COVID-19 Updates/Return to Campus Plan

COVID-19 Cases | Fall 2020 Term

Return to Campus Plan

Frequently Asked Questions

If you're searching for additional information quickly, we've compiled the most helpful frequently asked questions below.

• Will masks be required?

  Yes. Face coverings will be required in all buildings by students, faculty, and staff.

  
  

  All students will be required to wear face coverings in classrooms unless otherwise accommodated due to documented health and/or disability-related reasons. Documentation will need to be provided to Cindy Mallard, Vice President and Academic Dean at mallardc@bethelu.edu

  
  
  
  
  

• What to expect for move-in day?

  This year will look a little different this year due to the precautions that we are taking for COVID-19. Below are instructions to help make the check-in process quick and easy.
  

  Steps for a successful check-in:

  
  

  If a student is driving his/her vehicle or if a student is riding with a parent, please drive in front of Vera Low Center for Student Enrichment (VLOW) and stay in the car. If a parent has an extra vehicle, please park in the football stadium parking lot until check-in is complete and ready to move into the dorm.

  
  

  When instructed, drive around to the back of the building to receive your COVID-19 screening (temperature check and questionnaire).

  
  

  After screening, return to the front of VLOW and park in a parking spot. Go to the line under the tents to get your Wildcat Care Package, confirm your housing assignment, and further instructions.

  
  

  If you need to finish financial aid, meet with the business office, etc., you will be directed to those offices first before you can move in.
  

  Move-in Dates/Times
  Friday, August 7 – Returning Students
  Saturday, August 8 – Transfer and Freshman students

  
  
  

  Move-in times will be on a staggered schedule based on last name.

  
  

  9:00 – 10:00am – A-F last names
  10:00 – 11:00am – G-L last names
  1:00 – 2:00pm – M-R last names
  2:00 – 3:00pm – S-Z last names
  
  Only two adults per student are allowed in the dorm to help move in. Temperature checks will be given before entering the dorms.

  
  
  
  

• What do I need to bring?

  Make sure to bring masks, antibacterial wipes, and cleaning supplies in addition to the packing list.

• Will I need to be tested?

  The University will monitor the need for testing of students, faculty, staff, and guests. This may include testing before arriving on campus, upon return to campus, or during a student’s or employee’s time on campus.
  Students from or who have recently traveled to hotspot areas, as defined by state and/or federal authorities, may be asked to either obtain COVID-19 testing or undergo an appropriate quarantine upon arrival on campus.

  
  

• What to expect for classes?

  Our primary goal in preparing classes for the fall is to enhance safety for students, faculty, and staff. We’re evaluating risk based on the number of students, room size, and nature of the course. We will have fewer students in a classroom and on campus at the same time. To accomplish that:

  
  

  • Each classroom will be given a total “COVID Capacity.” Classes may move to larger venues, may be delivered online, or may be hybrid.
  

  
  

  • Hybrid courses may mean classroom instruction on one day and online instruction on the alternate day.

  
  

  • In the case of in-person instruction being halted or canceled due to increased transmission, hybrid and online class formats will be utilized.
  

  
  

  • Students should be prepared for shifts to alternate means of instruction, including online instruction, at any point during the semester.
  

  
  

  • Students should check their portal and Bethel emails frequently for notifications on class time or day changes due to delivery methods.

• What to expect for quarantine?

  Asymptomatic
  

  • The student will be encouraged to go home for a 14-day quarantine, if possible.
  • If a student is unable to go home, then he/she will be asked to quarantine in the dorm room
  • for 14 days.
  • Food will be delivered to the student’s room.
  • Housing will check on the student.
  • During the quarantine period, the student will be responsible for contacting his/her professors regarding alternative methods for receiving and submitting coursework.

  Symptomatic
  

  • The student will be encouraged to go home for a 14-day quarantine, if possible.
  • If a COVID-19 positive student is symptomatic and needs care, he/she will move to the dorm floor designated.
  • Food will be delivered to the student’s room.
  • Housing will check on the student.
  • During the quarantine period, the student will be responsible for contacting his/her professors regarding alternative methods for receiving and submitting coursework.

  If a student in a residence hall tests positive for COVID-19, the other students in that pod will be asked to quarantine for 14 days.

• What to expect for Chapel?

  Tuesday Chapel will be held at the gazebo on the quad each week, weather permitting. This will allow students to social distance as needed. Students will be invited to sit on the grass, bring a chair, or stand as they wish. Thursday communion service will continue to be held on the third floor of Campbell Hall. Individual communion elements will be available for those who wish to partake.