Campus family
You’ve all made it through more than a week of virtual classes and I hope you are adjusting well to the new way of learning. We’re glad it is only temporary and we are all looking forward to having you back on campus this fall.
Summer classes moved online
Due to the current challenges with the COVID-19 pandemic, Union will move all summer classes online except for Pickleball—which we have canceled. All our summer online courses will continue as planned.
We plan to make a decision about if or how we will run the IRR summer program courses early next week.
Summer class registration is open now, so sign up on Portal. Plus summer course tuition is half price, so sign up now!
What’s happening to the students on campus?
We’ve decided to remain at the current “Open Limited” status at this time.
We have about 50 students that remain in the dorms, but because quarantine rules require us to isolate a sick or potentially exposed person to a private room with their own bathroom space, we have moved students into their own rooms near a bathroom that can be dedicated to them. We can now be assured, if anyone becomes sick or has been exposed, that they will be able to isolate or self-quarantine without having to move and potentially expose others.
Following our county’s health department guidelines, we had four students in quarantine due to travel through hotspots, but they are now out of quarantine and doing fine—no symptoms and no problems. When a student goes into quarantine, our campus nurse checks their temperature twice a day by telehealth, and we bring food to the rooms.
Our buildings are now locked, with card access available to the students in the residence halls and to village students who have requested card access. The Larson Lifestyle Center had to shut down when the county closed all gyms, salons, and restaurant dining rooms.
Your belongings in the residence halls
If your belongings are still in your residence hall room, we ask that you don’t return to campus to pick them up at this time. If you need something specific, contact your dean and they will ship what you need—within reason. You are welcome to leave your belongings in your room until you return in the fall at no charge.
Building community
I am excited to look at the campus calendar and see all the events planned, along with all the ways you are staying connected. Here are a few of my favorites:
- ASB Weekly Challenge—Video yourself make your best food dish and post in on uGroups for a chance to win a $100 Amazon gift card.
- The Daily Bread—Spend 20 minutes with Caleb Haakenson on Instagram Live @unioncollegecm at noon Monday - Wednesdays.
- ASB Wednesday Night Trivia—This week’s trivia night features questions from The Office. Join in at 6:00 p.m. for a chance to win prizes.
- uGather + Live Q&A—Enjoy a worship thought from Buell Fogg and the Campus Ministries team followed by our weekly Live Q&A with Dr. Frankie Rose and friends.
- Warrior Friday—Wear your Warrior gear (or red) on Friday and post your pics to the uGroups feed for a chance to win some great prizes.
- Family Worship—Join Jordi Obregon for some prayer and music at 7:00 p.m. on The Well’s Instagram Live @the.well.worship
- Random Act of Kindness Challenge—Tell us how you are sharing kindness in your community.
- Slinga de Choir—Help us create a virtual choir to sing Slinga de Ink. Learn more at ucollege.edu/slingadechoir
Other resources
- The Studio for Writing and Speaking has extended hours. If you want to schedule a session, just join the Studio’s Moodle class and follow the instructions.
- Having difficulty coping? Campus Health is offering a variety of ways to receive support, including virtual visits with our campus counselor (email lorie.escobar@ucollege.edu) and a support group next Tuesday, April 14, on Zoom. Learn more
What’s coming next?
When will the virus spread peak? What’s going to happen to the economy? Will we be able to physically return to Union in the fall?
It’s impossible for me, or anyone, to be able to tell the future right now, except for one thing: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11
I have peace in the knowledge that the Lord continues to lead and guide, no matter what is happening around us. I know He has a plan for each of you, and for Union, and I look forward to seeing you as soon as it is safe.
Thank you to everyone for doing their part to limit the spread of COVID-19.
Blessings to you,
Vinita Sauder
President, Union College
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