Dear Warner Pacific University Community,
On Friday evening, March 20th, I watched a joint press conference with Oregon’s Governor Kate Brown, Portland’s Mayor Ted Wheeler, and Multnomah County’s Chair Deborah Kafoury. Their message was clear, in order to slow the progression of COVID-19 the population of Oregon, Portland and Multnomah County must adhere to the social distancing protocols that have been ordered.
Based on the reality that COVID-19 cases are continuing to grow in number and the request for social distancing is being disregarded by some in our state, the Governor, Mayor and Chair asked that all people adhere to the “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” guidance.
Today, the Governor issued the “Stay Home. Save Lives.” Executive Order 20-12. This order takes effect on Wednesday, March 25.
Here are somethings you need to know about Warner Pacific’s adjustments to operation in light of this order:
- Classes at Warner Pacific will continue to be offered through online/remote delivery. Traditional program classes will resume on Monday, March 30. PGS classes will continue in this delivery until May 24.
- Students and faculty members please connect regularly, using your email assigned by Warner Pacific University. The WPU email will be the pathway for official correspondence between the University (faculty and staff) and students.
- Faculty members will provide information related to online/remote delivery. Please be watching for their correspondence with you at your Warner Pacific email. In addition to checking email, all students should access their courses via MyWP classes on a regular basis. Your professors will provide important instructional material through this platform.
- Please review the attached guidance/protocols that have been updated to align with the “Stay Home, Save Lives” order.
- For employees:
- All business and non-profits must facilitate telework and work-at-home by employees to the maximum extent possible. Work in offices is prohibited whenever telework and work-at-options are available, in light of the position duties, availability of teleworking equipment and network adequacy.
- A few employees have been identified and documented as Key employees because their work is place bound to the Mt. Tabor campus. Employees who have been identified may be on campus to perform their work, when telework is not possible.
As a relational community, we all benefit from our connections and conversations, so let’s continue to relate virtually in the days ahead.
This update regarding further operational changes at Warner Pacific University results from Executive Order No. 20-12 titled Suspension of In-Person Instructional Activities at Higher Education Institutions in Response to Coronavirus (COVID-19) Outbreak issued by Governor Kate Brown on March 23, 2020. Attached you will find my letter and guidance and protocols for all Warner Pacific University students, faculty and staff given the order noted above. Warner Pacific University had already decided to move to online/remote instruction for the period of March 30 to April 10. Because this new order from Oregon’s Governor extends the requirement of online instruction through April 28, we have decided to continue online instruction throughout the rest of spring term (through May 8). Please carefully read through all materials provided in the attachment provided.
All employees who are not identified as key employees should now be transitioned to telework or work-from-home. Employees should reference the March 17 email and attachments that were sent by Molly Smith, Vice President for Enrollment and Marketing. These document provide helpful guidelines and protocols for working from home.
The Mt. Tabor campus is closed with only essential staff caring for the housing, food and safety of the campus. All employees are available to students and colleagues by leaving voice messages on campus phones or through Warner Pacific email. Employees are expected to regularly check both phone and email messages. In the short term, Centre 205 is temporarily closed and all operations are based at the Mt. Tabor campus. At this time we are uncertain as to the length of time that the campus will operate with limited staff present. We will send additional updates as more information is available.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me and/or area vice presidents if you have questions or need clarification. Thank you for your patience and grace during this time of significant disruption in our country and world.
With prayers that you all will be safe and be well.
Andrea P. Cook
President