In light of the rapidly changing environment regarding COVID-19, we ask for your patience as we make adjustments to classes and campus life.
As was noted in yesterday’s post, classes today and tomorrow have been suspended. Our plan for Wednesday through Friday is to have classes online. Faculty will be contacting students with information as to how they will handle their class (Moodle, Zoom, conference call, etc.). We will be following Columbia’s lead regarding the status of classes after the break, so please be sure to check your email this week and during spring break.
On the recommendation of public health officials, we are strongly discouraging non-essential events of more than 25 people. We have canceled Wednesday’s event, “NYC’s Homelessness Crisis: What Can Faith Leaders Do?” and Thursday’s BIE event, “Emptiness and Social Action with Gina Sharpe”.
The campus, however, remains open and smaller, essential meetings and gatherings will go on as scheduled. We will still have community lunch on Thursday, but it will be soup only and it will be grab-and-go. Tiffany Tea in the Pit also remains open.
Students with field education assignments are encouraged to contact their supervisors regarding the status at the worksite. Students who work on campus are encouraged to continue to do so, as they feel comfortable. Staff are expected to continue to come to work, as most have private or semi-private offices. If anyone at any time feels ill, they should stay home, contact a health provider, and if you are able, let Charlene Visconti, Dean of Students know.
I understand that all of these changes and uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 may cause anxiety and concern. Please know that we are being cautious in an effort to minimize as much risk as possible. Following these tips may help us all stay healthy: elbow bumps instead of handshakes or hugs, wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands, and cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow rather than your hands.
For students who live in McGiffert, we encourage you to continue to use the community kitchens. It will be important to clean and disinfect the area more frequently, paying special attention to knobs, handles and other surfaces that are touched frequently.
If any of you have any questions or concerns, please contact the following individuals:
Students should contact Dean of Students Charlene Visconti.
Faculty should contact Dean Pamela Cooper-White.
Staff should contact Diana Torres-Petrilli, Chief Human Resource Officer.
Faculty should contact Dean Pamela Cooper-White.
Staff should contact Diana Torres-Petrilli, Chief Human Resource Officer.
I have canceled all upcoming travel and will be on campus closely monitoring the situation for the duration and remaining in frequent contact with you. We will, together, make it through this difficult time. Of that I am certain! We are a truly remarkable, strong, and compassionate community.