COVID-19 Updates
This page is the official Pillar College source for COVID-19 information
Updated 2/7/2023
Continued Guidelines:
We will continue to adhere to most COVID-19 relief measures in place as we continue to comply with CDC, state and local guidance.
From the President’s Cabinet:
As with all things COVID, our in-person status is subject to change. We have resumed in-person and hybrid instruction and in-office work on Tuesday, January 18, 2022.
Isolation and Quarantine Calculator
The New Jersey COVID-19 Information Hub recommends using this calculator if you or someone you have come in contact with has tested positive for COVID-19. Select the link below to find guidance on when self-isolation or quarantine may end.
Dr. Mark J. Wade Vaccination PSA
Where, how, and when can I get vaccinated?
Dear Colleagues:
Everyone 12 or older who lives, works, or studies in New Jersey is now eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine.
To learn more and find where to get vaccinated click HERE.
Office of the Secretary of Higher Education (OSHE)
According to CDC.gov: COVID-19 affects different people in different ways. Infected people have had a wide range of symptoms reported – from mild symptoms to severe illness.
Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19: Fever or chills, Cough, Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, Fatigue, Muscle or body aches, Headache, New loss of taste or smell, Sore throat, Congestion or runny nose, Nausea or vomiting, Diarrhea.
Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms should remain home, except to get medical care.
Remote Learning Resources for Students
Note to students – Pillar College supports Blackboard as the application to support your online courses.
Pillar College Directory of Student Assistance
1-800-234-9305 | 973-803-5000 Option 0 for Receptionist
| Department | Phone extension | |
Academic Resource Center (English and Spanish support) | [email protected] | 1138 |
| Admissions | [email protected] | Option 1 |
| Career Services | [email protected] | 1029 |
| Student Support | ||
| Library/Online Research | [email protected] | 1140 |
| Online Class Support | [email protected] | |
| Prayer Requests | [email protected] |
Academic Resource Center
Director Michael Wattkis
The Academic Resource Center (ARC) staff is available to assist you with tutoring, online research, and reference citations using MLA/APA. Also if you have problems accessing Pillar resources through your email login, we can help you.
Contact us:
Academic Tutoring
[email protected]
973-803-5000 Ext. 1016
Email Password & Portal Reset
[email protected]
973-803-5000 Ext. 1138
Online Research
[email protected]
973-803-5000 Ext. 1140
Library and Online Research
Associate Dean Vinell Spied
Spiritual Care
Director of Spiritual Development Nishanth Thomas
We understand that we are all living in unprecedented times. One of our goals is to encourage and strengthen each other. To that end, if you have a prayer request for healing, provision, relationships, family, or any other need, the Pillar Community would like to pray for you. We pray God’s peace, joy, hope, love, mercy, and presence be with you and your families in this chaotic season.
Community Resources
In the wake of Covid-19, since children and families are home, Audible has created stories.audible.com – a place where anyone, anywhere can stream hundreds of titles for kids and families, no strings attached. Audible’s talented editors have handpicked a mix of education, entertainment, classics, and general-interest titles in English, German, French, Spanish, Japanese, and Italian. The experience is completely free – no logins, credit cards, or passwords required. Just click, stream and listen. Click here to get started.
Newark Board of Education Closure Resources: Learning at Home Plans
The Newark Board of Education has developed Instructional Packets containing lessons for all students from PreK through high school to ensure continued instruction during extended school closure.
Project Ready Coronavirus Resources for Parents, Families & Students
Project Ready is committed to providing various resources and information for families and community members during this time. Project Ready has pooled information and resources from several government, education, and community organizations and will update the document on an ongoing basis.
Breakfast and Lunch Locations
The Newark Board of Education’s Breakfast and Lunch Program is available for all students at designated schools from Monday to Friday between the hours of 9:30 am – 11:30 am. Students can pick up food at any NPS site nearest to their homes.
Education Companies Offering FREE Subscription
With schools closing across the nation, parents and educators are in a bit of a panic as they try to figure out how kids can learn and obtain their education from home. If this sounds like you, stop stressing. This is going to be super helpful! We have the Entire List of Education Companies Offering Free Subscriptions Due to School Closings.
Coping with Covid 19
Maxine A. Bradshaw, Ph.D., Professor and Chair*
Psychology and Counseling
Traditional Undergraduate Program
We are living in perilous times and many yearn for the return to normalcy. Can you remember when your concerns could be summed up in the cares for what you will eat, or what you will drink, what you will wear (Matthew 6:25); and other non-life threatening concerns? But “normal” stress as we know it is replaced by a new Reality. Jane Wagner once wrote; “Reality is the leading cause of stress amongst those in touch with it.”
When the news of the ravages of COVID 19 in Wuhan, China hit the airwaves, it seemed so far removed from our reality. This was half-way across the globe. The impact of the spread of this pandemic within other countries seemed a safe distance away from us. While we empathized with their plights, we could not conceive how their lives must have been torn apart. The news that the COVID 19 virus reached the shores of the United States seemed to send shockwaves in the tapestry of the psyche of America. This pandemic levelled the playing field, having no respect for age, gender, religion, socio-economic status or race, and political affiliations. Now, survival mode dictates that we practice social distancing and stay indoors. Indeed, the social structures that once brought solace, such as family gatherings, social hangouts, Church services, contacts with peers at school, and our Colleagues at work have been replaced by a virtual reality.
So how do we manage during these perilous times? In addition to the recommendations to wash your hands regularly, restrain from touching your face, remain at home and practice social distancing, here are some other helpful tips:
- Monitor your thoughts. When you realize that your thoughts are thoughts of despair and gloom, make a conscious effort to refocus your thoughts. Reflect on the challenges you have overcome in the past and encourage yourself with the assurance that you are an overcomer.
- Practice self-care. Do not lounge around all day in pajamas. Get up, get dressed and do something “for you” that you have longed and wanted to do but did not have the time.
- Pamper yourself and do so often. Smother yourself in a long intoxicating luxurious bath with your favorite aroma. Enjoy the silence or listen to your favorite music. Remember this is your alone time to focus on you. Complete a manicure or pedicure regimen. Or eat your favorite dessert or meal in moderation. Remember the aim is not to gain weight, but to enjoy a much needed treat.
- Change the mood in your home. Watch a comedy or some cartoons with the children and remember the days of innocent bliss.
- Do a family circle with a chair in the center. Have one person sit in the chair with the other taking turns trying to make the person laugh. The person who held off the laughter longest wins. You will be amazed at the fun you will have in trying to make someone laugh.
- Start a Story. One person begins a story and each person adds on to the story. Take turns until it is finished. (Depending on the size of the family, each person may add to the story multiple times. Example. First person: Once upon a time I was walking on the beach and heard a strange sound. Second Person: I looked towards the direction of where I heard the sound and saw a bright light. Etc.)
- Grateful log. Discuss things for which you are grateful.
- Plan an imaginary trip that you would take if money and time were unlimited. Enjoy the dream and live in the moment of imagined bliss.
- Exercise: Just Move. Dance to your favorite music. Science shows that moving our bodies stimulates the creation of norepinephrine and dopamine. These chemicals energize and elevate one’s mood.
- Practice regular wellness checks where you contact friends, families, and co-workers. Try to use a medium where you can have a visual connection, either through Zoom, Google meets, WhatsApp, or Facebook Messenger.
- Post inspirational messages on social media. This will spread the love, instill hope and build faith. Or listen to inspirational messages and music.
- Pray, and then pray some more. Tap into your faith. In prayer, tell the Lord your concerns and believe He hears you and He is concerned about the things that concerns you.
- Read the Bible more. Give yourself a challenge to memorize at least one passage of Scripture daily. The Word of God is a solace against the daily onslaught of news of gloom.
- Have Hope. Be encouraged by the fact that there is a time and season for everything. This test too, will pass. Plan how you will celebrate the end of this season in your life and how you will adapt to the new normal in your situation.
- Journal your thoughts. Some of your thoughts may be the idea for your book yet to be written.
- Take a moment to get a breath of fresh air. Be innovative. This may be done by standing by an open window, on the porch, or take a brisk walk around the home or property. Remember to practice social distancing as you do this walk.
- Keep abreast of the requirements of the online classroom. You do not want to exacerbate an already stressful situation by falling behind on your school work
Free Resources on the Web:
Online Research contact: Email: [email protected] or call 973-803-5000 Ext. 1140
Career Services – Coordinator Ingrid Ortiz
Your success is important to us! Our main goal is to provide you with the resources to help you enhance your professional skills and develop a strategy to search for a job or internship.
Email [email protected] or call Ingrid I. Ortiz at 973 803-5000 ext. 1029.
Accommodations for Students With Disabilities
Students with documented disabilities are entitled to receive approved modifications, accommodations, or utilize auxiliary aids which will enable them to participate in and benefit from all educational programs and activities at Pillar College. Reasonable accommodation includes the utilization of adaptive technology aids in the online classroom, modification to testing, extended time on assignments, and alternate course delivery options that allows access by individuals with disabilities.
Prior to receiving this assistance, the student must submit documentation to the Registrar’s Office verifying his/her disability from a qualified professional source, outlining the nature of accommodations in instruction and testing required by the student and the length of time the accommodations will need to be provided.
Free student aid-related COVID-19 guidance for students, families and student loan borrowers
Mapping Your Future is a very reliable source as they work with NJ State Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA) – this is offering information about Covid19 and student loans:
About This Website
StudentAidPandemic.org provides up-to-the-minute student guidance on student loans and financial aid during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. Your learning path is customized to your needs. All services are free to everyone and no registration is required.
We will update the content as additional guidance is received from the Department of Education and publish the date of the most recent update on this landing page so you are sure you are getting the most up to date information.
Need personalized help?
For questions about financial aid, contact Mapping Your Future.
For questions about your current student loans, contact The Institute of Student Loan Advisors Corporation (TISLA).
Student Services
Amy Huber
Vice President of Academic Affairs & Student Engagement
Contact
Phone: 973-803-5000 ext. 1104
[email protected]
