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Coronavirus

Previous Updates

The following is a list of all CRT updates related to Asbury Seminary’s response to COVID-19 in the format of their historical release.  Please note that the content below is not intended to represent our latest official guidelines; it only serves as a historical repository.  For the most up-to-date list of actions and guidelines, visit our Coronavirus Response page.

8-24-2021 Update

Dear Asbury Seminary Community,

Greetings! The start of the fall semester is just two weeks away, so we wanted to provide an update on the Seminary’s general operating principles and guidelines related to our life together as a community with the coronavirus still active.

The Seminary will continue to monitor the situation and update our community as needed over the next few weeks. In the meantime, we remind you again of our expectations for community interactions:

  • We strongly encourage vaccination (as medically appropriate) for all persons who have not been fully vaccinated or are not COVID-recovered (i.e., persons without immunity).
  • We strongly encourage all persons who prefer to wear a mask and/or would like others who come into their individual work space, residence, study area, etc. to wear a mask, to do so and request so; and, we expect members of the community to respect and honor such requests. If persons on the Wilmore campus need one, we still have free masks available in Human Resources (employees) and at the Larabee Morris Hall front desk (students).
  • We strongly encourage excellent hand hygiene, and to do so often throughout the day. Carefully washing your hands remains one of the most effective ways to limit the spread of any virus.
  • We still require reporting exposure and/or positive cases to Student Services (students) or Human Resources (employees), and reports should be made directly to the respective office via phone call or email as soon as reasonably possible after the exposure or confirmed positive test. Persons who experience either are expected to follow the corresponding self quarantine guidelines.

Thank you for your continued commitment to working together as a community in the midst of the current circumstances.

Gratefully,

Asbury Seminary’s CRT

8-5-2021 Update: Asbury Theological Seminary’s Response to COVID-19

Dear Asbury Seminary Community,

Warm summer greetings from Wilmore, Kentucky.

Like many of you are, the Seminary leadership and the Coronavirus Response Team (CRT) are aware of, and are monitoring, the various flows of information regarding the status of COVID-19 cases, many of which are of the Delta variant.  As from the outset of the pandemic, the Seminary begins with the CDC and state guidance, evaluates those and other applicable conditions, then develops its own policies and procedures.

The Seminary will continue to monitor these issues and update our community as we move closer to the start of the fall semester.  In the meantime, we remind our community of both our current plans and our expectations for community interactions:

  • the classrooms and other public spaces at our sites have been reset to standard occupancies, and we plan to use them at or near those occupancies at the outset of the fall semester;
  • we continue to expect our entire community, as a matter of truth telling, to self-honor the CDC guidance regarding masks for those who have not achieved vaccinated or natural immunity (e.g., those without Covid-recovered or vaccinated immunity are expected to wear masks indoors);
  • with 4+ weeks remaining before the first day of classes, and vaccinations now widely available (and in most cases free), the Seminary strongly encourages all persons without immunity to consider getting vaccinated before the beginning of the fall semester;
  • the requirement for reporting exposure and/or positive cases to Student Services (students) or Human Resources (employees) remains in effect and should be made directly to the respective office via phone call or email as soon as reasonably possible after the exposure or confirmed positive test; and,
  • international travel courses remain in abeyance through at least the fall 2021 semester.

Thank you for your continued commitment to working together as a community in the face of the current circumstances.

Gratefully,

Asbury Seminary’s CRT

5-22-2021 Update: Asbury Theological Seminary’s Response to COVID-19

Dear Asbury Seminary community,

First, thank you very much for your wonderful perseverance with and adherence to our community guidelines, as well as your grace with each other, during this long winter of the coronavirus pandemic. This has felt like a long winter, but we are grateful to be nearing the end of this journey and enjoying the spring that has arrived.

As many are aware, due to the significant improvement in the statistics, etc., the CDC (as well as most states) has issued new guidance around masks and distancing. In response, the Seminary is updating its own guidelines as presented below.

Revised Asbury Theological Seminary Guidelines for Masks and Distancing:

With vaccination options now universally available, effective May 24, 2021 Asbury Theological Seminary will no longer require facial coverings at its physical sites. Anyone who feels vulnerable for any reason should feel comfortable in still wearing a mask. The Seminary expects our community to be sensitive to persons who may request that others wear a mask when interacting closely with them. Asbury Seminary is committed to respecting the private and personal health choices of all of our employees.

In addition, beginning this summer the Seminary will also transition all of its public spaces (e.g., classrooms, chapels, dining hall, etc.) back to more standard seating arrangements.

Thank you in advance for continuing to extend grace to each other as we move into a new season together.

11-20-2020 Update: Asbury Theological Seminary’s Response to COVID-19

Asbury Theological Seminary and its Coronavirus Response Team (CRT) continue to monitor the evolving situation in our country and world, and the CRT meets regularly regarding any decisions the Seminary may need to take in response to these changes.  As a result of its most recent meeting, the Seminary’s CRT announces the latest updates and reminders below.

  • A dashboard will be added to the Coronavirus Response area of our website. This will include our basic positivity data for the Wilmore campus and will be updated weekly.
  • The Seminary will transition to a scaled-back onsite workforce for administrative and office functions effective 5 PM, November 20, 2020 for all locations. What this means:
    • Each Vice President will determine the appropriate onsite staffing level for each of their areas (since a wide variety of service needs and physical working areas exist across the Seminary’s locations) and will be responsible for communicating clearly to those within their organizational chart oversight.
    • This will be similar to the approach we previously followed this past summer as we transitioned back to in-person/onsite work. All employees are still expected to be fully engaged in their work, whether they are working from home or onsite at one of the Seminary’s locations. We will continue to be enthusiastically engaged in our mission and educational work in these challenging days.
    • Our current expectation is that, unless notified otherwise before then, all administrative and office staff will return to onsite work on Monday, January 4, 2021.
    • This administrative transition corresponds with our plan in the summer to transition all instruction to online following the Thanksgiving break to complete the fall semester.
    • During this scaled-back period, we will continue all cleaning and disinfecting that we have been doing since March.
  • Wilmore Dining Services will continue to offer meal service to our residential students within the appropriate guidelines. The residential life team will work closely with Dining Services and communicate directly with our residential students about how this will function for the last three weeks of the fall term (following the Thanksgiving break).
  • In-person/face-to-face instruction for the first two weeks of January will be moved to an online delivery only format for all Seminary locations. The faculty will clearly communicate with their students during this time.
  • All January chapels will be provided online. December chapels were previously announced as having moved online.
  • Wilmore ATS Fitness will cease in-person activities at 5:00pm on Friday, November 20. The current plan is to restart on January 4 under any then-existing state guidelines for gyms.
  • The Stamps Community House will close at 5:00pm on Friday, November 20. The current plan is to reopen on January 4 as appropriate.

REMINDER: Seminary staff remain available to support anyone in our community who desires it.  Please contact the appropriate person/office below based on your particular category or need:

  • Faculty – Provost’s Office (859.858.2206)
  • Wilmore students – Ty Konopinski (859.858.2093)
  • Wilmore staff – Human Resources (859.858.2285)
  • Non-Wilmore students and staff – Eric Currie (407.482.7635)
  • Prayer or any other support – Community Formation (859.858.2391)

In lieu of contacting what might be the normal office or area during this closure, any employee with any questions about any of these, or other, matters should first contact their director and/or vice president directly for assistance.

10-30-2020 Update: Asbury Theological Seminary’s Response to COVID-19

Dear Wilmore Asbury Seminary community,

Recently we shared information with you that Kentucky’s Governor had released regarding additional, recommended guidelines for counties that move into what the state has defined as the “red zone”.  This is a measurement category that translates to 25 average new cases per 100,000 in population. The Seminary’s incidence rate remains very low, with only four positive tests among students and employees during October in Wilmore — three already cleared by the Health Dept, and the remaining person is completing the required quarantine period.

With instructional sites across the U.S., it has been the Seminary’s practice from the outset to use CDC guidance as the basis for its own guidelines, practices and policies.  We remain committed to this and to the safety of our community as we move forward in our mission and work together.

As of now, public schools remain open, as do houses of worship (which have their own specific state-level guidance).  Asbury Seminary will continue its academic, worship and work schedules as it has since the fall semester began, including continued focus on encouraging everyone to follow CDC guidance for excellent hygiene, social-distancing when interacting, and mask wearing.

We will continue to monitor the myriad of data and recommendations, and when such information leads us to adjust our guidelines for operations, we will inform the entire community through an email that links back to the Seminary’s coronavirus website: http://asburyseminary.edu/coronavirus/. Please remember that the website is the single, authoritative source for seminary policy and communication, so check it regularly.

Working together,

Your Coronavirus Response Team (CRT)

10-28-2020 Update: Asbury Theological Seminary’s Response to COVID-19

Asbury Theological Seminary and its Coronavirus Response Team (CRT) continue to monitor the evolving situation with COVID-19 to help keep Seminary employees and students safe.

On Monday, October 26, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear announced a new system for identifying Red Zones by county with accompanying recommendations to reduce the spread of COVID-19. The governor encourages those counties who are in the Red Zone on each Thursday evening to follow the guidance below for one week following:

  • Employers allow employees to work from home when possible
  • Noncritical government offices to operate virtually
  • Reduce in-person shopping: Order online or curbside pickup
  • Order takeout: Avoid dining in restaurants or bars
  • Prioritize businesses that follow and enforce mask mandate and other guidelines
  • Reschedule, postpone or cancel public and private events
  • Do not host or attend gatherings of any size
  • Avoid nonessential activities outside of your home
  • Reduce overall activity and contacts, and follow existing guidance, including 10 steps to defeat COVID-19

The Coronavirus Response Team (CRT) is aware of Governor Andy Beshear’s new Red Zone Reduction Recommendations to slow the spread of COVID-19. As of today, Jessamine County is not in the red zone. Should Jessamine County enter the Red Zone, CRT will evaluate the situation and take any actions deemed necessary. Due to the CRT’s concern for safety from the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Seminary continues its commitment to consider recommendations from the CDC, state and local government when establishing guidelines for our communities. For more information, visit asburyseminary.edu/coronavirus.

REMINDER: Seminary staff remain available to support anyone in our community who desires it. Please contact the appropriate person/office below based on your particular category or need:

  • Faculty – Provost’s Office (859.858.2206)
  • Wilmore students – Ty Konopinski (859.858.2093)
  • Wilmore staff – Human Resources (859.858.2221)
  • Non-Wilmore students and staff – Eric Currie (407.482.7635)
  • Prayer or any other support – Community Formation (859.858.2391)

In lieu of contacting what might be the normal office or area during this closure, any employee with any questions about any of these, or other, matters should first contact their director and/or vice president directly for assistance.

7-10-2020 Update: Asbury Theological Seminary’s Response to COVID-19

Asbury Theological Seminary and its Coronavirus Response Team (CRT) continue to monitor the evolving situation with COVID-19, and the CRT meets regularly regarding any decisions the Seminary may need to take in response to these changes.  As a result of its most recent meeting, the Seminary’s CRT announces the latest updates and reminders below. Please note that all announced decisions always include the disclaimer that subsequent CDC, state and local guidance may require the Seminary to alter its decisions at any point in time.

  • Per the action by the Governor of Kentucky, effective Friday, July 10, persons entering any Asbury Theological Seminary facility will be required to wear a mask while inside.
  • For its Fall 2020 semester, Asbury Theological Seminary will begin according to its regular schedule, and all in-person instruction is planned to proceed accordingly at this time. Currently, the only modification to the fall schedule is that all instruction following the Thanksgiving break will occur in an online format. What this means:
    • The academic calendar will unfold as originally presented, and it can be found here: http://asburyseminary.edu/academics/registrar/academic-calendar-important-dates/. Any adjustments that might be made will be updated here, so please check it regularly. Please direct any questions about in-person instruction to the Registrar’s Office.
    • All students will be expected to sit in an appropriately distanced manner in all classrooms, and masks will be required as well.
    • Each instructor will be responsible for communicating to the students in each course the details regarding the online post-Thanksgiving instruction.
  • The restriction on employee and Seminary-sponsored international travel has been extended until further notice. The CRT will continue to monitor the international travel situation and communicate any updates to this restriction as may be warranted. We look forward to welcoming our international students and visiting scholars this fall. These members of our community will be expected to follow all applicable government (originating country, as well as U.S.), state and CDC guidance regarding any travel, potential quarantine period, etc. prior to and upon their arrival in the U.S.

REMINDER: As the Seminary’s operation, particularly on its Kentucky Campus, involves many components, these various components will follow the appropriate, corresponding state guidance for reopening. For example, the Seminary’s fitness areas must adhere to the state’s guidance for fitness centers, Estes Chapel will follow guidance for “Houses of Worship” as it restarts in the fall, etc. Therefore, please be patient with these areas as they seek to remain compliant and contact them directly for further information about their respective guidelines. The Seminary expects the community to follow the corresponding guidance presented for each area of the Seminary as we work together to operate in a safe manner. Thank you!

REMINDER: Seminary staff remain available to support anyone in our community who desires it. Please contact the appropriate person/office below based on your particular category or need:

  • Faculty – Provost’s Office (859.858.2206)
  • Wilmore students – Ty Konopinski (859.858.2093)
  • Wilmore staff – Human Resources (859.858.2221)
  • Non-Wilmore students and staff – Eric Currie (407.482.7635)
  • Prayer or any other support – Community Formation (859.858.2391)

In lieu of contacting what might be the normal office or area during this closure, any employee with any questions about any of these, or other, matters should first contact their director and/or vice president directly for assistance.

6-17-2020 Update: Asbury Theological Seminary’s Response to COVID-19

Asbury Theological Seminary and its Coronavirus Response Team (CRT) continue to monitor the evolving situation with COVID-19, and the CRT meets regularly regarding any decisions the Seminary may need to take in response to these changes.  As a result of its most recent meeting, the Seminary’s CRT announces the latest updates and reminders below. Please note that all announced decisions always include the disclaimer that subsequent CDC, state and local guidance may require the Seminary to alter its decisions at any point in time.

  • Effective Monday, June 29, guests entering any Asbury Theological Seminary building will be highly encouraged to wear a mask while inside. Employees are still required to wear a mask while inside any Seminary building and outside of their personal workspace.  Faculty members retain the authority to require masks in their classrooms at their discretion. (Students will sit in a socially distanced manner in all classrooms.)
  • Effective Monday, July 6, administrative offices will increase their workforce to 75%, and effective Monday, August 17, these offices will move to 100% workforce. What this means:
    • Currently, even at the 50% level, with the widely dispersed nature of our offices across numerous buildings, all administrative employees who work alone in individual departments, schools, or office settings should now be reporting to campus for regular office hours. If not already reporting for full office hours, these employees are expected to begin reporting immediately.  Please familiarize yourself with the Seminary’s Reopening Plan for guidance on a safe workplace.
    • If an employee believes they have a situation or medical condition of concern that might qualify for EFMLA, FMLA, etc., they should contact the Director of Human Resources immediately for consultation and a determination.
    • Through August 17, only vice presidents are authorized to make non-medical (i.e. non EFMLA, FMLA, etc.) case-by-case exceptions for telework, etc. for particular, unique work situations that are not medically related (i.e. situations related to the 50% and 75% workforce levels). Such cases should not be assumed by employees; instead, the vice president will take the initiative to determine what works best for their various departments and individual situations and communicate accordingly. In the absence of a specific determination and communication by a vice president, employees are expected to report to work following the schedule indicated above.
  • Effective Monday, July 6, employees may resume domestic travel (non-air travel is still preferred whenever possible), but such travel is subject to supervisor approval in advance of making any travel plans.
  • The restriction on employee and Seminary-sponsored international travel has been extended to December 31, 2020. The CRT will continue to monitor the international travel situation and communicate any updates to this restriction as may be warranted. We look forward to welcoming our international students and visiting scholars this fall.  These members of our community will be expected to follow all applicable government (originating country as well as U.S.), state and CDC guidance regarding any travel, potential quarantine period, etc. prior to and upon their arrival in the U.S.

REMINDER: As the Seminary’s operation, particularly on its Kentucky Campus, involves many components, these various components will follow the appropriate, corresponding state guidance for reopening.  For example, the Seminary’s fitness areas must adhere to the state’s guidance for fitness centers, Estes Chapel will follow guidance for “Houses of Worship” as it restarts in the fall, etc.  Therefore, please be patient with these areas as they seek to remain compliant and contact them directly for further information about their respective guidelines.  The Seminary expects the community to follow the corresponding guidance presented for each area of the Seminary as we work together to reopen in a safe manner. Thank you!

REMINDER: Seminary staff remain available to support anyone in our community who desires it. Please contact the appropriate person/office below based on your particular category or need:

  • Faculty – Provost’s Office (859.858.2206)
  • Wilmore students – Ty Konopinski (859.858.2093)
  • Wilmore staff – Human Resources (859.858.2221)
  • Non-Wilmore students and staff – Eric Currie (407.482.7635)
  • Prayer or any other support – Community Formation (859.858.2391)

In lieu of contacting what might be the normal office or area during this closure, any employee with any questions about any of these, or other, matters should first contact their director and/or vice president directly for assistance.

6-2-2020 Update: Asbury Theological Seminary’s Response to COVID-19

Asbury Theological Seminary and its Coronavirus Response Team (CRT) continue to monitor the evolving situation in our country and world, and the CRT meets regularly regarding any decisions the Seminary may need to take in response to these changes.  As a result of its most recent meeting, the Seminary’s CRT announces the latest updates and reminders below.

  • All classes with a residential component will resume the face-to-face instructional element as of June 29, 2020. Each instructor will communicate with students, through Canvas, regarding what this means for their course as well as the guidelines students will need to follow while onsite. Our Safe at Seminary guidelines consist of the following protocol to keep students, faculty and staff safe:
    • Stay home if sick (or experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms – fever above 100, dry/persistent cough, body aches).
    • Practice social distancing.
    • Take your temperature daily.
    • Wash hands regularly.
    • Utilize hand sanitizer.
    • Limit face-to-face meetings.
    • Use digital files when possible.
    • Avoid gathering in common areas.
    • Masks must be worn in buildings, unless alone.
  • As the Seminary’s operation, particularly on its Kentucky Campus, involves many components, these various components will follow the appropriate, corresponding state guidance for reopening.  For example, the Seminary’s fitness areas must adhere to the state’s guidance for fitness centers, Estes Chapel will follow guidance for “Houses of Worship” as it restarts, etc.  Therefore, please be patient with these areas as they seek to remain compliant and contact them directly for further information about their respective guidelines.  The Seminary expects the community to follow the corresponding guidance presented for each area of the Seminary as we work together to reopen in a safe manner. Thank you!

REMINDER: Seminary staff remain available to support anyone in our community who desires it. Please contact the appropriate person/office below based on your particular category or need:

    • Faculty – Provost’s Office (859.858.2206)
    • Wilmore students – Ty Konopinski (859.858.2093)
    • Wilmore staff – Human Resources (859.858.2221)
    • Non-Wilmore students and staff – Eric Currie (407.482.7635)
    • Prayer or any other support – Community Formation (859.858.2391)

In lieu of contacting what might be the normal office or area during this closure, any employee with any questions about any of these, or other, matters should first contact their director and/or vice president directly for assistance.

5-6-2020 Update: Asbury Theological Seminary’s Response to COVID-19

Asbury Theological Seminary and its Coronavirus Response Team (CRT) continue to monitor the evolving situation in our country and world, and the CRT meets regularly regarding any decisions the Seminary may need to take in response to these changes.  As a result of its most recent meeting, the Seminary’s CRT announces the latest updates and reminders below.

  • The Seminary will implement a Phase 1 reopening plan for all administrative and office functions effective May 18th at all locations.
    • The latest version of the “Phase 1 ATS Reopening Plan” can be found here. This is a very important document, and all employees should read it carefully before May 18, 2020.
    • Please remember that the way we act faithfully during this time is by remembering that there may be people at risk around us. While as Christians we do not live in fear, because we do not know who those at risk are, we will do our utmost to love our neighbor well by following these guidelines and keeping the least of these as safe as possible.
  • Previous restrictions on those in the state of Kentucky traveling outside of Kentucky have now been lifted. International travel restrictions remain in place, as do all employee business travel restrictions and all summer course-related cancellations that were previously announced.
  • Any faculty, staff or student who is diagnosed with COVID-19, or has a reasonable belief that they have contracted it or been in direct contact with anyone who has been diagnosed with it, must report this to HR (faculty/staff) or Student Services (students) immediately AND must follow all CDC and state guidance for self-quarantining and other treatments, as well as all other seminary policies, before returning to any campus, instructional site, or residence hall. Any student in a Seminary residence hall who falls into any of these categories must contact Residence Life regarding special quarantine housing that is available, and they must use this quarantine housing for 14 days before returning to the residence hall. The COVID-19 Hotline may be reached at (800) 722-5725 to receive specific guidance.
  • REMINDER: Seminary staff remain available to support anyone in our community who desires it. Please contact the appropriate person/office below based on your particular category or need:
    • Faculty – Provost’s Office (859.858.2206)
    • Wilmore students – Ty Konopinski (859.858.2093)
    • Wilmore staff – Human Resources (859.858.2221)
    • Non-Wilmore students and staff – Eric Currie (407.482.7635)
    • Prayer or any other support – Community Formation (859.858.2391)

In lieu of contacting what might be the normal office or area during this closure, any employee with any questions about any of these, or other, matters should first contact their director and/or vice president directly for assistance.

4-28-2020 Update: Asbury Theological Seminary’s Response to COVID-19

Asbury Theological Seminary and its Coronavirus Response Team (CRT) continue to monitor the evolving situation in our country and world, and the CRT meets regularly regarding any decisions the Seminary may need to take in response to these changes.  As a result of its most recent meeting, the Seminary’s CRT announces the latest updates and reminders below.

  • Any course that contains a residential component during the month of June will be moved to a fully online delivery format. Each instructor of such courses will communicate to the students in those courses what this change entails. A decision regarding courses with a residential component scheduled during July or August will be forthcoming. Any course that was scheduled to include a residential (face-to-face) component but is moved to an online format, due to the current pandemic, will still be classified as a residential course. (The preceding does not apply to Doctor of Ministry courses scheduled for this summer (2020); D.Min. courses will continue to follow the adjusted plan previously communicated to those students.)
  • REMINDER: Seminary staff remain available to support anyone in our community who desires it. Please contact the appropriate person/office below based on your particular category or need:
    • Faculty – Provost’s Office (859.858.2206)
    • Wilmore students – Ty Konopinski (859.858.2093)
    • Wilmore staff – Human Resources (859.858.2221)
    • Non-Wilmore students and staff – Eric Currie (407.482.7635)
    • Prayer or any other support – Community Formation (859.858.2391)

In lieu of contacting what might be the normal office or area during this closure, any employee with any questions about any of these, or other, matters should first contact their director and/or vice president directly for assistance.

4-21-2020 Update: Asbury Theological Seminary’s Response to COVID-19

PLEASE NOTE: A comprehensive, up-to-date list of all Asbury Seminary actions regarding COVID-19 can be found here and should be checked regularly, as that page is the authoritative list.

Asbury Theological Seminary and its Coronavirus Response Team (CRT) continue to monitor the evolving situation in our country and world, and the CRT meets regularly regarding any decisions the Seminary may need to take in response to these changes.  As a result of its most recent meeting, the Seminary’s CRT announces the latest updates and reminders below.

  • As the situation remains fluid, the Seminary is committed to opening physical campuses/locations when state and local jurisdiction benchmarks for a safe return to work have been achieved. Be sure to check this page regularly for updates. We will keep you informed of any changes and of dates for reopening. For now, we will continue to work at home/remotely as much as reasonably possible.
  • The CRT reminds Seminary employees that any staff or faculty may be identified as “essential” or “critical” at any point by their vice president or director, and as a result may be assigned certain additional duties to perform and will be expected to perform those duties on campus following the appropriate CDC guidelines for physical distancing, etc.
  • A “Safe At Seminary” task force has been created to prepare for the eventual reopening of our locations. This task force will develop guidelines to increase the safety of all who come to any of our physical locations.
  • We will reinstate our curbside pick-up service at the B.L. Fisher Library very soon. The details of this service can be found by clicking here. You will be informed when your resources are available for pickup.
  • REMINDER: Seminary staff and faculty who have been issued an outside key to their building are able to access and utilize their individual office space with appropriate social distancing. This may be necessary for those with unstable or non-existent internet service at home. No in-person meetings may be held within the facilities.
  • REMINDER: Seminary staff remain available to support anyone in our community who desires it.Please contact the appropriate person/office below based on your particular category or need:
    • Faculty – Provost’s Office 859.858.2206
    • Wilmore students – Ty Konopinski 859.858.2093
    • Wilmore staff – Human Resources 859.858.2221
    • Non-Wilmore students and staff – Eric Currie 407.482.7635
    • Prayer or any other support – Community Formation 859.858.2391

In lieu of contacting what might be the normal office or area during this closure, any employee with any questions about any of these, or other, matters should first contact their director and/or vice president directly for assistance.

4-3-2020 Update: Asbury Theological Seminary’s Response to COVID-19

Asbury Theological Seminary and its Coronavirus Response Team (CRT) continue to monitor the evolving situation in our country and world, and the CRT meets regularly regarding any decisions the Seminary may need to take in response to these changes.  As a result of its most recent meeting, the Seminary’s CRT announces the latest updates and reminders below.

  • Adjusted the current plan so that the Seminary’s physical campuses will reopen at 8:00am on Monday, May 4th to coincide with CDC guidelines in place through April 30.
  • REMINDER: Seminary staff remain available to support anyone in our community who desires it. Please contact the appropriate person/office below based on your particular category or need:
    • Faculty – Provost’s Office 859.858.2206
    • Wilmore students – Ty Konopinski 859.858.2093
    • Wilmore staff – Human Resources 859.858.2221
    • Non-Wilmore students and staff – Eric Currie 407.482.7635
    • Prayer or any other support – Community Formation 859.858.2391

In lieu of contacting what might be the normal office or area during this closure, any employee with any questions about any of these, or other, matters should first contact their director and/or vice president directly for assistance.

3-31-2020 Update: Asbury Theological Seminary’s Response to COVID-19

Asbury Theological Seminary and its Coronavirus Response Team (CRT) continue to monitor the evolving situation in our country and world, and the CRT meets regularly regarding any decisions the Seminary may need to take in response to these changes.  As a result of its most recent meeting, the Seminary’s CRT announces the latest updates and reminders below.

  • Any faculty, staff or student who is diagnosed with COVID-19; has a reasonable belief that they have contracted it or been in direct contact with anyone who has been diagnosed; AND/OR have traveled out of their respective jurisdictions and will be returning to any Asbury Seminary property and facilities (whether in Florida, Kentucky, Oklahoma or Tennessee) must report this to HR (faculty/staff) or Student Services (students) immediately AND must follow all CDC and state guidance for self-quarantining and other treatments, as well as all other seminary policies, before returning to any campus, instructional site, or residence hall. Any student in a Seminary residence hall who falls into any of these categories must contact Residence Life regarding special quarantine housing that is available and must use this housing before returning to the residence hall.  The COVID-19 Hotline may be reached at (800) 722-5725 to receive specific guidance.
  • REMINDER: Seminary staff remain available to support anyone in our community who desires it. Please contact the appropriate person/office below based on your particular category or need:
    • Faculty – Provost’s Office 859.858.2206
    • Wilmore students – Ty Konopinski 859.858.2093
    • Wilmore staff – Human Resources 859.858.2221
    • Non-Wilmore students and staff – Eric Currie 407.482.7635
    • Prayer or any other support – Community Formation 859.858.2391

In lieu of contacting what might be the normal office or area during this closure, any employee with any questions about any of these, or other, matters should first contact their director and/or vice president directly for assistance.

3-27-2020 Update: Asbury Theological Seminary’s Response to COVID-19

Asbury Theological Seminary and its Coronavirus Response Team (CRT) continue to monitor the evolving situation in our country and world, and the CRT meets regularly regarding any decisions the Seminary may need to take in response to these changes.  As a result of its most recent meeting, the Seminary’s CRT announces the latest updates and reminders below.

  1. The Seminary has delayed the reopening of its physical offices and instructional facilities until at least Monday, April 13.
    1. This date will be regularly evaluated in conjunction with ongoing guidance provided by the governmental authorities within the four states in which the Seminary operates campuses/sites as well as the CDC.
    2. All employees with the capability to do so are expected to continue working remotely to carry on the operations and mission of the Seminary as well as possible under these challenging circumstances. Additional assistance and the equipment to work remotely will be provided within available resources, and every employee should contact their director or vice president about their work expectations.
    3. All employees also may be identified as “essential” or “critical” at any point by their vice president or director, and as a result may be assigned certain additional duties to perform and will be expected to perform those duties.
    4. As a USPS “outpost” facility, the Seminary Post Office (SPO) continues to operate under limited hours, which are 10:00am-noon Monday-Friday. Please access the SPO by using the doors facing the campus green; only the far right (south) door will be unlocked during these hours. Only postal/shipping business will be transacted; no retail sales are allowed (online ordering is still available).
    5. All Seminary-owned residential housing remains open and will continue normal operations. All physical distancing and other CDC guidance for hygiene, etc. must be followed.  Residence Life staff are present to handle any issues such as facilities, residence life, etc.
  2. The Seminary is making plans for a winter commencement ceremony to honor graduates who were previously approved to participate in the May 2020 Ceremony. Details and dates are still being determined.  Students who were previously approved for the May ceremony will be contacted through their Asbury Seminary email as soon as plans are finalized.
  3. REMINDER: All academic coursework remains on schedule per the original 2019-20 academic calendar as previously communicated, albeit in an online delivery format for the duration of the spring semester. The spring reading week remains in effect the week of April 6-10.
  4. REMINDER: All Seminary-related gatherings (regardless of location) of more than 10 persons are cancelled indefinitely.This applies to all Seminary-owned facilities as well (e.g. Kalas Village, Gallaway Village, residence halls, etc.).  This applies to all persons and organizations.
  5. REMINDER: Any faculty, staff or student who is diagnosed with COVID–19 (or has a reasonable belief that they have contracted it, been in direct contact with anyone who has been diagnosed, or have traveled out of the central Kentucky area) must report this to HR (faculty/staff) or Student Services (students) immediately AND must follow all CDC-guidance for 14-day self-quarantining and other recommended treatments before returning to any campus, instructional site, or residence hall. Any student in a Seminary-owned residence hall who falls into these categories must contact Residence Life regarding special quarantine housing that is available and must be used before returning to the residence hall.  The COVID-19 Hotline may be reached at (800) 722-5725 to receive specific guidance.
  6. REMINDER: Seminary staff remain available to support anyone in our community who desires it. Please contact the appropriate person/office below based on your particular category or need:
    1. Faculty – Provost’s Office 859.858.2206
    2. Wilmore students – Ty Konopinski 859.858.2093
    3. Wilmore staff – Human Resources 859.858.2221
    4. Non-Wilmore students and staff – Eric Currie 407.482.7635
    5. Prayer or any other support – Community Formation 859.858.2391

    In lieu of contacting what might be the normal office or area during this closure, any employee with any questions about any of these, or other, matters should first contact their director and/or vice president directly for assistance.

    3-20-2020 Update: Asbury Theological Seminary’s Response to COVID-19

    PLEASE NOTE: A comprehensive, up-to-date list of all Asbury Seminary actions regarding COVID-19 can be found here and should be checked regularly.

    Before reading through the most recent updates below, we would invite and encourage you to first view this brief, pastoral video message from our President about these updates and the challenging times through which all of us are walking in these days:

    These are the Seminary’s latest updates:

    1. Asbury Seminary has extended all current instructional delivery formats (i.e. “online”) through the remainder of the spring semester. The Seminary will not resume residential, face-to-face classroom courses during this semester.
      1. Please direct all questions about individual situations to the course’s instructor.
      2. Information about the completion of any Mentored Ministry course will be communicated to those students separately.
      3. Beginning March 23, the B.L. Fisher Library will launch a Wilmore curbside pick-up service for many of its physical resources. The details of this service can be found by clicking here.
      4. All Seminary-owned housing (family and single) remains open and will continue operating as normal. Residence Life staff are present to handle any issues such as facilities, residence life, and any questions.
    2. All Seminary-sponsored gatherings (regardless of location) of more than 10 persons are cancelled indefinitely.This applies to all Seminary-owned facilities as well (e.g. Kalas Village, Gallaway Village, residence halls, etc.).  Furthermore, per the KY Governor’s order, this applies across the state to all persons and organizations.
    3. Any employee (faculty and staff) or student who is diagnosed with COVID–19 (or has a reasonable belief that they may have contracted it) must report this to HR (employees) or Student Services (students) immediately and follow all CDC-guidance for quarantine and other treatments before returning to the community. The Seminary also requests that any person within our community that has direct contact with a person who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 report this as well to the appropriate department and follow all self-quarantine guidelines.  Any student in Seminary-owned residence halls who fall into these categories should also contact Residence Life regarding special quarantine housing that will be available.

    If you think you are infected or have been around someone who has been infected with the coronavirus, call the COVID-19 Hotline at (800)722-5725 to find out their specific guidance. Please follow their instructions and please do not come to any campus or instructional site until the proscribed precautions are fulfilled.

    1. Seminary staff remain available to support anyone who desires it. Please contact the appropriate person/office below based on your particular category or need:
      1. Faculty – Provost’s Office 859.858.2206
      2. Wilmore students – Ty Konopinski 859.858.2093
      3. Wilmore staff – Human Resources 859.858.2221
      4. Non-Wilmore students and staff – Eric Currie 407.482.7635
      5. Prayer or any other support – Community Formation 859.858.2391

    In lieu of contacting what might be the normal office or area during this closure, any employee with any questions about any of these, or other, matters should contact their director and/or vice president.

    3-17-20 Update: Asbury Theological Seminary’s Response to COVID-19

    Asbury Theological Seminary and its Coronavirus Response Team continue to monitor the rapidly evolving situation in our country and world, and correspondingly meet regularly regarding any decisions the Seminary should take in response to these changes.  As a result, the Seminary announces the NEW updates below.

    Please remember that the best way to stay informed about the Seminary’s responses is to regularly check our website at asburyseminary.edu/coronavirus, which can also be accessed through our www.asburyseminary.edu site (click on the red banner at the top) as well as at connect.asburyseminary.edu/ (click on the yellow banner at the top).

    These are the Seminary’s NEW updates:

    1. For consistency and clarity, Asbury Theological Seminary will use the CDC issued recommendations as the baseline guidance for considering and establishing the Seminary’s policies and actions. All such policies will of course be appropriately applied to our context and be processed by our COVID-19 Response Team and issued as official policy statements of the Seminary and posted on our website.
    2. The Seminary has delayed the reopening of its campus and offices to Tuesday, March 31. The Seminary continues to urge in the strongest possible ways that all persons within our community practice all CDC-issued guidance for social distancing, personal hygiene (handwashing, covering when sneezing/coughing, etc.), even upon returning to work on March 31 and beyond.
    3. All formal, Seminary-sponsored gatherings (regardless of location) of more than 10 persons are cancelled until at least March 31. The Seminary also requests and encourages our entire community to recognize these same limitations for informal gatherings until at least March 31.  This is especially important in our Seminary-owned residential settings where portions of our community are living in close proximity to each other.  Given the rapidly evolving nature of the CDC guidance, the Seminary may need to extend these dates for limitations on gatherings.
    4. All Seminary-sponsored international travel remains off-limits until further notice. In addition, Seminary employees (faculty or staff) may not travel by air until at least March 31; the Seminary is also restricting all Seminary-sponsored domestic travel for its employees until at least March 31.  The Seminary strongly encourages our entire community and their families to adhere to these and all CDC guidelines in their personal travel for the sake of our community and due to the realities of potential transmission.  For the same reasons, the Seminary also requests that all personal international or interstate travel be reported to the Seminary.  The Seminary reserves the right to restrict access to our campuses and instructional sites if we determine that a person may place our community at risk.
    5. Currently, the Seminary plans to resume residential courses (i. face-to-face, in-person instruction) on Monday, April 13. We will of course continue to monitor the national situation and update this decision as warranted as we get closer to that date.
    6. Any employee (faculty and staff) or student who is diagnosed with COVID–19 (or has a reasonable belief that they may have contracted it) must report this to HR (employees) or Student Services (students) immediately and follow all CDC-guidance for quarantine and other treatments before returning to the community. The Seminary also requests that any person within our community that has direct contact with a person who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 report this as well to the appropriate department and follow all self-quarantine guidelines.  Any student in Seminary-owned residence halls who fall into these categories should also contact Residence Life regarding special quarantine housing that will be available.
      1. If you think you are infected or have been around someone who has been infected with the coronavirus, call the COVID-19 Hotline at (800)722-5725 to find out their specific guidance. Please follow their instructions and please do not come to any campus or instructional site until the proscribed precautions are fulfilled.
    7. Seminary staff remain available to support anyone who desires it. Please contact the appropriate person/office below based on your particular category or need:
      1. Faculty – Provost’s Office 859.858.2206
      2. Wilmore students – Ty Konopinski 859.858.2093
      3. Wilmore staff – Human Resources 859.858.2221
      4. Non-Wilmore students and staff – Eric Currie 407.482.7635
      5. Prayer or any other support – Community Formation 859.858.2391

    In lieu of contacting what might be the normal office or area during this closure, any employee with any questions about any of these, or other, matters should contact their director and/or vice president.

    Finally, please read the following pastoral note of encouragement from our President, Dr. Timothy C. Tennent:

    Brothers and sisters, the coronavirus health crisis is unfolding right in the middle of the season of Lent.  This is the time of the year when we reflect on the brokenness and pain of the world, and what it means to bear the pain and suffering of the world as we embody the presence of Christ in the midst of a world in crisis. I pray that each of you would be prayerful and watchful of your neighbor in need, or fearful, or quietly longing for a word of hope.  May you be bearers of the life and hope that we have in Jesus Christ.  We have an inheritance that cannot be spoiled by a virus, quelled by a fear, or quenched by the interruption of our calendars.  May the Lord sustain each of you in these days.

    We also encourage you to listen to Dr. Tennent’s Special Chapel Address that was delivered today: http://asburyseminary.edu/students/chapel/archive/?service=20200317&campus=ky

    3-13-20 Update: Asbury Theological Seminary’s Response to COVID-19

    After significant deliberation, along with consultation with professionals, Asbury Theological Seminary announces the NEW updates listed below. Please remember that the best way to stay informed ongoingly is to regularly check our website at asburyseminary.edu/coronavirus, which can also be accessed through the  www.asburyseminary.edu site (click on the red banner at the top) as well as at https://connect.asburyseminary.edu/ (click on the yellow banner at the top).

    These are NEW updates with regard to Asbury Theological Seminary’s response:

    1. The Seminary will close effective 5:00pm on March 13 and will not reopen until 8:00am on Monday, March 30. What this means:
      • The Seminary has shut down all activities on its physical campuses and instructional sites, but academic instruction will continue. Each instructor will communicate, through Canvas, with the students in their courses regarding what this means for each course by 5:00pm ET on Tuesday, March 17.
      • All employees (including student workers) will be compensated according to their normal work schedules for the two-week closure.
      • Any employee may be deemed by their supervisor, director, or vice president to be a critical employee at any point in time and for any period of time throughout the closure. In such instances, the employee will be expected to perform all responsibilities assigned to them by their supervisor, director, or vice president, and this work will be considered within the number of hours worked during their regular schedule, regardless of when they occur and up to their normal hours.
      • Course registration for the Summer and Fall terms will still open on March 16 as originally scheduled and continue throughout the closure and beyond per the regular schedule. You are encouraged to take this opportunity to plan ahead and schedule your courses.  Please email your academic advisor if you have questions or concerns about your registration.  Advisors will be working remotely and will respond to your emails as soon as possible.  Please be patient during this time as the nation is dealing with this pandemic.
      • Our residence halls will remain open, and details about noon meals, etc. will be communicated to these residents through the normal Residence Life channels. Residence Life staff will be present, as normal, to handle any issues related to facilities and residential life issues.
    2. The Seminary has cancelled its May 2020 Commencement and related exercises on all campuses. What this means:
      • ALL Commencement-related activities for May 2020 (regardless of when they are scheduled) have been cancelled and will not take place on either campus.
      • Degrees will still be conferred upon successful completion of all program requirements.
      • Diplomas will be mailed to students after the completion of their final term.
      • Plans are being discussed for students who would like to participate in a future commencement ceremony.
    3. Please note the following clarification regarding a previous statement about “shifting” from a residential course to an online course: Students who are registered for courses with a residential component (hybrid, intensive or Independent Study) will, upon the successful completion of the course, receive residential credit for any courses whose instructional format must be transitioned for the time being to Canvas due to Asbury Theological Seminary’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
    4. If you think you are infected or have been around someone who has been infected with the coronavirus, call the COVID-19 Hotline at (800)722-5725 to find out what to do. Please follow their instructions and please do not come to any campus or instructional site until the proscribed precautions are fulfilled.
    1. Seminary staff remain available to support anyone who desires it. Please contact the appropriate person/office below based on your particular category or need:
      • Faculty – Provost’s Office 859.858.2206
      • Wilmore students – Ty Konopinski 859.858.2093
      • Wilmore staff – Human Resources 859.858.2221
      • Non-Wilmore students and staff – Eric Currie 407.482.7635
      • Prayer or any other support – Community Formation 859.858.2391

    In lieu of contacting what might be the normal office or area during this closure, any employee with any questions about any of these, or other, matters should contact their director and/or vice president.

    3-12-20 Update: Asbury Theological Seminary’s Response to COVID-19

    WILMORE, KY—Asbury Theological Seminary values the health, safety, and well-being of our entire community. Asbury Seminary continues to monitor the spread of the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), which causes the disease called COVID-19, and is implementing appropriate safety precautions and making necessary decisions, and will update these regularly.

    The Seminary community seeks to care and provide support for all, especially those who are vulnerable, in the high-risk categories, or are in contact with high-risk people. We ask the community to care for each other, adhere to the actions taken, limit your travel, and carefully follow all health and hygiene recommendations.

    Asbury Seminary announces the following additional actions and guidance for its community:

    1. All hybrid and intensive courses that involve a residency component will shift to fully online instruction effective Monday, March 16 (and complete the spring semester in this fashion). Students should contact their instructor(s) directly with any questions about how this transition will take place for their course(s).
    1. All non-essential Asbury Seminary-related meetings, gatherings, etc. are cancelled effectively immediately (and until further notice). “Non-essential” will be defined by each area’s Vice President for all events under their supervision and authority, and each VP (or their designate/s) will be responsible for communicating such cancellations to their teams. Any such events that will impact multiple areas or large components of the community will be announced through appropriate communication methods.
    1. Asbury Seminary’s Wilmore Campus residential courses will remain in session for the time being, but the Seminary continues to offer alternative options for class attendance if desired. Students who have concerns about their health, or who live or work in close proximity to “at risk” populations, may choose to move their course to an online format. If any student enrolled in a Wilmore residential course desires to shift formats, they need to contact their instructor directly to work out these details.
    1. As the Seminary’s administrative and other offices and services remain open for the time being, we strongly encourage all of our employees to keep themselves informed and to act upon all recommended social actions. Please practice the highest level of personal hygiene both in the workplace and at home. While at work, please practice social distancing and other such measures, always remembering that such precautions are really about care for others and the community.  Any persons with medical or other health related matters that put them in an “at risk” category should contact their supervisor and HR to discuss alternate work options that might be available.
    1. If you think you are infected or have been around someone who has been infected with the coronavirus, call the COVID-19 Hotline at (800)722-5725 to find out what to do. Please follow their instructions and please do not come to any campus or instructional site until the proscribed precautions are fulfilled.
    1. Seminary staff remain available to support anyone who desires it. Please contact the appropriate person/office below based on your particular category or need:
      • Faculty – Provost’s Office 859.858.2206
      • Wilmore students – Ty Konopinski 859.858.2093
      • Wilmore staff – Human Resources 859.858.2221
      • Non-Wilmore students and staff – Eric Currie 407.482.7635
      • Prayer or any other support – Community Formation 859.858.2391

    3-4-20 Update: Asbury Theological Seminary’s Response to COVID-19

    Asbury Theological Seminary is closely monitoring the spread of the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), which causes the disease called COVID-19, and has developed a task force to create policy and implement appropriate safety precautions. Although at the time of this release, we have no reported cases of COVID-19 in or around our campuses and extension sites, we are monitoring and preparing for any potential impact this may have upon our community.

    As the number of confirmed cases in the U.S. rises, Asbury Seminary has already or will be proactively taking, at a minimum the following steps:

    • We have already established a Coronavirus Response Task Force.
    • Provide access to information and videos to prepare for and stop the spread of the coronavirus.
    • The faculty are exploring a range of course delivery options in case of any restriction of our normal gatherings in classrooms, including, but not limited to, temporarily moving residential instruction online.
    • Student formation, residence life, and the counseling center are also being mobilized to assist students who may have questions or concerns.
    • Offices on campus are preparing plans for the continuation of essential operations in the event of a campus shutdown for two weeks or more.
    • Halting travel to or through any country that is currently a Level 2 or higher travel advisory for coronavirus. As of March 4, this includes Japan, Italy, South Korea, Iran, and China.
    • We are in communication with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local health departments for the latest information and advice.

    These short videos provided by the CDC (total watch time 3 ½ minutes) will help you prevent both the spread of the flu and the Coronavirus:

    The following information comes from the CDC website:

    Additional current and accurate information regarding the Coronavirus is available on the CDC website. The Seminary will provide updates and information as needed.  We want to assure students that we do not anticipate any interruption of our normal services and delivery, but we are taking these actions to be proactive, knowing that accurate information will foster good decision making.

Kentucky Campus 204 N. Lexington Ave.
Wilmore, KY 40390 (859) 858-3581
Tampa Extension Site Salvation Army FL DHQ
5631 Van Dyke Road
Lutz, FL 33558 (844) GO-TO-ATS
Orlando Extension Site 2822 S. Alafaya Trail
Suite 130
Orlando, FL 32828 (844) GO-TO-ATS
Memphis Extension Site 407 S. Grove Park Rd.
Memphis, TN 38117 (901) 207-5232
Tulsa Extension Site Asbury Development Center
6910 S. 101st E. Ave. Suite #220
Tulsa, OK 74133 (844) GO-TO-ATS
Colorado Springs Extension Site 11025 Voyager Parkway
Colorado Springs, CO 80921 (844) GO-TO-ATS
(844) GO-TO-ATS

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