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.