As the situation regarding COVID-19 continues to evolve, I have been working with our team to respond to the challenges it presents. At this time, we do not have any confirmed cases or quarantines in our Union community. It is important, however, that we do all we can to try to maintain the health and safety of this community and our larger communities. To this end, we have decided to take the following precautions to limit potential of exposure:
- Classes will be held remotely/online starting tomorrow through Monday, April 13, which is the end of our Easter Break. Any students planning to travel home for spring break are encouraged to take all of their educational materials with them, including especially your laptops and computers so that you can study remotely. We are not trying to keep students off-campus, so if you plan to return from your spring break travels, please feel welcome to come back.
- We will be monitoring information closely and will be immediately in touch if remote learning will be extended beyond Easter. We will give you time to adjust travel plans, if needed.
- Students who have field education will need to be in touch with their supervisors to discuss work plans.
- For students who are not traveling, Union offices will remain open and accessible.
- A special note to students who are residents of McGiffert. If you are planning to stay on campus during the remote learning period, please email Michael Orzechowski, Director of Housing and Campus Services, and Dean of Students Charlene Visconti, to let them know. It is helpful for us to be aware of who will be on campus, so that we can best support you.
- For students residing in International House, please closely follow the updates they send to residents.
- We will continue to cancel all on-campus events through Easter break, including all student events.
- With respect to commuting students, we remain particularly concerned to minimize any unnecessary travel.
For updates and information, please visit this dedicated webpage we have established. We remain in close contact with Columbia Preparedness and Columbia Health as well as other universities and colleges in New York and will continue to share information with you via email.
I realize this is a confusing and anxiety-producing time for everyone, both in our community and around the world. It is especially frightening for those who are at high-risk and those who have little access to needed care. Please keep these communities in your thoughts and prayers, and please follow all recommended preventive measures, for the good of us all.