March 13, 2020
Dear Spalding Community,
Thank you for your understanding as we work together to navigate a fluid, unprecedented period for our country brought on by the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19).
There remains no known positive case of COVID-19 on our campus, but we are doing part to help prevent the spread of the virus. We are preparing for the measures outlined in a campus-wide message that was distributed Wednesday evening: Spalding will move all face-to-face classes online, effective Monday, March 16, until April 5, and all on-campus residential students must leave the residence halls by noon Sunday, March 15.
Here is additional information and guidance on a range of topics:
TECHNOLOGY FORM
[UPDATED: As of Summer 2020, Spalding is no longer using the technology form it introduced in March of that year and is described in this section of this message. The link to it has been removed from this page, and students with technology needs and questions should contact techsupport@spalding.edu]
With the move to online classes coming, students will need regular access to a computer or tablet with a recent version of Windows or iOS, as well as Internet access.
Students who do not have a computer, tablet or other device, or who lack off-campus access to the Internet should fill out this short form to inform the university of their needs, so that arrangements can be made. Students who do have a computer and regular Internet access do not need to fill out this technology form. The software and programs needed to complete coursework will be provided.
The library will remain open at its regular hours so that students lacking technology or Internet access can use on-campus computers to complete their classes.
- UPDATE: Spectrum is offering free broadband to k-12 and college students beginning March 16 for up to 60 days. To enroll in the service you can call 1-844-488-8395. The company says it will waive installation fees for student households.
- AT&T is waiving overage fees for 60 days on wireless data plans and lifting caps for home broadband
- Spalding students can download Microsoft Office for free using a Spalding login
RESIDENTIAL STUDENTS
Students who live on campus must leave the residence halls by noon Sunday, March 15, and take with them only what they need to be away for three weeks. Those students may not return to the halls until at least April 4.
Students who have filled out the form from Residence Life requesting to stay in the residence halls during the hiatus should receive an answer March 13.
At this time, Spalding does not intend to issue refunds on housing or dining plans. We will review this in the weeks ahead.
Please contact Dean of Students Rick Hudson at rhudson@spalding.edu or 502 873-4488 with any questions or concerns.
CAMPUS DINING
Effective Monday, March 16 until April 5, the POD dining counter will remain open, but the College Street Café will be closed.
For the next week, the POD will operate on regular session break hours starting tomorrow, March 14:
Saturday-Sunday: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Monday-Friday: 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Effective Monday, March 23, the POD will offer breakfast, lunch and dinner. The hours will be:
Monday-Friday: 7:30 a.m.- 7 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday: 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.
COUNSELING CENTER OPEN
The Spalding Counseling Center will stay open and continue serving students. Instead of coming to campus, students are asked to contact Counseling and Psychological Services Director Dr. Allison From-Tapp at afrom@spalding.edu or (502) 873-4458 to discuss the best way to have your needs met. We understand that the global uncertainty regarding the coronavirus may be a source of anxiety, and the Counseling Center is available as a resource.
ATHLETICS AND EVENT CANCELLATIONS
The coronavirus outbreak has prompted Spalding to suspend all of its athletics activities, as well as cancel or postpone a long list of campus and university-sponsored events in the coming weeks. A list of affected events has been posted on Spalding’s Healthy Together – COVID-19 page, and on Spalding’s Facebook page. The list will be updated as needed. Email socialmedia@spalding.edu if there is an event missing that should be added to the list.
Spalding’s Commencement ceremony is still on schedule for June 6, 2020 at Canaan Christian Church.
CLOSURE OF FITNESS CENTER AND DEREK SMITH GYM
Until at least April 5, the campus fitness center in the lower level of Columbia Gym and the basketball/volleyball court on the first floor will be closed for all students and employees.