Author: Diane Brunsting

Dear Trinity Community,

I pray that you are safe and well as we “on campus” (so to speak) wrap up a most unusual school year and move into a summer that likely promises a “new normal” for us all.  We continue to lean on the grace and peace of God and stand firm in the words of Romans 12:12 to be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

It has been a few weeks since I have communicated directly with you, the broader Trinity Christian College community.  Know that we think of you often and appreciate you greatly.  As we conclude one school year, permit me a few paragraphs to bring you up to date with what Trinity is planning for the next academic year.  In short:

Trinity is planning and expecting to welcome, in -person, our students to campus this fall and we will do so in a way that incorporates public health measures endorsed by governmental authorities and medical experts.

While we are very zealous to be back on campus and are working to make that happen, please understand that nothing is more important than the safety of those on our campus – consistently rated as one of the safest college campuses in Illinois.  As the facts change, Trinity will adapt, too.

Late last week, Governor J.B. Pritzker released his Restore Illinois plan for re-opening this state.  It provides useful guidance that will help inform our campus planning and preparation.  Similarly, over the last weeks, I have participated in multiple conferences with the leaders of other institutions and organizations, ranging from higher education consortia in Washington and Springfield to athletic associations and conferences.  All of these meetings are focused on safely getting college campuses back to delivering in-person, on-campus education.

After weeks of distance and quarantine, it is heartening to be attending to the efforts to get Trinity, and the broader marketplace, back and operating more normally.

As we eagerly anticipate the return in late August of our students, faculty, and staff we are seeing wonderful signs that this community, too, is eager to return to campus and eager to move Trinity forward in mission.

• Our summer enrollment is up by nearly 33% over last year.
• Our incoming freshmen class has trended more than 20% above last year nearly all year and we filled, in less than 48 hours, all available summer course offerings for incoming new students.
• We have very strong retention and registration numbers for our returning students and our returning student housing has strong demand.
• Our annual fund philanthropy is running at a record pace.
• We have started the refreshing of the Bootsma Bookstore Café and renovation and expansion of Trinity’s Department of Nursing.

At the same time, we know that COVID-19 will be a part of a new normal for the foreseeable future.  In recognition of this reality, Trinity intends to deploy her advantages in this effort.

For example, we are reactivating our COVID-19 Planning Group – a cross-disciplinary group at Trinity that reviews our campus preparedness from every angle from public health and hygiene, to campus operations, to student support.  Similarly, we also are fortunate to be able to draw upon our experts within Trinity’s top-rated Illinois nursing program – the very profession that has been on the front lines of fighting this pandemic.  Finally, we are leveraging Trinity’s smaller size and close-knit community of care and concern, which creates smaller classes instead of lecture halls with hundreds of students, more intimate gatherings for meals, and residence halls built at a human scale that are more amenable to social distancing.

This will be a moment where Trinity can demonstrate broadly how a decidedly Christian, in-person, residential campus community can live and learn together – and do so safely.

While we plan carefully for the fall, we realize that some students or faculty will have individual medical or health considerations that make in-person, on-campus attendance problematic.  For those persons, we will offer high-quality alternate arrangements that still will permit those students to learn from Trinity’s stellar faculty and enjoy Trinity’s genuine community.  Trinity’s size and entrepreneurial ethos provide our students with curated, customizable experiences that make achievement possible, even in a COVID-19 world.

Our faculty and staff are already preparing for multiple instructional scenarios on campus that will allow us to follow appropriate health protocols while enjoying Trinity’s strong faculty, staff, and student relationships.  In this, we are building upon the benefits of our Student Success Coaching program  – a program we designed and implemented this Spring to provide every Trinity student a coach who provided support and human interaction during this virtual semester.  Trinity offers this kind of personalized support that many other institutions cannot, or will not, offer.

I will provide you with additional details on our planning as the summer months progress and as we get closer to August.  You, however, can be certain of this:  We are committed to implementing the best ways to keep our community healthy and to deliver an excellent, personalized, and intentionally Christian education.

Thank you for your continued partnership with us in these efforts.  These are truly unprecedented times for our beloved College and for the cause of Christian higher education.  We are grateful for your participation with us in this noble undertaking and invite you to continue to do so with us.  The World Needs Trinity and the World Needs You, too.

Romans 12:12,

Kurt D. Dykstra, President

Dear Trinity Parents and Families:

Greetings from a rainy Trinity Christian College campus!

As you likely know from conversations with your Trinity student, we are in the middle of final exam week here “on campus.”  It surely can be a stressful time – but I also trust that it is a time when our students confidently demonstrate how the semester’s hard work has paid off.  It is a wonderful thing to see our students learn, grow, and develop into wise and mature people who have a God-given direction in their lives.  This, after all, is why Trinity exists!

During a more normal time, this also is the week where the Trinity campus community has those celebratory last gatherings before the traditional academic year ends – culminating parties and socials, awards ceremonies, final chapel and Outcry services, and the like.  And, of course, this week usually ends with one of the best days on campus:  commencement and all of the emotions that surround it.

Well, this end of the year looks and feels so different.  That is a huge disappointment to our students and to you, their families.  It is a huge disappointment to all Trinity faculty and staff, too.  This year is not normal for any of us!

In the midst of all the upheaval, we have tried to create intentional “moments” to recognize the relationships and achievements that have occurred among the campus community this year.  Many of these items have been featured on Trinity’s social media accounts and I hope that you have had the opportunity to check them out.

Over the last number of days, we have provided more details to our students about a rescheduled commencement date and a “marking of the moment” virtual ceremony to end this semester.  Permit me to share some of those details with you, too, in the chance that your student did not pass this information along.  (And, as the parent of two students, I speak on good authority that not everything shared with students makes its way to parents!)

Spring 2020 Commencement Rescheduled to December 19 at 2 p.m.

As we announced earlier, the official Saturday, May 2 commencement ceremony regrettably has been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting public health measures.

That ceremony now will occur on Saturday, December 19, 2020 at 2 p.m.  While this is the same day as the Winter 2020 Commencement ceremony (which occurs at 10 a.m.), the Spring 2020 Commencement ceremony will be a separate and distinct ceremony at 2 p.m. for our Spring 2020 graduates.  We hope that the Class of 2020 will return to campus for their ceremony – and that life will have returned to “normal” long before then!

May 2 Virtual Degree Conferral Ceremony.

Though the commencement ceremony will occur in December, as a College, we strongly want to mark this important moment for our graduates on May 2, as well.  I know that you do, too.

We recently announced to our graduates that Trinity will offer a short, virtual “conferral of degrees ceremony” on May 2 at 10 a.m. (Central) – i.e., at the time and date that, under normal circumstances, the commencement ceremony would have occurred.  This is not meant to be a full or replacement commencement ceremony!  However, we as a college community want to mark this significant moment of achievement for our graduates and, frankly, celebrate with them and their families even if at a distance.

To this end, we have sent to each graduate a package containing their cap and gown (with honor cords, if applicable), alumni medallion, and diploma cover.  (I’ll let you in on a poorly-kept secret:  the actual diploma document always arrives sometime after the commencement ceremony.)  It is our sincere hope that our graduates will receive these items as a symbol of their significant accomplishments and experiences during these important years of their lives at Trinity.  Those packages were sent over the weekend; we have heard that they have started to arrive.  Today, I have seen a few social media posts documenting our graduates opening their Trinity packages.  That is heart-warming to see for us “on campus;” I trust that you have appreciated the experience, too.

At 10 a.m. (Central) on Saturday, May 2, we will “broadcast” a short degree conferral ceremony.  This virtual ceremony will be “live” at 10 a.m. CDT and also playable on-demand immediately afterwards for those who are either unable to view it at that time or would prefer to do so at a later, more convenient, time.  Links to do so are available at Trinity’s website and its YouTube channel, and will be promoted on Trinity’s various social media accounts as well.

Especially at this time, a time like none other, the world needs Trinity Christian College graduates!  It needs their wisdom, their faithfulness, their gifts, their skill.  We are all a Romans 12:12 people – wherever we are in the world and whatever we are called to do for God, for Good, and for the World.

Yours most sincerely,

Kurt D. Dykstra, President

PS:  Remember to keep checking www.trnty.edu/covid19 for information related to Trinity’s response to the pandemic.

Greetings from a rainy Trinity Christian College campus!

Students, I hope that your projects and exams are going well and that you can see a good conclusion for all of your significant efforts during this history-making semester.

I write to remind and update you regarding the upcoming graduation events for our seniors and graduating students – and to invite your participation in these important moments!

Spring 2020 Commencement Rescheduled to December 19 at 2 p.m.

As we announced earlier, the official Saturday, May 2 commencement ceremony regrettably has been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting public health measures.

That ceremony now will occur on Saturday, December 19, 2020 at 2 p.m.  While this is the same day as the Winter 2020 Commencement ceremony (which occurs at 10 a.m.), the Spring 2020 Commencement ceremony will be a separate and distinct ceremony at 2 p.m. for our Spring 2020 graduates.  We hope that the Class of 2020 will return to campus for their ceremony – and that life will have returned to “normal” long before then!

May 2 Virtual Degree Conferral Ceremony.

Though the commencement ceremony will occur in December, as a College, we strongly want to mark this important moment for our graduates on May 2, as well.

We recently announced to our graduates that Trinity will offer a short, virtual “conferral of degrees ceremony” on May 2 at 10 a.m. (Central) – i.e., at the time and date that, under normal circumstances, the commencement ceremony would have occurred.  This is not meant to be a full or replacement commencement ceremony!  However, we as a college community want to mark this significant moment of achievement for our graduates and, frankly, celebrate with them and their families even if at a distance.

To this end, we have sent to each graduate a package containing their cap and gown (with honor cords, if applicable), alumni medallion, and diploma cover.  (I’ll let you in on a poorly-kept secret:  the actual diploma document always arrives sometime after the commencement ceremony.)  It is our sincere hope that our graduates will receive these items as a symbol of their significant accomplishments and experiences during these important years of their lives at Trinity.  Those packages were sent over the weekend; we have heard that they have started to arrive.

At 10 a.m. (Central) on Saturday, May 2, we will “broadcast” a short degree conferral ceremony.  This virtual ceremony will be “live” at 10 a.m. and also playable on-demand immediately afterwards for those who are either unable to view it at that time or would prefer to do so at a later, more convenient, time for them.  Know that the entire Trinity community is invited to participate in this moment-marking experience.  Links to do so will be available at Trinity’s website, its YouTube channel, as well as various Trinity social media accounts.  You also are encouraged to spread the word about this May 2 virtual ceremony and share the links noted above.

• • • • •

Please finish the final few days of this semester well and with purpose.  Please also join your college community in congratulating and celebrating the remarkable achievements of our seniors and of all our graduating students!

Especially at this time, a time like none other, the world needs you, Trinity community!  It needs your wisdom, your faithfulness, your gifts, your skill.  We are all a Romans 12:12 people – wherever we are in the world and whatever we are called to do for God, for Good, and for the World.

Yours most sincerely,

Kurt D. Dykstra, President

Dear Students,

As previously mentioned by President Dykstra, the College will soon issue credits for the spring 2020 semester room and board charges due to the closing of on-campus housing in response to COVID-19. Such credits will be prorated at 44% of the spring semester’s charges, which is based on a residence hall closing date of March 14. Because each student’s financial aid package is unique, your particular credit adjustment will be based on your unique set of circumstances and Trinity scholarships received this semester.

Your credit adjustment will first be applied to any remaining financial obligation for the current semester. If this semester is paid in full, the credit will be applied to any future charges for summer and/or fall 2020. The College will issue refunds to graduating seniors who have credit balances remaining on their accounts after the end of this semester.

You will receive an electronic account statement next week via your student portal. Please review your statement carefully and email any questions to student.accounts@trnty.edu.

We pray for your safety and good health, trusting in God’s faithfulness and providence.

Trinity Christian College Financial Services

Dear Colleagues:

We really are headed toward the home stretch of the semester – and what a semester it has been!  On Saturday, I saw a local church’s sign emblazoned with “This Moment is Temporary.”  Such a sentiment always is true (moments are, by definition, transient – though perhaps our philosophers have a different take on that) but especially is true right now.  I suspect that, on this sunny April Monday, there are many reading this email who appreciate the reminder that this moment is temporary.  Because, after all, we rejoice in hope, are patient in suffering, and persevere in prayer.

I write on this day to provide that encouragement and also to provide some updates.

Below is a message that our students received late last week.  Though it has more direct applicability to students, you might want to take a look at it as well.  At the same time, let me discuss other items for you at this time, noting all the usual caveats:  this is a changing situation week by week (sometimes, day by day or hour by hour).  Your patience for and grace towards one another is commendable and appreciated – and will continue to be in great demand over the coming months.  Please continue to check www.trnty.edu/covid19 for the most up to date collection of information about Trinity’s responses and decisions throughout this pandemic.

Planning for Summer Events – Virtual, Virtual, Virtual!
At this point, it probably is of no surprise that we have made the decision to dramatically scale back – or, more accurately, “pretty much halt” – our summer events on campus, especially in May and June.  You will recall that we previously announced that all summer courses would be offered via on-line instruction.

External concerts and external rentals have also been canceled or postponed.  For some events, especially Admissions-related (see “B” below), we are still holding out some hope that in July it might be possible to have limited on-campus experiences.  However, at this point, please assume that any event scheduled to occur this summer (and certainly in May or June) will happen, if at all, virtually.

Recruiting and Retention Update.
This time of the year is typically the “crunch” season for Fall enrollment.  That remains the case, even in this peculiar time.  Trinity has joined the vast majority of colleges in pushing the normal May 1 deposit deadline to June 1.  We also have moved everything – including visits – to a virtual format.  A newly redesigned visit page is in the works (and should go live in the next 48 hours) that will have more virtual tours of campus and other features tailored to the times.  Your continued assistance in the recruiting process is vital – even more so than when we were in a “normal” environment!

Admitted Student Day and Blueprints have been combined and modified for virtual participation.  More details will be forthcoming, but Admissions/Financial Aid and Student Life have re-imagined Blueprints to be spread over three separate days – Blueprints 101 on May 30; Blueprints 102 on June 20; and Blueprints 103 on July 25.  We do have some hope that BP103 in July might be in person – but (a) time will tell and (b) it is also being designed for a virtual delivery.  The work that these departments, and others, have put into this planning is significant and I am grateful for the work that has been done – and the events that they have designed.  Thank you.

This work is very important!  All year, we have heard tales of significant year-over-year drop-off from many other institutions, which has only accelerated in the last six weeks.  However, Trinity’s first time freshmen deposit numbers are up nearly 25% compared to this time a year ago.  Other categories of new student enrollment are up, too, and not insignificantly, especially in our Adult Undergraduate and Graduate divisions.  April is not August, of course, so there is no time to rest on those laurels – as positive as they are!  Our admissions and financial aid team, assisted across campus, have done magnificent work in a very challenged environment.  Thank you.

We also are very closely monitoring our summer enrollments and fall returning student registrations.  For summer, we have seen a nearly 20% increase in registrations compared to Summer 2019.  And, of the students who are eligible to return in the fall (e.g., excluding May graduating students), only a little more than 10% of that population have not yet registered for classes in the fall.  That percentage is generally in line with “normal” years and, if anything, is slightly better than usual at this particular point in the calendar.  These results are a tribute to so many people, from faculty who teach so well, so the Registrar’s Office, to our Student Support Coaches, to our Retention Committee, to other persons and groups who make a Trinity educational experience so “sticky” (to use a Malcolm Gladwell reference).  Thank you.

CARES Act Information.
I am very pleased to report that Trinity’s application for the Paycheck Protection Program through the Small Business Administration has been accepted and funded.  We have received over $3 million through this program to fund salaries, utilities, and other permitted expenses under the terms of that stimulus program.  While this is a significant infusion of cash, it is for very particular purposes under the Act and it will quickly be spent over the next few months supporting, among other things, our continued employment.  The PPP link above will send you to more information about the program, but I want to be clear that these funds, while significant, are for very near-term sustaining uses.

Our Human Resources Office, as well as Vice President Jim Belstra, masterfully shepherded us through this very hasty and uncertain PPP process.  Thank you.  (Also, please note that CNB Bank & Trust, through its branch in Palos Heights headed by Palos Heights Mayor, Bob Straz, is our “lender” in this program.  CNB was exceptionally helpful and prompt in our dealings with it, so if you have occasion to express your appreciation to it in any way, please do so.)

Very soon, we hope, we will be receiving the first tranche of the CARES Act funding for higher education.  These dollars are required to be used for student support due to the COVID-19 challenge.  We learned late last week that the U.S. Department of Education will be issuing more guidance on this program sometime this week.

Obviously, with any hurried program, and especially one enacted by an entity the size and complexity of the federal government, there is resulting confusion and ambiguity.  Know that we are moving as expeditiously as possible – while at the same time making sure that we are following the latest dictates of the governmental departments administering these funds.

What does the future hold?
Over the last two months, we have covered much ground.  At first, we took quick and dramatic actions related to the semester, campus operations, and instructional delivery.  Over these last few weeks, some semblance of a “new normal” has settled in, providing opportunity to catch our breath a little, work on our on-going tasks and projects, and also envision various scenarios for the future.  In running terms, the initial sprint is over and now we are setting the pace for the longer race.

In this, it is necessary to plan for the future, and especially the fall, even though there remains great uncertainty.  Trinity is not alone in needing to do this hard work  – and neither is the higher education sector.

Throughout the state, country, and world, people in all sorts of positions – from the small business owner to the highest leaders in the land – are grappling with how and when to “re-open” in the hopes of moving toward a pre-COVID economic and societal environment.  At its core, and especially among those in governmental policy-making positions, this is a balancing of both public health and economic considerations.  Both are valid considerations, neither is independent from the other, and people of goodwill are struggling with how to best balance them to achieve optimal overall results.  At least in my estimation, every option carries with it significant liabilities – liabilities which are “clear” only with the benefit of hindsight.

This surely is a time to pray for our governmental leaders and those “in high positions” as Paul wrote in 1 Timothy 2!  The choices are not easy and the options appear in varied shades of grey.  Who among us two months ago could have imagined what the last six weeks have brought – or wrought?  Things impossible morphed into things expected in the blink of an eye.

Here at Trinity, all are planning on the fall beginning “normally” with in-person classes and residence halls teeming with students – and at the same time, also planning for alternatives in the event that the College cannot return to usual operations in August.  You may have seen stories last week from Boston University (and then others) about planning for alternate scenarios in the fall if governments restrict normal operations, if economic duress limits families’ options, or if students opt for different opportunities.  Know that these are the sorts of discussions and planning exercises that are happening at Trinity for precisely the same reasons.

If Trinity experiences significant disruptions to housing, new student enrollment, and/or retention of existing students due directly or indirectly to COVID-19, it will have serious ramifications for the College.  I do not wish to cause undue alarm; however, neither can I, in good conscience, leave the impression that Trinity can easily weather a disrupted fall caused by global uncertainty.  This is why our admissions, retention, and advancement work is so vital.

If anything, the pandemic has reminded us of two related truths.  First, there is much in life that we cannot control.  Frankly, this is now vividly apparent in much more of our lives than we would have admitted even a couple short months ago.  Second, we serve a God who loves us immeasurably, knows us intimately, cares for us comprehensively, and is so much more powerful than any epidemiological pandemic or economic retrenchment could ever be.  We are not people who live without hope!

We continue traveling this new ground, an adventure none of us asked for and none of us predicted would occur.  Yet, here we are – and from here we will go.  Extending abundant grace to one another and providing genuine care for one another is a reflection of our character, Trinity’s essential nature, and the love that has been granted to us through Jesus Christ.

Romans 12:12.

Kurt D. Dykstra, President

Dear Beloved Trinity Students!

As I look out of my window this morning, ending week five of quarantine, gazing upon the snowy ground (beautiful – but, come on, it is April!) I could not help but think of that line from C.S. Lewis’ The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe:  “Always winter, but never Christmas.”

Maybe you, too, are feeling the strain of these weeks which add to the pressure of the end of the semester.  Let me offer to you an encouragement that is so much more powerful than even words from Lewis’ pen:  “Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer.”  (You knew that it was coming, right?)  Yes, these are tough times; no one will disagree with that.  At the same time, we are children of a “tougher” God – one who literally has been bruised and bloodied to defeat death because he loves you and me and this unbelievably amazing world all around us.

I surely will survive this snow – and, in the shadow of the resurrection, even enjoy its beauty as it blankets this amazing corner of God’s good creation here in Palos Heights.  (There will be no Bing Crosby on my Spotify playlist today, however; I draw the line somewhere!)

I write also to give you a short update from your campus home.  (Remember that there is a lot of information, too, at trnty.edu/covid19, including all of the update emails, health information, and a regularly-updated FAQ page.)

A Reminder:  Summer Classes 2020 are Entirely Online & Registration is Open
As I mentioned to you in my email of April 6, summer courses will be entirely on-line in 2020.  Summer courses are an economical way to focus on a few courses – whether for Foundations requirements, major/minor fulfillment, or simply to learn new things.  There are summer offerings for traditional undergraduates, adult undergraduates, and graduate students.

We have had record numbers of students enroll for summer courses – but there surely still is room for you!  Your friends from other institutions are generally also eligible to enroll in Trinity summer courses.  Information about summer courses, including pricing and schedules, can be found on the Registrar’s page.

Also, remember that a limited, modified version of Student Success Coaches will be offered during the summer sessions.  This extra bit of human contact in these “distant” and uncertain times is one way that we are here to support you!

And do not forget about Semester in Spain and Chicago Semester.  Both Chicago Semester and Semester in Spain are actively working to offer remote summer options.  Plans and details will be forthcoming, so watch your email (or reach out directly to those programs with your questions).

An “Updated Update” on Credit Adjustments Related to Room and Board.
For every student who this semester lived in Trinity housing and/or had a Trinity meal plan, we are finalizing our review of every particular situation to make the proper credit .  Additionally, we are evaluating new guidance that was released over the last week by the U.S. Department of Education on related topics.

We are very close to concluding this work so that we can issue credits to students, taking into account the varied financial aid packages that were tailored to fit every individual student’s situation.  We hope to issue these credits next week, prior to the final examination week.  Thank you for your continued patience; we know that this is important to you and to your families.

Stay Connected!
Did you know that Chapel and Outcry are happening like usual?  (Well, okay, at the usual times at least:  Chapel on Wednesday and Friday at 10 a.m. and Outcry on Thursday evening at 10 p.m.)  These are wonderful ways to stay connected with one another and nourish your spirit.  Chapel is “IG Live” on Trinity’s Instagram account and Outcry is “IG Live” on the Outcry Instagram account.  There are other community gathering occurring, too (for example Wellness webinars at 4:30 p.m. every Wednesday sponsored by Trinity’s Counseling Center).

Like our virtual OPUS celebration that happened on Tuesday, other end of the year events that mark the moments of achievement during this academic year will also move to a virtual format.  Keep checking Trinity’s Instagram and Twitter accounts – not to mention your email – for information about those events.

In Conclusion…
As you have heard now many, many times:  stay safe, stay healthy, and stay faithful!  We are a Romans 12:12 kind of people!  Your diligence in your studies, your intentional ways of staying connected, your love for God and for one another all bring joy, even if is it joy shared at a distance.  Keep it up and finish strong!

Kurt D. Dykstra, President

Dear Colleagues:

As we begin this Holy Week, I bring you greetings, well-wishes, encouragement, and … updates!

I hope and trust that our “new abnormal” is settling in for you – and helping us all cherish even more deeply the human connections that we normally share with one another.

Below is an email that, minutes ago, I sent to our students.  I encourage you to read it, too, as at least some of the information applies to us all.

Let me also offer a few additional “update items” that are relevant particularly to faculty and staff.  As always, in addition to keeping tabs on your email, our COVID-19 page (trnty.edu/covid19) remains the repository of all things coronavirus related.  It regularly is updated – and, I trust, always helpful to you.

The Vacation Calendar Remains Unchanged.
As you will see below in Section “I” of the email to our students, the academic calendar remains unchanged; so, too, is the overall work and vacation calendar.  That is particularly relevant to our schedule for this week, Holy Week.

Our “Work at Home” Situation is now extended Through the Month of April.
Last week, the Governor extended the “shelter in place” order through April 30, 2020.  That means, of course, that Trinity will do so, too.  If you have questions about this policy, please review my earlier message on this topic when the “shelter in place” order was first announced.

Also, a reminder:  If you do need to come to campus to retrieve materials, etc. you must first contact Campus Safety and co-ordinate your visit location and time with that department.  Campus Safety is responsible for ensuring that our buildings are secure.  Additionally, Campus Safety also has primary responsibility at this time for wiping down and sanitizing areas accessed by faculty and staff.  This, of course, is an important and vital task.  Our Campus Safety officers have done a marvelous job of patrolling the campus and now, in a very real way, serve as our front-line COVID-19 staff.  They often serve behind the scenes and always do so with distinction.  Thank you, Campus Safety!

Your Health and Welfare Matter!
For three weeks we have been fully into “COVID-World!”  Sometimes it seems as though it has been longer than that and other times, shorter.  As we move beyond the initial sprint of moving students out, transitioning to on-line learning, and working from home, let me encourage you to care for yourselves!  Do not hesitate to utilize your PTO during these “at home” weeks, even if that simply means taking a day of long hikes or bike rides, completing some serious spring cleaning, curling up with a pile of books and a pot of good coffee, or even enjoying an epic Netflix session.  Care for your spiritual, physical, and mental health – and, if this is your situation, cherish the time with your family.  (Leah and I have noted to one another that having our whole family together again has been an unexpected gift in all of this.)  If you have depleted your PTO and need a day to rejuvenate, please talk with your supervisor.  Trinity, the institution, cares for Trinity, the community.

Hiring Plans and CARES Act
These surely are unprecedented times, as even a cursory scan of the news reveals.  (I, too, am tired of the word “unprecedented” – but I use that word here because, well, it truly is the most apt descriptor!)  Trinity needs to be prudent in this uncertain season.

With the approval of the Board of Trustees, we have implemented a hiring freeze for all open positions.  Any exception to that freeze requires my written approval.  If you have particular questions about the status of a now-frozen open position, please speak with your divisional vice president and me.  As we get more clarity on the length and depth of the coronavirus’ effect on the economy and our industry, we will review this freeze policy accordingly.

Please also remember that we have put into place various other measures to better weather this storm.

Additionally, many of you have heard about the Paycheck Protection Program of the CARES Act (the stimulus package signed into law by the President on March 27).  Trinity’s Administration and the Board of Trustees have been following all of the regulatory scrambling on the eligibility requirements, program parameters, and application procedures for the PPP.  (If you are interested in learning more, both NAICU and our auditors, BKD, have good collections of helpful information.)  As more details are known and there is news to announce, I will provide an update on that program, our ability to participate in it, and what it all means for us.

Thank you for all that you are doing to serve our students, one another, and Trinity’s mission in this very challenging time.  This is not easy – but your efforts are making a difference.

Might I make a strong suggestion that you take time to participate in our virtual chapels on Wednesdays and Fridays?  (Details in Section III of the email below to our students.)  It is good to worship, to gather, and to take a break from our “sheltering in place” routines.  One of the things that I have appreciated about these chapels is that, similar to our in-person gatherings, Erin Pacheco encourages us to take time to enjoy coffee and fellowship together after the service is concluded.  We have wonderful tools to do this, even electronically and at a physical distance.  Let us commit to nurturing the community that has been a Trinity hallmark for generations.

In prayer for all of you.  Romans 12:12.

Kurt D. Dykstra, President

Dear Beloved Trinity Students!

I find it hard to believe that we have been apart now for nearly a month.  So much has happened in that time – but every day seems to move slowly without the great rhythm of your presence here on campus.

I have heard from many of you both that you are doing okay and that you miss your home at Trinity.  Well, “home” misses you, too!  As I look out of my home “office” window upon the open field and see the Ozinga Chapel and other buildings in the distance .. I cannot help but also see empty parking lots, too.

It is not the same around here without you.  Not by a longshot!

As you have heard now many, many times:  stay safe, stay healthy, and stay faithful!  We are a Romans 12:12 kind of people!  Your diligence in your studies, your intentional ways of staying connected, your love for God and for one another all bring joy to me, even if is it joy shared at a distance.  Keep it up!

I also want to give you a few updates on some items from campus and, perhaps, answer some questions that you might have as we move through Holy Week, celebrate Easter, and journey toward the end of the semester.  (Remember that there is a lot of information, too, at trnty.edu/covid19, including all of the update emails, health information, and a regularly-updated FAQ page.)

The Academic Schedule Remains the Same.
Trinity’s schedule remains the same as “normal:”  We will not have classes starting on Maundy Thursday evening (when night classes will not happen) until Easter Monday evening (when night classes will occur).  If you have questions, the Registrar’s page on Trinity’s website has schedule and calendar information.

Summer Classes 2020 will be Entirely Online
As we all have experienced, we have to be ready to live our lives in unexpected ways.  With the continued uncertainty of when life will get back to normal, we have decided to move all of our summer courses to an on-line delivery model  (Many of them already were scheduled for that before COVID-19 descended upon us.)

Summer courses are an economical way to focus on a few courses – whether for Foundations requirements, major/minor fulfillment, or simply to learn new things.  There are summer offerings for traditional undergraduates, adult undergraduates, and graduate students.  Already, we have nearly 500 students registered for summer courses.  Join them – and invite your friends from other institutions as well.  These courses generally are open to college and university students at most any institution.  Information about summer courses, including pricing and schedules, can be found on the Registrar’s page.  Also, the Registrar’s Office soon will be emailing you with more information about summer courses and schedules.

Also, due to the overwhelmingly positive response to the new Student Success Coaches and the support that they provide, we will be offering a limited, modified version of that program during the summer sessions.  This extra bit of human contact in these “distant” and uncertain times is one way that we are here to support you!

Stay Connected!
Did you know that Chapel and Outcry are happening like usual?  (Well, okay, at the usual times at least:  Chapel on Wednesday and Friday at 10 a.m. and Outcry on Thursday evening at 10 p.m.)  These are wonderful ways to stay connected with one another and nourish your spirit.  Chapel is “IG Live” on Trinity’s Instagram account and Outcry is “IG Live” on the Outcry Instagram account.  There are other community gathering occurring, too (like, for example Wellness webinars at 4:30 p.m. every Wednesday sponsored by Trinity’s Counseling Center).

Also, every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, Leah and I now host a fifteen-minute Instagram Live “episode” as well.  We cannot promise that it is the most amazing live broadcast that you will ever see – but we often have members of the Trinity family join us for a live conversation and we try to offer scenes from around the campus.  We would love to see you and interact with you, even though we are spread around the world.

Remember, too, that we have a few students who remain in Tibstra Hall during this season.  Many are international students, far from home.  I know that they appreciate your care and concern (and communication)!

Summer Offerings for Trinity’s Chicago Semester and Semester in Spain.
Trinity’s Chicago Semester and Semester in Spain are actively working to offer remote summer options.  Plans and details will be forthcoming, so watch your email (or reach out directly to those programs with your questions).

Update on Credit Adjustments Related to Room and Board.
Various Trinity staff have been reviewing the particular situation of every student who this semester lived in Trinity housing and/or had a Trinity meal plan.  That individualized review is almost complete and credits and adjustments will be posted to your student account soon, hopefully by early next week.  Thank you for your patience; trust me, we know that this is important to you!

Opus is Happening on April 14 – Online
One of the great Trinity traditions – Opus – is still happening in a creative on-line manner on April 14.  You can find out more here on how to be an active participant.  Otherwise, be sure to head to Trinity’s website on the 14^th to celebrate with your fellow students the incredible academic achievements from this past year.

Recognizing our Graduating Students
Though the official Commencement activities have been postponed to a yet-to-be-determined date, we want to recognize our graduating students “virtually” in some fashion close to the original May 2 graduation day.  Our graduates have earned it, and we – the whole Trinity community – wants to recognize these amazing students for their accomplishments!  The College has assembled a campus planning committee for this purpose that is evaluating various ideas.  That planning committee wants your good ideas, too!  Feel free to send them my way (president@trnty.edu) and I will see that the planning committee receives them, too.

Well, that’s the update from Campus for now!  Know that we miss you terribly and pray for you daily.  Stay strong and healthy.  Remember that God is in control and loves you immeasurably.  This week – Holy Week – is the surest demonstration of how “deep [is] the Father’s love for us” (to quote the lyrics of an old song).

Stay safe.  Stay healthy.  Stay connected.  Stay faithful.  Romans 12:12.

Kurt D. Dykstra, President

As we begin this Holy Week, I bring you greetings, well-wishes, encouragement, and … updates!

I hope and trust that our “new abnormal” is settling in for you – and helping us all cherish even more deeply the human connections that we normally share with one another.

Below is an email that, minutes ago, I sent to our students.  I encourage you to read it, too, as at least some of the information applies to us all.

Let me also offer a few additional “update items” that are relevant particularly to faculty and staff.  As always, in addition to keeping tabs on your email, our COVID-19 page (trnty.edu/covid19) remains the repository of all things coronavirus related.  It regularly is updated – and, I trust, always helpful to you.

The Vacation Calendar Remains Unchanged.
As you will see below in Section “I” of the email to our students, the academic calendar remains unchanged; so, too, is the overall work and vacation calendar.  That is particularly relevant to our schedule for this week, Holy Week.

Our “Work at Home” Situation is now extended Through the Month of April.
Last week, the Governor extended the “shelter in place” order through April 30, 2020.  That means, of course, that Trinity will do so, too.  If you have questions about this policy, please review my earlier message on this topic when the “shelter in place” order was first announced.

Also, a reminder:  If you do need to come to campus to retrieve materials, etc. you must first contact Campus Safety and co-ordinate your visit location and time with that department.  Campus Safety is responsible for ensuring that our buildings are secure.  Additionally, Campus Safety also has primary responsibility at this time for wiping down and sanitizing areas accessed by faculty and staff.  This, of course, is an important and vital task.  Our Campus Safety officers have done a marvelous job of patrolling the campus and now, in a very real way, serve as our front-line COVID-19 staff.  They often serve behind the scenes and always do so with distinction.  Thank you, Campus Safety!

Your Health and Welfare Matter!
For three weeks we have been fully into “COVID-World!”  Sometimes it seems as though it has been longer than that and other times, shorter.  As we move beyond the initial sprint of moving students out, transitioning to on-line learning, and working from home, let me encourage you to care for yourselves!  Do not hesitate to utilize your PTO during these “at home” weeks, even if that simply means taking a day of long hikes or bike rides, completing some serious spring cleaning, curling up with a pile of books and a pot of good coffee, or even enjoying an epic Netflix session.  Care for your spiritual, physical, and mental health – and, if this is your situation, cherish the time with your family.  (Leah and I have noted to one another that having our whole family together again has been an unexpected gift in all of this.)  If you have depleted your PTO and need a day to rejuvenate, please talk with your supervisor.  Trinity, the institution, cares for Trinity, the community.

Hiring Plans and CARES Act
These surely are unprecedented times, as even a cursory scan of the news reveals.  (I, too, am tired of the word “unprecedented” – but I use that word here because, well, it truly is the most apt descriptor!)  Trinity needs to be prudent in this uncertain season.

With the approval of the Board of Trustees, we have implemented a hiring freeze for all open positions.  Any exception to that freeze requires my written approval.  If you have particular questions about the status of a now-frozen open position, please speak with your divisional vice president and me.  As we get more clarity on the length and depth of the coronavirus’ effect on the economy and our industry, we will review this freeze policy accordingly.

Please also remember that we have put into place various other measures to better weather this storm.

Additionally, many of you have heard about the Paycheck Protection Program of the CARES Act (the stimulus package signed into law by the President on March 27).  Trinity’s Administration and the Board of Trustees have been following all of the regulatory scrambling on the eligibility requirements, program parameters, and application procedures for the PPP.  (If you are interested in learning more, both NAICU and our auditors, BKD, have good collections of helpful information.)  As more details are known and there is news to announce, I will provide an update on that program, our ability to participate in it, and what it all means for us.

Thank you for all that you are doing to serve our students, one another, and Trinity’s mission in this very challenging time.  This is not easy – but your efforts are making a difference.

Might I make a strong suggestion that you take time to participate in our virtual chapels on Wednesdays and Fridays?  (Details in Section III of the email below to our students.)  It is good to worship, to gather, and to take a break from our “sheltering in place” routines.  One of the things that I have appreciated about these chapels is that, similar to our in-person gatherings, Erin Pacheco encourages us to take time to enjoy coffee and fellowship together after the service is concluded.  We have wonderful tools to do this, even electronically and at a physical distance.  Let us commit to nurturing the community that has been a Trinity hallmark for generations.

In prayer for all of you.  Romans 12:12.

Kurt D. Dykstra, President