia, and have been in regular contact with the Brooke County Health Department. The team has also developed of series of safety measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 on our campus. These include asking everyone to monitor their personal health, wear facial coverings covering mouth and nose in all publicly accessible locations, self-quarantine or self-isolate when necessary, and routinely practice social distancing. I would direct you to our COVID-19 website for updated policies and information on these important changes in our operations.

The COVID-19 pandemic has also required that we rethink our traditional events in the 2020-2021 academic year with the intent, once again, of keeping our students and campus community healthy. Decisions made so far include: jointly celebrating the Class of 2020 and Class of 2021 during a combined Commencement ceremony in Spring 2021, moving our Homecoming to a virtual experience, and refraining from allowing spectators at all fall athletic contests. I know this news may be disappointing to some of you, but I hope that the #ONEBethany spirit will prevail as many in the Bethany community are working diligently to make these events memorable for our students, their families, and our alumni. We will provide more details via email and on our website soon.

To our students especially, I want you to know that our entire campus is committed to guiding and supporting you through this new reality. The Residence Life office previously emailed important information on our new staggered arrival times and our revised academic schedule. If you still need that information or have questions concerning the new process, please email Sam Goodge at sgoodge@bethanywv.edu. I have also asked that the information be posted on our website.

A safe return to campus and healthy semester for our Bethany community is our top priority. I ask that you carefully review the COVID-19 Interim Policy to better understand the expectations for the semester ahead. It is imperative we all follow these policies and work together to care for ourselves and for each other. We also commit to continue to follow new developments, and we will revise this guidance as necessary based on newly available data and the recommendations of public health authorities.

I recognize that this communication has a substantial amount of information to consider, review, and process, so please reach out to us via Dean Stebbins at gstebbins@bethanywv.edu. And I encourage you to continue to watch your email, our website and social media channels for more details regarding our virtual events this fall. I speak for everyone at Bethany College in sharing excitement that our campus and community will again feel whole as we continue our quest to change lives and produce the leaders the world needs.

Sincerely,

Rev. Dr. Tamara Nichols Rodenberg
President

5:50 p.m., Monday, June 8

To the Bethany Community,

After much consultation and extensive review of guidance from the state of West Virginia, the CDC, and other federal health officials, I am pleased to announce that we have updated our plans to resume in-person classes for 2020-21 academic year. Getting to this point required considerable work on the part of the Fall 2020 Contingencies Planning Group, and I want to thank this team publicly for its efforts.

Bethany College’s Pandemic Response Team has been created to help oversee the preparation of our campus and manage the health and safety needs of our returning students. I am confident that our transition back to on-campus learning will be successful because of this team’s leadership, and I thank all those serving in this capacity.

This winter, current health guidance is projecting a second round of COVID-19. In anticipation of this, we must be proactive now in adjusting our academic calendar, which the Contingencies Planning Group addressed by recommending the following:

• Our Move-In will now span two days, August 5-6, as we stagger the arrival times of our new students and their families.
• Classes this semester will begin on August 10 and conclude on November 24.

More information will be forthcoming as the Pandemic Response Team solidifies our formal Return to Operations Guide. You will find the updated versions of this guide on this COVID-19 webpage.

This guide will also be distributed to the faculty, staff and students prior to the first day of class. You will also find the revised Academic Calendar.

Looking toward fall, I am excited that we will be together again, even if six-feet apart, but I also ask for patience as we work through this transition. We do not have every answer, but we intend to do our best for our students, faculty, and staff as we fully re-open our campus and continue to deliver the Bethany College residential living-learning experience our students know and love.

Always #ONEBethany,

Tamara Rodenberg, Ph.D.
President

4:45 p.m., Friday, May 15

Dear Bethany Community,

Let me begin by thanking each of you for your commitment to Bethany College and your ongoing expressions of support and gratitude during this pandemic. The health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff has informed every action we have taken to date and will continue to guide us as we look ahead to the new academic year. Your encouraging words reflect your shared understanding and the Bethany spirit that connects us all.

With our virtual graduation now over and plans underway for a rescheduled ceremony, I know there are many questions about our current thinking with regard to campus operations. I hope this communication addresses them.

Classes and Residence Life

The fall semester will be upon us soon, and at this time, Bethany College has every intention of resuming normal operations and in-person classes on campus. Throughout this transition, we will continue to monitor all state and federal guidelines and implement recommendations to the best of our ability with the primary goal of keeping our community safe. We were founded as a residential cam-pus, and I am committed to providing an on-campus experience grounded in the best practices for interaction.

Bethany’s natural environment actually lends itself beautifully to the effective maintenance of social distancing. Our idyllic, less-populated location in West Virginia, combined with our small classrooms and 10:1 student-faculty ratio, makes our setting and setup perfect for learning and overall student well-being. We also have the ability to offer single rooms for students who request such rooms prior to July 15, and we are freezing tuition at this time in order to help our students and their families continue to access a Bethany education.

Safety, Facility Management, and Cleaning

Our community also excels in caring for those closest to us. Toward that end, the College is commit-ted to keeping its facilities, including academic buildings, residence halls, athletics venues, dining areas, administrative offices, and restrooms clean. I have asked that a thorough cleaning be conducted before the start of classes, and our Emergency Preparedness and Response Team, with representation from across campus, is also ensuring that every safety precaution is considered.

Remote Work

While I know you want to be on campus working, supporting one another, and furthering our mission, we must do what is best for our community. Therefore, consistent with Governor Justice’s “safer at home” plan, we will continue to work from home until July 6.

Another communication will be sent closer to that time outlining the health and safety expectations of all employees.

Personal Reflection

I believe I speak for the Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, and our student body in saying we are eager to be back together. This time of being socially distant has reaffirmed for all of us why we place such a high value on community at Bethany College. When we are together, we thrive, but as these past few weeks have shown, community doesn’t end where the campus edges begin. Each one of us has demonstrated in profound ways the premium we place on each other’s worth in this world through our ability to connect, create, serve, and save lives during this global health crisis.

Together, you have shown in words and actions what it means to live as #ONEBethany, and I will forever be proud of the results.

Sincerely,

Rev. Dr. Tamara Nichols Rodenberg
President

10:44 a.m., Wednesday, May 6

Dear Graduates in the Class of 2020,

Bethany College has always valued the long-standing traditions of baccalaureate and graduation even as we now must congratulate you and your families in absentia during this time of social distancing.

As a class, you are forever bonded, and we are remarkably proud of your accomplishments under extremely challenging circumstances. To honor your class, we will be conducting a digital conferral of degrees and sharing words of encouragement on May 9-10.

Highlights of the online presentation will include such Bethany traditions as the playing of bagpipes, a presidential welcome, a “walk” through the Historic Oglebay Gates led by Dean of Students Jerry Stebbins, special messages from keynote speaker The Rev. Dr. William Barber and baccalaureate speaker Rabbi Joshua Lief, and Provost Joe Lane announcing the Oreon E. Scott Award recipient.

Digital versions of each of the following will be released on the website via YouTube at a specific time and will be easily shareable with family and friends.

Baccalaureate – 5 p.m., Friday, May 9

Graduation – 10 a.m., Saturday, May 10

You can access both of these events on our website, where you can also find more information on this virtual ceremony.

The entire campus joins in wanting to honor you this way while we wait for the traditional on-campus ceremony to take place later this year. Expect more details on the rescheduled date soon.

Congratulations!

Sincerely,

Rev. Dr. Tamara Nichols Rodenberg

President

6:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 29

Attention Bethany College Students
This communication is to provide an update on information and Frequently Asked Questions regarding the end of the year.

WHEN CAN I COME GET MY BELONGINGS?
At this time, West Virginia is still in a stay at home order as are most states where our students live. We continue to monitor the fluid situation regarding each state as well as taking guidance from the CDC and State of West Virginia. We do not anticipate opening for students to return to pick up their belongings until after Graduation on May 9, 2020. Please continue to watch for updates through email.

BUT MY BOOKS NEED TO BE RETURNED BY MAY 6 AND THEY ARE IN MY ROOM?
All late fees for not returning books on time for spring semester have been eliminated. There will be no late fees charged to anyone for spring semester. The original return date of May 6, has been extended by 15 days, so if possible, we would like books back by May 21. But we understand that some may not be able to make that date even with the extension, so we will be very flexible this semester.

In extreme circumstances where students are unable to return, please contact the Office of Student Life at 304-829-7631 to finalize how we can assist you with taking your books back.

I HAVE MY BOOKS AT HOME AND DON’T NEED TO RETURN TO CAMPUS?
If you go to this web page, you can print a pre-paid mailing slip. Tape onto a box and place your books in the box. You can mail them back for free.

Start here by signing into your account.

CAN I LEAVE MY BELONGINGS IN THE RESIDENCE HALL ALL SUMMER
Unfortunately no that isn’t possible as we expect summer camps and conferences during the summer as well as regular maintenance and cleaning will take place this summer. Please continue to plan to return to campus to pick up your belongings. For International Student, please email Sam Goodge at sgoodge@bethanywv.edu to discuss your items left in your room.

I HAVE ATHLETIC GEAR IN MY LOCKER?
Please contact your coach to arrange for any belongings left in lockers regarding getting it returned.

WHEN WILL I HEAR ABOUT NEXT YEAR?
We look forward to seeing each of you back on campus, celebrating with you as you reach each academic milestone, and cheering you on as you are victorious on the athletic fields and courts. However, as we continue to monitor the changing circumstances and governmental directives related to the coronavirus, we are unable at this time to make a statement regarding the timing of a return of Bethany College to normal operations. We will be sending updates regarding the reopening of campus by mid-June. As this page will be updated regularly, please continue to monitor this page as well as your email for the latest information.

FAQ: Spring 2020 Credit/No Credit Grading Option

2 p.m., Friday, April 10

Dear students,

We hope you and your families are healthy and well. We are nearing some major events in our Bethany College all-online experience. Next week will mark the midterm of our online portion of the semester, and of course, by prior arrangement, there are no classes scheduled on Monday in recognition of the Easter Holiday.

On Tuesday, registration will begin for Fall 2020 courses following this schedule:

• Seniors (at least 94 credit hours completed) may register on Tuesday, April 14
• Juniors (at least 60 credit hours completed) may register on Wednesday, April 15
• Sophomores (at least 25 credit hours completed) may register on Thursday, April 16
• First Years (fewer than 25 credit hours completed) may register on Friday, April 17.

Please make sure to meet with your advisor to get courses approved and confirm that your advisor has checked you as “Registration Complete” so you can register on your date. The Registrar is sending many reminder emails. Make sure you read them and follow those instructions.

Bethany College recognizes that these are not normal times and that many of your families may be experiencing disruptions of employment and other dislocations. Therefore, we are suspending our normal policy that prevents students from registering until resolving all financial obligations with the College for the current term (AR Hold). All returning students will be able to register next week on time. Students with outstanding debts to the College will need to contact student accounts no later than May 22 to resolve your financial situation. Failure to do so will result in losing your seats in registered classes. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to student accounts or the Dean of Students office immediately.

We hope that you are excited about the possibility of a new term in Fall 2020, and we want to help you get registered.

Best wishes to you,

Dr. Joe Lane
Provost and Dean of the Faculty

Dean Jerry Stebbins
Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students

1:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 7

Attention Bethany Students:

We continue to follow updated information from President Trump, CDC Briefings, and WV State and local officials. All recommendations strongly recommend everyone stay at home. Beginning tomorrow, we are suspending all on campus move out procedures in support of and compliance with “STAY AT HOME” directives from the US Government, West Virginia Governor, and other state agencies. This will stay in effect until further notice.

We will continue to review recommendations and update our procedures accordingly. It is our hope that we may allow students to return early in May but as always, this is a fluid situation. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we continue to consider your safety and that of the Bethany community.

If you have any individual questions, please contact Sam Goodge at sgoodge@bethanywv.edu.

PLEASE STAY HOME! STAY SAFE! WASH YOUR HANDS OFTEN!

Know that we miss our students and wish you were here but we want to keep you and your families safe.

4:15 p.m., Monday, April 6

Best Bethany contacts to address FAQ topics

3 p.m., Friday, April 3

Dear Students,

As we near the end of the second week of online classes, I want to thank all of you for the effective and professional way that almost all of you have engaged with our courses online. We know that this is not the ideal “Bethany Experience.” I am sure that you would prefer face-to-face instruction, not to mention all the other activities on campus: sports, Greek life, cooking out on CV Hill in the warm sunshine, and being with your friends. And yet we have seen some very engaged and interesting classes and heard many good things from some of you. I can certainly tell you this: We all look forward to seeing you back on campus in the Fall.

We recognize that this sudden shift in instructional mode has been unsettling and that some of you are probably very worried about how this will impact your grade point average. We know that a bad grade can have consequences for your ability to participate in sports and extracurriculars, eligibility for scholarships and graduation honors, and applications for graduate schools and jobs.

Therefore, on Monday, the Faculty voted to allow students to take advantage of Credit/No Credit grading for courses completed in the Spring 2020 semester. When the semester concludes, you will receive grades as you would in a more normal semester, but with your advisor’s approval, you will be able to complete a form that will change the grade in a particular course to Credit/Non-Credit designation that will not affect your gpa. Courses for which you receive “Credit” will count towards your major, minor, or the Liberal Arts Core.

THIS RULE WILL ONLY BE IN EFFECT FOR COURSES TAKEN IN SPRING 2020.

Here is how this will work:

At the end of the semester, you will receive grades through Webadvisor and Student Self-Service as you have in the past.

If you wish to convert your grade in the course from a letter grade, you may change any passing (A, B, C, or D) grade to “Credit,” and you may convert an F to “No Credit.”

Students who are planning to graduate on May 9 must submit their request within 48 hours of the posting of grades. That means your request must be in by April 27 for comping seniors; the date will be May 6 for those who are not taking comps.

Students who are not planning to graduate must submit their request within 7 days of grades posting. We expect grades to post on May 12, and requests for Credit/No Credit changes should be submitted by May 19.

Decisions of the Academic Standards Committee on Academic Warning, Probation, Dismissal as well as scholarship or athletic eligibility will take into account the GPA after applying the Credit/No Credit designation. Because those decisions will be made very quickly after May 19, students are urged to make decisions to request a Credit/No Credit decision quickly. You might ask yourself, “How will I know whether or not to make these requests?” An easy rule of thumb is to look at your cumulative GPA at the end of the Fall 2019 semester. Any grade that is lower than that GPA is one you should consider converting to Credit/No Credit. Any grade that is higher than that GPA is better to leave as a letter grade. If you follow that guideline, your cumulative GPA after the Spring 2020 should be no lower than but could be higher than your cumulative Fall 2019 GPA.

Please carefully review your midterm grades and current academic standing in your courses before meeting with your advisor to plan Fall 2020 courses, and you should be well-prepared to take full advantage of this special grading policy.

The Registrar will communicate with you as we near the end of the semester with instructions on how to complete a form and to receive approval from your faculty advisor.

Please contact the Registrar if you have any questions about how this will work.
We hope you and your families are healthy, well, and safe. Please feel free to email me with any questions or concerns, and please take good care,

Dr. Joe Lane
Provost and Dean of the Faculty

Dean Jerry Stebbins
Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Students

1:45 p.m., Friday, April 3

Attention Bethany College Students:

The world continues to change daily and dramatically. If you are a student from California, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, District of Columbia, New Jersey, or New York, we cannot permit you to come to campus to remove your belonging until further notice. This decision is informed by the recent declarations of the Governor of West Virginia.

We continue to evaluate the safety of the students, faculty, staff, and greater community. At this time, the risk is very high. This is effective beginning tomorrow, April 4, 2020.

We apologize in advance for any inconvenience this may cause you individually. Your belongings will remain locked in your room and suite until it is determined to be safe for you to make the journey back to campus.

If you are from any other areas not deemed as “hot spots”, you do not need to rush to return. Ideally, student who can wait until after May 1, 2020 should do so. Your belongings will also remain locked in your room until you can return at a later date.

We ask any students that MUST come to Bethany, please help protect the greater community of Bethany and not go to Chambers at this time. The town has a largely older population who is inherently at a greater risk.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact Sam Goodge at sgoodge@bethanywv.edu.

12:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 31

Hello,

As you know from the continuous stream of information, Bethany College is closely following directives from the Governor of West Virginia, Center for Disease Control, and the President of the United States.

Shortly after we released our plans for students to return to campus to pick up their belongings, Governor Justice held a press conference where he again reinforced the stay at home directive and indicated he was asking the State Police to restrict travel by vehicles from “hot spot” states.

We will work to help students gain access to their belongings within the directives of State and Federal agencies.

If you are from a state that allows you to come to Bethany to pick up your belongings and wish to do so, you may continue to register for a time to pick up your belongings within our parameters:

• Return to campus in an assigned 3 hour time slot
• Remove all personal furniture and garbage to the dumpster.
• Leave campus as soon as you are packed.
• No gathering or socializing
• No students stay overnight.

If you are student from a nearby state and wish to return to get your belongings, please continue to schedule through Sam Goodge. However, if you are a student unable to return due to your state’s mandate or the distance we will work with you. If you are from a “hot spot” state (New York, Maryland, Virginia, Louisiana, Connecticut) you should stay home. This list may grow on a daily basis as the WV State directives change regularly.

If you cannot/do not come to campus during the two week period, you will not be able to return to campus to pick up belongings at least after April 30, 2020. We will work with students but if you come to campus, please plan to remove all of your belongings.

Thank you for your patience and assistance during this historical and unprecedented time.

If you have further questions, please email Sam Goodge at sgoodge@bethanywv.edu.

3:20 p.m., Monday, March 30

Dear Students, Families, Alumni, Faculty, and Staff,

Our fall semester began as every academic year does. Our incoming students stood poised to experience everything Bethany College has to offer, while our seniors arrived back on campus with visible anticipation and excitement for what their final year would hold.

But then the world changed with the COVID-19 pandemic. Since first learning of this profound global crisis, the health and safety of our community has been – and will continue to be – our foremost priority. To protect all members of the Bethany family, we have taken unprecedented measures, including ceasing all in-person classes and moving to remote instruction. Faculty and staff are also working from home at this time.

Sadly, our time apart will now need to be lengthened in light of the virus’ spread and in alignment with ongoing social distancing recommendations from state health officials. Following several conversations with our Board of Trustees and Academic Affairs, and to ensure the health and safety of everyone, we will be extending remote instruction through the remainder of the semester.

I need to pause at this moment and acknowledge the depth of disappointment being felt by the Class of 2020. What was to be a sentimental journey leading to graduation has abruptly halted, bringing with it heartbreak. In making this difficult decision, however, we also make a promise to provide the class with a meaningful Commencement ceremony. We will move forward with an online degree conferral on May 9, 2020 to be followed on Thursday, August 20, 2020 with a Commencement ceremony on campus timed with the official beginning of the new academic year. We invite our Class of 2020 and families to begin to make plans to return to campus at that time.

Meanwhile, I want to commend our community for continuing to put our students first. We deeply miss our students, and the lack of your presence on campus right now is palpable. We also know that our actions are necessary for your well-being and ours. Bethany has always been a College defined by resilience and lasting connections – now more than ever. Many of you have specific questions, answers to which, you will find below following this letter.

Our desire to stay connected also extends into the lives of our alumni, who understand firsthand the many cherished traditions at Bethany and who care deeply about future generations. The call to maintain social distancing has meant the postponement or cancellation of several events, but we are working to provide new and exciting remote engagement opportunities. Expect to hear more from our alumni relations office in the coming days and weeks ahead. I have no doubt that the office’s efforts will help strengthen our bonds with our alumni even more.

The decisions the Cabinet and I have had to make during the past few weeks for the health and safety of our community have all centered on a shared goal to emerge from this global health crisis stronger and more united in our beloved mission. I am honored and humbled to lead our dedicated faculty and staff at this pivotal time and to witness the loyalty and outpouring of support from our alumni. Continue to stay close in spirit while social distancing during this crisis, look out for each other, and find reassurance that your Bethany home will always have your back.

Warmest regards,
Rev. Dr. Tamara Rodenberg
President

Bethany College Student Information

As you live into your online learning experience, Bethany College remains dedicated to your ability to complete your semester. We are also aware that the possibility of returning for a meaningful end of term is not an option before us. Therefore, as of Monday, March 30, 2020, Bethany College will continue online for the remainder of the spring term.

In order to assist students in understanding what this means for them, let me answer the following questions.

1. What is the revised Academic Calendar?  
April 14-17: Registration for the Fall semester opens – rising seniors (April 14), juniors (April 15), sophomores (April 16), and first-year (April 17).  Registration will take place through the online student self-service and will remain open through May 1

April 24: The Last Day of Classes for Students Sitting for Comprehensive Exams

April 27: Grades posted for Seniors who are Comping

April 27-May 1: Study Period for Comprehensive Exams

May 1: Last Day for Graduating Seniors who are not sitting for Comps

May 1: Last Day of regular classes for all undergraduates

May 4-6: Final Examination Period for undergraduates

May 4: Written Comprehensive Examinations (two three-hour sessions)

May 5-8: Oral Comprehensive Examinations  (two-hour Zoom conference orals)

May 9: Degree Conferral and Online Graduation Celebration

2. Will there be a formal Graduation Ceremony?
Bethany will hold a virtual conferral of degrees on May 9th as scheduled. Bethany College will follow this with a formal presentation of diplomas and full Graduation experience on Thursday, August 20, 2020 as we begin the new academic year. We will ask you to please plan to attend and bring your academic regalia for this celebration.

3. Will there be Comprehensive Exams?
Yes, Bethany will hold Comprehensive Exams. The faculty decided to adapt comprehensives to the online format by having students complete a shorter written section in two three-hour sessions on Monday, May 4, and a more substantial oral scheduled later in that week. You will be informed about more details from your departmental faculty, the Registrar, and the Provost.

4. Will I receive a reimbursement or credit from services I did not receive in room & board?
As of March 23, 2020, all Bethany College students will be completing their coursework online or through other distance learning platforms for the remainder of the spring semester. Since announcing this change, the College has been reviewing guidance from the U.S. Department of Education and consulting with West Virginia’s State System of Higher Education to create a fair and equitable plan for returning room & board fees to students whose on-campus experience was interrupted because of the COVID-19 outbreak.

5. How will I receive my refund?
The refund first will be applied to your student account, reducing any total amount you still owe to the College. Once you have paid all balances owed to the College, any remaining funds will be credited to your Fall 2020 Room & Board Fees. Students who are graduating in May 2020 will have your reimbursement returned to you through direct deposit to your bank account. Students graduating without direct deposit will receive a physical check sent by mail to your permanent address.

6. When can I expect my refund or applied credit for next year?
The College expects to issue refunds and applied credit to eligible students as soon as feasible following the Fall Registration period.

7. What about tuition?
In keeping with Bethany College policies and current guidance, tuition and other academic/student service fees will NOT be refunded given that the College is providing students the opportunity to complete your academic semester via online/distance learning instruction.

8. When can I move out from my current dorm room?
Please email Mr. Sam Goodge at sgoodge@bethanywv.edu to schedule a time to come and pick up your belongings from your room. In order to uphold social distancing guidelines, limited numbers of students will be permitted in a building at each given time slot. No students can spend the night on campus. Three hour time slots three times a day have been arranged over the next two weeks for students to come to campus to pick up their belongings.  The daily time slots are 8 – 11 a.m., noon – 3 p.m., and 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. All students must return their keys (including mailbox) in an assigned location in each residence halls.

9. How will I register for next semester from home?
Your faculty advisor will guide you through your registration process. Registration will be extended from April 14th to May 1 in order to give you ample time to meet with your advisor and complete your fall academic plan.

Again, we wish you all a meaningful online learning experience and encourage you to maximize this opportunity. Your faculty, staff and coaches are ready to assist you as needed. You should also be receiving regular contact from the Office of Student Life offering assistance both with online learning, personal health resource contacts, and other needs as they may arise. These are, indeed, unprecedented times and we remain confident in the resilience of our student body and campus community. Please know that we are here for you and we remain always #ONEBethany.

9:20 a.m., Tuesday, March 24

Bethany Community,

As we enter into online course delivery, I would like to share how the Registrar’s office will be transitioning during this time.

The Registrar’s office will be operating mainly online. Between myself and Nativa, we will be available 8:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., Monday thru Friday. We will physically be in the office on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. As always, Nativa and I are here to help. The best way to contact us is via email:
registrar@bethanywv.edu *this email goes to both of us and is the best one to use
nobrien@bethanywv.edu
lcucarese@bethanywv.edu

Additionally, the main phone line, 304-829-7831, will be transferred to a cell phone and will be answered M/W/F from 10:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. and T/TH from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m..

Transcript requests and education verifications will be fulfilled on the Tuesdays and Thursdays within the time that we are physically in the office. At this time, all major change requests will be suspended.

The date to withdraw from a class with a “W” has been extended to Friday, April 17th.

Students, contact our office to request a Course Withdraw Form, which will be sent to you via email. You are to send it to the instructor of the course for his/her signature. Once you receive it back, send it to your advisor for his/her signature. Then sign the form and email it to the Registrar’s office and we will process it.

*Students and Faculty, the withdraw form requests a digital signature. If you have not created a digital signature and don’t know how, you can use the following link for instructions: https://helpx.adobe.com/acrobat/using/digital-ids.html

Registration for the Fall 2020 semester has been moved to begin on Tuesday, April 14th. As we are all working in an online format, advisors and advisees cannot meet face to face to determine classes for next semester. I will be sending out a document of screenshot steps, one for advisors and a different one for students, that will show you how to look at the offerings for next semester and how to create a tentative schedule.

Information regarding Comprehensive Exams and Commencement will be provided as it becomes available.

REGISTRATION DATES
12:01 a.m., Tuesday, April 14th
Students with 94 credits or more completed.

12:01 a.m., Wednesday, April 15th
Students with 60 credits or more completed.

12:01 a.m., Thursday, April 16th
Students with 25 credits or more completed.

12:01 a.m., Friday, April 17th
All students with fewer than 25 credits completed.

Lisa Cucarese, MA
Registrar

5 p.m., Wednesday, March 18

Frequently Asked Questions

PLEASE LOG INTO YOUR CANVAS ACCOUNT DAILY! Please use the Canvas landing page for most of your needs.

STUDENT SERVICES AND RESOURCES

Do we have to return our books? Will we recharged if we don’t return them on time?

At this time, students will need their books to finish classes in the on-line formats. It is our hope t have everyone return to campus for the remainder of the semester. In the event that the semester is completed in an on-line format, students would be expected to return books to the book store via mail. The return date would be two weeks after the end of the semester. If you do not return your books you would be charged for them.

To learn more about book returns, please see the Follett website.

What if I don’t have my books or can’t get back to get my books?

Vital Source is a company assisting many students with access to books on-line during this disruption of services across the country. You can learn more about their program and services here.

OTHER RESOURCES for EBOOKS:

(March 17) REDSHELF and VITALSOURCE – major textbook providers have opened up free access for students until the end of term. Refer to their websites for details — check to see if your texts are available — these are large providers of textbooks for classes. Help Getting Started

Vital Source Access:

1. Visit Vitalsource’s Bookshelf login page and follow the instructions to create an account. Students must use their institutional email address.
2. Once they confirm their email, they can sign in and search for books by title, ISBN, author.
3. When they find the title, just hover over it and click ‘borrow’. Users can borrow up to 7 titles.

(March 17) CENGAGE texts available

• Cengage Higher Ed: A resource page has been established which will help you locate your Cengage representative to enable the following resources:
• Free Access to Unlimited: We will be providing free access to our entire catalog – all of our online learning platforms and eBooks – through Cengage Unlimited, through end of term, to any student in any class at any US college that has been impacted by COVID-19.
• Support Transition to Online: We will complement that offering with services and resources to back up educators as they change the way they teach.
• Free Access to eBooks: As part of our mission to help as many students as we can, we are also participating in free eBook access programs being offered by our partners VitalSource and RedShelf.

(March 16) PROQUEST has announced that its Ebook Central titles will have unlimited simultaneous users for over 50 of their included publishers starting next week until mid-June. The full press release provides a list of the publishers. What this means for UR is that if a title is in our catalog and available on the ProQuest EBook platform, if the information in the catalog indicates we only have a single user, please ask your liaison if this may be included and available for unlimited users through this special availability.

COMPUTER/TECHNICAL/CANVAS/ON-LINE LEARNING ASSISTANCE

How do we get assistance with concerns regarding on-line classes or technology support?

Please call 724-829-7349 for assistance or email to hdesk@bethanywv.edu

Where do I go to log in to the Canvas, Outlook, etc.? – Bethany College Logins

I can’t sign into my account. Ex. Canvas, Outlook – email help@bethanywv.edu from your Bethany College email address. Emails sent to help@bethanywv.edu from outside email providers (Gmail, Yahoo.com, etc.) will be automatically blocked by our servers.

My internet is slow/won’t connect – check that your router is on/reset your router/reset device/try connection

I don’t know my password/account is locked – email help@bethanywv.edu from your Bethany College email address. Emails sent to help@bethanywv.edu from outside email providers (Gmail, Yahoo.com, etc.) will be automatically blocked by our servers.

How do I get to Zoom? – Go to Zoom.us

How do I join or create a meeting in Zoom? – https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us?flash_digest=36ce89e448a0989d0df98afede0108a5fdce4b7c

How would I view a Zoom meeting my professor recorded and posted? – Your Zoom dashboard will show all recorded meetings you were invited to.

MAIL SERVICE/PACKAGES

Can I get my packages from the mailroom?

The mailroom will return packages for the next two weeks. After that time, packages will be returned to sender. Please change all package deliveries to your current address for the remainder of the on-line class schedule.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS QUESTIONS

Please call 304-829-7631 and you will be contacted by Wellness Staff personnel to assist you with any questions you may have.

COUNSELING

Please contact Renee Stock: rstock@bethanywv.edu or by calling 304-829-7572, she will provide assistance with coordination of services in your state. If you are located in West Virginia, you can receive counseling services via face to face meetings or another platform.

FINANCIAL QUESTIONS

What about reimbursements for unused food and lodging?

Bethany College is monitoring the situation and following CDC and Health Department recommendations. We will not be refunding students during the extended spring break nor the initial phase of shifting to online learning during this world-wide pandemic. We will revisit this policy as we move forward and as we continue to assess the level of ongoing risk to our campus community.

ACADEMIC CALENDAR or SCHEDULING

What if the college can’t open for the fall semester?

We fully anticipate opening the academic year for the fall semester.

Those classes that choose to use zoom will they be taking into account those in different time zones?

We realize this is may be an inconvenience but to keep classes on relatively normal schedule and not create conflicts with other classes, all classes would be offered at regularly scheduled hours in the Eastern Time Zone.

Please check your class syllabus for more information on expectation and assignments.

WORKSTUDY AND PAYMENT

How will we get paid for our work-study already performed?

Please send an email to Ms. Kim Moore at kmoore@bethanywv.edu with the students name and address they would like their check mailed to.

ATHLETICS

What about athletics? Will coaches be mad if we leave?

With the recent suspension of the Spring Season by the Presidents’ Athletic Conference, spring sports at Bethany College have also been suspended. The coaching staff supports the measures taken by the College, the Presidents’ Athletic Conference, and the NCAA to keep our student-athletes safe. While we cannot be together in person our coaches will remain in contact with student-athletes to support them as classes go on-line.

11:20 a.m., Tuesday, March 17

Bethany Students, Parents, Faculty, and Staff,

I must begin this note with words of deepest appreciation for your patience, understanding, kindness, and collaborative spirit. Last week’s decisions at Bethany and in the national landscape of higher education were unprecedented, but we took the steps we did because we care greatly about the health and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff. At Bethany, we are a family, and we want each member of our family to be safe.

Bethany is blessed to have students who come from across the United States and around the world. With that in mind, and upon the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), we determined that extending our spring break and moving to online learning beginning March 23 was the best course of action for our community at this time. This decision was one of the hardest I, along with my Cabinet, have ever had to make as it means we are keeping you from your second home, your friends, and your college community you helped to build. This is unimaginable to all of us at Bethany as our students and their experience living and learning together on our beautiful residential campus are at the heart of our mission and purpose.

I also recognize that this decision brings with it many questions, and I want to applaud all of our campus leaders for spending hours working to answer as many of them as they can these past few days. This level of personal engagement is #ONEBethany on full display, and I am beyond proud of the compassion being shown to all our constituents and to one another during this challenging time in our world.

As for our seniors, I know this is exceptionally difficult with graduation on the horizon. We pray that the spread of COVID-19 will subside, and that all those affected globally can find comfort, but we simply cannot commit to a firm decision about Commencement at this time. I assure you, we will make an announcement regarding Comprehensive Exams and Graduation as soon as possible. We are all navigating uncertainly right now, but through it all, we will continue do everything we can to make your final year special, all while adhering to the advice of public health officials.

Bethany College is resilient and for generations has promoted the creation of a world of worth and value. The health of our campus and global community calls us to take extraordinary measures right now, and I remain grateful to each of you for your continued understanding and desire to do whatever is needed for our students, our campus, and the world in which we live.

Warm regards,

Rev. Dr. Tamara Nichols Rodenberg
President

10 a.m., Monday, March 16

Dear Students,

We know that the last few days have been bewildering and disappointing on many levels. Like you, the professors and academic staff would prefer that we were looking at the “normal” phrenetic run from the end of spring break to the conclusion of the semester. We would like to be seeing you in class on Monday morning and re-establishing our normal routines. No one wanted to face the transitions we are facing, but must put your health and the health of all in our community first.

During this time, we want to reassure you and inform you of a few important things.

• Bethany faculty have been hard at work preparing for online instruction. We have extended Spring Break for the next week so that professors can revise their syllabi for this new reality and prepare to have clear instructions for each of you when the online delivery of classes begins on Monday, March 23. They will spend this week being “online students” in some sense by participating in “virtual” workshops designed to help them make the most of the technological tools at our disposal to deliver a quality educational experience to you when classes resume.
• We hope this online approach will only be necessary for a few weeks, but we recognize that it may be longer. We also want you to know that Bethany College is committed to delivering a complete, educationally sound, and effective Spring 2020 semester to all students. You will be able to complete the credits for which you have registered and will be able to stay on track for your intended graduation dates, especially if that date is May 9, 2020.
• Different classes will take different approaches to this online format, but classes that preserve a face-to-face class time through Zoom or another communication format will still meet on the same days and times that they have met on campus. As you adjust to your new schedule at home, please remember those time commitments.
• We know that you would like to know exactly how your classes will work right away, but the faculty does need this week of extended Spring Break to prepare for this shift in our instructional model. We promise to explain everything in more detail in time for the start of classes, and we are hopeful that this knowledge will alleviate your understandable concerns and prevent significant emailing to your faculty as we work to deliver on our promise. You can expect to hear from each of your instructors by March 23.
• One thing you can do to prepare for classes next week is to make sure that you are active in Canvas for all the courses for which you are registered. If your class has not used Canvas up to this point, the course should be published there this week. As soon as professors have them available, each Canvas site should have a copy of the original syllabus as well as an Online Syllabus Update that explains how the class meetings, grading policies, exams and assignments, and expectations have been altered to accommodate our enforced change of methods. That syllabus update will include a posting of contactable hours that will allow you to know when you can reach each of your professors, as well as any SI that may be available for the course and the preferred method (email, a phone number, texting platform, or virtual meeting site) for reaching them.
• If you have concerns about your ability to be online and to reach resources like Canvas and Zoom, Student Life is working to make loaner laptops available, and a number of internet service providers are making high-speed internet available free of charge to help students access their classes.
• Please check your Bethany email regularly this week. More information will be forthcoming, including a Student Guide to Online Learning at Bethany College in Spring 2020. Please don’t hesitate to let the Office of the Provost or the Office of Student Life know if you have any questions.

Trust us when we say we wish you were here and miss you already. This will be a challenge, but we should all be mindful that it is a challenge we are prepared to face together. #ONEBethany

Joe Lane, Ph.D.
Provost and Dean of the Faculty
Bethany College
jlane@bethanywv.edu
304-830-7311

Gerald Stebbins
Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students
gstebbins@bethanywv.edu
304-829-7631

5:30 p.m., Thursday, March 12

Dear Bethany Community Members,

Since the start of the semester, my senior leadership team and I have been closely monitoring the worldwide spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus). We have also been reviewing all recommendations from the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In addition, we have been in consultation with our peer institutions in the states of West Virginia and Pennsylvania.

The health and safety of the Bethany community has and always will be our highest priority, and it is that commitment that guides us now as we prepare to take some significant steps to safeguard all those in our care and to slow the spread of COVID-19 across the nation. While there are still no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state of West Virginia or on our campus, the situation is an unprecedented global pandemic. We ask for patience and understanding as we make decisions that we ultimately believe are in the best interest of our students, faculty, and staff.

As such and at this time with our students currently on spring break, we have made the difficult but necessary decision that the College will remain open to essential operations but with a modified academic delivery until further notice:

• Spring break will be extended by an additional week, March 16-20, as we prepare to suspend all in-person classes and switch to an online mode of instruction beginning Monday, March 23.
• We are requesting that students not return to campus if at all possible until further notice.  All students who are currently at their permanent place of residence should remain there or, if they did travel, make arrangements to return home. For those for whom this is not a realistic option, please see information detailed below.
• All college employees are expected to continue working during this period while observing proper health protocols, described below.
• College air travel and on-campus events are suspended, until further notice.
• The Bethany Cabinet will continue to meet regularly to evaluate the circumstances and will keep the Bethany College community informed utilizing email messaging, Facebook posts and texting as appropriate.

We know that there will be many questions during this time, however, we are taking these steps out of an abundance of caution in consultation with public health experts and our peer institutions nationwide. For all of us, this is brand new territory, and we will need to work together as we travel down this unexpected, yet necessary path that places the well-being of all those in our Bethany family at the forefront. This is a shared effort, and I thank each of you for the role you are playing to uphold our values and help each other during this challenging time. Bethany College is a resilient community that cares for each-and-every student, faculty and staff member.  Please make sure you check the website often for pertinent updates regarding the campus.

Warmest regards,

The Rev. Dr. Tamara Rodenberg
President

Effective March 12 Bethany College remains open with modified academic operations. Please refer to details below.

Bethany College will implement the following until further notice and will be carefully monitoring the situation as our understanding of this pandemic evolves quickly. Recognizing the uncertainty this situation causes for the Bethany College family, we believe taking preventative steps now will potentially reduce the risk of future disruptions to our overall operation and mission.

Faculty will be receiving further instructions and guidance on the move to online instruction.  Expect the first of several memos from the Provost this afternoon.  We are offering online training, workshops, and resources to facilitate this transition.  These will take place during the week of March 16-20.

Employees are expected to continue working during this period, observing proper health protocols as described by the CDC and accessible on this webpage. Employees are also asked to assist with cleaning their personal workspaces also following the CDC guidelines.

For staff and faculty who are currently traveling, please take steps now to notify Bethany administration of your plans. Any person returning to campus must complete this survey to receive approval for re-entry to the campus.

Students Currently Off-Campus:  You will be given a discrete date and time frame to enter your dorm rooms and collect your books, computers, and other personal items that will allow you to continue your education from home.  Please contact the Office of Student Life (304) 829-7631 or email to sgoodge@bethanywv.edu.

Students Currently On-Campus:  Please contact the Office of Student Life at (304) 829-7631 or email to sgoodge@bethanywv.edu.  They will assist you with your plans to return home until further notice.  Please take with you your books, computers, and other personal items that will allow you to continue your education from home.

Graduate Interns:  Please plan to return home and remain there unless otherwise directed by your direct supervisor.  Any Graduate Intern authorized to remain on campus, due to the “essential operations” nature of the position, must have formal approval from the Dean of Student Life.

Mental health services are still available to students but will be delivered via phone or video conversation. For appointments, please contact Renee Stock at rstock@bethanywv.edu.

Instruction is moving to online platforms. 

In-person classes are suspended for this coming week to allow faculty and staff to modify delivery of their curriculum. Classes will resume via online and distance platforms on Monday, March 23. Students, please continue to watch your Bethany College email for further instructions.

Students are strongly encouraged to return home or stay home. 

We ask students not to return to campus during this period. On-campus services (residence halls, dining, etc.) will be limited for those with dire circumstances. Please contact the Office of Student Affairs by emailing Executive Director of Student Life Sam Goodge at sgoodge@bethanywv.edu or by calling 304-829-7631 to discuss options.

College air travel is suspended. 

All college-sponsored air travel – domestic and international – is suspended. We strongly discourage all personal travel, domestic or international, and may require employees who do travel to self-quarantine upon return.

We remind the community of CDC guidelines and recommendations, which include a self-quarantine of 14 days after travel abroad in specific regions.

College events are suspended. 

All events, gatherings and athletic events in college facilities as well as college-sponsored events on and off campus are suspended until further notice.

Please note: We are working with Dining Services to ensure limited service is available for those who remain on campus.