COVID-19 Updates/Return to Campus Plan

Updated 10.20.21 at 10:46am

Total positive includes positive cases through our on-campus health clinic and outside testing.

As Bethel University prepares to resume classes this fall, we look forward to near-normal operations at all of our campuses. First and foremost, the health and safety of all individuals remain our highest priority.

Many hours of planning and discussions have guided the Return to Campus plan for the College of Arts and Sciences, McKenzie Campus. The decisions and procedures are complex and are subject to change due to the fluidity of the situation. Bethel University will continue to monitor CDC guidelines and various health and safety trends as they relate to COVID-19 and higher education operations.

This guide is intended to help all members of the Bethel University learning community and our visitors understand Bethel University’s current protocol measures, safety guidelines, and plans for the upcoming academic year.

Masks & Social Distance
Regardless of your vaccination status, we ask that all students, faculty, and staff wear masks inside all buildings, including classrooms, labs, instructional spaces, offices, and cafeteria, as we start the semester.

Social distancing is still encouraged among the campus community.

The University continues to reserve the option of amending campus requirements, should on-campus or local COVID-related conditions necessitate such action.

COVID-19 Testing
Individuals who experience symptoms of any kind should visit the University Health Clinic for screening. If symptoms suggest COVID-19, a test will be performed, and the individual will enter quarantine while awaiting results.

Health Clinic Hours
Monday - Friday
8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
(731) 352-4027
Location - mobile building across from the Wildcat Stadium

The clinic lunch hour is 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm daily. Closed on holidays. 

For urgent care or after-hours needs:
Hometown Health Clinic
205 Hospital Dr, McKenzie, TN 38201
(731) 352-7907

Baptist Hospital in Huntingdon
631 R B Wilson Dr, Huntingdon, TN 38344
(731) 986-4461

Quarantine & Isolation
Individuals who experience symptoms of any kind should visit the University Health Clinic for screening. If symptoms suggest COVID-19, a test will be performed, and the individual will enter quarantine while awaiting results. Those who test positive for COVID-19 will be required to self-isolate off campus or in the designated dorm room to prevent exposure to our campus community. Similarly, those who have been directly exposed to a person who has tested positive for COVID-19 will also be required to quarantine for the CDC-recommended period from the time of the exposure, unless they are fully vaccinated.

Students and employees are expected to follow the directions provided by the University Health Clinic, including any testing, contact tracing, and quarantine or isolation instructions.

Like excused absences due to participation in official Bethel University events (athletics, Renaissance, etc.), in the case of absences due to official COVID-19 quarantine status, it is the student's responsibility to contact the instructor, make up any missed work, and fulfill all assignments.

Vaccinations
Vaccinations are encouraged but not required. The University will offer a COVID-19 vaccine clinic on August 16 from 12:00 pm until 4:00 pm in the Board Room located in VLow. The follow-up clinic for the second dose will be on September 7 from 12:00 pm until 4:00 pm.

On-Campus Instruction
Coursework will resume this fall with in-person instruction. Some courses may be online if approved, and at this time, the University does not anticipate any hybrid classes in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Faculty will set, post and maintain at least 10 office hours per week on campus (distributed over a minimum of four days, between Monday and Friday, 7:30 am and 7:30 pm), during which the faculty member is available in-person to students. Students are encouraged to make an appointment prior to meeting with faculty. A mask may be required before entering the office.

Campus Events & Activities
We expect a return to a full campus life experience with events and activities consistent with university guidelines. The Director of Campus Operations & University Events will send out the university event guidelines. Email carlockm@bethelu.edu for any questions.

Dining
We anticipate a return to pre-COVID occupancy for our campus dining options. The specific protocols for safe food preparation and service will be established according to MMI's corporate policies.

Cleaning & Sanitation
Enhanced cleaning will take place throughout the campus. Surfaces frequently touched by multiple people, such as door handles, desks, phones, light switches, faucets, etc., will be cleaned and disinfected more often. More frequent cleaning and disinfection may be required based on the level of use. Dining areas will be cleaned three times per day.

Chapel
Chapel services will return to a normal schedule and location. Tuesday Chapel will be held at 11:00 am in Boulden Auditorium, located in DFAB. Thursday communion service will be held in Cole Chapel on the third floor of Campbell Hall at 11:00 am.

Athletics
Athletic events will be held on campus at full capacity under the guidance of the NAIA.

Academic Calendar
2021-2022 academic calendar

Best Practices
• Wash your hands often.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick and put distance between yourself and others.
• Social distance from others. Remember that some people without symptoms may be able to spread the virus.
• Avoid shaking hands.
• Cover coughs and sneezes.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe flu-like illness and death for confirmed COVID-19 cases. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure. Common symptoms include but may not be limited to:
• 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

If you are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19 or think you might have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, please:
• Stay home or in your residence hall room.
• Do not go to class, events, work, or elsewhere.
• Call the on-campus Health Clinic at (731) 352-4027 or your health care provider to be advised.

Info from the CDC
The COVID-19 webpages on the CDC website share up-to-date information on symptoms, complications, transmission, prevention, treatment and summary updates of the outbreak.