Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,
As you are no doubt aware, COVID-19 infection rates are quickly rising in New York, around the country, and throughout the world. Out of an abundance of caution and out of concern for the health of this community and all the communities with whom we interact, Union has decided to implement some important changes to our schedule and policies effective immediately. Let us hope and pray this particular spike passes quickly and that we are collectively able to stem the destruction that follows in its wake. Please travel safely, this holiday, and if you are staying on campus or in NYC, take care of yourself and your friends and family by following all the protocols we now know so well.
By January 31, 2022, all members of the Union community must have received a booster vaccination. Please keep your documentation if you get the booster off campus. Following Columbia University’s protocols, you will also be required to get a new gateway test at Columbia.
From January 3 through January 7, all staff and faculty are asked to continue working remotely. From January 10 – February 14, staff should follow the previous 50/50 schedule used earlier this fall. Please speak with your supervisors about how this will be best accomplished.
All January Intersession courses will be taught online. If you are enrolled in a January course, expect access information from your instructor soon.
The Spring 2022 Semester begins on Monday, January 31. Regardless of whether a course is scheduled as in person or online, all courses will be online until Monday, February 14, at which time we hope that in person classes can resume in person. Should this deadline be extended, we will let you know by mid-January. Instructors should send access information for classes as soon as available.
I understand that this will be disappointing news to many. Given the present situation, however, this seems the best course of action for all.
I know you all join me in extending a special word of gratitude to our essential staff – facilities, security, and engineering – who will maintain regular work schedules to insure a safe campus for all.
This isn’t the Happy Holiday message I had hoped to send, but I truly hope that in the weeks ahead, you can take a break from the work of Union and enjoy glimpses of the beauty that shines – persistent and bright – throughout all corners of our straining, struggling world. You are that beauty.
Stay tuned for more information!
Peace,
President Jones