BCM Coronavirus Current Update
Published 04/17/2020
Dear Friends,
We know that the Lord has described Himself as a “very present help” in times of trouble, and we have truly seen the Lord prove His grace sufficient as we have closed out this school year. During this challenging pandemic, we have experienced the Lord’s presence as a refuge and strength as never before.
We could not be more proud of our graduates and their determination to finish their education. Though current regulations have prohibited the usual on-site activities of commencement week, we are pleased to announce that we will host a commencement service on Sunday, August 30, before the start of the fall semester. Most of our usual commencement week activities have been rescheduled for the days ahead of the commencement service.
Our remote education is continuing in this summer session with online classes, livestream chapels, and testimony services. Please continue to pray for God’s full will to be accomplished in our school.
Sincerely,
Stephen Zempel
Administrative Vice President
PREVIOUS CORONAVIRUS UPDATE - April 17, 2020
Dear Friends,
Thank you for your patience as we continue to respond to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. Our remote instruction will continue through the end of the academic year, and summer-session courses will be offered remotely as well. Students and staff remain passionate to complete the course of instruction this year, and are demonstrating remarkable initiative in making the sacrifices necessary to finish strong.
We have reduced room and board fees for dorm students not able to stay on campus, and these adjustments are reflected on your current billing statement. Also, we will remove all late fees for the upcoming billing due date of May 1. We trust that this will provide a bit more flexibility to students making payments during this challenging time.
Due to current restrictions, we will not be able to host our commencement service on campus on May 10 as scheduled. However, we plan to hold a commencement service later in the year when it is safe to do so. We plan to host some of the highlight events of commencement week at that time as well. You will receive further updates from us as soon as the details are clarified.
Please continue to pray for our school during these trying times as we pray for you and your family. God bless you!
Sincerely,
Stephen Zempel
Administrative Vice President
PREVIOUS CORONAVIRUS UPDATE - March 17, 2020
In response to recent emergency guidelines just handed down from the Wisconsin governor’s office, BCM will be suspending on-campus instruction as of Wednesday, March 18. The governor's recent measures limit the size of public gatherings and mandate the closure of educational institutions for the purpose of limiting the spread of the coronavirus. BCM staff have already been working toward the implementation of alternate instruction methods, and online instruction will continue as long as necessary through the spring semester. Baptist College of Ministry continues our commitment to our students’ education, and we will do all in our power to enable our students to complete their courses of study this year. We will communicate any updates as the situation continues to develop.
PREVIOUS CORONAVIRUS UPDATE - March 16, 2020
However, due to recent guidance we have received from local and national officials, we are making some changes to the academic schedule. The Monroe Parker lectures scheduled for this Thursday have been canceled. Our spring break will begin one day early, after academic obligations on Thursday, March 19. For students who desire to stay on campus, dorms will be open and meal service will remain available. Classes will continue to meet on campus until Thursday, but large group gatherings will be suspended indefinitely. Our chapel and meal service schedules will be altered to allow gatherings in smaller groups.
Classes will resume on campus after the break on Monday, March 30. Any students who are not able to return to campus after the break will be able to attend classes via online access. Students will continue to submit spiritual disciplines reports online, and they will be able to fulfill ministry training obligations at their home churches. Please feel free to contact us with any questions at academics@bcmedu.org.
Though the situation continues to change dramatically each day, we remain committed to the health and safety of our students and to their preparation for ministry. Now more than ever we need fully-equipped ministers ready to meet the spiritual and practical challenges of our time. We trust that you will continue to uphold our students and staff in your prayers during these days.
PREVIOUS CORONAVIRUS UPDATE - March 13, 2020
At BCM, we are privileged to prepare some of the Lord’s choicest servants. The health and safety of our students is of utmost importance to us. As news of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak has developed, we have been carefully monitoring reports and seeking direction from local and national officials. (CDC information page)
There are currently no plans to alter our regular academic schedule. However, the coronavirus situation is ongoing and rapidly developing. If the need arises to alter our schedule, we will communicate with students and parents immediately. We are prepared to offer alternate methods of instruction if necessary, and are committed to the ongoing training of our students in spite of the current challenges.
During the upcoming week of spring break, we urge students not to travel to areas which have experienced a confirmed case of the coronavirus. (Map of confirmed cases) Students should not travel outside the country during spring break. Students and parents may consider staying on campus the safest course of action. For your safety and convenience, BCM will keep its dorms open during the spring break week. Dormitory students may stay on campus in the dorms suring that week without any additional charge, and we will offer meal service at the rate of $50 for the week.
The situation continues to develop day by day and, sometimes, hour by hour. In this time of uncertainty, we continue to rely upon our Lord’s eternal care and providence. Please continue to pray for us as we do for you.
