October 27, 2020
Bethany Theological Seminary continues to focus on the health and safety of students, faculty, and staff. Many employees are now working on site at least some of the time, and residential students continue to spend time the building. The doors remain locked, and visitors are encouraged to make an appointment before coming to the Bethany Center. Distance students continue their studies remotely.
The primary goals of our approach are to protect the classroom and to encourage collaboration and informal communication. The Seminary is maintaining “Golden Rule Practices,” including mask wearing, social distancing, and hand washing. Individuals are also asked to stay away from Bethany Center if they are feeling sick and to get tested if they believe they may have been exposed to the coronavirus. While Bethany is encouraging safe in-person interactions (like small-group meetings with masks and physical distancing), but the Seminary is still not sponsoring large indoor gatherings like worship services or fellowship events.
During the month of December, Bethany faculty and staff will be encouraged to find creative ways to increase their small group and informal interactions, both on campus and via technology. Members of the Seminary community will be encouraged to find safe ways to celebrate the Christmas season together and to find creative “collision points” where informal interactions occur with other members of the Bethany community.