This page provides an update of news we have from various WTC schools about their classes and future plans in response to the current COVID-19 health crisis. Please scroll through to find updates from each institution.

Byzantine Catholic Seminary  Seminarians return for in class coursework Aug. 19, Andy BYZANTINE ONLINE courses (for WTC students) begin August 24. For schedule updates, visit: https://www.bcs.edu

Catholic University School of Theology. Commencement took place virtually May 16 and can be viewed online. CUA plans to REOPEN THIS FALL with some in-person classes and many online courses on August 24 (a week early than planned). THEOLOGY COURSES will include both. Any residential students will go home for Thanksgiving break, Nov. 25, and finish the semester ONLINE the last two weeks. Some theology classes are virtual. Regular chapel and other gatherings will be held with strict social distancing and other safety protocols. For updates, visit: https://communications.catholic.edu/coronavirus/index.html

Howard University School of Divinity: A “Virtual Commencement” took place Saturday, May 9, 2020 and can be seen here. Class of 2020 Convocation to honor graduates will be held Mother’s Day weekend, 2021. Federal CARE funds are available for students who face hardships. Howard University plans to REOPEN VIRTUAL CLASSES FOR THE FALL on August 24 (early). ALL DIVINITY SCHOOL CLASSES will BE ONLINE. For updates: https://home.howard.edu/corona-virus

John Leland Center: The John Leland Center PLANS TO REOPEN THIS FALL on August 24, with some classes online, but most offering an OPTION of in class or synchronous online learning. Updates at: https://www.leland.edu/ or call (703) 812-4757.

PFIC at the Dominican House of Studies: A small Commencement was held for Dominican brothers on May 15. PFIC WILL REOPEN on August 31 with IN-CLASS INSTRUCTION for all students (with social distancing in some classrooms, but not all). Some classes will have synchronous virtual option. Semester resumes after Thanksgiving break in person through December 18. Students with health concerns can contact the Dean, Fr. Petri, for Zoom class access. For updates go to: https://dhs.edu/2020/06/fall-2019-semester-and-the-coronavirus/

Reformed Theological Seminary–DC: There was a “mini-graduation” for graduates, but a future full celebration will be planned. RTS plans to REOPEN FOR THE FALL on August 24 for in-class instruction. For updates on the Fall see: https://rts.edu/categories/news/news-washington-d-c/

Samuel Dewitt Proctor School of Theology at VUU (Richmond): Library open only to VUU (and WTC) students, faculty, and students, with limited hours. Commencement took place May 11, 2020 and can be seen online. Virginia Union University will REOPEN for in-class and online courses on August 24; semester ends December 13. Many theology courses will be available online. For updates, visit: https://www.vuu.edu

United Lutheran Seminary (Gettysburg and Philadelphia): All classes have gone ONLINE for the summer, including August intensives. An online Service for Graduates was held May 15, 2020 and can be seen virtually. Masks required for any return to campus or use of the food pantry. Clear reporting procedures of Covid-19 symptoms or contact in place. ULS will reopen for in-class, hybrid, and online courses on August 24. For updates visit: https://my.uls.edu/welcome/uls-coronavirus-faq

Virginia Theological Seminary: Commencement was held and live-streamed on May 14, 2020. VTS will REOPEN for in-class, online, and hybrid courses on September 9. ALL STUDENTS taking in-class courses at VTS (including WTC students) MUST BE TESTED FOR Covid-19 between Aug. 1 and the first day of class. VTS offers free testing to in-class students on their campus on Aug 4 and Sept 1. Main library closed for renovations, but a temporary LIBRARY will be set up in the Welcome Center (next to chapel), available BY APPOINTMENT ONLY for VTS and WTC students. For updates go to: https://www.vts.edu

Wesley Theological Seminary: Commencement planned for 5/11 is postponed, but a Service of Celebration was held. Wesley will REOPEN for online learning (classes over 20), in-class learning (classes under 20–with online options), and online learning on August 31. All classes will transition to online after the Thanksgiving break. All chapel and community events will be held online. For updates visit: https://www.wesleyseminary.edu/covid-19-wesley-fall-2020-semester/

Our WTC staff has return to the office on staggered days. You can always reach us via email or by phone message 202-832-2675. We extend our support and prayers for resilience, health, and continued learning during these times. Prayers also for courage and vision during this time of struggle for racial justice.

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”  (Phil 4:7)

Larry, Christy, and Yvonne