Fall Updates from the Office of Student Affairs (7-15-20)

Dear Students,

Our Student Affairs team has been working diligently to prepare for the fall semester and create engagement opportunities. Our plans reflect a shared responsibility for the health and safety of the APU Community, which includes compliance with changing health orders from county, state, and federal authorities, and our commitment to uphold an excellent Christ-centered education for all students.

We are aware that just this week Governor Newsom again ordered indoor California businesses to close due to the surge in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. We are actively monitoring this development as well as public school district actions and other guidelines forthcoming from our public health partners to best assess impact on our intended, well-planned fall opening. We will provide additional guidance to our APU Community as soon as we assess our ability to move forward, consider a delay in our campus opening in person, or implement a return to an online format.

A noteworthy Return to Campus initiative that reflects our commitment to reopening safely involves the diligent work of our Advancement division and generous support of friends and donors, raising $1.2M to fund the development and implementation of a new COVID-19 Testing Center under the direction of Todd Emerson, MD, and our Student Health Center. Dr. Emerson and his team will lead our efforts in monitoring, testing, tracking, and management of COVID-19 with our students, staff, and faculty. This is key to our safe return strategies and complements other Return to Campus safety initiatives that will be available when APU appropriately opens.

In the next week, we will send 3 emails highlighting programming and services updates in the areas of Spiritual Formation, Health and Wellness, and Student Engagement to give you an idea of what campus life may look like in the fall.

Return to Campus Training

Students will be sent information to complete a return to campus training. The training will provide information on the expectations of returning to campus, health and safety guidelines to reduce the spread of COVID-19, and health resources available. As a community, we share the responsibility in creating a safe living and learning environment.

Health Tips

Since students will be required to wear cloth face masks during class and when in public, it would be a good idea to own at least 5 facemasks. It is recommended to wash your cloth face mask after one day of use. Additionally, students should consider purchasing a thermometer for personal use as well.

International Students

We recognize there were concerns and questions about the impact of the recent government guidance directed toward international students. Thankfully, earlier this week they have decided to rescind the guidance; which allows our international students to continue to remain at APU, regardless of the modality our students choose to use. We are committed to providing care and support to all students as you return to campus.

Upcoming Together APU Events

Although this is an unusual summer, I pray that you see God’s goodness and grace throughout your days. I am praying for all of us as we prepare for this coming academic year.

Together,

Shino Simons, Ph.D.

Vice President for Student Affairs