May 27, 2020: General Update
McPherson county is currently up to 27 positive cases of COVID-19, and thankfully most of those individuals have met the recovery guidelines set forth by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). No deaths have been reported in McPherson County.
The residential campus [McPherson, KS] plans to be fully operational during the fall semester. The College administration, along with its faculty, are formulating plans to enhance the safety and well-being of our students. While we cannot guarantee a COVID-19 free semester, we can tell you that we are taking precautions to mitigate its presence in our culture.
The class of COVID should be expecting their graduation boxes in June. The delivery date was postponed due to shipping delays. In the meantime, we continue to pray for you, continue to root for you, and continue to be thankful for a God who is in control of these situations.
May 11, 2020: CARES Act – Higher Education Relief Fund `{`Updated: 5/22/20`}`
In an effort to assist students affected by the COVID-19 crises, the Federal Government approved the $2 trillion CARES Act, a part of which established the Higher Education Emergency Relief fund. This fund provides institutions, like Central Christian College of Kansas, a specified amount of funds earmarked to be used as emergency financial aid grants to qualified residential students for expenses incurred due to the disruption of campus operations this spring.Upon signing and returning the Certification and Agreement, Central Christian College was initially awarded $464,984. Of this amount, no less than 50% ($232,492.00) will be distributed directly to qualified residential students.
According to federal regulations, Title IV eligible students, who were enrolled in the residential program as of March 13th, 2020, as a degree seeking student, were eligible to receive a portion of this aid. All funds will go directly to eligible students. Any debts or fees owed to the College will not be deducted from the emergency grant.
These funds are provided to help students with costs associated with having to relocate following Spring Break, such as food, housing, technology, health-care, transportation, relocation expenses, etc. These are federally funded, one-time grants and do not require any repayment, nor are they taxable to the students receiving the funds.
Using data from the FASFA, the College developed a formula to ensure an equitable distribution of these funds, which considered the universal reality that all students suffered some level of disruption, as well as the economic reality that a number of students face additional economic need, as documented on the FAFSA. All eligible students will receive a minimum of $700 to help offset costs. The remaining pool of funds was apportioned based on a calculated relationship between Cost of Attendance (COA) and Expected Family Contribution (EFC), which could result in an additional distribution of $5 to $550.
The College has determined that 221 students qualify for some level of aid, ranging from $700 – $1,249. To date [5/22/20], the College has disbursed $215,641.26 to 206 students.
The U.S. Department of Education does not allow these funds to be used for international students, undocumented students, non-matriculated students, or our students enrolled in our online-program. These students should contact the Financial Aid Office to determine if there any other resources available to them.
When asked about the distribution of these funds, President Favara stated, “As part of our mission, to provide a Christ-Centered Education for Character, we seek to instill resilience and adaptability in our students. I believe that they have shown us that they are capable to rise to the challenge. We also try to help them understand the value of a civic society that seeks justice and mutual edification. This commitment, by our government, to provide funding to support students uprooted by this unprecedented reality, serves as a model, demonstrating on a national level the character qualities we seek to instill” Favara continues, “We are grateful to partner with the Federal Government, serving as a conduit to help in this great time of need.”
May 6, 2020: Commencement Announcement- From the Desk of the President
Like many of our seniors, I found last weekend (May 2) a bitter pill to swallow. Usually, the first weekend of May is dedicated to celebrating the work of our seniors as we engage in an inspiring Commencement Weekend. Unfortunately, due to the coronavirus pandemic, we were unable to gather together. Though, if I am being really honest – I have to admit that not wearing those robes for endless hours – swimming in the sweat of the moment – was kind of okay with me. However, I would swim in sweat any day of the week if it meant we could celebrate!After consulting with the senior class leadership, the Student Government Association, campus leaders, and the Board – I am proud to announce that this October, during our Homecoming festivities (October 2-4), Central will be hosting Commencement festivities for the class of 2020. Yup, you heard that right. Come October we will host formal commencement exercises, right here on campus, to celebrate the accomplishments of our 2020 seniors. More details to follow.
In the meantime, I have been enjoying the opportunity to participate in senior “graduation” photoshoots, as part of their return to campus to pack up their belongings, and get ready for life ahead. We are also excited to be sending a “COVID” Commencement Care-Package in late May to our Seniors, that includes fun items to honor this unique class. This will provide seniors with a sense of closure, accomplishment, and triumph, while waiting for the big day in October.At the heart of this all, I want you to understand that it is your health and safety that is of utmost concern to us. We have had to balance that concern with our very deep desire to celebrate with you. We believe that this decision honors those desires.May 6, 2020: Room and Board Refund & CARES Act
Starting on 5/4/2020, the Business Office began the process of issuing refunds associated with any disruption to room and board due to Covid-19. Those affected would be students who were asked to leave campus, and did not receive an approval to stay. The refund process could take up to 2 weeks to get through all of the accounts. Once the refunds have been posted to the student accounts, the Business Office will be sending out updated statements or credit checks to those with a credit balance.
If you are wanting to check the status of your account on your portal, be sure to select the SP-20 term. If a student’s refund has been processed, they will see a credit on their account with the code/description “COVID-19/Covid-19 Room & Board Refund”. The amounts will vary depending on when a student left campus, and what room and board plan they were on. Once all accounts have been refunded, the website will be updated to alert students. If a student does not show a refund on their account, but feels like they should have qualified for one, please reach out to the Business Office after May 15, 2020.
Thanks to the CARES Act, through the federal government, Central Christian College of Kansas was able to obtain some funding specific to eligible students. We are working on disbursing those funds to those who qualify. There is no action needed by students, unless the Business Office or Financial Aid Office reach out to you specifically.
May 4, 2020: Move Out Procedure Information
https://youtu.be/cGrlQy3a2cQDear Students,
What a crazy series of events over the past several weeks! We really miss having you all around and look forward to what some “normality” might do for the health and well-being of our constituents. I am writing to you today with some information pertaining to the move-out process in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as local and state guidance in this time. We have so appreciated your patience with us as we have carefully and thoughtfully attempted to navigate through these waters. Please read through this entire email for full details of the move-out process.
MOVE-OUT PROCESS AND PLAN
On May 4th, the Kansas Governors “Stay-At-Home” order has been modified. Which means, we have two options for students concerning the move-out process. A self-checkout procedure OR a shipping procedure (details below).
OPTION #1: STUDENTS RETURN FOR A “SELF-CHECKOUT”
Out of an abundance of caution and taking into consideration social distancing guidelines – as well as taking into consideration the health and welfare of the Central and McPherson community, we are taking measured steps to help you gain access to your belongings. The move-out process is structured in a way that limits the number of people on campus, and in the residence buildings, at any given time. Each time slot will allow for 3 students and 6 guests (9 people total) per building (for social distancing guidelines). If you desire to visit campus during May 4th– May 16th, you and your approved guests must first fill out a health screening questionnaire. You can fill that form out here. Based upon the information you provide on the form, your Resident Director will approve or deny your request to return to campus. Once approval has been granted, your Resident Director will send you a link for signup genius to choose a scheduled time for self-checkout. The self-checkout move-out dates and times include the following: May 4th – 9th and May 11th – 16th with three different time slots each day: 9-11 a.m.; 1-3 p.m.; and 5-7 p.m., per residence building.
Seniors:
If you would like a picture with the President “conferring” your degree, please arrive before your scheduled move-out time to take the picture. The picture will be taken in the basement of Science Hall, with a CCCK backdrop. As stated in a previous announcement, the Board of Trustees will be discussing commencement plans on Friday, May 1st. We will communicate those official plans to you as soon as they come available.
You and your approved guests on the Health Screening Questionnaire are the only ones approved to be on campus. This Self-Checkout process must be followed explicitly so that we can continue to allow students access to their belongings. Fines of up to $500 could be accrued if the Self-Checkout procedures are not followed or there are damages to your living area. Thank you for your cooperation during this process.
Things to Know Prior to Arrival:
- Access on campus is limited to your room. All other buildings are off-limits.
- Unfortunately, there will be no staff available for face-to-face contact due to social distancing guidelines. This includes RD’s, mailroom, etc. If you have questions, your resident director will be available to take a phone call.
- No overnights allowed. If you need to stay the night before or after your Self-checkout date and time, please make reservations at the McPherson Holiday Inn (620) 241-5566.
- Due to the new Self-checkout format, limited storage is available on campus (all storage must be approved before arrival). Please contact: stdev@centralchristian.edu if you would like to request on-campus storage (CCCK will not be held responsible for lost, stolen, or broken items).
- Stay within the timeframe given to you. If you need more time to pack, arrive at the beginning of your time and not towards the end.
- Drop off any CCCK owned athletic equipment in your room (to be placed on your bed).
- Once your belongings are collected, you should proceed directly to your permanent address and not engage socially in the community.
Health precautions while you are on campus
- Adhere to social distancing guidelines.
- Do not gather in groups of 10 or more.
- The number of guests to help you move out is limited to two. Please make sure they are listed in the Health Screening Questionnaire. Everyone involved in the move should be asymptomatic and wash and sanitize their hands appropriately before entering the residence halls.
- Students should pack and move belongings in as few trips as possible to minimize contact with others.
Move-Out to-do list:
- All furniture assigned to this room at move-in must be restored to the original condition upon move-out. Please double check your room.
- Trash should be disposed of in the dumpsters.
- Turn off the fan.
- Lock all windows.
- Put blinds down.
- Make sure your kitchens and living rooms (houses and apartments), as well as bathrooms and hallway closets (all living areas) are cleared out of your belongings.
- Sign the Self-Checkout sheet (blue).
- Place all CCCK-issued keys, equipment, and sports apparel as well as the signed Self-checkout list and place it on your bed.
- Lock the outer door, if you are able to without your keys, when you leave.
Special note: Self-checkout is restricted to specific dates, times, and instructions due to the social distancing guidelines, taking into consideration reduced campus infrastructure, and the need to sanitize areas after each group of students have left. If you cannot make your scheduled date, contact Student Life at: stdev@centralchristian.edu as soon as possible. If this is the case, you will have to wait for the next available date. In addition, you will need to go through the initial health screening process again.
OPTION #2: SHIPPING PROCEDURES
Your second option involves a recently acquired partnership with Central. Spaceship allows the individual student to sign up using their link. The student will sign up for the specific package they need (which includes boxes and tape), and will have those boxes and tape shipped to Central (via spaceship). At the point where the boxes arrive to Central, you and your Resident Director will schedule a time in which your Resident Director will conduct a zoom, skype, or facetime call to pack up your room. Once every box has been packed and labeled correctly, the student will inform spaceship that the boxes are ready for pickup and delivery. Spaceship will deliver the boxes straight to your house. In many cases, utilizing this service may be cheaper than purchasing plane tickets, or driving back to campus to retrieve your belongings. Our staff will not pack rooms until a student has signed a waiver, releasing Central Christian College of Kansas from any liability for items that are lost, broken, or stolen.
Here’s How It All Works:
· You order boxes/tape with the link above.
· Spaceship sends boxes/tape to your residence building.
· Your RD packs up belongings.
· You schedule a pickup (along with RD) for UPS, and ship everything back home.
· Up to $100 coverage included per box, provided by Spaceship.
Be sure to ship the boxes/supplies to:
Central Christian College of Kansas
c/o: insert your residence building & RD name here
1200 S. Main St.
McPherson, KS 67460Special note: Students will be granted disciplinary amnesty for any “prohibited” items found in a dorm room.
As always, please reach out to me or stdev@centralchristian.edu if you have further questions or concerns.
John Walker
Dean of Students
April 29, 2020: Campus Update
The College continues to monitor the COVID-19 crises. Currently, McPherson County has 20 confirmed cases, and 3,738 confirmed cases in Kansas. Central officials are hopeful that the Kansas Governor, Governor Kelly, will lift the stay-at-home order allowing us to announce move-out details. You can expect a notification following her announcement. If Governor Kelley continues to restrict access to campus, we already have an alternative plan ready to go.
This Friday, the Central Christian Board of Trustees is meeting to finalize plans related to commencement, refunds for room and board, and stimulus funds. You should expect specific details to follow.
In the meantime, please do not hesitate to reach out to stdev@centralchristian.edu if you have specific questions or concerns.
April 20, 2020: Campus Update
The College continues to monitor the COVID-19 crises. Currently, we have 17 confirmed cases in McPherson county, with 1,986 total cases in the state of Kansas. In recent news, the Kansas Governor, Governor Kelly, has extended the stay-at-home order in Kansas until May 3rd. This has limited our ability to provide you concrete guidance on accessing your rooms, commencement, and other related topics. However, we are working with other private colleges and the Governor’s Office to push that agenda forward. It is our hope to have some alternative ideas out to you soon.
In the same way, we are working with government officials to speed up the process of getting some financial help to you. We, and other colleges in the area, are seeking clarification on the processing of refunds and stimulus resources provided through the CARES Act. In the meantime, we are setting up the processes and procedures to ensure that these resources get into your hands as quickly as possible.
In the meantime, please do not hesitate to reach out to stdev@centralchristian.edu if you have specific questions or concerns.
Refunds & Federal Guidance
Dear Students –
As you are aware, due to the covid-19 pandemic that has hit our country, classes will continue remotely through the remainder of the SP-20 semester. We have already received some inquiries in regards to your housing and meal plan charges for the SP-20 semester. I know we are all looking for some solid answers to give us some sense of control and assurance during these uncertain times.
Rest assured, the Administrative Team of Central Christian College of Kansas has been feverishly working to keep up with the federal, state, and local governments in regards to the effects of covid-19. We are addressing how all of this has affected our students when it comes to their housing and meal plans, and we continue to watch as more relief acts and guidance comes out almost daily. While we do not have a final answer at this time, we continue to work through it and once a final decision has been made, we will send out a notice to those students affected. Thank you for your patience as we work through this new “territory” for all of us.
Blessing and please stay safe!
LeAnn Moore, Chief Financial OfficerMarch 27, 2020: Video Update from President Favara
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYT_-Zbc6i8&feature=youtu.beFrom the Desk of the President, March 27, 2020
Let me start by first commending each and every one of you.
As President of this College I am very proud. Over the last two weeks I have had opportunity to observe how we, as an institution, have reacted to this unprecedented crisis.
What I have seen is an enormous amount of support, creativity, and resilience – the very essence of our CORE FOUR! So, great job! I am crazy proud of us all.
That being said – it is not over.
Just this morning, McPherson Country recorded its first case of the Coronavirus and data shows that the number of cases in Kansas are growing, as they are in many other states.
That means there is more work yet to be done.
Previously, CCCK had announced its plan to leverage remote learning through April 5, with the intent of evaluating a possible return to campus following that timeframe. However, in light of the rapidly changing reality surrounding the virus and in an effort to provide clarity to you and your families, the administration has evaluated our current response plan.
After consulting with local officials and based on the guidance provided to us from Federal Offices, the Kansas Governor’s Office, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, we have decided to extend our remote learning strategy through the end of the semester.
NAIA Cancels Spring 2020 Season, Effective Immediately
After convening the Council of Presidents Executive Committee this morning, and with input from the National Administrative Council and National Eligibility Committee, the decision has been made to cancel the spring 2020 sports season, effective immediately.We know this is extremely disappointing, especially for our student-athletes. All possible options for maintaining the spring season were discussed at great length by multiple governance groups. However, the growing state of emergency due to COVID-19, as well as the Center for Disease Control’s recommendation yesterday to limit gatherings to fewer than 50 people for eight weeks, meant we could not in good conscience move forward, possibly putting student-athletes, staff, and fans at risk.
In an effort to provide relief, no spring sport student-athlete will be charged a season of competition. Any spring sport student-athlete who was enrolled full-time in 2020 will be awarded two additional semester terms of attendance or the equivalent.
We know there are outstanding questions regarding relief for winter sport student-athletes, implications on transfer regulations, and impacts to academic eligibility rules. We are working closely with the appropriate governance groups to determine answers and will continue to share information with membership as it becomes available.
Provided by Jim Carr President & CEO NAIA on March 16, 2020
March 2020: Information for Parents
Click here to watch an informational video for parents of our residential students.SAC Suspends Practices and Play, Effective Immediately
Effective immediately, the Sooner Athletic Conference has suspended indefinitely all practices and competitions for athletics programs of its 11 member institutions. The league’s Council of Presidents unanimously reached the decision Thursday afternoon.With health, safety, and well-being of student-athletes as a top priority, SAC Presidents view this as the right and necessary step to take relative to Coronavirus (COVID-19). Conference officials will continue to work closely with the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), and SAC Presidents intend to communicate frequently in the days ahead to determine when and if the suspension can be lifted.
In considering when and if the suspension can be lifted, Conference officials will look to establish a date when practices can resume, followed by a subsequent date when competitions can commence.
Provided by Office of the Commissioner March 12, 2020
CDC Recommendations
- Avoid contact with sick people.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Clean your hands often by washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water is not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Soap and water should be used if hands are visibly dirty.
As we continue to closely monitor this situation, will you joining us in praying for those impacted by Coronavirus, particularly those living in countries that have seen serious outbreaks? Your health and well-being is our top priority, and we will continue to provide guidance as the situation evolves.
Officials at CCCK are closely monitoring developments related to the Coronavirus. Currently, the Kansas Department of Health is aware of four confirmed cases of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the state. KDH is continuing to monitor the situation; as testing continues the number of confirmed cases may rise. There are currently no confirmed or suspected cases of the virus among any of the students, faculty, or staff.
The information included on this page is designed to keep the campus community informed about College recommendations and responses.
March 19, 2020: From the Desk of the President
Dear Friends and Family:Unprecedented, unparalleled, uncommon, unbelievable, and the list of “un’s” could go on and on.
Just last week, we were having discussions about upcoming events, meetings, and initiatives. Now, one week later the halls and classrooms echo with the emptiness of isolation.
March 12, 2020: From the Desk of the President
Dear Campus Community,There is little doubt that the headlines regarding the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) have been a source of concern for us all. Over the last few weeks we have witnessed unprecedented responses from different world organizations designed to slow and control the spread of this contagion. Domestically, we are just now coming to terms with the presence of COVID-19 in our towns and local communities.
For some time now, Central Christian College of Kansas has been surveying the situation and preparing contingencies should the need arise.
