LSTC campus response to COVID-19

On March 12, James Nieman, president of the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, announced the school’s plan to respond to COVID-19. The proactive response is made from love and concern for members of the LSTC community and our neighbors. There currently are no reported or confirmed cases of COVID-19 on campus.

As recommended by the LSTC’s Viral Outbreak Response Team, the school is taking the following actions:

• From March 16 through April 12, LSTC classes will not meet in person. This four-week period includes Reading Week (March 16 – March 20) and Holy Week (April 6 – April 12). Class sessions scheduled for March 23 through April 3 will be conducted remotely, with each faculty member deciding how their courses will be led during those two weeks.
• From March 16 through April 12, the main building will be closed to the public.
• Departments will determine how to provide essential services and which employees will report to campus due to their roles and duties while others will work remotely. All employees will continue to provide most services for our students during this period. The JKM Library will be open Mon. – Fri., 8 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. and Sat., 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
• Campus housing will not be affected. Residents will be able to remain in their apartments for the duration of their leases.
• Students will be able to complete coursework this semester. These changes will not negatively affect students seeking to graduate at the end of the semester.
• UPDATE as of 3/16/20:  The LSTC Refectory, our campus dining facility, will be closed from Monday, March 16 – Wednesday, April 1. Further updates will be posted as they become available.

As April 13 approaches, the Viral Outbreak Response Team will determine and communicate how programs, facilities, and services will be affected for the remainder of the semester.

Should anyone in the LSTC community test positive for COVID-19, it will be reported to Scott Chalmers, dean of student services, as soon as possible so the school can effectively work with public health officials in an appropriate response.

Please direct questions about LSTC’s response to Bob Berridge, vice president of operations, bberridge@lstsc.edu or 773.256.0700.

Contact

Bob Berridge Vice President of Operations 773.256.0700 bberridge@lstc.edu