Bethel’s Continuing Response to COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

While a decision regarding the adjustment of on-campus classes has yet to be made, students leaving campus for spring break are advised to take books and resources with them.

By The Office of Marketing and Communication

March 11, 2020 | 5 p.m.

Due to the rising number of COVID-19 cases nationwide, the university has made the following decisions for the safety and wellbeing of the Bethel community. 

As previously announced, university-sponsored international travel for spring break has been canceled. University-sponsored domestic travel for students over spring break will continue as scheduled. This includes music tours, athletic competitions, and domestic mission trips.

With the exception of the trips mentioned above, all university-sponsored or university-funded travel internationally and domestically is canceled, effective today through March 31. Exceptions may be made by contacting the emergency management team at covid-19@bethel.edu. Offices or departments that desire to adjust events in response to COVID-19 are being asked to discuss their concerns with the emergency management team before a final decision is made.

Bethel has not yet made a decision regarding the adjustment of on-campus classes after spring break. Students who plan to leave campus over break should take books and other resources necessary to continue studies from home or another off-campus location in case the need arises. Bethel will continue to actively monitor the situation and communicate accordingly if adjustments to the day-to-day operations of the university become necessary.

Faculty who teach face-to-face modality in any of Bethel's schools should prepare for the possibility of continuing instruction online or remotely. Resources and more information will be communicated to faculty on Thursday, March 12.

Please note that these are precautionary measures, as the situation is still evolving. Questions regarding these decisions or Bethel’s response plan can be directed to the emergency planning team at covid-19@bethel.edu.