Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update March 27, 2020

Let me start by first commending each and every one of you.

As President of this College, I am very proud. Over the last two weeks, I have had the opportunity to observe how we, as an institution, have reacted to this unprecedented crisis.

What I have seen is an enormous amount of support, creativity, and resilience – the very essence of our CORE FOUR! So, great job! I am crazy proud of us all.

That being said – it is not over.

Just this morning, McPherson Country recorded its first case of the Coronavirus and data shows that the number of cases in Kansas are growing, as they are in many other states.

That means there is more work yet to be done.

Previously, CCCK had announced its plan to leverage remote learning through April 5, with the intent of evaluating a possible return to campus following that timeframe. However, in light of the rapidly changing reality surrounding the virus and in an effort to provide clarity to you and your families, the administration has evaluated our current response plan.

After consulting with local officials and based on the guidance provided to us from Federal Offices, the Kansas Governor’s Office, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, we have decided to extend our remote learning strategy through the end of the semester.

That means, there will be no residential classes meeting in McPherson for the remainder of the spring semester. For those of you already in our online program, you can expect no disruption of services. If you are a residential student, no worries, the faculty remain committed to ensuring that we can complete the semester, largely due to joint efforts to “Go Viral” (virtual), moving to remote classes. Great job!

Operationally, the campus is still working on your behalf to ensure you receive the best teaching, advising, and support that we can offer.

At the same time, I know this is frustrating. It is for me too. I also know that decisions like this can create challenges and often come with numerous questions. To that end, I am asking that we continue to be patient with one another as we work out the kinks and press on together. One Team – One Fight – We are the Ambush!

Central Christian College of Kansas remains committed to answering each and every one of your questions and it working hard to mitigate the obstacles and challenges as they are presented.

To begin, I offer the following summary statements addressing some of the more general inquiries brought to my office.

• Classes: CCCK will continue to offer courses remotely through the end of the semester. You should remain in touch with each of your professors throughout the rest of the semester. Faculty continue to be available to you in person, on the phone, through email, or virtually. If you are having trouble accessing remote classes, please submit the following request: Technology Assistance.
• My Stuff: The Office of Student Life will announce plans to allow students to return to campus (in conjunction with the McPherson County Health Department) to obtain their belongings in the coming weeks. Entries into the residence halls have been restricted and locks are being changed to ensure security. In the event you need something from your room or if you have questions, please contact StDev@centralchristian.edu.
• Housing & Meals: Limited residential and meal services continue to be available on-campus. While the recommendation to stay home remains in place, students facing special circumstances may petition to remain (or return) to campus by contacting StDev@centralchristian.edu. Approved students will need to sign a release and may be required to abide by quarantine standards articulated by local health officials.
• Athletics: The NAIA has canceled all spring programming, including practices. However, they have also announced that spring athletes will receive two additional semesters of attendance. See the athletic page for more information. The Trainers will continue to keep hours and may be contacted for support.
• Financial Aid: The Financial Aid Office is ready to set appointments to help you leverage resources provided through recent decisions by the Federal Government. They can also assist you as you prepare for the 2020-2021 Academic Year. You can contact their office at financialaid@centralchristian.edu.
• Commencement: Based on state regulations restricting gatherings greater than ten people, CCCK has canceled or postponed all campus-sponsored events through mid-May. This includes commencement activities. In the meantime, we are looking at alternative methods or dates to ensure that all graduating students have the opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments. We will let you know as decisions are made.
• Advising: The Office of the Registrar will be letting you know how to complete registration for the fall. You can expect that your advisor will be reaching out to set-up a private registration meeting with you.
• Campus Services & Resources: All campus services remain active, though some have moved to remote interactions to better serve you. You should find a number of these resources listed on our updated website, which include tools for academic engagement, spiritual nourishment, and community involvement. Check it out at centralchristian.edu/gone-viral/.
• Practicums, Internships, and Clinical Experiences: Contact your advisor to learn how to complete these learning experiences.
• Student Life: The Office of Student Life and the Athletic Department are working on ways to keep campus community and involvement thriving during this time.
• CORE FOUR & Spiritual Development: You can find multiple resources on the Devotion page, including links to services, devotionals, music, interviews, and more.

Please remember, our primary concern is for the health and safety of the entire campus community. That includes you, other students, faculty, staff, volunteers, local community members, and other family and friends of the College.

While this is not what we expected, or even planned, for the last half of the spring semester, we also know that “…God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).

As a Kansas institution, I am reminded of our state motto, “Ad Astra Per Aspera”. Roughly translated, it means, “Through difficulty to the stars”. In other words, every challenge presents a chance for growth. That includes now.

Keep the words of 2 Corinthians 4:8-10 in mind. “We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair…We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed.”

Folks, we will get through this, and though social distancing may currently decrease our physical proximity, it shall never undermine the community we share through Christ.

I close with this blessing. May the God of all hope fill you with his joy, peace, and presence that you may abound in hope, through the power of the Spirit that binds us.

Together in Christ,

Leonard F. Favara, Jr., Ph.D. (Rev.)
President
Central Christian College of Kansas

COVID-19 Hotline
Call 620-245-7284 for assistance for all questions and concerns related to the college’s response to COVID-19.
Also you can email covid@centralchristian.edu for fast responses to your questions and concerns.