- Why are there such tight restrictions?
Our heart is that we want to be able to provide an in-class experience for a few select courses while at the same time making sure we are providing the safest possible learning environment. This involves incorporating not only state and local regulations, but also best practices recommended by the CDC, Oregon Health Authority and bodies like the Oregon Higher Education Commission. We want to be sensitive to those who themselves feel comfortable in this environment but may be cautious for the living community that they are a part of.
- Why are the regulations not strict enough?
On the flipside of this tension is trying to balance all of these precautions while not overly impinging on the classroom experience. This is not an easy tension to maintain and please no that a great deal of discussion and planning went into this.
- What if I want to move from in class to Zoom or vice versa?
We understand that your conditions may change that require you to change from in class to Zoom format. You are able to do this, though once you make the change, you cannot change back to the in-class format. Students who start in the Zoom format are also not permitted to change to the in-class format.
- Can I bring food and drink?
Yes, you can bring food and store in the refrigerator in BH 105. A microwave is also supplied there. You will need to provide your own utensils, plates, and napkins. There is limited space in BH 105 and so we encourage eating outdoors as weather permits. The coffee closet on the second floor will remain closed. No eating is permitted in the classroom and drinks are limited to those with straws.
- What if I feel sick or come down with a fever?
You will need to stay home and not attend in class.
- What if someone I live with or I test positive test for COVID?
We would ask that you notify the Dean of Students office so that we can provide appropriate contact tracing as required by, state and local governments. We will maintain your privacy as much as regulations permit.
- What if I feel others are not following these protocols and it makes me concerned about my safety?
Your safety is our primary concern. If you feel that other students are not following these protocols as they should, we would encourage you to approach them in love to remind them of this. If you need to, you can also raise concerns to your instructor so that they can address it. Finally, you can also contact the Dean of Students office to address (apeloquin@westernseminary.edu or mworkman@westernseminary.edu). Again, our heart is to make this a safe experience as possible. We know that there will be various viewpoints among us about these measures, but we ask that everyone consider the fellow brothers and sisters and that we all have different experiences and situations in regards to COVID.