Dear Missio Students,
As you know, the President’s Cabinet has been carefully monitoring the situation with COVID-19 in Philadelphia, the states of PA and NJ, and the nation to determine the best course of action regarding classes for the fall semester. Your safety, our staff/faculty’s safety, and a high quality educational experience are our priorities. Given the continuing rise in cases in our area and nationwide Missio will be holding classes online for the fall of 2020. We are especially mindful of the wide array of family and ministry responsibilities in the student body, and the comfort level of our faculty, staff, and students. Additionally, several members of the Missio student body have contracted COVID-19 and members of our extended community (friends of the seminary) have unfortunately lost their lives to the disease. Out of an abundance of caution we felt this was the best decision. We have given special attention to the infection rate in Philadelphia county that indicates the number of individuals each person with the virus is likely to infect (see here), which continues to fluctuate.
We, of course, want to be back in person with you as soon as it is safely possible! Staff continue to work on a rotating schedule in the office (no more than 10 at a time and telework when possible, per the governor’s orders). When on campus, everyone is being asked to take their temperature when then enter the building, use hand sanitizer/wash their hands regularly, and wear a mask when in the open office spaces. The spaces are being sanitized regularly. As noted in last week’s student email, you may use this link to schedule an appointment to use the library. Please contact individual offices if you need to make an in-person appointment otherwise and make an effort to do business remotely when possible.
Our prayers are with you and your various communities for healing, endurance, wisdom, and, of course, a quick end to this pandemic.
On behalf of the President’s Cabinet,
Julie Cowen, MA
Registrar/Director of Academic Services
