Fall 2020 Courses to be Conducted Online Due to Pandemic

STATEMENT FROM PRESIDENT NANCY CLAIRE PITTMAN

We are indeed living in very trying times as we all struggle to survive COVID-19 and navigate our way through the challenges and difficulties in its wake. The numbers of cases in Oklahoma and surrounding states continue to climb rapidly.

In spite of the constant debates in public that pit public health against the national economy, medical scientists remain univocal: the only way to minimize the impact of this virus on us, on our families, and on our communities is to practice physical distancing and take precautions against the spread by wearing masks and washing hands, etc. 

For this reason, and after consultation with our new dean, Dr. Lee H. Butler, Jr., I am announcing that all fall semester classes at Phillips Theological Seminary, including fall orientation, will be conducted online, both synchronously and asynchronously. For persons enrolled in on-campus weekly or intensive classes, these courses will take place online at the published dates and times. Professors may use Zoom and other technologies, but students will be expected to be present throughout the semester at the appointed time for these courses. This will help us to maintain the normal rhythms of our community life.

Courses normally labeled “online” will proceed as they usually do. Please know that the Student Services personnel and professors will continue to communicate plans for individual courses and work with students who might need to adjust schedules. 

For United Methodist students in the MDiv program: the United Methodist University Senate has now given permission for you to take online courses this fall from institutions, like Phillips, who have received approval from it.

Remember, the board of trustees has voted to give all students an additional 10 percent tuition grant through December 2020. They remain committed to helping you, our students, deal with this ongoing crisis. If you are in need of additional short-term support in circumstances caused by COVID, please contact Dean of Students MaryAnn Morris.

The faculty and staff of Phillips are also dedicated to your learning and well-being during this time. You and the communities you serve remain always in our prayers as you do whatever is necessary to love God and love your neighbors.

Peace this day,

Nancy Claire Pittman, President

Phillips Theological Seminary