By now, we’ve all heard that Bellarmine has
suspended face-to-face classes and activities until April 1 as a precaution to prevent the potential spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). Online classes are continuing on schedule, and face-to-face classes
will resume via online modes on March 18.
But campus operations will continue, and faculty and staff will still offer the many services students rely on, even if they are moved online, over the phone or offered in a slightly different format.
“We’re in this together, even if we’re not together in person” said Dr. Helen Grace Ryan, vice president of Student Affairs. “That close-knit, caring, compassionate campus life our students are accustomed to will remain.
We’re quickly finding unique ways to keep the ties that bind our community together.”
In particular, she encouraged students to take advantage of the numerous ways campus provides to take good care of their minds, bodies and spirits.
“These are trying times, but students should rest assured there is support for them here,” she said.
Students experiencing stress or anxiety may contact the
Counseling Center, which is staffed by licensed mental health professionals. While Our Lady
of the Woods Chapel is closed and Mass is canceled, the
Campus Ministry staff is available via phone or email for spiritual support.
Dr. Alice Kimble, director of
Bellarmine University Health Services, said any student, staff or faculty member that needs healthcare and should start with their
local primary care provider if they have one.
“Please note that you should call first; many clinics are using a ‘tele-health’ model and are prescribing over the phone,” she said. “Students that do not have a local primary care provider, please call the clinic before
coming for next steps. We are also trying to offer health care over the phone when possible and we may not always be available in the clinic.”
Students may also access
Norton eCare for a free visit with a nurse practitioner. She encouraged students to go ahead and set up an account now
so they will not have delays when they need an appointment.
“If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact us, we are here to help,” she said.
The
Student Success Center will continue to provide academic support services and advising via email, telephone online appointments.
“Students can still schedule a career advising appointment and we can meet via phone, email or Teams video/audio,” said Dr. Lilly Massa-McKinley, assistant vice president for Career Development and Strategic Partnerships. “We will
increase appointment availability over the next several weeks and will provide targeted and direct communications to all students to support their job and internship search.”
Students who receive permission to stay on campus during the remainder of March will also continue to have access to key services, including campus dining, public safety, the library and
Residence Life support.