Kansas Wesleyan has announced that it will conduct classes entirely online for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year. The university will, however, remain open with all student services available.
KWU had previously announced a shift to online courses March 12, with the intent of evaluating on a week to week basis. The rapidly changing climate surrounding COVID-19 prompted the additional decision, in order to provide clarity to students.
In an effort to promote engagement and fellowship among KWU students, who are now located throughout the country, the university announced several initiatives. The school’s first esports intramural program is scheduled to begin the week of March 23, campus ministry has new, virtual opportunities in the works, and the university’s social media has promoted a hashtag, #KWUHappenings, to allow students to hold discussions on various platforms.
“Our top priority has always been our students,” said Dr. Matt Thompson, President of KWU. “By announcing that we are moving online for the rest of the semester, we give them clarity in the midst of this uncertain time. By keeping our student services available, including the residence halls, we take care of our students who are in Salina as well. The comradery between students is a critical part of the collegiate experience, and while we cannot replicate that virtually, we hope our initiatives provide a small portion of that experience.”
All student events have been cancelled for the remainder of the semester. April’s Spring Alumni, Family & Community Weekend—and all the events surrounding it—has been cancelled as well.
The university has established a web site providing the latest information on KWU’s response to the coronavirus at www.kwu.edu/coronavirus. A 24-hour hotline has also been created for those seeking additional information. The hotline is staffed 8 a.m.–5 p.m. and a voicemail can be left after hours. The hotline number is 785-833-4515.
