Coronavirus Updates

As the seminary moves to an online format during this time of COVID-19 precautions, here are the need-to-know changes for all Westminster students.

Contact

Course Director:

• For Zoom meetings, syllabus issues, assignments and quizzes in Canvas, general feedback on how your course is going.

Academic Support:

• For registration, billing, financial aid, transcripts, academic planning, etc.

Education Technology:

• For troubleshooting Zoom and Canvas.

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Dates for the spring term moved one week forward

• Summer/Fall Registration | April 20 – May 1
• Last Date to Withdraw | April 20
• Last Day of Class/Master’s Paper Deadline | May 8
• Reading Days | May 11-13
• Exam Period | May 14 – 22
• ThM/PhD Paper Deadline | May 19

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Graduation

WTS will not hold a local graduation ceremony or any of the events that typically surround it. We intend to provide an alternative event online for graduates and families. Planning is underway; more information to follow.

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Internet: Mobile Hotspots Available

At a subsidized rate, we can provide you a mobile hotspot. Contact Education Technology for more information.

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Research Resources

• JSTOR is now live as part of the library’s suite of databases. Interlibrary loans for periodicals not in JSTOR are still possible. Email library@wts.edu.
• Our Ebook collection is growing.
• Anything previously on reserve for spring courses will soon be available in PDF form. You will be able to view these texts through your course’s page in Canvas.
• The library is available for research questions. Email library@wts.edu.

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Zoom

Most classes now incorporate a videoconferencing component via Zoom. Learn more about this tool for WTS courses.

Over the last two weeks, the seminary has been prayerfully assessing the developing novel coronavirus (COVID-19) situation to discern a proper response based on daily information from the CDC, Pennsylvania Dept of Health, WHO, and other organizations. We continue to seek wisdom from other schools and organizations in our area, who have also been monitoring the situation carefully themselves. In addition, we continue to receive guidance from a world-renowned epidemiologist/virologist from Mayo Clinic and other medical professionals.

As of 11:00 AM Thursday, March 12, the Westminster campus is closed to students and the public. All academic coursework will be resumed remotely beginning Monday, March 23. All upcoming on campus events have been canceled or rescheduled.

We have sought wisdom from the Lord to make a decision that neither falls prey to fear nor ignores clear evidence. As we have learned from experts, social distancing techniques provide an effective way of combating the spread of viruses. We urge you to familiarize yourself with the complete list of recommendations made by the Center for Disease Control (CDC). We list some of these measures here, which minimize the spread of viruses.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

Please regularly check the CDC website, your email and Wts.edu/news for updates. More information regarding classes, events, assignments, and addressing the needs for reference materials will be forthcoming. A follow-up announcement about Westminster’s graduation ceremony will be made by April 15.

In addition, please pray for health and comfort for those affected by COVID-19, for wisdom for the medical community and governing authorities, and for safety and effectiveness for those treating the ill. We ask that you pray that the Lord would teach us to trust him and not cave in to fear (Phil 4:6–7), and that he would compel us to love our neighbor as ourselves (Mark 12:31).