On Wednesday I wrote to you to inform you of the College鈥檚 decision to:
- Expand spring break by a week (so that spring break now runs from March 16 – March 27)
- Transition all classes to be delivered virtually beginning on March 30, the first day of classes after spring break
- Require that students vacate their 61传媒housing by March 18 and not return
At the time of that announcement, we still held hope that there was a possibility that students would be able to return at the end of the semester. As the COVID-19 situation has continued to develop over the past few days,聽that seems increasingly unlikely.聽In order to create more certainty in such an uncertain time and provide clarity for students and faculty,聽we now have determined that virtual classes will continue through the end of the semester.
In the short term, it is imperative that students get their belongings packed.聽The situation is predicted to continue to escalate for some time, so the sooner you are able to reach your final destination, the better. As you pack, travel, and prepare for virtual classes, please remember that our best tools in this pandemic are social distance and careful hygiene.
This news is understandably disappointing to many and perhaps particularly for seniors who were looking forward to their last few weeks on campus with their classmates. Our faculty and staff will partner with students to ensure their ability to fulfill graduation requirements, and we are exploring a range of options to commemorate Commencement in a meaningful and memorable way. We will update you with plans for commencement in April.
The last two days have been hectic for everyone, and for many this transition comes also with a multitude of stressors, including health, family, academics, and finances.聽I understand how difficult this is.聽The Student Affairs team is working hard to support students on many fronts鈥攚ith boxes and packing, travel planning, and for our neediest students, financial assistance with travel, computers, and other issues. For faculty and staff concerned about how this might affect their employment, benefits, and compensation this semester, we do not anticipate that it will.
Many of you are looking out for one another in so many ways, and I appreciate your caring and community spirit.聽I hope this will continue while we are here on campus, that we will also see it in Zoom classrooms, and as you sustain your connections and support for one another while you鈥檙e away from campus. We will miss you and look forward to your return.
Take good care,
Lara Tiedens
President