{"id":13518,"date":"2020-07-15T16:48:08","date_gmt":"2020-07-15T20:48:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.transy.edu\/1780\/?p=13518"},"modified":"2020-07-26T13:50:49","modified_gmt":"2020-07-26T17:50:49","slug":"update-on-campus-reopening-plans-for-transylvania-july-15-2020","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.transy.edu\/1780\/2020\/07\/update-on-campus-reopening-plans-for-transylvania-july-15-2020\/","title":{"rendered":"Update on campus reopening plans for Transylvania (July 15, 2020)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Transylvania<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

As we continue to navigate these challenging times of the COVID\u201119 pandemic, I am reminded repeatedly of the necessity of remaining flexible and nimble in our response to what is a constantly changing situation. Two weeks ago, I officially started as Transylvania\u2019s president and in that short time have continued to be impressed with the members of our campus community and their commitment to our institution. I see you working to make sure that as we begin our next academic year, we can do so safely and with academic excellence. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I shared in my welcome email on July 1<\/a> that we are facing new challenges this year, challenges that require a shared responsibility among our community. During my first two weeks I have, along with our faculty, staff and cabinet, continued to diligently and carefully review our plans for reopening Transylvania this fall even as the situation around us continues to evolve. I have also appointed Robin Prichard<\/a> to serve for the next academic year as an adviser to me and our senior leadership on health policies, practices and protocols regarding the novel coronavirus and COVID\u201119.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

My message today will not answer all the questions you may have, but rather offers an update on what we do know and when we expect to have additional updates for you. Please find below updated information, which is also available on our 1780 blog<\/a> and the Healthy at Transy webpage<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In particular, I would like to note the virtual town hall meetings we will be holding over the next two weeks. These will be good opportunities for students, faculty, staff and parents to have questions answered and receive more in-depth information. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While our current journey may feel uncharted, we know that the underlying tenets of a liberal arts education, in fact, are the best preparation for difficult times. As we move toward this new academic year, I encourage you to join me in embracing the thoughtful consideration, independent thinking and community focus that are the framework for a Transylvania education. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Pioneer spirit, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Brien Lewis
President<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Webinars for the Transylvania Community<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Beginning next week, Transylvania will hold a number of online town hall meetings for faculty, staff, incoming and returning students and student\u2011athletes. These meetings will give participants the opportunity to ask questions in advance or during the event, as well as hear from members of the Reopening Working Group on a variety of topics. Panelists will include representatives from across campus: student life, academics, health and wellness, athletics, human resources and others. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Registration will be required to participate, and an email with registration details will be sent to your Transy email address, as well as to parents of current and incoming students. The schedule for the webinars is as follows (all times are EDT):<\/p>\n\n\n\n