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COVID-19

Coronavirus

Updates & Resources

Gordon-Conwell is monitoring the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak, and we will regularly update our community of changes that may impact our life together and our educational mission.  If you have recently traveled, have upcoming travel plans, or are experiencing any symptoms of the virus, we ask that you please fill out this brief information form.

 

Making plans for the fall?

You can find the Hamilton campus’s comprehensive reopening plan here, developed by our Pandemic Planning Committee.

 

Let us keep public health officials, healthcare providers, and those affected by the virus in our prayers as we seek the Lord for healing, help and guidance.

View DMIN, HMP, KSP UPDATES COVID-19 Livestreams & Blogs

Update from Dr. Sunquist on March 12, 2020

Current Changes on the Hamilton Campus

We have implemented the following below for the health and safety of our community.

 

July 31, 2020

Here is an overview of our campus’ reopening plans for the fall. For more information, please refer to our comprehensive reopening plan document. 

Academics:

    1. In multiple modalities; all classes will be available in online format following Thanksgiving break.
    2. Classes have been scheduled in rooms where the maximum physical distance capacity is accounted for.  Rooms will be regularly disinfected
    3. The Library is open and will be regularly disinfected.

Residential:

    1. Dining services will have no self-service options and limited seating. Masks are to be worn unless one is eating.
    2. For dorm students, alternative space is available for quarantining should one have covid symptoms.

Other:

    1. Chapel will be available on facebook and in person.  No singing will be allowed through the month of September.  A maximum of 85 people can be present in the chapel.
    2. Forums will be both online and with no more than 56 people in Alumni Hall.
    3. We encourage online or phone meetings. If space is reserved for a meeting, the number of attendees must be given to ensure appropriate space is provided.
    4. Guest Housing will open sometime this fall for external guests when it is deemed safe.
    5. Admissions is open for regular visits with masks and physical distancing.  Drop ins are discouraged at this time.
    6. Other spaces such as the mailroom, Give and Take, and Women’s workout room may have alternative hours or safety requirements.  See signage or previous emails for more details.

Travel:

    1. Currently the regulations for travel to MA note that all visitors and returning residents must fill out a “Massachusetts Traveler Form” unless they are coming from a state that has been designated a lower risk for COVID-19 or fall into an exemption category.  If you are coming from a higher risk state, MA instructs that you quarantine for 14 days unless you have a negative COVID-19 test from the 3 days prior to your arrival.

Earlier Updates

May 29, 2020

    1.  We are planning on an in-person start to classes in September. However, we are also preparing to easily move to more restrictive scenarios if needed. We anticipate having another update at the beginning of July.
    2. Staff are able to work on campus starting on June 1. They will be working with their supervisors on specific arrangements.
    3. Per orders of Governor Baker and the Town of Hamilton, please continue to wear a mask in hallways and other public spaces outside of your room and individual office. Please also continue to practice social distancing.
    4. The playground is now open. The mailroom has extended its hours (9am-1pm) for the window to be open. The Give and Take will be open for drop offs only several days in the near future—hours will be posted on Facebook.

April 23, 2020

    1. Summer II and III Classes will be online this year. Because of the uncertainty related to how and when the stay at home orders will be lifted, we believe it will serve students best to have these classes online.  Students are welcome to remain on campus over the summer, and we will continue to follow governmental guidance for safety.  

April 17, 2020

    1. The Hamilton Board of Health approved an order effective at midnight that requires the wearing of face coverings anytime we are outside of our apartments or rooms (that includes any common spaces such as the Mailroom, Great Hall, or Dining hall). The order specifies that the Hamilton Police will enforce this with a warning but at the second offense, a $100 fine will be issued. Here are the CDC’s recommendations for using cloth face coverings.
    2. The Dining hall will be closed this summer from May 12th until Mid-August. Please be sure to use up your points by May 11th.  Dorm students, we recognize this significantly affects you—if you are living in the residence hall over the summer, Gordon-Conwell will be providing a couple of meals a week for you for free!
    3. Please continue in your diligence of maintaining strict social distancing and hygiene.
    4. The announcement about Summer II and III (whether online or in person) will be made next week.

April 3, 2020

    1. Hamilton’s Board of Health has asked that people wear masks (or scarfs and bandanas if you don’t have a mask) when going out.
    2. Hamilton has closed town playgrounds, and we have closed ours as well.

March 19, 2020

    1. Classes will continue to meet online through the end of the semester, and we invite you to join us online for chapel.
    2. Graduation activities have been canceled for May. An alternative plan will be announced soon.
    3. Goddard Library will be closing today at 5 pm. Beginning Friday, March 20 at 5 pm, the library will not be open for students to study or check out books, until further notice. For more information, please see the Detailed Library Information section below.
    4. For people returning from traveling over reading week, we ask that you spend 2 weeks in self-isolation if  you were in a high risk country (see this CDC guidance) or if you were in contact with someone with the virus. If you were in a US city that is heavily impacted by the virus, or if you have traveled by airplane or public transportation, please self-isolate for 1 week. Please note this guidance from the CDC on the difficulty of travel presently and use extra precaution.

March 16, 2020

    1. Per Governor Baker’s directive, the dining hall will only be able to provide take-out beginning tomorrow, Tuesday, March 17th. Here is additional information from the Mass government.
    2. The Give and Take will be closed for the foreseeable future, as will the women’s workout room on the first floor of Kerr.

March 13, 2020

    1. The President has asked that all employees (student, PT and FT) for whom it is not essential that they be physically on campus work from home through April 3rd.  Please check with your supervisor regarding what is necessary for your position, and HR will also be sending more information by email.
    2. Student Life anticipates being open, and the library and dining hall will remain open.

 

March 12, 2020

      • We will hold all Hamilton campus classes online beginning tomorrow, Friday March 13th through Friday, April 3rd.  We anticipate classes resuming as usual on Monday, April 6th; however we will be closely monitoring the situation.

Here are more details relevant to community life:

      • On campus residents may stay in their rooms or apartments.  Should illness occur, please contact the housing director via email and we may be able to help with self-isolation if needed.
      • The dining hall and library will remain open. We will be eliminating self-service food options for the meantime.
      • We anticipate that chapel services will resume after reading week.
      • Staff will generally still be working as usual.

 

 

March 11, 2020

      • All on-campus recruitment events and gatherings have been canceled until further notice.
      • We will not be sending students on OMP trips over the summer.
      • The Encyclopedia of Global Christianity Conference (held at the Hamilton campus) has been postponed until the fall.
      • The Grant Wacker lectures have been cancelled.

Detailed Library Information

Gordon-Conwell is regularly monitoring the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak.  We will update our community regularly on changes that may impact our life together and our educational mission.  We also ask that if you have recently traveled, have upcoming travel plans, or are experiencing any symptoms of the virus, that you please fill out this brief information form: English, Portuguese, Spanish.

Let us keep public health officials, healthcare providers, and those affected by the virus in our prayers as we seek the Lord for healing, help and guidance.

View DMIN, HMP, KSP UPDATES COVID-19 Livestreams & Blogs

Update from Dr. Sunquist on March 12, 2020

Current Changes on the Boston Campus

The following measures have been implemented for the health and safety of our community.

April 29, 2020

In accordance with the State of Massachusetts COVID-19 stay-at-home advisory guidelines, the Boston Campus will re-open on May 18, 2020.  Our phone lines and email are still operative during normal hours (10 am – 6 pm EST). Call the Campus (617-427-7293) or email your inquiries (Registration: [email protected]; Admissions: [email protected]), and our staff will attend to your inquiries.

 

 

April 8, 2020

  • Curfew hours in Boston, Massachusetts: 9pm to 6pm for non-essential workers.
  • Wear masks (or scarfs and bandanas if you don’t have a mask) when going out; however limit your outside activity, if possible.
  • Digital Office Hours: Effective 4/13/2020 : Monday – Thursday: 10am to 6pm; Friday: CLOSED

 

 

March 27, 2020

With new State guidelines in place concerning COVID-19, the physical building of the Boston Campus is now closed until May 4, 2020. Our phone lines and email are still operative during normal hours (10am – 6pm EST) and there is no interruption in instruction. Call the Campus (617-427-7293) or email your inquiries (Registration: [email protected]; Admissions: [email protected]), and our staff will attend to your inquiries.

Other updates:

  • If any member of the CUME community is impacted by COVID-19, please let us know by informing our Registration and Data Assistant, Marie East, at [email protected]
  • Summer Registration officially began March 19th, and the courses are scheduled to start on May 18th. Visit our Registration page for more information.
  • All the courses of the Seminary in the Summer and Fall of 2020 will be taught online. We encourage students to familiarize themselves with necessary digital tools to continue their studies by reviewing tutorials in Canvas. Contact the Digital Education Team at [email protected] with questions.
  • Gordon-Conwell invites you to join us online for chapel on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 11:10AM on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/pg/GordonConwell/live_videos/).

 

 

March 23, 2020
The Boston Campus remains closed, but life of CUME as a learning community continues, as we are able to embrace ‘social distancing ’along with ‘digital connectivity’. Our digital office hours are 10:00 am – 6:00 pm.

Other updates:

Academics:

  • Digital Theological Library continues to be available for faculty and student access through Gordon-Conwell’s Library portal (https://library.gordonconwell.edu/home). For library questions and consultation please click here.
  •  All students will be given an extension to the submission deadlines for written work. New deadlines: May 1 for non-graduates and May 11 for graduates.
  • Seniors will graduate on May 9, but Commencement will be rescheduled. More information to come.
  • Summer courses are still scheduled to start on May 18.

Worship and Prayer:

  • Students are encouraged to join Gordon-Conwell Chapel on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 11:10AM for the rest of Spring Semester on Facebook.

 

 

March 20, 2020

Because of the changing nature of the coronavirus threat and its potential danger to the GCTS community, the Goddard Library (Hamilton Campus) will be closing today, Friday March 20 at 5 pm. Students will not be able to study or check out books until further notice. For more information, please see the Detailed Library Information section below. Library staff will continue to facilitate your academic work and the library will continue to provide remote support to GCTS students and faculty. Boston Campus students should contact [email protected] with research questions or library needs.

Other updates:

  • Classes will continue to meet online and through other alternative modes of learning until it is safe to return to campus. Please check your GCTS email for updates.
  • Commencement activities will not be held this May at any campus. An alternative plan will soon be announced.

 

 

March 17, 2020

The Boston Campus has closed the building until it is safe to return to campus. We hope to reopen its doors on Monday, April 6, 2020. Until then, no classes will be held in the building. We are closely monitoring the situation. Please check your GCTS email for all updates.

Here are some additional updates regarding how the Boston Campus will function over the next few weeks:

  • Over the course of Reading Week,  (March 16th to 20th, 2020);  faculty will work on redesigning the remainder of their respective courses so that students will be able to complete their learning by the end of the term. As person-to-person instruction will no longer be possible during this time, faculty will explore alternative modes of learning and directly communicate to the students about the adjustments needed. Live-streaming may be the way for some courses, while for others it could be assigning independent study projects. Each faculty will think through the possible options and inform the students.
  • Due to the current COVID-Virus 19 pandemic, the Bruce Jackson Memorial Library at the Boston campus will be closed. (Note: If the building is closed, then the library is closed).   Students can still access online library resources (see Detailed Library Information). If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to email [email protected]

Please continue to take necessary precautions for the safety of yourself and your family.
We will continue to update you as the situation progresses.

 

 

March 12, 2020

Physical access to the Bruce Jackson Memorial Library at the Boston campus may be severely limited. If the building is closed, then the library is closed. For more information on accessing library services during this time, please see the Detailed Library Information below.

 

 

March 11, 2020

With the rising level of concerns around coronavirus, Gordon-Conwell—Boston is making major effort toward building capacity to learn online and work from home so that our learning can stay uninterrupted in this changing environment.

Please be aware of these timelines:

  • March 12:  On this day campus doors will open at 2 PM for regular services and classes; you may continue to contact staff and faculty via email through the day.
  • March 16-21: Some of our current classes will be designated to test the online-learning experience over the Reading Week (March 16-21); please stay current with your GCTS email for updates.
  • March 23: We ask all students and faculty acquire skills to use Canvas and Zoom well by March 23.

Detailed Library Information

  • The Bruce Jackson Memorial library (Boston Campus) is closed until further notice. The Goddard Library (Hamilton Campus) closes on Friday, March 20 at 5pm.  Students will not be able to study or check out books. Students will be allowed to study in Pierce Great Hall and Alumni Hall while practicing social distance. Check the Gordon-Conwell Library System website https://library.gordonconwell.edu/home regularly for updates regarding services and hours of operation.
  • The library’s home page including access to OPAC (On-line Public Access Catalog) is available at https://library.gordonconwell.edu/home
  • Thousands of eBooks and millions of journal articles are available through the Digital Theological Library (http://digitaltheologicallibrary.org) and the seminary’s other online resources (http://library.gordonconwell.edu/online).
  • Interlibrary loan requests can still be fulfilled if items are available electronically (request items in the library catalog as normal http://library.gordonconwell.edu/interlibraryloan).
  • Request electronic scans of reference materials to be delivered via email (http://library.gordonconwell.edu/requests).
  • Access to your library account (renewing of books) is available through the library’s website under the Account tab. Supply your user name and password and the system will pull a list of your checked-out materials. Renew the items and make sure that you sign out of the system.
  • If you have a reference questions while the library is closed, please send your question to [email protected] (Monday Noon-5 PM) or [email protected]. The Library Director will be monitoring this e-mail address during normal regular library hours (Tuesday-Thursday: 2-9 PM and Saturday (9 AM-4 PM).
  • No proctoring of exams will be possible.

Gordon-Conwell is regularly monitoring the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak.  We will update our community regularly on changes that may impact our life together and our educational mission.  We also ask that if you have recently traveled, have upcoming travel plans, or are experiencing any symptoms of the virus, that you please fill out this brief information form.

Let us keep public health officials, healthcare providers, and those affected by the virus in our prayers as we seek the Lord for healing, help and guidance.

View DMIN, HMP, KSP UPDATES COVID-19 Livestreams & Blogs

Update from Dr. Sunquist on March 12, 2020

Current Changes on the Charlotte Campus

June 23, 2020
The Harold Lindsell library on the Gordon-Conwell—Charlotte campus will reopen for limited hours beginning this Wednesday, June 24 at 10:00 am. During the summer, we plan to have the library open four days each week, Wednesday through Saturday between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm.

Please note the following rules:

    • Face-masks will be required for entering the campus and the library. Disposable masks will be available for those without one.
    • Social distancing, remaining at least six feet apart from others will be required.
    • Minimal library staff will be on duty (no more than two staff at any one time).
    • Upstairs access will be restricted to no more than three people at any one time.
    • The library will be limited to no more than 20 percent of capacity at any one time.
    • Very limited seating space will be available.
    • Computer access will be limited as well.
    • Hand sanitizer will be available, and the library will be cleaned after closing each day.
    • If you need staff support, we ask that you email the staff member on duty to request help.

The staff wishes that we did not have to place these limitations on library use at this time. However, we are concerned for your safety and our safety. Pray with us that the Lord will give wisdom to all of those working on treatments and vaccines.

May 5, 2020
While the campus remains closed due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the campus bookstore will be closed as well. As a result, products like summer course textbooks and diploma frames will not be available for sale. We look forward to reopening the store as soon as it is safe to do so.

March 23, 2020
Dr. Sunquist and the leadership of the seminary have made the difficult decision that we will not be holding commencement this May on any of the campuses. They are considering ways to honor and celebrate the accomplishments of the students. This includes the option for celebrations on the campuses at a later date. Degrees will still be conferred in May for those graduating.

All spring residencies will all meet digitally. Students should check Canvas for instruction and updates from their professors.

March 18, 2020
The Harold Lindsell Library will close at 5:00 pm today, March 18, 2020 until further notice. Please reach out to [email protected] if you have research questions or library needs.

March 16, 2020

New library hours in Charlotte: Effective, immediately, library hours for in-person use of the library will be reduced to the following:

Monday-Friday: noon – 5 PM
Saturday (including tomorrow): closed

The library staff will be working their regular hours and will be able to assist you electronically ([email protected]) or by phone (704-527-9909, ext. 5820).

March 12, 2020

    • Alumni Forum in Charlotte scheduled for April 23 has been postponed.
    • GCTS (Hamilton) is cancelling (overseas) OMP over the summer. This is a Hamilton based course that may affect some of our students.

Gordon-Conwell is regularly monitoring the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak.  We will update our community regularly on changes that may impact our life together and our educational mission.  We also ask that if you have recently traveled, have upcoming travel plans, or are experiencing any symptoms of the virus, that you please fill out this brief information form.

Let us keep public health officials, healthcare providers, and those affected by the virus in our prayers as we seek the Lord for healing, help and guidance.

View DMIN, HMP, KSP UPDATES COVID-19 Livestreams & Blogs

Update from Dr. Sunquist on March 12, 2020

CURRENT CHANGES ON THE JACKSONVILLE CAMPUS

We have implemented the following below for the health and safety of our community.

March 24, 2020

  • Dr. Sunquist and the leadership of the seminary have made the difficult decision that we will not be holding commencement this May at any campus. They are considering ways to honor and celebrate the accomplishments of the students. This includes the opportunity for celebrations at the campuses at a later date.  Degrees will still be conferred in May for those graduating.
  • The libraries across all the campuses are closed, so Interlibrary Loans (ILL) are no longer available. However, requests for scans and other materials are still available if you cannot find the information in the DTL (Digital Theological Library).
  • As a reminder, please continue to check for updates to your courses individually in Canvas as things progress.

March 12, 2020

  • We will hold all Jacksonville campus classes online beginning tomorrow, Friday March 13th through the end of the month.  We anticipate classes resuming as usual on Friday, April 3rd; however we will be closely monitoring the situation.

 

Here are more details relevant to community life:

  • The Open Lecture “Holy Cow: Idolatry and the Human Heart” scheduled for March 27th is postponed until further notice.
  • The ISBCE Symposium scheduled for March 21st is cancelled.
  • The Jacksonville Campus Library will remain open for student access.

Further updates will be posted as they become available.

Health Precautions

We continue to exhort each member of the community to do their part in caring for the whole community.  Helpful ways to do that include:

  • Washing your hands with soap and water often (use hand sanitizer if not possible).
  • Covering coughs and sneezes.
  • Wearing a face mask if you are sick.
  • Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched services daily.
  • Calling your doctor if you begin to experience symptoms. Please self-isolate at home if you are ill—this applies to staff, faculty and students.
  • Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.

 

Travel Precautions

  • Students, faculty and staff: If you have recently traveled, have upcoming travel plans, or are experiencing any symptoms of the virus, please fill out this brief information form. Your responses will be confidential and shared only with the pandemic influenza planning committee.
  • Please also follow the CDC’s guidelines.

Other Resources

We encourage you to regularly seek updates from the CDC, World Health Organization, as well as your state’s department of health: Mass Gov; North Carolina DHHS; and Florida Dept. of Health.

The CDC has a helpful resource on how to keep spaces safe

CARES Act Reporting

The following information is for the Department of Education as a stipulation of our grant agreements and was updated on July 10, 2020.

  1. Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary acknowledges the execution of our Certification and Agreement of the Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act on April 22, 2020. We acknowledge and accept all items within the agreement including the distribution of 50% of the funds received under 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.
  2. Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary received a total of $133,883 to support Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.
  3. As of July 10, 2020, 19 grants have been provided. Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary’s application launched May 29, 2020.
  4. The total estimated number of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary students who are eligible to participate in the program under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, and thus eligible to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act, is 265.
  5. The total number of students who have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act, 19.
  6. Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary has developed an online application process. The applications will be reviewed and managed by a team consisting of department members from Financial Aid, Student Accounts and Student Life. Applications will be reviewed on a weekly basis and students will be notified via email when an award is made. Students may apply for up to $2,000. Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary also identified a high risk category of students and have awarded funds to these students based on eligibility. Students may receive funds from the application process and as part of the high risk category. The awards will be processed through the Student Accounts office and transferred to the student via EFT.
  7. Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary will utilize a multi-channel approach in communicating to students about this opportunity. Students will be sent an email concerning the availability of funds and the application process. Also, a link to the application will be provided on Gordon-Conwell’s Coronavirus Updates and Resources web page.

A Christian Response to Pandemics

Read the Blog Post by President Sunquist