COVID-19 Updates

UPDATE FROM DR. JOSH CLARY, July 28, 2020,  3:46 PM

On-Ground Students: State Travel Advisory UPDATE PLEASE READ

Greetings everyone,

I wanted to share an update and good news with you regarding the State Travel Advisory issued by the Governor last week, which I described in the email below.  In working with the local health department and evaluating each state and territory, students from the following states/territory may now travel to campus without isolating for 14 days:

  • Nevada, Georgia, Texas, and Puerto Rico

These states have dropped below the 15%  positivity rate threshold the state of Kentucky is monitoring.  As I stated last week, this situation was and will remain fluid.  Please continue to monitor the situation in your state using this link: Johns Hopkins Testing Positivity

We are watching these rates closely and working with many of you to make arrangements on your travel to campus.  I want to thank those of you have reached out with questions and suggestions for solutions given your individual situation.  We will continue to work with you one-on-one, within the parameters given to us by the state and local health department.  We will update again next week after reviewing with the local health department.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions and I will answer as best I am able given the fluidity of the current situation in Kentucky.

Peace,

Dean Josh

 

Joshua R. Clary, Ph.D.

Vice President of Student Affairs/Dean of Students

Title IX Deputy Coordinator

 

UPDATE FROM DR. JOSH CLARY, July 22, 2020,  10:49 AM

On-Ground Students: State Travel Advisory PLEASE READ

Students,

As we prepare for the start of the fall semester, I wanted to take the opportunity to share with you an update on travel to campus.  Note that this update, at this time, pertains to out-of-state students from select states, but all of us should be aware and follow updates in our own states regarding COVID-19.

On July 20, 2020, the Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH) issued a travel advisory for Kentuckians, or other travelers, who have traveled to states reporting high numbers of COVI-19 cases.  The advisory recommends a 14-day self-quarantine for travelers who went to any of eight states reporting positive testing rate approaching, equal to, or greater than 15% positivity rate for COVID-19 testing.

States were identified from data reported to Johns Hopkins University of Medicine Coronavirus Resource Center. They include Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Nevada, South Carolina, Texas, Mississippi, and Puerto Rico.

After consulting with the Green River District Health Department (GRDH, the local health department with jurisdiction over Owensboro, KY, and thus Brescia University) about the feasibility of asking all impacted students to quarantine for 14 days, we will follow the recommendation of GRDH and students coming from states listed on the advisory should not travel to campus until the advisory is lifted for your state.    

Know that the situation is fluid and the Governor’s Office and the Kentucky Department for Public Health will be regularly updating this list, so your state may come off the list, or your state may be added.  Brescia will provide updates as we approach the start of the semester and receive them from state and local authorities.

So what does this mean for students who cannot come to campus at the start of the semester? Here are a few of the ways Brescia will help accommodate you and help continue your education:

  • Students who cannot enter the state and campus because of state or local restrictions will be able to begin their coursework online.  Faculty and Academic Affairs staff have been working hard all summer to create flexible course delivery, for just this scenario. 
  • Residence Life will hold your housing placement for the Fall semester. 
  • Residence Life staff will coordinate a move-in time for you once the advisory is lifted for your state.
  • If applicable, your Brescia University Athletic scholarship will remain intact.  Questions should be directed to the Financial Aid Office.
  • Each student’s room and board charges will be reviewed on an individual basis pending when you are allowed to travel to campus, and will be pro-rated accordingly. 

I recognize and empathize that this situation is not ideal or how to best start your semester.  However, out of an abundance of caution we believe following the health department’s recommendations keep you and our community safe.  As I stated above, I will provide regular updates to students so you can make appropriate travel arrangements.  Additionally, you will begin to receive updates on other COVID policies and procedures as we approach the start of the semester. 

Please feel free to contact me with any questions and I will answer as best I am able given the fluidity of the current situation in Kentucky.

Peace,

Dean Josh

 

Joshua R. Clary, Ph.D.

Vice President of Student Affairs/Dean of Students

 

UPDATE FROM FR. LARRY HOSTETTER MAY 16, 2020 2:06 PM

Public celebration of Mass

Some have asked what Brescia will do now that the Bishop has allowed the resumption of public masses. This is what I posted to Facebook explaining what we will be doing for May and June. Since we will only have Brescia people at Mass I will send more specific instructions before Wednesday. Thanks.

As many of you will have heard by now, public masses can begin again in the diocese of Owensboro on May 20th with restrictions. These restrictions are important and I fully support them. However, because of these restrictions we will be unable to return to the celebration of the Mass as we had before the shutdown, for now.

At Brescia, we will implement the following through June in light of the diocesan directive of no more Mass participants than 33% of our chapel’s capacity. We will reevaluate for July and beyond.

  1. Beginning May 20, Brescia’s daily Mass will move to noon. We will be limiting participation to current students, faculty, trustees or staff and their spouses. 
  2. The first semi-public Sunday Mass will be May 24 at 10am and for the rest of May and June will also be limited to current students, faculty, trustees or staff and their spouses.
  3. The 8pm Sunday Mass will remain suspended for now.
  4. If the restrictions are further relaxed in June we will revisit our plan before July.
  5. All those attending must follow the rules as outlined in the diocesan document in the link below.

I think this slow return will be awkward on many fronts but we want to be as fair as possible without seeming to give anyone a privileged position beyond their direct connection to Brescia. We also have our own restrictions as a university in place, which is why we are not yet allowing visitors or children on campus. 

Please note that the Bishop continues to dispense everyone from their Sunday obligation and advises those who are vulnerable because of age or underlying medical conditions to stay at home.

In the interim, because so many will still need to remain at home, we will continue to live-stream the services from our chapel on a daily basis. I’m sorry we cannot accommodate everyone yet but I appreciate your cooperation and pray for the day when we can all celebrate the Eucharist together as a community.

Please see Bishop Medley’s video in the link below along with details about the resumption of public masses. God Bless all of you and let us continue to pray for the sick and those who care for them.

https://owensborodiocese.org/return-to-public-mass/

Rev. Larry Hostetter, S.T.D.

President

 

UPDATE FROM FR. LARRY HOSTETTER APRIL 8, 2020 3:59 PM

Commencement

 

Dear students,

                I hope all of you are staying healthy and safe. As I come to an empty campus each day I am keenly aware that Brescia University is nothing without our students. That is true not only for those of you that take courses on-ground but also those who are part of the Brescia family as online students. When I talk about the Brescia Difference, I often focus on Respect for the Sacred, by which we mean that each of you is wonderfully made, never to be repeated, and from that truth we are called to a deep responsibility to you and your educational experience. It also highlights that life is precious and that each of you has a role to play helping to make our world a better place. At Brescia, we are often reminded that we are called to Love (Caritas). It is my hope that you feel the love that our faculty and staff have for you in helping you to achieve your goals. It is also my hope that you will take that love and share it with everyone you meet in your life. We all dedicate ourselves to your education because we know that we can help build a better world through you.

                This is why graduation is so important every year. It gives us a chance to support our Seniors, in love, as they leave Brescia to begin the next chapter in their lives. Unfortunately, because of the pandemic we will be unable to have a “normal” graduation.  Initially we thought we could reschedule graduation to May 30, but at this time it looks like there is a chance we could still be operating under stay at home orders. Even if restrictions have been lifted, we don’t think it would be prudent to have a celebration at which some 1500 people might participate in close quarters. So, after consultation with SGA and others we have decided to following for graduation:

May 2, 2:00pm. Virtual Graduation. We will have a virtual graduation online that will allow us to acknowledge your achievement of completing a degree. We will mail your diplomas to you. More details will follow.

December 12, 10am. We will have an in-person graduation that will include everyone that graduated in May and also any December graduates we might have. More details will follow, including the venue.

                Let me add how proud I am of all of you as you do your best to continue and complete your education in very difficult circumstances. As Governor Beshear reminds us every day, this is not the ideal, but we need to do it to defeat the Corona Virus. What we are doing today by staying at home and keeping our distance from others will ensure that more people will survive the pandemic. Your sacrifice will save lives; it is an act of love for health care workers, for first responders, and for the most vulnerable of our community. Thank you!

                More details will follow but I want to be sure you had these dates on your calendar. Please stay safe and healthy and I’m looking forward to seeing all of you again when things return to normal.

 

In the Spirit of St. Angela.

Fr. Larry.

 

Rev. Larry Hostetter, S.T.D.

President

 

UPDATE FROM FR. LARRY HOSTETTER APRIL 7, 2020 8:11 AM

If on campus

 

Good morning. Given the CDC’s recommendation to use masks when in public I am asking all those who are still on campus or might need to come to campus (only out of necessity) to wear a medical or cloth mask while on campus when interacting with anyone else. Please continue to maintain 6 feet physical distance and make sure you are wearing a mask when in proximity to anyone else on campus. (There are a number of YouTube videos on how to make masks out of common items like tshirts. Thank you and please stay safe. 

Mass will be at 9am today. Send me your prayer intentions if you wish. 

https://livestream.com/accounts/19227302/bresciamass

 

The Rev. Larry Hostetter

President

Brescia University

 

UPDATE FROM AMANDA MORRIS, APRIL 1, 2020,  4:20 PM

Updates: Honors Convocation and Celebration of Excellence

 

Greetings, everyone:

I write today to give an update on how we plan to proceed with Honors Convocation and Celebration of Excellence.  I appreciate everyone’s patience, compassion, and understanding.  Here are updates on Honors Convocation and Celebration of Excellence:

  1. Honors Convocation will take place virtually.  We will make a final decision on 4/7 as to whether we will live stream the event or prerecord it.  If live streamed, it will take place on 4/19 at 2:00 p.m. CST as previously planned.  Certificates will be mailed to students after courses end and we are able to resume regular office activity.
  2. Celebration of Excellence will take place virtually.  This will happen at the originally scheduled time (immediately following Honors Convocation; approximately 3:15 p.m. CST). Each category will have its own virtual room for distance presentations.  Poster presentations will be shown digitally by sharing screens and group presentations are still permissible.  Students are encouraged to submit their abstracts here: Celebration of Excellence Submission Form.  Students whose abstracts are accepted for presentation will receive individual instructions by email after the submission deadline of 4/8/20 explaining details of how to login for the distance presentations.  I do plan to schedule times with student presenters to test their equipment prior to the event as well.  We still need faculty sponsors (please encourage students to submit), moderators, and judges (faculty and staff volunteers).  If you are willing to serve as a judge or moderator, please let me know by 4/8/20.  Those of you who have already committed, thank you again.

The Celebration of Excellence is an academic showcase to highlight student achievement. All students are encouraged to submit entries of academic work including but not limited to a project, a paper, or research design in one of the following forms:

  • Poster Presentation (5 abstracts accepted; winner awarded $75)
  • Reading/Presentation of a Paper (5 abstracts accepted; winner awarded $75)
  • PowerPoint/Media Presentation (5 abstracts accepted; winner awarded $75)
  • Oral presentation and display of work (art, music, etc.) (5 abstracts accepted; winner awarded $75)
  • Master Level Presentation (6 abstracts accepted; winner awarded $75)
  • Group Service Project (5 abstracts accepted; winner awarded $75-check written to group represented)

If you have any questions, please let me know.  We cannot do this without all of you, and I sincerely appreciate your support.

Thank you,

Amanda Morris

 

Amanda Morris

Interim Associate Academic Dean

Honors College Coordinator

Part Time Instructor of Social Work

 

UPDATE FROM DR. JOSH CLARY, APRIL 1, 2020,  9:34 AM

KY Governor’s Order on Travel Ban

 

Good morning,

On Monday, March 30, 2020, Governor Andy Beshear issued an executive order instructing Kentucky residents not to travel out-of-state except for the following reasons:

  • When required by employment;
  • To obtain groceries;
  • To seek or obtain care by a licensed healthcare provider;
  • To provide care for the elderly, minors, dependents, persons with disabilities, or other vulnerable persons, or;
  • When required by a court order.

The executive order also stated that residents of Kentucky currently located in another state for a reason other than those identified above, must, upon their return to Kentucky, self-quarantine for 14 days.

It is unclear at this time how enforcement of this executive order will work other than self-reporting or someone notifying authorities that a person is in violation.  To my knowledge, at this time, the state borders are still open.  The intention of this order is to slow the spread of the coronavirus from bordering states to Kentucky which have much higher rates of infection.

I do urge all students to abide by this order.  Traveling back and forth from campus to your home in another state might become more difficulty in the coming weeks, and all unnecessary travel has already been restricted in Kentucky.  For resident students, if you have plans to leave in the coming weeks, so you might review your plans and possibly move them up.  Again, for residents, if you need to change your plans, you are free to do so, but please notify Residence Life.

I encourage all students to pay attention to the regulations concerning coronavirus in your state, as every state has different regulations regarding travel (if they have them at all).  

Peace,

Dean Josh

 

Joshua R. Clary, Ph.D.

Vice President of Student Affairs/Dean of Students

Title IX Deputy Coordinator

 

UPDATE FROM DR. JOSH CLARY, MARCH 25, 2020,  1:50 PM

Cardio Room Update

 

Good afternoon,

Today, Governor Beshear issued Executive Order 2020-257, which among other items, allows only life sustaining businesses to remain open.  Among the other provisions, the requirement for social distancing practices and regular cleaning and disinfecting of commonly touched objects is now enforced by executive order. 

In compliance with this Executive Order and the requirements to keep everyone safe while following social distancing practices, the Cardio Room will close indefinitely on Thursday, March 26, 2020 at 4:30pm.   We reevaluate the status of the Cardio Room as we receive updates from the Governor’s office.  

Peace,

Dean Josh

 

Joshua R. Clary, Ph.D.

Vice President of Student Affairs/Dean of Students

Title IX Deputy Coordinator

 

UPDATE FROM DR. JOSH CLARY, MARCH 23, 2020, 9:27 AM

Corona Virus Update

 

Good afternoon,

As most of you know, yesterday Governor Beshear issued a new executive order closing all non-essential retail businesses, beginning this evening.  Although Brescia is not a retail business and we must remain open for our students so we will make additional adjustments to our protocol.

Beginning Wednesday at 5pm, all non-essential employees to the day-to-day operations of the campus will remain at home. 

Classes will continue in the online format they have been since last week.  Staff will still be working, just from home, so operations will be slightly different. 

The Dining Hall will still operate on a carry out basis as it has done the past week.

Please use email as the primary way you communicate with faculty and staff.  Staff will be able to take calls on their office phones as well, but email is the best way to communicate at this time.

While this situation is not ideal, we are living through unprecedented times.  I have been impressed with the resilience students have demonstrated through this transition.  Our response in a time of global pandemic must continue to be one of doing what is best for all of us, or as you have heard me say time and again, “I become me by becoming we.”  These are the times that try and test us and I am so proud that our students are resilient and handling this situation with aplomb. 

There will be more challenges that we will face, of that I have no doubt, but I know we can face and overcome them together.

Peace,

Dean Josh

 

Joshua R. Clary, Ph.D.

Vice President of Student Affairs/Dean of Students

Title IX Deputy Coordinator

 

UPDATE FROM DR. LAUREN MCCRARY MARCH 23, 2020 2:01 PM

Corona Virus update

Correction: Remain in place until Friday April 17, 2020.

Thank you,

 Lauren

 

UPDATE FROM DR. LAUREN MCCRARY MARCH 23, 2020 1:58 PM

Corona Virus update

As a follow up to Fr. Larry’s email, this new policy will remain in place until April 14, 2020.  Understandably, this could change given the fluidity of the situation.

Thank you,

 Lauren

 

UPDATE FROM FR. LARRY HOSTETTER MARCH 23, 2020 1:17 PM

Corona Virus update

 

Dear Fellow Brescians,

As most of you know, yesterday Governor Beshear issued a new executive order closing all non-essential retail businesses, beginning this evening. Although Brescia is not a retail business and we must remain open for our students we will make additional adjustments to our protocol. Please read the entire email, carefully.

–Beginning Wednesday at 5pm, all those employees who are not essential to the day-to-day on-campus operations should remain at home. If you are unsure if this applies to you, please see the Vice President of your area.

–Those who can work from home should use the time until Wednesday evening to ensure that they have all they need to work remotely, including VPN for their computer or laptop and the JIVE function for their phone.  The Wednesday deadline is to give IT time to assist you if necessary. If you are already prepared to work from home, you should begin tomorrow (Tuesday) morning.

–For those unable to work from home, you are excused from coming to campus if you are not essential to day-to-day on-campus operations. The new employee leave policy we put into place a couple of weeks ago will go into effect, as applicable, along with any relevant federal legislation. (Contact HR if you have questions about this.)

–As of now we have no confirmed cases of COVID 19 with any member of our campus community. At some point that is likely to change. If you were in direct contact with someone you would be informed by the health department on your status and potential need for isolation. Direct contact does not mean being on campus with someone but directly with someone in a car, for example, or in close quarters.

–After today, the mailroom will be closed with mail distributed each Monday and Thursday.

–If you are considered essential to on-campus, day-to-day operations for all or part of the time, please make sure that your Brescia ID is up-to-date with the correct sticker in case you have to prove your status as an employee. ID stickers can be obtained from Student Affairs or in the Library.

–Of course, continue to practice social distancing and other safety precautions.

–And if you are unwell, go home NOW. Any employee who is ill must have pre-approval from HR to return to campus.

Tammy Keller will send an email to all non-exempt employees today with instructions for recording your time worked.

I will be on campus every day during this time so don’t hesitate to call or email if you cannot get your questions answered through the usual channels. I appreciate all of the hard work and sacrifice you have made to keep our university going. Although challenging, last week went reasonably well because of the willingness of staff and faculty to go the extra mile to make it happen. Now that we are through that, and in light of the Governor’s order, I think this next step is necessary and prudent. I’m sure there will still be some challenges, but nothing that we can’t handle together. I know that working from home is not the ideal, but thank you for giving it your best efforts; that’s all that anyone can expect at this time. Thanks.

#BresciaResilience! #ResilientLikeABearcat!

Fr. L.

 

Rev. Larry Hostetter, S.T.D.

President

Brescia University

 

UPDATE FROM DR. LAUREN MCCRARY MARCH 20, 2020 1:32 PM

Campus Update

 

Hello members of the Brescia community,

To add another layer of protection for those who are on campus, and to discourage unauthorized visitors, we are going to begin locking the doors. Please make sure to carry your Brescia card on you for access to buildings.  

Here is the schedule for card access:

Moore

                Students – 6 a.m. – 11:59 p.m. 7 days a week

                Faculty & Staff – 24/7

                Weight Room – no general access

                Fitness Room – 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday – Friday (Faculty, Staff, and Students)

B-T Hall

                Students – 7 a.m. – 2 a.m. 7 days a week

                Faculty & Staff – 24/7

Science

                Students – 7 a.m. – 2 a.m. 7 days a week

                Faculty & Staff – 24/7

SSC

                Faculty, Staff, and Students – Normal business hours (normally 8-4:30 M-F)

                Specified Faculty & Staff – 24/7 or employee specified access

Thompson

                Specified Faculty & Staff – 24/7

Residence Hall

                Specified access per Student Affairs

Thank you for your willingness to continue to act in a socially responsible and collaborative manner during this time. 

All the best,

Lauren

 

Dr. Lauren McCrary

Chief of Staff

President’s Office

 

UPDATE FROM DR. JOSH CLARY, MARCH 23, 2020, 9:27 AM

Governor’s Order on Retail Business

 

Good morning,

Yesterday evening Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear issued the following order https://governor.ky.gov/attachments/20200322_Executive-Order_2020-246_Retail.pdf on retail business.  By 8pm EST (7pm CST) all non-essential retail businesses are to close.  The order in the link above lists what types of businesses can stay open (see page 4).

Grocery stores, pharmacies, drug stores, and stores like Walmart can remain open, so there is no need to rush for supplies.  Restaurants can still do carry out business like they have been doing for the past week.

What this does mean is all people in Kentucky are asked to stay home unless you have essential work or need to get supplies.  For residents still on-campus, you should stay on-campus as much as you can and follow social distancing protocol you have already received and read.  You may still go outside and take a walk or run.  For now the Cardio room remains open during normal business hours.  The Dining Hall remains open for take-out meals only.

Peace,

Dean Josh

 

Joshua R. Clary, Ph.D.

Vice President of Student Affairs/Dean of Students

Title IX Deputy Coordinator

 

UPDATE FROM FR. LARRY HOSTETTER MARCH 19, 2020 12:42 PM

Update

 

By now you will have heard that there are two COVID19 cases in our region, one in Henderson and one in Daviess. This was not unexpected and shouldn’t be a surprise, nevertheless it is understandable how this might raise anxiety. Please remember that if you are able to work from home and have reason to do so, go ahead and contact Tammy Keller with that request. Of course, the other precautions remain in effect. Please continue to practice social distancing remaining 6 feet apart, washing hands thoroughly, using hand sanitizer when unable to wash hands and avoid  touching your face. We would like to add one additional item to our protocol.

 –Beginning today we will not allow unauthorized visitors on campus. If you have someone on campus for business or other purposes please seek authorization from the Vice President responsible for your area or from Tammy Keller. Students have also been informed of this rule. If you think there is someone you don’t recognize, you can let the President’s Office know and we will look into it. (Because of travel restrictions and cancellations of outside meetings, I am here on a daily basis.)

Let me add how deeply appreciative I am for all of your hard work in this difficult situation. I realize that you not only are taking care of our students, but that you have family and yourself to worry about. Today is the Feast of St. Joseph, the foster father of Jesus. He is also one of our patrons as part of the Ursuline family. We entrust ourselves to him for protection and prayers and I will ask him for his prayers for all of you during my celebration of the mass today. Thanks.

In the Spirit of St. Angela,

Fr. Larry

 

Rev. Larry Hostetter, S.T.D.

President

Brescia University

 

UPDATE FROM DR. JOSH CLARY, MARCH 18, 2020, 11:56 AM

Updated Weight Room and Cardio Room Hours

 

Good morning,

Please read below for updates on access to the Weight Room and Cardio Room:

  • Weight Room is now closed to all users.
  • The gym is closed to use, specifically basketball or other contact activities.
  • The Walking Track will remain open to Brescia students, faculty, and staff during regular hours of business, 8am-4:30pm, Monday-Friday.
  • The Walking Track is closed to the public.
  • The Cardio Room will remain open during normal business hours, 8am-1pm, 2pm-4:30pm, Monday-Friday. 
    • No more than 5 people may be in the Cardio Room at one time.
    • Please wipe down equipment well after each use

Peace,

Dean Josh

 

Joshua R. Clary, Ph.D.

Vice President of Student Affairs/Dean of Students

Title IX Deputy Coordinator

 

UPDATE FROM FR. LARRY HOSTETTER MARCH 17, 2020 11:19 AM

Mass on Campus

 

Most of you have heard that the Bishop, very rightly, has suspended public masses until Holy Week, beginning Wednesday. That means that today’s noon mass will be our last public mass until then. I will continue to say mass without a congregation to pray for you and all of your intentions. Sunday mass will be live-streamed at 10am on Sunday and recorded for viewing at a later time. Thanks, and let us keep each other in prayer,

In the Spirit of St. Angela,

Fr. L.

 

Rev. Larry Hostetter, S.T.D.

President

Brescia University

 

UPDATE FROM FR. LARRY HOSTETTER MARCH 16, 2020 1:15 PM

Coronavirus Update

 

Dear Fellow Brescians,

As expected, the situation regarding the Coronavirus continues to evolve at a rapid rate. Over the weekend the CDC issued a recommendation that all gatherings of 50 or more people be cancelled or postponed. The NAIA has now discontinued the spring athletic season to the entire semester. The Governor of Kentucky has closed all bars and restaurants to everything but takeout and delivery. These and other measures impact Brescia and so I have authorized the following adjustments to our plan.

  1. All courses will remain online until the end of the semester. I had hoped that by April 14th we could return face-to-face, but the recent guidance from the CDC makes this imprudent. This will also provide greater certainty and flexibility for our students.
  2. The residence halls will remain open as we have students who have no other options. Students are free to return to their homes and should make sure that Student Affairs Office is aware of their plans.
  3. Food Service will remain open to students but most likely transition to carry-out.
  4. Students who are concerned about their internships should know that adjustments can be made to allow you to leave campus if you wish. Please see Associate Academic Dean, Amanda Morris, for more information ([email protected]).
  5. Registration for returning and new students will happen but adjusted to the current situation (details to follow later).
  6. Changes and adjustments are underway for campus visit programs scheduled this spring.
  7. Because commencement falls within the 8 week moratorium for large gatherings, graduation will be postponed to May 30. Because the Riverpark is already booked for that day, we will have graduation on campus. We don’t want to forget our seniors and all of their hard work to achieve their goal of a university degree.

Thank you for your patience. I know that in addition to your studies, your work as educators, that you are also dealing with the anxiety and uncertainty of this time. I was talking to the Sisters this morning at mass and you can be sure that they and I have all of you in our daily prayers. Look up the word resilient “a person able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions.” That describes all you, without a doubt! That doesn’t mean it is easy , but together, with your skills and talents, and God’s grace—we got this. Please let me or Dr. McCrary know if you have questions. Thanks.

#ResilientLikeABearcat; #BresciaResilience

In the Spirit of St. Angela,

Fr. Larry

 

Rev. Larry Hostetter, S.T.D.

President

Brescia University

 

UPDATE FROM DR. JOSH CLARY, MARCH 16, 2020, 1:05 PM

O’Bryan’s Dining Hall Update

 

Good afternoon,

This morning Kentucky’s Governor, Andy Beshear, ordered all dine-in restaurants and bars to close at 5pm EST today March 16, 2020.  O’Bryan’s Dining Hall falls under the order at this time.  Beginning this evening O’Bryan’s will only operate with carry out service.

Brunch hours for carryout: 10:30am-12:30pm

Dinner hours for carryout: 4:30pm-6:00pm

No one may dine in at O’Bryan’s.  Hours of service will be monitored and adjusted as needed.

Students taking meals back to their rooms should use exercise good cleanliness and dispose of all trash according to guidelines in your residence hall.     

Peace,

Dean Josh

 

Joshua R. Clary, Ph.D.

Vice President of Student Affairs/Dean of Students

Title IX Deputy Coordinator

 

UPDATE FROM DR. JOSH CLARY, MARCH 16, 2020, 10:18 AM

Updated Fitness Room and Weight Room Hours

 

Good morning,

As of now, the Brescia Fitness Room and Weight Room will be open from 8am-1pm and 2pm-9pm, Monday-Friday. Our student workers will be on duty throughout the day to assist you in both the Fitness Room and Weight Room.

Both the Fitness Room and Weight Room will be closed 1pm-2pm each day for cleaning.

However, we have to take into account what the public health officials are asking us to do with social distancing. No more than 12 people may occupy the Fitness Room or the Weight Room at one time.

Please check schedules posted at each room for any changes to the schedule.

Peace,

Dean Josh

 

Joshua R. Clary, Ph.D.

Vice President of Student Affairs/Dean of Students

Title IX Deputy Coordinator

 

UPDATE FROM DR. LAUREN MCCRARY MARCH 16, 2020 8:29 AM

 

Good morning,

Hopefully amid the planning and preparation you were able to spend quality time with loved ones.

There are some updates. To limit the amount of traffic on campus, especially  because of the residence halls remaining open, we are asking that no additional events be scheduled.  All external events at Brescia have been cancelled through April 14. The CDC has asked that no meetings be held with more than 50 planned attendants.  We are asking that if you are having a meeting, that you practice proper guidelines with social distancing and handwashing.  Also, wiping down rooms after you leave or before you start a meeting is recommended.

Housekeeping is continuing to focus on cleaning frequently touched common areas. However, your personal phone and keyboard should be should be your responsibility.

Danny Clark also purchased an Electrostatic Sprayer that applies chemicals faster and offers a more complete and consistent coverage while using a charge to provide an added layer of sanitization. Fresh Ideas had all of the calibrations in their chemicals checked as well.

We will also begin to provide updates via our website in the near future.

All the best,

Lauren

 

Dr. Lauren McCrary

Chief of Staff

President’s Office

 

UPDATE FROM ISAAC DUNCAN, MARCH 12, 2020 2:58 PM

Resident Students: Form and FAQ

 

Good afternoon,

As a reminder, ALL resident students should complete the following form by Friday, March 13, 2020 at 3:00 PM (CST) to indicate if you are staying on campus or leaving campus during the online transition:

On-Campus Housing Request Form

In response to Fr. Larry’s email yesterday, there have been many questions.  I will attempt to answer the most frequent questions we have heard regarding residence life.

Do I have to leave campus?

At this time, no.  It is your choice if you leave campus during the transition to online instruction.

Will the Dining Hall be open?

Yes. O’Bryan’s Dining Hall will be open as long as students are on-campus.  Be aware that pending the number of students staying on-campus, and the local situation with coronavirus spread, there will be alternate hours and service.  Please keep checking your email for updates on hours of service. 

If I leave campus, will my ID card be deactivated like during Christmas Break?

Yes.  This allows us to know who is in the residence halls in case we have infection of covid-19.  We need to be able to support the Health Department with screening who could possibly be quarantined or sent for testing, thus, we need to know who is staying on-campus.

If I stay on campus, will I be charge a daily fee like during breaks?

No. Residence halls are open as normal and we are not charging additional fees during this time.

If I leave campus, do I have to move everything out of my room?

No. We are planning to resume on-ground classes on April 14th, so you will still have access to your room once you return to campus.

If I leave campus, should I unplug my refrigerator and electronics before leaving?

Yes. Just like any extended break period, you should unplug all items in your room, close windows and blinds, empty trash, and lock all doors.

Can I come back and get items from my room I forgot?

Yes, but you will need to contact Isaac Duncan in Residence Life, and a staff member will work with you to get back into your room, during normal business hours 8am-4:30pm.  Please be conscientious of our staff and restrict evening and night entry to emergencies only (i.e., I need to get my prescription medication).

Can I still have off-campus guests?

No. In an effort to practice social distancing and to know who has access to the residence halls in case of infection, no off-campus guests are allowed until further notice. 

Isaac Duncan

 

Assistant Dean of Students for Residence Life

 

UPDATE FROM DR. JOSH CLARY, MARCH 11, 2020, 5:16 PM

Dining Hall Hours During Transition

 

Good evening,

O’Bryan’s Dining Hall will remain on normal hours of operation through Sunday, March 15, 2020.  On Monday and Tuesday March 16 and March 17, O’Bryan’s Dining Hall will operate on weekend hours with a brunch and dinner service.  You will receive updates on hours of operation beginning March 18 once we determine the needs of students staying on campus.

Barney’s Café will remain on normal hours of operation through Friday, March 13, 2020.  You will receive updates on hours of operation for Barney’s Café.

Peace,

Dr. Clary

 

Joshua R. Clary, Ph.D.

Vice President of Student Affairs/Dean of Students

Title IX Deputy Coordinator

 

UPDATE FROM DR. JOSH CLARY, MARCH 11, 2020, 4:55 PM

Resident Students Please Read and Complete the Following Form

 

Good afternoon,

As Fr. Larry stated in his email to the campus community, at this time, residence halls will remain open. Depending on further developments, this may change, but for now students may remain on campus. All residents must complete the form indicating if you are staying or leaving campus by Friday, March 13, 2020 at 3:00pm (CST):

On-Campus Housing Request Form

If we find it necessary to close residence halls we will make provisions for those who cannot leave campus.

You will receive more information from myself or Isaac Duncan regarding any changes to residence life policies during this time.

Peace,

Dr. Clary

 

Joshua R. Clary, Ph.D.

Vice President of Student Affairs/Dean of Students

Title IX Deputy Coordinator

 

UPDATE FROM FR. LARRY HOSTETTER MARCH 11, 2020 4:46 PM

Coronavirus Update

 

Dear fellow Brescians,

As you know from my previous communications regarding the new coronavirus, our response has been built on the foundation of ensuring the safety of our students, staff, and faculty while also minimizing the disruption to our students’ educational experience. Although there are currently no reported cases of covid19 in our immediate area, the probability that it will spread into our region is high.  While we know we will be unable to eliminate all potential transmission of the virus, we can do our best to minimize it. To that end, Brescia University will take the following steps.

  1. Beginning Wednesday, March 18, all on-ground classes will transition to online until April 14 when face-to-face courses will resume. Faculty will have received communications from the Academic Dean’s office with resources and opportunities for training. We recognize that this is not ideal and some patience will be necessary but we want to do all we can to finish the semester to avoid delaying our students’ education.
  2. Classes are cancelled on Monday (March 16) and Tuesday (March 17). This is to allow faculty time to prepare for the transition to online.
  3. We will continue to monitor the situation to determine whether we will be able to return to face-to-face on April 14th. If not, then we would continue with online courses until the end of the semester.
  4. At this time there is no decision on commencement.
  5. All university international travel is suspended through the summer.
  6. At this time, residence halls will remain open. Depending on further developments, this may change, but for now students may remain on campus. If you are returning home during this time, please complete the form that the Office of Residence Life will send out. If we find it necessary to close residence halls we will make provisions for those who cannot leave campus.
  7. Athletic competitions will be limited to conference events. All travel will be approved on a case-by-case basis.
  8. We are also cancelling our enrollment events during this period (March Open House and March Preview Day).
  9. The health experts are unanimous that the best way to avoid spreading the virus is through frequent, thorough hand washing, and avoid touching your face. Also, if you are ill, please stay at home
  10. Faculty and staff will continue to maintain office hours; Brescia University remains open for business.

There is no doubt that there will be hardships  as a result of these unprecedented steps. I also know that all of you want only what is best for our students and I ask for your patience and consideration as we work through any challenges. As a Catholic institution we trust in God’s grace and providence to guide us through this difficult time and we ask him to envelope those who are sick with his healing love.

In the Spirit of St. Angela,

Fr. Larry Hostetter

 

Rev. Larry Hostetter, S.T.D.

President

 

UPDATE FROM DR. LAUREN MCCRARY MARCH 9, 2020 3:55 PM

COVID-19 UPDATE

 

Good afternoon,

Thank you to all who have reached out with helpful articles and questions.  The key to keeping you informed will be to maintain consistent (but not overwhelming) contact and to dispel misinformation, so I encourage you to reach out if you have questions, concerns, or need clarification.

We are monitoring the spread closely and meeting regularly to determine action plans. Dr. Jeff Barnette is working with faculty and has scheduled additional LMS training should classes have to go online (please let your students know to prepare them in the event this occurs), and Dr. Josh Clary will work with students to determine plans for various scenarios. Specific details of how this will impact faculty and staff will be forthcoming.

We ask that no additional plans be made for international travel. Domestic travel is acceptable but practice preventative measures (hand-washing, social distancing).

Though subject to change as the situation continues to evolve, please use the following as the latest guidelines for travel:

  1. Any travel via automobile is “OK”.  Does NOT require an approval (unless previously required).
  2. Any air travel should be discussed with your supervisor.
  3. Err to the side of conservatism, if coming from a larger metropolitan “hot spot” (ex. Chicago).
  4. Personal travel (vacation) is not impacted at this time, but if you feel sick upon returning, do NOT come to work.

Additionally, housekeeping is working diligently to prepare and has ordered extra supplies and additional cleaning equipment to prepare and are continuing to routinely clean frequently touched services. We will also be in contact with superintendents of the K-12 system (and Fr. Larry mentioned KWC cooperation) to add an extra layer of coordination. We are continuing to monitor how this will impact athletic travel, scheduled study abroad trips, and how international students will be impacted. IT is working to prepare and offer academic support, PR has drafted statements, and administration is preparing for event and activity cancellation thresholds.

The following link to the Green River District Health Department contains direct links and information from the Centers for Disease Control, both are reliable sources of accurate information:  http://healthdepartment.org/COVID-19/

We have no reported cases on campus. We will continue meeting regularly, updating and advising students, faculty and staff about COVID-19 developments and action steps on campus. Thank you.

All the best,

Lauren

 

Dr. Lauren McCrary

Chief of Staff

President’s Office

 

UPDATE FROM FR. LARRY HOSTETTER MARCH 9, 2020 8:58 AM

Coronavirus Update

 

Good morning,

Given the continued expansion of the new corona virus disease (COVID19), I thought an update is in order. First let me say that there is no reason for panic. Most people recover after mild to moderate symptoms. Nevertheless, we need to think about those who are vulnerable to more serious manifestations of the disease, the elderly or those with underlying conditions. So washing hands and exercising good hygiene isn’t just for ourselves but it is an act of charity to limit the possibility of exposure for those who are most at risk.

Brescia has a pandemic plan and began some implementation when we realized that the situation could escalate. I have asked Dr. Lauren McCrary to serve as coordinator of the efforts and liaison to me. Dr. Josh Clary and Dr. Jeffrey Barnette are charged with making sure that our student and academic life continues with safety and the least amount of disruption. Because of the complexity of an organization like Brescia, a special taskforce has been convened to make sure that all aspects of the university are covered. They include the following people:

Dr. Lauren McCrary—Chair

Dr. Jeff Barnette—Academics

Dr. Joshua Clary—Student Affairs

Jeremy Mattingly—Food Services

Chris Ford—IT

Mike Ward—Maintenance and Physical Plant

Danny Clark—Houskeeping

Rachel Whelan—PR and communications

Tammy Keller—HR

Isaac Duncan—Student Residence Hall

Dr. Lisa Reece—Mental Health

Dale Cecil—CFO

The task force met as a group last week. Coordinators also met with the local health department and with leadership at KWC. After our cabinet meeting this morning, Lauren will follow up with an email with relevant details. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact our office.

For me, the safety of our students, faculty and staff are paramount and to ensure that our educational mission continues with the least disruption possible. I don’t expect the worst, but as I mentioned above being prepared and vigilant is an act of charity for those who vulnerable. Please pray for those who are sick, not only with the corona virus but the seasonal flu. Thanks.

Fr. L.

 

Rev. Larry Hostetter, S.T.D.

President

Brescia University