March 12, 2020
Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff –
Oblate School of Theology is concerned for the health of each member of our community. Because of our concern we will do our best to keep you informed about best practices to stay healthy and the decisions the school makes in response to COVID-19.
This message is an update on the note you received last week. It provides further information and actions to prepare the school community for any spread of the virus in the San Antonio area.
You may know that the undergraduate institutions in San Antonio have all decided to postpone the start of class after Spring Break. Most will move to online classes once students return. They face the issue of students returning from unknown areas while on spring break. Returning students could bring the virus to the college where a filled dorm or classroom could lead to rapid community spread. OST does not face the issue of returning students.
We see no need at this time to cancel classes at OST. Since this could change at any time, we are asking students and faculty to prepare for that possibility by planning now to teach and receive all courses online. This may mean transferring documents to something other than the computer in the office. It may be necessary to move some books as well. While in-person class is still being held, this could change at any time. So the time to prepare is now. OST does have plans in place to hold all classes using web-based platforms should it become necessary. Please take the time now to familiarize yourself with Zoom. To do so, go to the Quick Links section of the Student or Faulty resource page and click on Zoom Information for Students/Faculty. Should the CDC recommend that schools and colleges cease face-to-face gatherings, or a confirmed community outbreak has occurred in San Antonio, OST will move to synchronous online learning for all classes. The CDC has a website with information for colleges and universities, faith-based organizations, and workplaces. You may find more information here.
Should it become necessary to cease in-person instruction, an announcement from OST will be posted on our website (www.ost.edu) and sent via email to all constituents. Please check daily for any updates. Emergency notifications are sent out via the Emergency Notification System (ENS). Register to receive ENS notices here.
We continue to pray for the healing and protection of all people from this novel corona virus.
Ron Rolheiser, OMI
President