We are deeply grateful to God for His protection and care of each one of us. Our pastors, faculty and staff love each of our students and we are encouraged by their trust and reliance on Him in this time of trial.
The health and safety of our PBC family is our number one priority. We also are committed to the welfare of the larger Portland metro community we are a part of. As of today, we have no known cases of COVID-19 within our Portland Campus. At the same time we are committed to assisting our students in completing their semester courses and graduation requirements.
In light of the State and Federal guidelines issued. We are taking additional steps to ensure the continued safety of our students, faculty and staff. PBC took the following actions:
- For Portland Campus students, we are extending remote instruction of our courses for the remainder of the school year. These is in an effort to agree with the current plans for both Washington and Oregon public schools.
- From an academic standpoint, there are very few program course outcomes that are only able to be accomplished through in-person instruction. Any class session that requires meeting in person will meet virtually through various online platforms. Students in such classes will be notified directly.
- We are encouraging students to move out of their dorms and return to their permanent homes. We will leave campus housing open for students who have limited options. The cafeteria will remain open with take-out service only. A housing check-out system has been made available for all resident students needing to return home.
- Although the pandemic is necessitating physical distance, we want to stay connected relationally. Staff will continue to work and will be available to students remotely. Essential staff are on a rotation schedule with their supervisors to ensure office services remain open with minimal employee presence on campus. Our deans and campus pastors live on-site. Students remaining on-campus will be served by people who love them and have their best interest at heart. Counseling and personal care services will remain available to all virtually. CDC hygiene guidelines will be strictly followed at all times.
- All campus events are canceled until the campus re-opens. We will also have to postpone our graduation ceremony to a later date. We are currently surveying our graduates before making a decision concerning rescheduling. Those meeting requirements for graduation will be awarded their degrees as of May 15.
- A Student Life Facebook page will remain updated and we will host Chapel prayer times at 10:30 on Fridays and our senior sermons on Mondays and Wednesdays on that page.
- We were made for this. We are the Church and have a great opportunity to be the salt and light we are called to be. We encourage all students to remain vitally connected to their local churches. For those staying on campus here is a link to how we will accomplish this at Mannahouse.
We are so grateful to each student, parent, pastor and friend of PBC that is walking through this season of uncertainty and constant change with us. We remain committed to equipping each student with the character and competence to rise to the world’s needs and become catalysts for Kingdom impact even in the darkest of times.
Together, we will rise out of this stronger, more resilient and victorious.
In Him,
Ken Malmin
Dean