Inspired by theSkimm, longer than the E-announcements, created with your short attention span in mind.

By Laura Osterlund

Welcome back, everyone! Classes start this week and we are glad to see your masked faces.

Things are a-changin’

Attending school during a pandemic creates unique challenges that have caused Bethel to implement changes to increase the safety of students and faculty. One main difference that students will experience is the requirement to wear facial coverings in all buildings. Students are now also expected to complete a screening every day before entering the buildings using the Campus Clear app. Other changes include capacity limitations in the Wellness Center, library and dining center, as well as options to order food online for Royal Grounds and the Grill.

For those who still have questions about how campus life will be affected by this pandemic, never fear, the Clarion has compiled a list of all the answers that everyone should know about returning to campus.

COVID-19 on campus

Even before all classes started for the semester, Bethel recorded nine students on campus who have tested positive for coronavirus. As of Monday evening, 11 more students are in self-isolation on campus and 49 off-campus.

“In consultation with the Minnesota Department of Health, we have developed plans to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our community and continue to provide face-to-face Bethel education as we handle cases on campus,” said Tim Hammer, Director of Marketing. “Because these plans were not based on a zero case requirement, we are able to continue—with all diligence and commitment to our students’ and employees’ wellbeing—our plans for the fall at this time.”

Finding a leader for students

In an email sent out in June, former President Barnes announced that Provost Deb Harless will retire this coming February. As Provost, Harless serves as the Executive Vice President of Bethel, administrates academic affairs and serves as a member of the Executive Leadership Team. In a more recent email, sent August 21, President Allen announced that Associate Professor of Political Science Chris Moore and Program Director and Professor of Ed.D Leadership in K-12 Administration Tracy Reimer have been selected to co-chair the provost search committee. They intend to have finalists named by December.