Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information and Updates

FAQs

• What is the situation at Master's? keyboard_arrow_down

  The Master’s University is vigilantly monitoring and responding to new information about COVID-19. No COVID-19 cases have been reported at TMU. As things continue to evolve, we are following recommendations and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), the American College Health Association (ACHA), and local health officials.

  We care deeply about the health of our students, faculty, and staff and have gathered a team, including our resident medical microbiologist, Dr. Joe Francis, (661-362-2706, jfrancis@masters.edu) to oversee TMU’s preparedness efforts at our Los Angeles and IBEX campuses.

  As we pray for those affected and trust in the Lord’s care, we aim to be extra vigilant in order to implement measures in the best interest of all our students, faculty, and staff.

• Will TMU open for the Fall semester? keyboard_arrow_down

  Yes. We are excited to reopen the university campus this fall. The plan to reopen includes a return of campus housing, in-person classes, and athletic events. We will update you if there are any changes to the schedule.

• What are the TMU task forces safety & action items? keyboard_arrow_down

  In addition to our Infectious disease task force, TMU has 4 dedicated task forces each working with local and federal agencies. Upon our reopening this fall, task forces will have implemented a detailed and comprehensive health and safety plan including:

  • (1) On-campus classes as our primary instruction model.
  • (2) The development of a distance education plan that can be implemented when necessary so we can deliver a quality education no matter the circumstances.
  • (3) Physical distancing protocols mandated by governing authorities
  • (4) Expanded student health and support services
  • (5) Procedures for health clinic to trace any infection on campus using health department guidelines.
  • (6) Partnership with our local Henry Mayo hospital to provide testing and patient care for our students and community,
  • (7) Procedures for reporting health conditions daily and for checking temperatures at any time.
  • (8) Solutions to downsize large groups, informed by federal and local guidelines.
  • (9) Solutions to allow access to chapel.
  • (10) Solutions for athletic competitions.
• What is the construction currently happening on-campus? keyboard_arrow_down

  Over the summer, a number of construction and renovation projects are scheduled on the university campus. Many will be completed by the start of the fall semester, and they are going to significantly upgrade a number of classroom spaces, interior and exterior updates and renovations to the dorms, new and updated common areas of campus including Under The Oaks, upgrades, and renovations to a number of academic centers including the School Of Business, CIS Department, School of Online, and School of Education.

• Information for prospective students, admitted students, and families. keyboard_arrow_down

  We continue to accept undergraduate applications for the Fall 2020 semester and have extended our deadlines. For information about ACT or SAT test scores, deferred applications, or additional aid due to COVID-19. Please see our admissions page and information here.

• With campus closed for the remainder of the semester, will I receive a refund for the last seven weeks of room and board? keyboard_arrow_down

  Yes. The Master’s University will fully credit all residential student accounts seven weeks for room and board. For students planning to return for the 2020-21 academic year, this credit will apply to their fall balance. Please contact student accounts if you have any questions.

• Can I still request financial aid for the 2020-21 academic year? keyboard_arrow_down

  Yes. The Financial Aid office will remain open during normal business hours–Monday through Friday, 9:00-5:00 PST. Also, because of this disruptive transition to distance learning, no student’s academic and need based scholarships will be affected for the 2020-021 academic year because of poor academic performance this spring semester.

• What about travel plans? keyboard_arrow_down

  As of March 11th, TMU is cancelling or postponing international travel for all community members, as well as all domestic school sponsored trips. We are currently reviewing any travel beyond April 6, 2020. Currently, we are not imposing any restrictions on domestic travel. However, we will be closely monitoring developing cases in the U.S. and may need to impose the same restrictions for those who travel to domestic areas that authorities have established as hot spots.

• Do you have information for international students? keyboard_arrow_down
  • TMU is working closely with the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). We are monitoring updates from the DHS, ICE, US Department of State, and authorities concerning travel and visa requirements for all foreign nationals.
  • The DHS is deferring to the CDC for travel prohibitions, so we are closely monitoring CDC regulations for foreign nationals.
  • California State releases additional COVID & reopening guidelines, which TMU is incorporating into the above decision-making factors.
  • TMU has invited our greater TMU community to host an international student in their home as needed, either for an amount of time until they are able to get on a flight home.
  • Financial and Relief Aid applications for new and continuing students available at masters.edu/relief

  ---

  We are actively seeking to serve our students who are still on-campus in helping them get home safely. About 10% of our student community includes international students who may not be able to get home right away due to limited flight availability or limited finances. The Student Life Office is assisting when possible to help book flights home.

  We invite the TMU community to host an international student in their home for an indefinite amount of time until they are able to get on a flight home. If you would be willing to open up your home, please fill out the following information:

  International Student Hosting: https://bit.ly/3a7IDX6

• About the symptoms and the virus. keyboard_arrow_down

  The symptoms are roughly analogous to those of the flu. The CDC lists the primary symptoms as follows

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath

  Health experts are still determining exactly how COVID-19 can and cannot be transmitted. But the virus can spread between people, so normal flu-season precautions are recommended.

  Is there a cure? A working vaccine has not yet been developed. As with the flu, infected individuals can receive palliative care to reduce the risk and discomfort caused by symptoms.

  What are the recommended preventative measures? Common sense is a powerful preventative for this and other viruses. We recommend:

  • Cleansing your hands with soap or alcohol-based sanitizer frequently throughout the day.
  • Avoid close contact with sick individuals. If you yourself are sick, stay home.
  • Disinfect items and places in your environment that are likely to carry germs.
  • Cough or sneeze into your sleeve or a tissue.
  • Avoid touching your face (especially your eyes, nose, and mouth).

  Should I wear a mask? Health experts believe that masks provide little or no benefit to healthy individuals, although they may help prevent a sick individual from spreading germs.

  How do I disinfect my environment? Objects and surfaces that are touched frequently should be disinfected with a cleaning product registered with the EPA or a diluted bleach solution. As always, follow the instructions on the product label to ensure safety. We suggest regularly disinfecting things like keyboards, computer mice, doorknobs, switches, and phones. Take care when cleaning electronics, as using the wrong solution can damage them.

  Is TMU testing for the Coronavirus? While we do not have testing kits on campus, we are working with local health authorities who are capable of examining any suspected cases. If any member of the TMU community is concerned they might have COVID-19, the first step would be to contact their primary care provider.

• Will TMU still conduct summer classes? keyboard_arrow_down

  Yes. At this time, all summer classes will begin as scheduled.

• Has the Emergency Operations Center been activated? keyboard_arrow_down

  Yes. In order to facilitate management of the COVID-19 response, The Master’s University (TMU) administration has approved the activation of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC). This activation is being done according to our Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) which follows the National Incident Management System (NIMS) protocol, as well as state and federal guidelines. Members of the TMU Infectious Disease Task Force are closely monitoring city, county, and state response to the COVID-19 outbreak and will meet in the EOC to assist the administration with preparedness, response, and recovery efforts related to the incident

• Are there new financial aid relief options? keyboard_arrow_down

  Yes. Financial and Relief Aid applications for new and continuing students available at masters.edu/relief

• When will graduation take place? keyboard_arrow_down

  The 2020 commencement exercises are scheduled for August 29 at 10:00 A.M. at Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California. More details will be posted here.