Barton's Response to the Coronavirus
IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
Update 9 Barton Coronavirus Response
Dear Members of the Barton College Community,
As Barton College continues to navigate these uncharted waters, we remain steadfast in our commitment to this campus community. We are grateful for the partnerships we share with the Wilson County Health Department and others across the state as their guidance continues to help us determine next best steps moving forward.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, our decisions have been guided by two key priorities: to make sure our students, staff, and faculty are safe, and to provide an excellent education in a rapidly changing environment.
As trends in the pandemic have escalated, these updates define Barton College's service and support through the end of the spring 2020 semester:
- Barton College classes will continue in remote delivery through the end of the semester. For many students, this will mean continuing in the remote courses that began a week ago. For others, end-of-the-semester activities will need to be adjusted in order to ensure that the course outcomes are met. We are committed to ensuring that students meet the learning outcomes for all of their courses.
- Commencement will be postponed until the end of Fall Semester 2020. The date for the commencement ceremony will be announced in the upcoming weeks. Postponing the commencement does not impede students from graduating. All students who have applied for graduation and met graduation requirements will receive their Barton diplomas by mail at the end of the spring semester in May. More details about the date of commencement will be forthcoming.
- All public and College-sponsored events that were to have been held on campus during the rest of spring semester are either postponed or cancelled. Event organizers will be in touch with their audiences about postponement or cancellation.
- With the Governor initiating a state-wide shelter at home order, Barton employees will move to a work from home option with a small contingency of essential personnel working on campus, as allowed by the essential services provision of the Executive Order. College resources will continue, and constituents should check email regularly for information about ongoing programs and services. A small number of students remain on campus and will shelter-in-place at Barton.
- To assist with the hardships associated with COVID-19, work study students employed with the College as of March 13, 2020, will have their pay continued based on the schedule of hours submitted by their supervisor. This means whether students have performed work or not worked due to the COVID-19 caused interruptions between March 13, 2020 and April 29 (last day of previously scheduled classes), the College will issue this pay for time scheduled to work. Students will see direct deposits made to their bank accounts on file with payroll during the regular pay dates of April 24, and May 25 if applicable.
- Barton is reviewing room and board charges for the spring semester in order to extend partial credit as appropriate. Students who have room or board plans will hear from the Business Office by April 10th about any account adjustments.
Even while traditional courses and on-campus services are changing, we will continue to meet our mission. The College is committed to providing personalized service during this period of remote operations. Watch, for instance, for a virtual Day of Scholarship that goes live on April 7, as well as other opportunities to stay connected to the Barton College community.
Thank you for your patience as we work to prioritize the safety of our community and the academic enterprise we all value. Know that we even though we are separated by distance, we are united in spirit and resolve. Barton College continues to offer the light of life as we endure this uncertain time, and I send my personal best wishes to each of you for health and hope until we are together again.
Grace and Peace,
Douglas N. Searcy, Ph.D.
President
Barton College
CURRENT STATUS
- All members of the Barton community remain virus-free.
- Remote instruction for students will continue through the end of the semester.
- All public and College-sponsored events that were scheduled on campus during the rest of spring semester have been either postponed or cancelled.
- Residence halls are currently closed.
- Barton employees will commence work-from-home status, beginning Monday, March 30, at 5 p.m., with a small contingent of essential personnel working on campus.
Communication Timeline for Barton’s Response to the Coronavirus
Thursday, April 2, 2020 (5:00 pm EDT)View Previous Updates
FOR STUDENTS
PERSEVERANCE & DAY OF SCHOLARSHIP
Message No. 2 from the Provost
TRANSITION TO REMOTE LEARNING
Message from the Provost
GENERAL MEDICAL INQUIRIES
Should you need to consult with Student Health Services on campus, contact Jennifer High, Executive Director of Student Health Services, at healthcenter@barton.edu.
GENERAL QUESTIONS
Students should contact Joe Dlugos, Dean of Student Life, at jadlugos@barton.edu with any questions regarding Barton College's response to the Coronavirus.
TIPS FOR REMOTE LEARNING
- Gather your textbooks and class materials.
- Create a schedule of your assignment due dates.
- Check your email three times per day.
- Know where to go online to find the campus services you will need.
- Familiarize yourself with remote learning.
Questions about remote learning? Contact Blythe Taylor, assistant provost for integrative learning, at mbtaylor@barton.edu.
KEELIA'S TIPS FOR SUCCESS
Helpful Advice from a Fellow Student
PREPARING YOUR TECHNOLOGY
- Be sure that you have regular access to a computer and the internet. If not, contact your professors.
- Brush up on your computer skills.
- For technical support, contact the Barton College Help Desk at support@barton.edu.
- Know how to access your course. Contact the Help Desk or your professor for assistance.
- Make sure that your username and password are working. Contact the Help Desk if you encounter problems.
- Log into Canvas and familiarize yourself with the learning management system.
Questions about learning and technology? Contact the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning at cetl@barton.edu.
STARTING YOUR REMOTE CLASSES
- Log into Canvas and access your course.
- Read any course announcements that are posted.
- Locate your course information under the "Modules" tab.
- Save your instructor's contact information.
- Read the syllabus and look for changes that have been made as a result of switching to online learning.
- Print or save your revised course schedule if one is posted.
Questions about remote learning? Contact Blythe Taylor, assistant provost for integrative learning, at mbtaylor@barton.edu.
MORE TIPS FOR REMOTE CLASSES
- Add all due dates to your schedule.
- Review the reading requirements and plan sufficient time in your schedule.
- Review your instructor's grading, attendance, and participation policies.
- Be aware of how your assignments are to be submitted.
Questions about remote learning? Contact Blythe Taylor, assistant provost for integrative learning, at mbtaylor@barton.edu.
FOR EMPLOYEES
ABSENCES
For information about how to treat work absences associated with COVID-19, please see the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) sheet located under the Employee Info tab on Campus Connect. Should there be specific employee situations that need further consideration, please bring them to the attention of Vicky Morris, Assistant Vice President for Human Resources, at vamorris@barton.edu.
GENERAL MEDICAL INQUIRIES
Should you need to consult with Student Health Services on campus, contact Jennifer High, Executive Director of Student Health Services, at healthcenter@barton.edu. (Please also continue to review the reminder information in earlier emails regarding symptoms and prevention measures.)
GENERAL QUESTIONS
Employees should contact Vicky Morris, Assistant Vice President for Human Resources, at vamorris@barton.edu with any questions regarding Barton College's response to the Coronavirus.
HEALTH INFORMATION
LEE STUDENT HEALTH CENTER
The Lee Student Health Center is open and now providing Virtual Services. Services are offered for current Barton College students and employees at no out-of-pocket expense and are completely confidential.
- Canvas Health and Wellness Course
Free, Optional, and Available 24/7
This course is designed to offer information around health and wellness topics as well as resources available on-campus.
- Counseling Virtual Services
Appointment Required
Tap or click this subheader to complete the online referral form. Once this form is completed, we will reach out to schedule your virtual counseling session.
- Disability Services/Academic Accommodations
Offered by virtual appointment
Tap or click the subheader to schedule an appointment.
- Nurse Consultation or Medical Advice
Appointment Required
Tap or click the subheader to schedule an appointment.
- Physician Clinic
Appointment Required
Tap or click the subheader to schedule your appointment.
- Women's Health Clinic
Appointment Required
Tap or click the subheader to schedule your appointment.
Questions about campus health services or scheduling appointments? Contact Jennifer High, Executive Director of Student Health Services, at 252-399-6397 or by email at healthcenter@barton.edu.
WILSON COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT
Find local information and resources on the Wilson County Health Department's website: www.wilson-co.com/departments/health-department.
CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION
Visit the CDC's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information on the nature, symptoms, and prevention of the Coronavirus. Go to www.cdc.gov/.
COVID-19 SYMPTOMS
Patients with COVID-19 have reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness. Symptom can include:
• Fever • Cough • Shortness of breath
Symptoms may appear 2 - 14 days after exposure. Seek medical advice if you develop symptoms and have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19 or if you live in or have recently been in an area with ongoing spread of COVID-19.
Information from www.cdc.gov/covid19-symptoms
COVID-19 PREVENTION
You can help prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses with these actions:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Information from www.cdc.gov/covid19
TIPS FOR COPING IN THE PANDEMIC
With the national emergency of the coronavirus pandemic, college students’ lives have been disrupted as they have been asked to leave campus, take classes remotely, and adjust to new living situations. Here are some tips to help parents and students cope in healthy ways.
- Validate the Experience - This is a sudden change, and a loss—of community, graduation ceremonies, living environments, sporting events, etc. During this time, students can practice self-compassion for what they’re going through. Families can validate students’ feelings and keep the lines of communication open about what’s challenging and difficult about this change.
- Maintain Structure as Much as Possible - even though you’re not going to classes on campus, it’s important to have a schedule. Get up by 9:00am each weekday. Assign specific times of day for classwork and assignments.
- Practice Good Self-Care - eat healthy food, drink enough water, exercise, safely spend time with family and friends, read, journal, listen to or play music, play games, draw or paint, try to have fun in safe ways.
- Reach out for Support - everyone in the country is having a shared experience, there are lots of people who understand how difficult this situation is. Barton College Student Health Center is still providing medical services, counseling, and disability support services.
- Limit Your Exposure to the News - Too much information - and not all of it truthful - can cause anxiety.
- Use Deep Breathing or Progressive Muscle Relaxation Exercises to Help You Relax
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Barton College is committed to providing resources to all students and families to ensure emotional well-being, healthy living, and wellness in all aspects of one’s life. Thus, we are pleased to inform you of a Crisis CHAT line that is available for all staff, students, parents, family, and friends.
The Crisis CHAT offers online emotional support 24 hours a day. Trained chat specialists are available to assist individuals who are depressed, going through a hard time, need to talk, or are having thoughts of hurting themselves. Any life issues may be discussed utilizing the Crisis CHAT line. The goal of Integrated Family Services’ Crisis CHAT line is to help you and others reduce stress and feel empowered to make healthy decisions.
To utilize this free service, simply go to www.integratedfamilyservices.net and click the “chat with us” icon at the top of the page.
Contact Us
Kathy Daughety
Director of Public Relations
Barton College
P.O. Box 5000, Wilson, N.C. 27893
kdaughety@barton.edu
800-345-4973 x6529
252-399-6529
Director of Public Relations
Barton College
P.O. Box 5000, Wilson, N.C. 27893
kdaughety@barton.edu
800-345-4973 x6529
252-399-6529