On February 28, 2022, face masks became optional on Bethany campus pursuant to modified protocol, following CDC guidance updated February 25 and identification of McPherson County as low risk. The college has primarily relied on the CDC for campus protocol and remained mindful of local and regional health guidance. For recent protocol modification, input was gathered from campus constituencies and local similarly situated organizations. The college acknowledges individual preference and requests visitors honor a request to mask upon entering the individual office space of another. Bethany College will continue to adapt and collaborate as needed to encourage vaccines and boosters for staff and students.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/covid-by-county.htm

Update on Bethany College COVID Response

LINDSBORG, KAN., January 10, 2022 -With the start of the new year, Interterm session has started on Bethany College campus. For the four-week Interterm session roughly one-third of the students are on campus. Many interterm classes are offered online for students to complete remotely. The start of the new year also brings a modification of COVID protocols in response to Omicron. Masks have been required in campus buildings since early in the pandemic although a few protocols have varied based on health recommendations at the time. Last week, campus returned to virtual meetings to ensure social distancing as well and requiring carry out for all dining hall meals. 

Fortunately, more than 70% of our staff and 64% of our students are vaccinated but we continue to encourage vaccination consistent with our affiliation with the ELCA and their position that we are called to care for others and those more vulnerable. As community partners, we fully appreciate that our adherence to COVID protocols is vital to the health of the entire community. Likewise, we are committed to do our part to reduce the stress on local resources and medical providers.   The college will continue to monitor CDC as well as KDHE and McPherson County guidelines, help in contract tracing and communication and remain responsive as the health guidelines change and the second semester approaches. 

Bethany College, established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881, is a college of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The mission of Bethany College is to educate, develop, and challenge individuals to reach for truth and excellence as they lead lives of faith, learning, and service. At Bethany, students join a community of dedicated educators and caring mentors who walk alongside them as they discover, explore, and navigate the path to their purpose. Bethany College is on the Web at www.bethanylb.edu and is located in Lindsborg, Kansas, the fine arts and crafts capital of the state.

Consistent with the CDC and McPherson county, at the recommendation of the C Team and cabinet and approval of President Mauch: 

The campus risk, defined in the BC COVID plan, will be changed to green based on fewer numbers on the campus and the rates of vaccination of those currently on campus. 

However, we remain mindful of COVID and the variance in comfort levels of employees and want to err on the side of safety for all.

When gathering with others who are all fully vaccinated (two weeks after final dose) if everyone agrees, masks may be removed. If someone is not comfortable, masks should be worn. Please communicate in advance and be respectful of others. Virtual meetings are an option. Outdoors, masks may be removed when alone or with others fully vaccinated but masks should always be carried and/or available to reapply as needed.

In consideration of the CDC update released on 5/13/21,  prospective students & families coming from various locations should continue to wear masks during on campus visits to be as safe as possible and because it is not always possible to determine their vaccination status. Per the Admissions Team, any staff or faculty member meeting with prospective students are required to wear masks during such meetings.

As Tessa Peters shared in her campus wide email last week, some conferences and camps will be held on campus this summer.  Precautions in effect at the time these visitors are on campus will be followed. Some of those groups may eat in the Caf but will do so with modified precautions such as reduced capacity, limited numbers at tables, distance from others, etc. 

Please stay home if you have any symptoms of an illness. Online employee health screenings are encouraged but no longer required. 

You can continue to follow McPherson County data at https://mcphersoncountyks.us/866/COVID-19-Resources

Amie L. Bauer, JD

523

$49,217  These funds were applied directly to students account balances owed on 3/22/2021.  

 $511,010

As of 6/5/20, $399,692.

As of 6/20/20, $412,742.

The campus risk level remains at orange, the same level as of the last campus email update on 12/18/20. 

Over the past week, the positivity rate reported by McPherson County Health Department shows a 5% decrease. Also note, the positivity rate reported by McPherson County Health Department  includes positive rapid tests thus it does not correlate with the positive rates for McPherson County reported by KDHE. The most recent update from yesterday is attached. 

To support our faculty and staff, Bethany College will reimburse the cost of an administrative fee associated with obtaining the COVID-19 vaccine. It is our understanding  the vaccine is free but an administrative fee, set by each provider, ranges from $15-$35.00.  We have also inquired on behalf of the college faculty and staff as to the vaccine availability with the local hospital and county health department.  We’ve been asked to gather a list to expedite the process, if vaccines become available. A google spreadsheet specifically designed  by the county health department for employers to collect necessary information and to expedite administration of the vaccine,  is attached. Please add your information if you are interested.  BC Vaccine Wish List . Please also read the factual information sheet provided by the health department and attached.   More details of the reimbursement will be in the Just So You Know, January 25. In the meantime, if you have the opportunity to get the vaccine independently, please keep proof of vaccine and your receipt for reimbursement. 

Please understand, everyone will be required to wear a mask and social distance regardless of whether they have received a vaccine, or had COVID-19. 

The Spring semester will look similar to the Fall with many hybrid courses or classes moved to larger spaces for distancing. 

Students who return for check-in, prior to second semester, starting January 25, will be screened just as they were for Interterm. Additional masks and oral thermometers will be available in the Student Development office for students.

The prohibition of spectators for athletic events remains under review and updates will be provided to campus as available. This policy is based in part on the phase of reopening set by the county, which until January 25, is Phase 2 and also on the positivity rate for the county.  Note, Phase two limits groups to no more than 15 when a distance of six feet can't be maintained. McPherson College nor KWU currently allow spectators.

We will continue to forward all updates from McPherson County Health Department, currently released on Tuesday and Thursday; and all other updates as received. 

Moving forward, we will provide the campus risk level in the  Just So You Know email sent every other Monday. The next Just So You Know is coming January 25. Tessa Peters will include the campus risk level in emails sent to students in regard to student events. 

If you have any questions or concerns please email me, Adam Pryor or Laura Moreno.

Greetings!

A determination of the campus risk level, as outlined in the BC COVID plan, includes not only community but campus metrics.  Based on current campus metrics and the decreased number of faculty, staff and students working or living on campus, the campus risk level remains at Orange. This will be monitored closely as we approach the Spring semester. You can expect an email update no later than January 18. 

As you are aware from the McPherson County COVID updates that have been continuously shared with you by email, the metrics in McPherson County continue to warrant strict adherence to COVID recommendations and McPherson County specifically encourages residents to:

• follow Phase 2 of Reopening Kansas and McPherson County (mcphersoncountyks.us) in place until 1/4/21 

• Maintain social distancing.

• Avoid gatherings in groups greater than 15-persons.

• Wear cloth face coverings or homemade masks when in public.

• Practice cough etiquette and wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. 

Recently, KDHE and the McPherson Co Health Department have adopted the most recent CDC updates decreasing quarantine time from 14 to 10 days. Details of this change are in recent McPherson Co email updates and can be found at  https://mcphersoncountyks.us/870/Health These updates, and other minor details will be updated in the BC Covid plan no later than December 30.

Currently, many Bethany employees are working remotely as determined and arranged within each department. Please check with department supervisors if you are not able to reach someone. Expect updates on telecommuting and how to address the expiration of telecommute forms in the Just So You Know emails or reach out to Jennifer McCall, HR, if you have questions.

Preparation for the return of students has been underway. Disinfectant bottles are being restocked and other supplies - such as water, toilet paper and snacks- are being accumulated to better accommodate students in quarantine or isolation.

Students are required to sign up for specific times to check-in upon return to campus. Student Development have sent several emails to students and instructed students as follows:

INSTRUCTION FOR STUDENT CHECK-IN

 If enrolled in Interterm and on campus completing classes- students should sign up for a check-in time on either January 2nd or 3rd at the link below. Classes for interterm start on Monday, January 4th. 

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050A4EA9A723A6FE3-interterm

If only enrolled in the Spring semester students should sign up at the link below for Spring check-in on Sunday, January 24th. Classes for the Spring semester start Monday, January 25th.  

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050A4EA9A723A6FE3-spring

These student check-in links are posted on eSwede on the IT/SP check in tab.

-----------

At check-in upon return to campus, students will be subject to a health screen- including a temperature, (very much like Fall check-in). Additional or modified health recommendations of local officials, in place at the time of check-in, will be implemented as necessary.

On December 21, students will receive an email with details of all COVID matters in relation to check-in AND a link to complete a COVID status to report if they had COVID while away from campus. This COVID status report should be completed prior to check-in.

For Interterm and Spring campus can expect that all COVID protocols, along with carry out meals, will continue. Ten wall mounted thermometers will be placed in various buildings around campus as a reminder to assess your health often.  Please place your wrist in front of the sensor of the device to get a temperature, and add one degree as this should be more sanitary.  

If you haven't already, please download the SwedeSafe phone app. Within the app, the Daily Resources button provides a quick way to complete the health screen, necessitating only questions relating to daily symptoms because remembering your contact information. Everyone is encouraged to use this app as well. 

REMINDER: Please consider participating in the free saliva testing in Lindsborg this Sunday (12/20) or Monday (12/21). See the attachment (same in email 12/16) for full details of time and location.

If you have questions, please email Adam Pryor, Amie Bauer, Laura Moreno.

Thanks,

Amie L. Bauer '01 | Bethany College

VP of Administration & General Counsel

Below please see the infographic explaining the McPherson County COVID-19 Case and Close Contact Isolation/Quarantine requirements updated as of December 2, consistent with updates to the CDC and KDHE requirements.  Data supporting this change can be found on the CDC website.

Also, attached is the most recent update on the status of McPherson County cases. McPherson County remains in Phase 2 of Reopening Kansas. McPherson County Health Department recommends McPherson County remains in Phase 2 at least until January 4th, 2020 (extended from previous recommendation). Updated documents from the McPherson County Health Department can be found HERE.

On November 18, the KDHE listed 8 facilities in McPherson County, including Bethany College, who had a cluster.  A cluster is when 5 or more positive cases confirmed by a PCR,  and experiencing an onset of symptoms within the past fourteen days, are associated with the same location.  You can read about the McPherson county clusters identified HERE. To be associated with Bethany College means that a person positive for COVID-19 when asked of their whereabouts over the past 14 days, included Bethany College. A local health department will associate a case with a location when it’s in their best judgment that a location or event was where the person was exposed. 

The number of active cases on campus has decreased and many of the cases associated with Bethany are primary contacts of a known positive,  thus can be traced to a person as opposed to unknown campus community spread. For this reason, the campus risk remains at ORANGE, and you should continue to be as proactive in following protocol as possible. 

Also on November 18, the McPherson County Health Department released an update of the metrics across the county and it is attached. 

Please remain at home if you do not feel well even if you are not certain of the cause. However, Blue Cross Blue Shield recently shared a chart comparing symptoms of allergies, a cold, influenza, and COVID-19, that might help you determine whether you should consult your doctor to request a test.  

While we anticipate the end of the fall semester will drastically reduce the number of students, faculty, and staff on campus, we will continue to monitor the metrics and provide updates as needed. You can look for an update specific to campus metrics, and any changes that might be expected for the Spring semester, no later than December 19. 

Amie L. Bauer '01 | Bethany College

VP of Administration & General Counsel

Our campus risk level remains at ORANGE. We have had 20 cases as of 11/16. 

The numbers across McPherson County continue to rise, please see the attached for county metrics.  As the semester winds down we will continue to follow the metics and share any change in guidelines or protocol. 

Amie L. Bauer '01 | Bethany College

VP of Administration & General Counsel

Hello! Because the county and community metrics are changing so rapidly, as of today, November 10, the campus risk level is ORANGE. Bulleted below are the campus protocols in the COVID plan specific to level orange risk level. The italicised language that follows each bullet point is specific to our campus and/or modified consistent with the risk being more community and county based rather than campus based. 

Most classes will move to an online platform. Students:  Check with your professor to find out if your course has moved into an online format. Faculty:  All faculty should consider  moving to an online only format and need to make sure class gatherings do not exceed 15 people without approval  per McPherson County Phase 2 shared yesterday. 

Holding group events in consideration of health guidelines, including capacity limits, social distancing, and masks. All SAB events have been postponed and all other events shall be modified to adhere to the McPherson County Phase 2.

Carry out meals will continue. Yes!

Residence halls will be open with additional cleaning procedures and cleaning supplies available for students. We provided bathroom disinfectant for all student residence bathrooms and will refill all containers over break while students are gone. 

Buildings will be closed to the public or access will be restricted. Employees may be encouraged to work from home for part of or the entire work week if possible.  Jennie McCall shared the COVID telework policies and forms by email today. This will be decided on a departmental basis to be implemented at Thanksgiving or just after.  As of last week,  some employees are already working remotely necessitated by USD 400's temporary move to remote learning, decreasing numbers in each department and decreasing contact. Campus remains OPEN and buildings will remain open at this time subject to monitoring and review. 

We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates on Friday, 11/13, next Tuesday 11/17 and next Friday 11/20. In the meantime if you have questions please reach out. 

Thanks, 

Amie Bauer

VP of Administration & General Counsel

I would like to take a moment to thank everyone for your efforts in controlling the spread of COVID-19 on campus.  It has not been an easy adjustment but we have all pulled together to do our part to keep each other safe.  

As of Nov 9, McPherson County Health Department is recommending a return to Phase 2 based on an increase in county metrics, and Bethany acknowledges employees may wish to work remotely.   This would take effect November 30 since students are on campus (and even some after that) until Nov 24.

Not all positions will be able to telecommute due to job duties/etc., but we will approve as many requests as are reasonable.  Employees will need to work with their supervisors to create a specific plan appropriate for their position.  

A copy of the COVID-19 Telecommuting Policy and Telecommuting agreement can be found on eSwede. If you would like to request to work from home, please complete the telecommuting agreement and return to your supervisor. 

Thank you all again for your hard work and flexibility during this semester! 

Jennie McCall

Director of Human Resources

Greetings all,

Effective immediately and until further notice, Bethany College will not allow any spectators into athletics events.  Due to a rise in COVID-19 cases in McPherson County and surrounding counties, it is in the best interest of the safety of our students, faculty, and staff to not allow any spectators at this time. McPherson County Health Department (MCHD) and the McPherson County Board of County Commissioners/Board of Health announced November 9, 2020 that they were moving McPherson County back to Phase 2 of the COVID-19 Reopening Plan.

Last week, we altered the spectator policy to not allowing any outside spectators, but continuing to allow students. At this time, we will no longer allow students; effective immediately and until further notice, no spectators of any kind are allowed at athletic events. 

Home athletic events are available to watch online at no cost at https://portal.stretchinternet.com/bethany/.  Most visiting athletic events also have live video available.  Links for those events will be posted on bethanyswedes.com.

Phase 2 of the McPherson County reopening plan states: that for sports groups greater than 15 should not occur when 6-foot distancing cannot be maintained; spectators are required to maintain 6-foot distancing; common seating like bleachers should not be used; players should limit time spent in huddles and close groups; practices should have time set aside to sanitize equipment/balls; concessions should close; players and spectators should bring their own beverages and not share among others.  

Those who have pre-purchased tickets will be refunded.  The Athletics Department will work with Hometown Ticketing to get the refunds completed as soon as possible.  If you have any questions, please contact Laura Moreno, Dean of Athletics, at (785) 227-3380, ext. 8369, or Brad Yoder, Sports Information Director, at (785) 227-3380, ext. 8178.

As more information becomes available and circumstances regarding COVID-19 in McPherson County change the Bethany College Department of Athletics will reexamine the policy. Continue to check our website regularly for further updates. 

Thanks! Rockar Stockar! Go Swedes!

Laura Moreno, Dean of Athletics

Since the start of fall semester, as of November 2, we have had 9 cases total including faculty, staff and students at Bethany College. 

The risk level remains at yellow as defined in the COVID plan. However, the risk is moving toward orange because of the recent rise in cases as indicated in the updates from the McPherson County Health Department sent by campus wide email.  The risk levels, assessed by our campus nurse, is not only in consideration of county and community metrics but also in consideration of resources. 

While there are often a number of students in quarantine this is not indicative of the number of positive cases because of our proactive approach to quarantine. Now that we are closer to the end of the semester more students have chosen to go home to quarantine. While the campus remains open, we’ve taken other proactive measures in light of the county increase, all announced by campus wide email on 11/3, prohibiting spectators at Athletic events, encouraging virtual options for the last few classes and the final exam, and modifying library hours to reduce contacts.

Please remember you will be contacted by the administration or the county health department if you are identified as a primary close contact while on campus. You might be considered a secondary contact in which case you are not required to quarantine or isolate as there are no medical guidelines for secondary contacts.  To be a primary close contact you must have been within 6 feet of the positive for 10 minutes or more within the timeframe they were symptomatic. If you did not have direct contact but had contact with another person who did have direct contact that is a secondary contact. 

Also, out of precaution, employees are asked to avoid face to face meetings or interactions and rely on virtual platforms instead. If you are high risk, please discuss any concerns with your supervisor.

The campus nurse, Kolby Martin, reminds everyone that if you are symptomatic and please CALL the Lindsborg Hospital or Urgent Clinic beforehand. A nurse will assess your situation and instruct you over the phone. It is crucial as the numbers spike that unnecessary exposures are avoided. Kolby Martin does have office hours on campus Monday and Thursday from 10 am to 2pm and she also offers a virtual appointment that can be set up through her email.

The past few days have shown a large increase in cases and we will update as we can to also maintain privacy. We do not share this information or these numbers to cause panic or suggest that you are in danger but so that you can remain mindful of the fact you are on a public campus, and it is in your best interest to continue to assume everyone you come into contact with may be positive for COVID-19 so you keep yourself as safe as possible.

Please continue to complete the health screen. If you use the new SwedeSafe app, it is quicker because your contact information is stored in the app. 

Thank you!

LINDSBORG, KAN., November 3, 2020 – Effective immediately and until further notice, Bethany College will not allow outside spectators into athletics events. Due to a rise in COVID-19 cases in McPherson County and surrounding counties, it is in the best interest of the safety of our students, faculty, and staff to not allow outside spectators. Home athletic events are available to watch online. Most visiting athletic events also have live video available. Links for those events will be posted on bethanyswedes.com.

A maximum of 150 Bethany students will be allowed entrance into events in Hahn Gymnasium, and a maximum of 350 Bethany students will be allowed entrance into events at Anderson Stadium. Students must reserve tickets in advance online and must provide a current Bethany ID with their ticket at the gate. Masks and a minimum six-foot social distancing are required; if masks and social distancing protocols are not followed, students will be escorted out of the facility.

Those who have pre-purchased tickets to events where spectators are no longer allowed will be refunded. The Athletics Department will work with Hometown Ticketing to get the refunds completed as soon as possible. If you have any questions, please contact Laura Moreno, Dean of Athletics, at (785) 227-3380, ext. 8369, or Bradlee Yoder, Sports Information Director, at (785) 227-3380, ext. 8178.

Bethany College, established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881, is a college of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The mission of Bethany College is to educate, develop, and challenge individuals to reach for truth and excellence as they lead lives of faith, learning, and service. Bethany connects its past, present, and future with distinctive initiatives like the Good Life Scholarship, presenting all local high school graduates with a four-year, full-tuition scholarship to the college. Bethany College is on the Web at www.bethanylb.edu and is located in Lindsborg, Kansas, the fine arts and crafts capital of the state.

LINDSBORG, KAN., September 23, 2020 - In preparation for maintaining the health and safety of the Bethany College community, Bethany College administration implemented a strenuous contact tracing protocol to stop the potential spread of COVID-19 in the event of a positive case on campus.  If an individual reports having symptoms consistent with COVID-19, they are immediately asked to quarantine.  Students asked to move to a designated quarantine location are those exhibiting symptoms.  All potential contacts are identified at this point and all contacts are asked to self-isolate in their current room.  Please note, this all occurs prior to an individual receiving a positive test result.  At times, this results in many students being asked to quarantine, or self-isolate.  At this point, all testing must be ordered by a medical provider.  If an individual is tested, it can take anywhere from five to eight days to receive the result.

Since students have returned to campus, there have been incidents in which entire teams have been asked to quarantine, or self-isolate.  This is done out of an abundance of caution and reflects the College’s commitment to the health and safety of campus and the local community.  Thus far, the safety procedures that have been implemented appear to be successful and there is hope to continue to move forward with the same results.  With that being said, the College will continue to adapt and make changes as necessary.

The College continues to follow local health guidelines and communicate regularly with local health officials who provide a wealth of information and advice on how to best manage a college campus in the midst of a pandemic.  Please know, if there were to be an outbreak of COVID-19 that posed a threat, the Bethany College community will be notified.  You can read the College COVID-19 plan at bethanylb.edu/coronavirus.  

Bethany College, established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881, is a college of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The mission of Bethany College is to educate, develop, and challenge individuals to reach for truth and excellence as they lead lives of faith, learning, and service. Bethany connects its past, present, and future with distinctive initiatives like the Good Life Scholarship, presenting all local high school graduates with a four-year, full-tuition scholarship to the college. Bethany College is on the Web at www.bethanylb.edu and is located in Lindsborg, Kansas, the fine arts and crafts capital of the state.

“Come” back to campus

Employees should plan for Phase C to start July 6. Employees should work with their supervisor to discuss certain questions or concerns they may have. 

1. Campus will be open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. No one should be on campus before 8:00 so that appropriate disinfecting may be completed. 

2. Buildings for academic use only will remain locked. Administrative buildings will have one door unlocked, but all other doors will remain locked. 

3. If you are sick or have any COVID related symptoms, DO NOT come to campus. 

4. Employees will return to campus, although capacity may be modified as determined by supervisors based on local health recommendations, individual employee considerations, and in coordination and consultation with HR. 

5. Employees and all visitors to campus will be required to have completed a health screening before coming to campus. If you know of someone coming to campus who is not an employee, PLEASE make them aware of this requirement. A limited number of thermometers are available for use on campus, at the offices for Amie Bauer, Laura Moreno, Tessa Peters or Brittany Torres. If you need to take your temperature, contact one of these people to make arrangements in advance. Thermometers will not be handed out or borrowed to ensure it is cleaned after each use and available for others.  

6. Wear a mask if you have to leave your office.  There is one reusable mask available for each employee.  Please contact Amie Bauer, Laura Moreno, Tessa Peters, or Brittany Torres for a mask.

7. Employees on campus must exercise health precautions as recommended herein and consistent with the local health guidelines such as social distancing, quarantine after travel to/from certain locations, isolation if symptomatic or positive for COVID, handwashing and cough etiquette, and other acknowledgements made in the online healthscreen. 

8. Most common spaces and waiting areas will be marked to show six feet for social distancing.  If areas are not marked, please be aware and keep your distance from others at all times.  Tape is available for additional six feet marking.  If you would like to mark your area, please contact Amie Bauer, Laura Moreno, Tessa Peters, or Brittany Torres for tape.

9. Limited amounts of disinfectant for additional office cleaning is available for supervisors upon request and refilled so long as it remains available (please make requests for a refill in advance).  To pick up disinfectant, please contact Amie Bauer, Laura Moreno, Tessa Peters, or Brittany Torres.  For refills, please contact Robin Hoover at hooverrr@bethanylb.edu.  

10. If you must go to another office, do not enter without stopping to knock and/or give notice so they may take precautions. Pay attention to unique signage on individual office doors should they wish to display their preference as to level of contact.  Comfort level signs are attached to this document.  If you don’t have access to a colored printer, please contact Amie Bauer. 

11. The C Team plans to move out of Phase C by July 20, but will very likely continue to recommend  many health precautions, such as masks, social distancing, and health screening be followed beyond July 20. An update regarding continued precautions will be provided in a campus wide email by July 15. 

12. These recommendations are based on health guidelines created by professionals with specific knowledge of local and national metrics, specific experience and out of an abundance of caution. Please understand these recommendations are not only for your safety, but for the safety of others. 

13. Please stay up to date with the latest information at McPherson County Health Department ,   Kansas Department of Health and Environment , or the Centers for Disease Control.

$502,744

587

Since early March, Bethany has been responding to the unplanned disruptions of COVID. More recently, two different coronavirus teams have been implementing precautions for both the phased return of employees who have been working remotely, and for the students to return in the fall. While one team, comprised of faculty has focused on classroom expectations, accommodations, safety within classroom spaces and planning for specific courses should a hybrid and/or virtual model be needed; the other team has worked on implementation of safety precautions for every aspect of campus life beyond the classroom. 

Both teams are following the guidance of local health officials and the recommendations of the KDHE and CDC. We have kept in close communication with the local hospital administrator, the county health director and our campus nurse is part of the planning team. 

An adjustment has been made to the fall academic calendar to mitigate the increase in COVID cases predicted to parallel the influenza season. Fall classes will begin on August 17 and end after finals on November 24. This adjusted schedule does require a cancellation of fall break which will reduce health risks associated with extra travel and save travel costs.

Students will move back to campus at a slower pace than in previous years and families will be subject to COVID screening upon arrival. Modifications will be implemented as required by health guidelines at the time, social distancing and masks will be required and group numbers will be limited.  Some public or group spaces on campus will remain closed. Isolation will be implemented if needed and we’ve worked with local health officials to understand the variation of requirements. It is unknown if testing will be possible or recommended but it is a consideration under constant review.

Consistent with COVID-19 guidelines for student-athletes, after fall check-in, Bethany student-athletes will be subject to mandatory on-campus physicals, for $25, with the sports medicine team of doctors and athletic trainers. Outside or off-campus physicals will not be accepted. There will be mandatory daily temperature checks and screening questions for all student-athletes before they are able to participate in practices and/or workouts. The Athletic Training Room has been rearranged to accommodate social distancing, and the number of people in the room at once will be limited. Due to guidelines, certain modalities, specifically those with soft surfaces, will not be available during the fall semester. The communal ice machine will also be unavailable. There will be increased sanitation within the Athletic Training Room and all Athletics facilities. Additional supplies are being secured, such as cups instead of water bottles, PPE for all Athletic Trainers, and a limited supply of ankle braces to decrease the interaction and time of taping. Student-athletes will still be required to carry qualifying health insurance and all international student-athletes, or those without insurance, will be required to enroll in the United Health Care Student Resources plan.

All students will also be educated on hand washing, symptoms, and instructed to stay in their room if feeling ill. We will continue to educate and update employees and students on proper hygiene and prevention measures through various platforms. We are not alone in our plan to bring students to campus in the fall, as many colleges in the area are making similar plans. We will also ask our students to acknowledge their shared responsibility in the safety of the campus and the community. 

Anyone who enters any building on campus will be required to complete a health screen first at bethanylb.edu/healthscreen. The screening should be completed at home so your body temperature can be taken. Masks will be required by anyone on campus, as will social distancing. Campus buildings will remain locked for now and employees are working remotely if possible. We request that business be conducted remotely by email and/or phone until early July. Further, to limit possible exposure and maintain the safest campus possible prior to student arrival, the cardio and weight rooms on campus will remain closed at this time. 

Communication with this pandemic requires a precarious balance between providing useful information and remaining mindful of its fluidity. For these reasons, we ask for your patience and thank you for your support. 

For the health and safety of our campus and community, President Mauch, the C Team and Cabinet have adopted the following requirements, effective June 2, as Phase B, (“be” cautious) of the multi-phase plan ensuring employees safe return to work on campus.

1.    All employees may work from home so long as they can meet the  employee expectations stated in the workplace guidance issued by email March 27, 2020 from Jennie McCall, HR and Matt Pfannenstiel, VP of Enrollment Management and listed in Phase A.

2. Those who need to be on campus to complete work related tasks, may do so but must contact their supervisor who will be permitted to make these arrangements within departments. To ensure appropriate time for National to disinfect all spaces, please come to campus between 9:30am and 5 pm only.

3.   Anyone who comes to campus during Phase B will be required to complete a health screening BEFORE COMING  to CAMPUS..

A.  Employees must take their body temperature and complete  the online health screening, at www.bethanylb.edu/healthscreen to acknowledge you:

– do not have a body temperature of more than 100 Fahrenheit

– will social distance with any other person by six feet

– do not have any symptoms or illness consistent or related to COVID- (see websites in #10 for updated symptoms.)

– have not traveled to those locations requiring home self quarantine within the past 14 days (check websites in #10 for most current)

– have not been exposed to anyone who has tested positive for COVID

– will wear a mask on campus

B.  Because a temperature will need to be taken, please complete the health screening at home. Campus will have one designated location to take temperatures, only for a limited time each day, starting July 6.

C.  You must wear a mask on campus. This is vital to your health and others as recommended by CDC guidelines. More so, if you wear a mask, you are not counted as an exposure when identifying contacts for tracing by the local health department.  Masks may be removed when an employee is alone inside their office.

D.  Although face to face contact is discouraged, if you must go to another office, do not enter without stopping to knock and/or give notice so they may take precautions. Pay attention to unique signage on individual office doors as to their preference for level of contact.

E.  Do not bring others to campus with you.

F.  You are encouraged to use hand sanitizer when you can’t wash hands and upon entering and exiting and wipe down any door knobs or hard surfaces you touched with disinfectants that will be provided to departments.

4. DO NOT COME to campus FOR ANY REASON if you are subject to a home quarantine based on travel or known exposure, or have any symptoms of illness and/or symptoms of COVID. As of this publication, symptoms for COVID-19 appear 2-14 days after exposure and include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Other rarer symptoms that may develop include malaise, sore throat, and diarrhea. You must stay home for at least 10 days after symptoms started or for 72 hours after fever is gone (without the use of fever-reducing medication) and with significant improvement in symptoms, whichever is longer. If you develop symptoms that may indicate COVID-19, please call your healthcare provider. If you do not have a provider, please call your local hospital at 785-227-3371 or contact the McPherson County Health Department at 620-241-1753 or email at machd@mcphersoncountyks.us. For the most current locations requiring quarantine and COVID symptoms, consult the health links in #10 below.

5. All business travel is suspended until further notice.

6. Buildings will remain locked during Phase B and Athletic facilities will remain closed consistent with Governor Kelly’s reopening plan.

7. The mailroom will be open during limited hours most likely between 9:30am to 12:30pm.

8. All employees are strongly discouraged from any face to face meetings for Bethany College related matters on or off campus if social distancing can’t be practiced. Regardless, groups must be limited per health guidelines. Consult health links in #10 below. Phone calls, emails and virtual meets should continue.

9. No break rooms, copy rooms or lounge spaces small enough in which social distance can’t be practiced shall not be used by more than one person at a time.

10.    Please stay up to date with the latest information from McPherson County, KDHE, or CDC.

*All details of Phase C will be announced no later than June 12. Phase C contemplates all employees returning and campus opening even if for limited operations/limited capacity. Although this date is highly dependent on health metrics, employees should plan as though Phase C would take effect July 6.

Phase A-Avoid campus!

For the health and safety of our campus and community, President Mauch, the C- Team, and the Cabinet have adopted the following requirements, effective May 20 through June 1* as Phase A of the multi-phase plan ensuring employees safe return to work on campus.

1.     Although the college is operational as we conduct business remotely, Governor Kelly recommends all colleges remain closed. To follow the spirit of Governor Kelly’s executive order, the recommendations of health officials, and be adequately prepared to invite students in the fall, employees shall continue to work remotely until at least June 1.  Work at home shall continue in accordance with the employee expectations in the workplace guidance issued by email March 27, 2020 from Jennie McCall, HR and Matt Pfannenstiel, VP of Enrollment Management, stating:

A. Bethany understands during this time, there are other responsibilities that may make an employee’s work in a  home environment look different.  Please work with your supervisor in order to create a plan for an individual work day.

B. Bethany continues to support employees with a typical 8 hr. work day, however that might look.

C. Bethany’s expectation is that all voicemail will be directed to your email, or an employee is checking office voicemail regularly throughout the day.  If possible, all messages are returned in a timely fashion (within 24 hours).

D. Bethany’s expectation will be that employees are frequently checking their email, as this is the main form of campus communication.

E. Bethany’s expectation is that the employee will continue to track hours through the Paylocity payroll system, along with sick, vacation, etc.

F. Bethany’s expectation will be that once the college receives guidance and clearance from public health officials, employees will return to their on campus work environment.

G. Bethany’s expectation will be that the employee will be available for virtual meetings either by phone or other virtual formats, including but not limited to Zoom, Google Hangout, etc..  If an employee is not able to be available in this manner, please communicate with supervisors.

2.    If you MUST be on campus, to complete a task you can’t complete from home, you must notify your supervisor. You must note, and your supervisor may note, the campus date/time in work calendars as a secondary precaution should it be necessary to identify contacts.

A. Your supervisor will need you to verbally and in good faith acknowledge the following:

– you do not have a body temperature of more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit (you should take your temperature)

– you will social distance if necessary & practice cough and sneeze etiquette.

– you do not have any symptoms or illness consistent or related to COVID- coughing, sore throat, trouble breathing,

– you have not traveled to those locations requiring home self quarantine within the past 14 days

– you have not been exposed to anyone who has tested positive for COVID

– you willI wear a mask on campus

B. You must wear a mask on campus. This is vital to your health and others as universal source control. More so, if you wear a mask, it is not considered an exposure should  contact tracing be necessary. ** Masks may be removed when you are alone inside your office but should be worn at all other times.

C. Although face to face contact is discouraged, if you must go to another office, do not enter without stopping to knock and/or give some notice so they may take precautions. Pay attention to unique signage on individual office doors for an employee’s preference as to level of contact.

D. Do not bring others to campus with you.

E. You are encouraged to use hand sanitizer upon entering and exiting and wipe down any door knobs or hard surfaces you touched with disinfectants as you are able.

3. DO NOT COME to campus FOR ANY REASON if you are subject to a home quarantine based on travel or known exposure, have any symptoms of illness and/or symptoms of COVID. As of this publication, symptoms for COVID-19 appear 2-14 days after exposure and include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Other rarer symptoms that may develop include malaise, sore throat, and diarrhea. You must stay home for at least 10 days after symptoms started or for 72 hours after fever is gone (without the use of fever-reducing medication) and with significant improvement in symptoms, whichever is longer. If you develop symptoms that may indicate COVID-19, please call your healthcare provider. If you do not have a provider, please call your local hospital at 785-227-3371 or contact the McPherson County Health Department at 620-241-1753 or email at machd@mcphersoncountyks.us. For the most current locations requiring quarantine and COVID symptoms, consult the health links in #10 below.

4.  All business travel is suspended until further notice.

5. All employees are strongly encouraged to avoid personal travel to any location requiring home quarantine by either McPherson County or KDHE. Should the guidelines differ, McPherson County should be followed. See links in #10 below.

6.  All campus buildings will remain locked during Phase A. Consistent with Governor Kelly’s reopening plan, the Athletic facilities will remain closed until further notice.

7. Prospective students will not be visiting campus during Phase A.

8. Employee Information:

A. Sick, Vacation, and Benefits: Specific questions regarding these  benefits should be directed to Human Resources, Jennie McCall.

B. Employee Assistance Program: The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a useful resource for confidential professional and personal support. The program is available 24/7.  The website to access resources is www.ndbh.com, and the company code is bethanylb.  These resources are available at no cost to all employees regardless of status and their immediate family members.

 C. Family First Coronavirus Act – see information emailed to campus 5/7/20

10. Please stay up to date with the latest information at McPherson County, KDHE, or CDC.

*Phase B is tentatively set to take effect June 2 with any modifications to be announced no later than May 20.

**At this time the college is working to get masks for those who are unable to get their own, but it is unknown when they will be available so please plan accordingly.

Dear Colleagues:

We wanted to give you an update on plans for commencement.  Bethany will confer degrees to graduating seniors on May 16 at 2pm as scheduled, but in a virtual format, accessible from our website homepage at www.bethanylb.edu. Conferring degrees, on May 16, although virtual, means students will have graduated for purposes of transcript notation, entry into graduate programs, etc.  Please note:  This will be a short ceremony simply conferring degrees.  We will not call names or have other speakers at this time.

In addition, a formal face-to-face commencement ceremony will be held the first weekend in October, coinciding with Bethany’s homecoming and supported by input from graduating seniors.

Although the class of 2020 didn’t finish their last semester of college in a traditional way, Bethany wants to ensure that graduates experience the tradition of crossing the Presser stage in front of classmates, the college community, friends and family. More details of the in-person October commencement festivities will be shared soon.

Sincerely,

Beth

Dear Students,

I hope that this extraordinary time finds you and your family well.  We have been fielding many questions about room and board now that we are offering a completely virtual format for the remainder of the semester.  I am writing today to let you know that we are working diligently to find the answer but do not have all of the information needed.  The $2-trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, including provisions focused on aid to small businesses has been signed into law.  We are awaiting guidance from federal agencies as to the application and implication of these pieces of legislation for colleges like Bethany College.  Serving as President and working with the Board of Directors, we are committed to a fair solution for students and families who have committed to Bethany.

In the meantime, registration for Fall 2020 classes begins on Monday, April 6, 2020.  Because we are in these extraordinary times, students’ accounts with holds are being reviewed so you can register for the fall semester.  Your advisor and others from Bethany should be in touch (if they haven’t already) to ensure you have the classes that you need for the fall.

We miss seeing all of you on campus – and are hopeful for the day when we can all reunite!

Sincerely,

Dr. Mauch

Good morning!

I hope that this email finds you, our students, well. On this, our first official day of virtual classes, I wanted to say “welcome back to learning.” By now, I am sure that you have been contacted by your professors and are aware of how the semester will progress. We have all been working hard to ensure that the remainder of the semester is a success for you.

As part of our heritage, we believe that each role we play in this world (teacher, mentor, roommate, club president, RA, community leader, athlete, musician … the list goes on and on) that involves us with our neighbors is a vocation – and the goal of our vocation is to find ways to live in the service to our neighbor. Our goal is to educate so you can wonder before the world in ways that we never imagined and transform that knowledge into new ways of gracefully caring for everyone. As I have thought about continuing with this semester, it came to me that this wonder will now take on new forms in new spaces – but with the wonders of modern technology, we will still be able to lean on one another as we always have.

We all care about you greatly – and we are dedicated to ensuring that the remainder of this semester provides you with new opportunities to wonder and care for your larger community. Please contact me directly if you have any questions or concerns – you can reply directly to this email.

Sincerely,

Dr. Mauch

Dear Friends:

Today I announced that Bethany College will be going virtual for the remainder of the Spring 2020 semester.  We have been in constant contact with the McPherson County Health Director.  She is in support of this decision.  She shared that our approach is consistent to what other colleges/universities are doing.  This decision was made with an abundance of caution for the welfare of faculty, staff and students and our surrounding community.

While I am disappointed to share this news with you, I am certain that as a community we will continue to work as a team in our shared passion for Bethany College.  However, in light of these decisions, Bethany will need your support now more than ever.  Retention and enrollment will be crucial following this unprecedented interruption in higher education. Advocating for Bethany in every platform, encouraging others to consider attending Bethany, sharing your skills and time in work for the college, and prayers for Bethany’s future are some ways you can show support.

All events for the Spring semester have also been postponed and/or cancelled except commencement, which will be decided and announced at a later date.

As a campus community, we will continue to unite around our core values – especially this year’s theme of integrity.  For us, integrity is both personal and communal as we seek knowledge, strive for understanding, aspire for excellence in all that we do, and remain faithful to Bethany’s calling to inspired learning and informed faith.

Many employees of Bethany College are transitioning to work remotely, yet some will continue to work on campus as required by campus needs, yet are doing so in compliance with all health guidelines. Most buildings on campus are locked. We strongly encourage all business to be conducted by phone or email, but if absolutely necessary, entry into the few unlocked buildings will be conditioned on compliance with local health guidelines as posted on the main entrance for each building.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at mauchek@bethanylb.edu.

Beth

Dr. Elizabeth Mauch

Interim President

Bethany College

Greetings Bethany Family:

As we continue to navigate these tumultuous times, I thought it might be worthwhile to share a few words regarding how the necessary work and decisions are being addressed by the Bethany College Board of Directors and administration.  As is appropriate, the specifics and timing of decisions will continue to be disseminated through the President’s Office. Today it is my hope to share a little about how decisions are being made.

The word that keeps rising to consciousness these past few days is providence.  Of course, at a time when the future is so unclear, we are all left with few options but to trust in God’s providence for us, our family, our college and our community.  This is not to imply we sit idly by as events unfold, quite the contrary. In times like these, we must trust in providence as we re-double our efforts and work with even greater passion and urgency.  

I believe it is also providence that finds us with a president, cabinet, faculty, staff, board, and community dedicated to integrity.  When answers are scarce, and even decisions made are sure to require revision, it is only with integrity and mutual trust that a community like ours can hold together during uncertain times.

It is surely providence that at our last board meeting before the scope of the COVID-19 virus was known, we initiated a process for the creation of a case statement for the future direction of Bethany College.  This process lead by former board Member Marie Friedemann and former Interim President Robert Vogel was not tasked with providing answers, but rather a comprehensive look at the landscape ahead with the right questions at hand.  The feedback collected only a few weeks ago will surely be invaluable as we strive into the uncertain future.

Rest assured that we the board of directors of Bethany College are being kept fully apprised of and engaged in the decisions and plans of Interim President Mauch and her cabinet.  I believe we are all blessed to be a part of a community where mutual concern for the well-being and safety of students, faculty, staff, and the community at large, is paramount.  

I am grateful to be a part of a community willing to ask the tough questions.  To that end, I invite you to call, text or email me personally with any questions you might have.  I will do my best to respond in a timely manner, but please know that even if I am unable to respond immediately, I find value in hearing your questions so that mine are better informed.  

Thank you for your love of Bethany.  Thank you for your support and prayers.  

Respectfully,

Roper

Class of 00′

RoperDeGarmo@gmail.com

Cell: 913-210-9054

LINDSBORG, KANSAS, MARCH 20, 2020: Bethany College officials announced an extended Spring Break, starting at the end of classes, March 13, 2020. Classes are scheduled to resume March 30. Previously, the College intended to make a formal announcement March 25 but because this situation has changed so fast, is doing so at this time.  Please understand, the fluid changes in the local and state health guidelines, make timely communication difficult.

The college website will be used to provide the most current information, please check back often for the latest information.

Although spring break started one week early, Bethany College students have had the opportunity to stay in residence halls through the two-week break. Campus administrative offices and residence halls remain open and most services, such as counseling, tutoring, student life, and health are available for the duration of the spring semester. Library services and classrooms are slightly modified for the time being. In regard to academics, students who don’t wish to return, will be able to continue their spring semester learning through a virtual classroom option as of March 30, or as soon thereafter as possible. 

Any student, faculty or staff member who has traveled will be subject to all local and state health guidelines in effect upon their return. Individual arrangements will be necessary for self-quarantine as Bethany College is not in a position to assist with such requirement.  Dr. Van Dusen, Dean of Student Development, communicated by email to all students the preliminary details about gathering personal property from campus, safety precautions for returning to campus, and more, but because the procedures are subject to health guidelines they are likely to change. 

Fortunately, class sizes at Bethany rarely exceed 25, and while all students will have the option for virtual attendance, some students may have the opportunity (subject to health guidance such as social distancing etc.) to resume face to face classes.

While administrative offices are open at this time, please refrain from coming to campus unless a physical visit is absolutely necessary. Most, if not all, business can be conducted by phone or email. Use the Bethany College directory to locate phone extensions or emails.

Currently, the College is prohibiting the use of the student union “Pit” area (Pihlblad lower level), and other common areas, even if the building is open. Hahn and Stroble Gibson gyms, and the cardio and weight rooms are closed. 

At this time, there are no cases of COVID-19 on Bethany College campus or in McPherson County. In understanding our role and responsibility, campus leadership has learned that if a test for COVID-19 was to be completed, the state agency, Kansas Department of Health and Environment communicates with the McPherson County Health Department and it is the procedure of health officials that dictates the release of information and/or results as deemed appropriate.  It is imperative that Bethany College cooperates with all health officials and remains mindful of HIPAA and other protocol to ensure the privacy and safety of campus and the larger community. 

Campus leadership acknowledges that several questions remain unanswered and will work diligently to find answers despite the fluidity of the situation. In this unprecedented time, decisions must be made in accordance to health guidelines, and in deference to the health and safety of all and we appreciate your support and understanding. 

The purpose of this post is to give you some preliminary updates for continuing the rest of the semester.  We have not yet worked out all of the details, but we wanted you to be aware of how we will be starting back up after Spring Break.  An official announcement will be made on or before March 25.  At this point, we plan to start classes again beginning March 30.  Faculty will be preparing virtual options for you.  In addition, we plan to allow students who are on campus to continue to be on campus.  If you are off campus now, then you will have to fill out a form if you want to return.  The dining hall will re-open at the conclusion of Spring Break.  We can assure you that all of your belongings in the residence halls are secure.  Many students have asked about graduation – we are going to delay that decision at this point.

We want to ensure that we are able to successfully complete this semester, even given the extraordinary circumstances that we find ourselves in.  We believe that this plan will allow us to have a safe and successful Spring 2020 semester.   We all know the near future is going to be different and challenging.  We will navigate this by working together using our core values to guide us.

Dr. Mauch

Kansas City, Mo. – The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) announced today that it is canceling the spring 2020 sports season, effective immediately.

“All possible scenarios that would have supported a spring sports season were seriously considered by multiple NAIA governance groups,” said NAIA President and CEO Jim Carr. “However, the growing state of emergency due to COVID-19, as well as the Center for Disease Control’s recommendation yesterday to limit gatherings to fewer than 50 people for eight weeks, meant we could not in good conscience move forward with the spring sports season and championships.”

In an effort to provide relief, no spring sport student-athlete will be charged a season of competition. Any spring sport student-athlete who was enrolled full-time in 2020 will be awarded two additional semester terms of attendance or the equivalent.

The NAIA is continuing to address outstanding questions related to these unprecedented changes and will share new information as it becomes available.

Dear Campus Community,

We are learning information continuously. We will continue to provide updates as necessary by email, and/or through the website.

As such, we have decided to start Spring Break early, at the conclusion of classes, today, Friday March 13 and ending on March 29. During this time, students are welcome to stay in the residence halls. Meals will be provided as carry out as of tonight at dinner. The following week, March 21-28 Sodexo food services will not be available, but if you need meals or help with meals, please let Student Development know.

We will have an update on March 25 about campus reopening after Spring Break. Updates will come via email and through updates to this page.

In our campus planning, we have learned that in any situation if symptoms warrant investigation, the county and state health departments dictate procedure. The McPherson County Health Department will be notified of a test result by the Kansas Department of Health and it will be up to McPherson County Health Department to release any information and/or results as they deem appropriate.

Please be sure to take care of yourself. Each of us plays an important role in maintaining our personal health, which in turn helps protect our broader community. Please continue to follow CDC recommendations to prevent the spread of COVID-19 shared earlier. Taking actions that limit exposure to the virus will help ensure our collective health and safety.

Sincerely,

Dr. Mauch

The college is dedicated to plan, prepare, assess and reassess COVID 19 with an approach rooted in fact and common sense. Members of Health Services, Student Life, Admissions and Communications, alongside the Academic Dean, and Dean of Athletics, are collaborating with Facilities and Food Services. Preventative measures, based on information from local and regional health officials as well as the CDC and KDHE have been implemented, including the addition of more sanitation stations, and an aggressive increase is disinfecting common surfaces, to name a few.  Updates from the U.S. Department of Education continues to be reviewed to maintain the quality of our academic programs, should a transition to online coursework be necessary.  As of today, the college does not plan to cancel classes, move to online classes, extend spring break, but students will have the option to stay on campus over the Spring Break. Because this is a fluid and ever-changing situation, we will continue to assess and communicate as necessary. Please bookmark this page and check back as necessary.