Dear Students, Faculty, and, Staff,
In response to the COVID-19 situation, Azusa Pacific University has taken extensive measures to safeguard the APU community. In response to state and county Safer at Home orders issued to help slow the spread of coronavirus, the university has moved all nonessential operations to an online environment. The regional campuses closed on Friday, March 20. On Monday, March 23, at 4:30 p.m., the School of Nursing (SON) Monrovia site will also close. Nursing courses will continue online and students will be able to access their faculty and staff remotely as well.
SON supports student and faculty decisions to provide healthcare and meet the needs of the community by maintaining clinicals. This is strictly on a voluntary basis. SON communicates daily with healthcare facilities for updated guidance and will make changes to this policy as needed. AACN guidelines encourage clinical placements “other than limiting direct care of COVID-19 patients, students in clinical settings may continue their roles as part of the care team” and the need to support the nursing workforce as it attempts to meet the demand for healthcare services.
During this season, the essential elements of your APU education and support services remain in place:
- Classes will continue in a Canvas-based format that supports remote teaching; please work with your program director and academic department to determine various details. Visit apu.edu/canvas for details regarding your class and faculty contact. Additional Canvas student support is also available.
- Additional information about APU's response to COVID-19 is available on the APU website.
I am aware of the emotional toll and mental health burden the COVID-19 outbreak has created for students and families, as well as for faculty and staff. If you need to connect with your Soulquest pastor, please reach out to Rev. Rick Givens at [email protected] or (626) 815-6000, Ext. 3289. The School of Nursing continues to be available both online and at the Azusa campus. We urge students to stay in close contact with their faculty and department chairs and to reach out for assistance as needed. I am so impressed by the ongoing commitment and dedication to professional practice by our faculty and students and the passion and care you feel for your patients.
“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him” Colossians 3:17.
Be assured of my continued prayers for your health and safety,
Aja Tulleners Lesh, PhD, RN, Dean School of Nursing