Author: Diane Brunsting

Students,

I’m writing to you to say THANK YOU for the way you have stepped up to make this transition over the last few days. It really feels like the eve of a new kind of community together. The Trinity community has come together in amazing ways to care for one another and our surrounding community. And…

I just recorded my first vlog for you.

As the weeks unfold, we will work on the production quality of our videos, I promise.  But, honestly, I wanted to offer you something rough cut to tell you TODAY that:

1. Your Trinity Student Life staff cares for you deeply in this transition to an online community
2. We are in this with you all the way
3. We are all going to be learning together how to do this, and it’s going to go better if we continue to reach out and put ourselves out there, rather than isolate.

I’m looking forward to learning alongside you. God is with us.

Peace be with you,

VP Starkenburg

Dear colleagues,

With the ongoing news that many of our local school systems are cancelling classes and the likelihood that the list of those schools will increase, we want to talk through the ways in which this will affect members of the Trinity faculty and staff. It is critical that our team be able to care for our families. In some cases, that may mean that faculty and staff need to work from home. If you are in that situation and need to care for children at home, please let Mallory Boyce in the Provost Office/or your staff supervisor know as soon as you can do so. Communicating clearly with the Provost Office/supervisor is critical to ensure that you are able to take care of your family and also continue to support Trinity and your work responsibilities.

As our nation and community’s responses to the Covid-19 situation continue to evolve, there is also a possibility that all staff could be asked to work from home in the future.

To prepare for all of these situations, here are some suggestions that we would urge you to consider:

1. If you have a Trinity supplied laptop, we would suggest you take it home with you each night.
2. If you do not have a Trinity laptop but have a computer or tablet at home, here are some links to have handy, which will help you connect to Trinity data/information if you are required to work from home
   • Box cloud storage
   • Trinity email
   • Trollweb

You can expect an email from the IT Department in the near future with additional information and resources to support working remotely.

Thank you for your ongoing support of Trinity students, faculty and staff. Thank you for your patience as we all live into this evolving situation.

Paul Boice

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff:

I write to give you an update on our efforts to keep you safe, get you home, and transition Trinity Christian College to deliver a quality education entirely on-line for the remainder of this semester.  First, however, permit me to offer a few sentences of reflection about this week.

Monday seems like an eternity ago.  At that time, I gathered the faculty and staff together for an update on what we knew about the COVID-19 virus (largely from external sources like the CDC and our own internal COVID-19 Impact Preparedness Group) and together we began to wrap our heads around what it would take for us to move Trinity into an on-line institution for a temporary period of time.  That meeting followed up on some earlier emails that both Provost Kuecker and Vice President Starkenburg had sent to faculty and staff late last week.

Neither last week nor even on Monday did we have any inkling that, by Thursday, we would be putting any of this into motion.  Rather, we wanted to think about what it would take to accomplish such a herculean feat and formulate the outlines of plans that we hoped we would not use and surely did not expect to use so quickly.  Frankly at that point, we hoped that such “planning” would be a worthy exercise but one whose results could simply be added to the manual of contingent plans that the College maintains for a host of possible-but-not-likely scenarios.

Over the course of the week, and especially by Wednesday afternoon, the situation changed.  Rapidly.  The COVID-19 virus continued to spread and health agencies intensified their warnings.  Many organizations began to act, including significant sporting leagues modifying their schedules and large research universities starting to close their campuses (some for the first time in their centuries-old histories).  Still, we were hopeful even as of Wednesday morning that, aside from bringing home students studying overseas in potential COVID-19 hot spots, we could carry on if we were careful and prudent.

Unfortunately, by Wednesday evening, many prominent public health experts and agencies encouraged social distancing and the enactment of extraordinary preventative measures.  Hundreds of organizations, including some of the most prominent in the world (e.g., NBA, MLB, NCAA, Broadway theaters, etc.) undertook actions that seemed unthinkable even 48 hours earlier.  (A week ago, who among us could have imagined a March without Madness?

The senior administration at Trinity, after many meetings and conversations – not to mention, much prayer – made the difficult decision that I announced yesterday.  We were not the first college or university to do so and more have done so after we did.  The Governor of Illinois, who previously issued a disaster proclamation, yesterday announced restrictions, and in some instances outright prohibitions, on social gatherings above a certain size.  (https://www2.illinois.gov/Pages/news-item.aspx?ReleaseID=21245)  This afternoon, the Governor announced the closure of K-12 schools in Illinois beginning next week.

This truly is an unprecedented and constantly-changing situation!

At the same time, I have been so overwhelmingly impressed by your incredible attitude and spirit.  We are a Romans 12:12 people!  Yesterday’s outdoor worship service of sending was something that I will never forget.  There may well be other very memorable moments yet to occur in this roller coaster experience, but I am confident that the most enduring memories I will have of this period in our history will include worshipping with you in the amphitheater yesterday afternoon.

Your emails of encouragement (even those with suggestions!), your prayers for this campus, your positive-if-disappointed demeanor in departing campus early, your simply going about what you are called to do differently in very challenging times has been evident to those both on and off campus.  Yes, this is hard and, no, we do not have all of the answers at this point.  But you have demonstrated in word and deed that we will do what needs doing.  You already have proved that, together, the Trinity community will remain strong and deep learning will continue to happen.

Thank you so very, very much for all of this.

Now, let me update you on some particular items and policy changes in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.  This surely will not be the last such update, but I want to keep you up to date as best as possible.

Official College Travel (Primarily for Faculty and Staff)

We have suspended all College-sponsored domestic and international air travel effective today and until further notice.  Anyone seeking exceptions to this policy must submit them, in writing, to the President’s Office (president@trnty.edu).  Waivers will be rare at best, and granted only for especially compelling circumstances.  Non-essential college travel by other means (e.g., passenger vehicle, bus, train) also is strongly discouraged.

Personal Travel

We urge all members of the Trinity community to carefully consider their intended destinations for personal trips and check on any restrictions or quarantine measures that may be recommended or required by the CDC upon arrival or return.  Obviously, we want our students to get home as expeditiously as is possible.  Personal international travel for U.S.-based persons is strongly discouraged.

Leah and I have taken this advice to heart.  We had planned trips over the next two months to, among other places, Michigan, Iowa, South Dakota, Central Indiana, Florida, The Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.  As of yesterday, we are going on none of them.

For faculty and staff, what if you must travel?  The CDC has recommended that places like Trinity keep a record of such travel (especially international) in the event that the future spread of the virus necessitates increased precautionary measures.  We would ask that you let our Human Resources office (human.resources@trnty.edu) know if you will be traveling (1) internationally, (2) domestically by flight or common carrier (e.g., train or bus (other than CTA, Metra, or other public transit services); or (3) outside of the Tri-State area (Chicagoland, Southeastern Wisconsin, and Northwest Indiana).  I recognize that item (3), in particular, is not described with exactitude.  I ask that you use common sense and prudence in registering such travel with Human Resources.  Please also know that the College will keep reported information confidential and solely for this purpose – and will dispose of that information as quickly as the public health conditions warrant.

Events at Trinity

Trinity has cancelled all events scheduled to occur on campus through the month of April.  That date could be extended, depending upon future conditions.  This cancellation includes Trinity events (e.g., theater performances and athletic contests) as well as outside organizations (e.g., the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra and the Southwest Symphony).  This cancellation also extends to official Trinity group gatherings or meetings that occur off campus (e.g., the 60^th Anniversary Alumni gatherings and the Concert Choir tour).  Please adhere to the spirit of this policy as well as the letter of it:  do not evade this policy by moving something off campus that under normal circumstances would have occurred on campus.  Please contact your divisional vice president with questions or particular issues related to this policy change.

Visitation Policy

While most students have departed campus, will do so this weekend, and need to do so by Wednesday, March 18 at 5 p.m., we will have a small group of students who, for exceptional reasons, have been permitted to remain in Trinity housing.  In order to better protect the health and welfare of these remaining students, as of Wednesday, March 18, visitors will no longer be allowed in any Trinity Residence Hall, including any such facility used to house students who remain on campus.  Of course, our remaining students living in residence will be free to come and go as they please (exercising appropriate precautions), but no visitors will be permitted in the residence halls themselves.  We understand that this might be an inconvenience; the nature of this public health pandemic, however, compels us to implement such a policy for the foreseeable future.

Student Worker Policy

We have undertaken these extraordinary campus actions in order to best ensure the health, safety, and welfare of our students and the campus community.  That is also why we are insistent and adamant that as many students return home as possible.  For these reasons, and consistent with these actions, departments are not allowed to utilize student workers without approval from their divisional vice president.  To obtain such an approval, which will not be readily granted, please contact the appropriate vice president in writing and explain the exceptional circumstances that you believe warrant an exception.

Chicago Semester

Today, Trinity’s Chicago Semester program announced that it is suspending its residential operations and transitioning to online learning, similar in nature to what we announced for Trinity’s Palos Heights campus yesterday.  The Chicago Semester staff is in full communication with the affected students to facilitate this transition.

• • • •

That is all for now!  More updates are sure to follow, so please continue to check your Trinity email.  We also will cross-post these important updates at www.trnty.edu/covid19 and have created (and will be regularly updating) an “FAQ” section for your convenience.  Continue also to follow Trinity’s social media accounts for additional ways to remain up to date with these fast-moving events.

God’s blessings to you in this time of transition.  We are embarking together on something new, an adventure we neither asked for nor predicted.  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 us in Jesus Christ.

Let us be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer.
Kurt D. Dykstra, President

 

Information for Students and Parents

As Trinity Christian College moves to online learning for the rest of the Spring 2020 semester, the College will be updating this page frequently.

Will we have classes on Friday, March 13?
No. Thursday is the last day of in-person classes, so that students will have time to make travel arrangements and pack up their rooms anticipating weekend travel.

Is this permanent or does it have an end date?
We are moving to online for the remainder of spring semester 2020. We will provide re-opening updates as we are able.

Does this apply to adult and graduate classes as well as traditional undergraduate classes?
Yes, this applies to ALL programs at Trinity.

What about out of state students?
Out of state students should make arrangements to return home. If that is absolutely not feasible, please complete this form by Monday, March 16 at 8 am.

I don’t know if I need to request on campus housing or not, please help.
You don’t have to know until Monday whether to request housing. So just breathe, you have a little bit of time to think about it.

What about Troll athletics?
Thursday, March 12 will be the final day of spring athletics contests. No games or matches will be held after March 12.

Will there be housing/meal plan refunds?
We will be in touch about meal plan/housing refunds after this departure period ends. We have a variety of circumstances to navigate.  Please know we are working to provide some kind of pro-rated meal plan/housing refund, and we will have to assess that for each individual student once the departures have been made.

What about rental books?
Regarding the rental books that would have been due on May 1^st.   Please take the books back home with you – you will need them to complete your classes.   We will extend the due date for the rentals to SEPTEMBER 3^rd.

What about commencement?
We have not yet determined plans for Spring 2020 commencement. More information to come as soon as possible.

What about on-campus work?
We anticipate all in-person, on-campus work will cease during this period of time. Our Financial Aid office will evaluate, in light of federal guidelines, the impact on student aid.

More information will be available to students as we are able to assess the range of scenarios that exist for individual students.

What about my campus mail?
Campus mail will function as normal. If you are currently expecting packages or mail to your campus address and would like to forward it to your home address, you should contact the Mail Center and use the normal mail forwarding service. Please CHECK YOUR MAILBOX before you leave campus.

When will I hear about department-specific communication?
Faculty are currently working on communications and more information will follow soon.

Representative from the Student Life Office will be available throughout the weekend to assist and answer your questions.

VP Starkenburg

Dear Colleagues,

As our college community lives into this spring semester amid the steps we are all taking to avoid illnesses, including colds, flu and Covid-19, we would like to encourage everyone to follow the tried and true practice of staying home when you are feeling ill.  We understand that there are times when important classes or meetings make it tempting to come to campus, even when you are not feeling well, but we would urge you to avoid doing so.

For faculty:
Trinity faculty typically receive their regular compensation even if they are unable to teach because of illness. For the remainder of the Spring 2020 semester, it may be the case that Covid-19 causes more extended absence. We want you to know that, should you become ill, the institution supports your staying home and getting well.  And in fact, for the rest of this Spring 2020 semester, if faculty have sick children and dependents, sick days can and should be used to stay home and care for your children and dependents as well.

For staff:
Trinity staff have sick days that can be used when they are not able to come in to work because of an illness.  Please use those sick days.  And in fact, for the rest of this Spring 2020 semester, if staff have sick children and dependents, the accrued sick days can and should be used to stay home and care for your children and dependents as well.

If it appears that you may use up all of your accrued sick days, please talk with your supervisor.  For the Spring 2020 semester, exceptions will be made to ensure that staff do not run out of sick days in those rare circumstances where they may run out of accrued days.

Finally, if you have an underlying condition for which COVID-19 creates particular concern of increased personal risk, please contact the Human Resources Office immediately so that we can support you and your health.

If you have any questions, please contact Julia Foust in Human Resources.

Thank you.

Paul Boice
Vice President of Admissions, Communication and Strategic Initiatives

Julia Foust
Director of Human Resources

What is novel coronavirus?
2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a virus (more specifically, a coronavirus) identified as the cause of an outbreak of respiratory illness first detected in Wuhan, China (source: CDC). Read more about 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

How is it transmitted?
Most often, spread from person-to-person happens among close contacts (about six feet). Person-to-person spread is thought to occur mainly via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, similar to how influenza and other respiratory pathogens spread (source: CDC). Read more about how COVID-19 spreads.

What are the symptoms?
Commonly reported symptoms of COVID-19 infection include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and pneumonia. While the exact incubation period for this coronavirus has not yet been determined, it is believed that most infected people will develop symptoms two to 14 days after they were exposed (source: Maryland Department of Health).

What should you do if you have symptoms?
If you feel sick with fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, you should seek medical care right away from a healthcare provider. Call ahead to let the healthcare provider know your symptoms and recent travel history. Please avoid contact with others until you have been evaluated by a healthcare provider.

What measures can you take to minimize risk of exposure? There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19 infection. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides recommendations to reduce exposure to and transmission of a range of illnesses. Read WHO advice for the public.

Don’t forget to protect yourself from another common virus, the flu (influenza). Everyone six months of age and older should get a flu vaccine every season with rare exceptions. Vaccination is particularly important for people who are at high risk of serious complications from influenza. See People at High Risk of Developing Flu-Related Complications for a full list of age and health factors that confer increased risk. To be clear, the influenza virus is a different virus from COVID-19, and getting your flu shot will not protect you from COVID-19. But both viruses are spread in the same fashion, and there is currently a vaccine available to help prevent the spread of the flu. At this time in the United States, your risk of getting the flu is much greater than your risk of contracting COVID-19.

Students or parents with specific concerns or questions related to student safety, health, or well-being should call Student Life at 708-239-4704 or email studentlife@trnty.edu.

Trinity will update this website as the situation evolves. Students should also continue to check email and text for updates should the situation change.

The World Health Organization, a division of the United Nations that specializes in international public health, offers these answers to frequently asked questions about the novel coronavirus.

Are hand dryers effective in killing the new coronavirus?
No. Hand dryers are not effective in killing the COVID-19. To protect yourself against the new coronavirus, you should frequently clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Once your hands are cleaned, you should dry them thoroughly by using paper towels or a warm air dryer.

Can an ultraviolet disinfection lamp kill the new coronavirus?
UV lamps should not be used to sterilize hands or other areas of skin, as UV radiation can cause skin irritation.

How effective are thermal scanners in detecting people infected with the new coronavirus?
Thermal scanners are effective in detecting people who have developed a fever (i.e. have a higher than normal body temperature) because of infection with the new coronavirus.

However, they cannot detect people who are infected but are not yet sick with fever. This is because it takes between 2 and 10 days before people who are infected become sick and develop a fever.

Is it safe to receive a letter or a package from china?
Yes, it is safe. People receiving packages from China are not at risk of contracting the new coronavirus. From previous analysis, we know coronaviruses do not survive long on objects, such as letters or packages.

Can pets at home spread the new coronavirus (covid-19)?
At present, there is no evidence that companion animals/pets such as dogs or cats can be infected with the new coronavirus. However, it is always a good idea to wash your hands with soap and water after contact with pets. This protects you against various common bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella that can pass between pets and humans.

Does the new coronavirus affect older people, or are younger people also susceptible?
People of all ages can be infected by the new coronavirus (COVID-19). Older people, and people with pre-existing medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease) appear to be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill with the virus.

WHO advises people of all ages to take steps to protect themselves from the virus, for example by following good hand hygiene and good respiratory hygiene.

Are antibiotics effective in preventing and treating the new coronavirus?
No, antibiotics do not work against viruses, only bacteria.

The new coronavirus (COVID-19) is a virus and, therefore, antibiotics should not be used as a means of prevention or treatment.

However, if you are hospitalized for the COVID-19, you may receive antibiotics because bacterial co-infection is possible.

Are there any specific medicines to prevent or treat the new coronavirus?
To date, there is no specific medicine recommended to prevent or treat the new coronavirus (COVID-19).

However, those infected with the virus should receive appropriate care to relieve and treat symptoms, and those with severe illness should receive optimized supportive care. Some specific treatments are under investigation, and will be tested through clinical trials. WHO is helping to accelerate research and development efforts with a range or partners.

Students or parents with specific concerns or questions related to student safety, health, or well-being should call Student Life at 708-239-4704 or email studentlife@trnty.edu.

Trinity will update this website as the situation evolves. Students should also continue to check email and text for updates should the situation change.