Clarification & Updates 03/13/20

Email sent March 13, 2020 at 7:30pm CST
Subject: Clarification and Updates | Southwestern COVID-19 Response
To: Main Campus Students, Main Campus Employees, and Remote Employees
From: Brad Andrews, President

Dear Southwestern College Community,

Yesterday, I shared with you a working-plan for moving forward this semester and I would like to offer further clarification. I’ve been in direct and ongoing contact with public health authorities and met again today with officials from the County Health Department about this response plan.

In the past days, we have heard from students who will choose to continue their learning from a remote location. We have also heard from students who need and want to return to campus, who consider Southwestern their home and want to return here. It is my feeling that we have an obligation to do our best to accommodate both populations of students, while working with authorities and adhering to appropriate guidelines and recommendations in support of public health efforts.

The Plan/Updates:

• The college remains open, we will still open residence halls on Sunday, March 15.
• We will still begin classes, both on-campus and remote, on Wednesday, March 18.
• To re-emphasize, students have the option - You are able to stay at home and complete the semester, or you are able to return to campus and complete the semester.
• Those returning to campus will find increased expectations and procedures for self-monitoring and public health reporting.
• Meanwhile, non-academic events and activities have been significantly adjusted, including many cancellations. Notably, Founders Weekend activities will be canceled. Please read the information provided below for more detail.
• Commencement exercises are still scheduled for May 10.

We know and accept the fact that the Southwestern experience might look different than it ever has, but even in these trying times, we come together, we continue to learn and grow, and we are Builders.

This morning Tom Langer, Administrator of the City-Cowley County Health Department reminded me that “Southwestern students are residents of Winfield and Cowley County – we are all one community.” He went on to say, “We must continue our lives together – working and learning while taking the necessary precautions.”

That is what we are doing and that is the best way forward for our college.
Please read below, and check www.sckans.edu/health for additional resources.

Sincerely,

Brad Andrews
President