Looking ahead to Spring 2021

Dear Students,

One more day remains in the most unusual semester this college may have ever experienced.  You have heard from me on many occasions dating back to the summer regarding policies, protocols, restrictions, and updates about the evolving pandemic and how it has impacted our campus operation.  Today, I am emailing to celebrate the achievements of the fall semester and all that you have been able to overcome this semester.

Less than 75% of you were on campus, albeit a different campus than you had recalled from the past while 25% of you completed the first full semester of remote learning in the college’s history. It may be a word we use a lot, but this semester showed the strength, resiliency, and commitment of our community. I am proud of the accomplishments of each individual and their ability to persevere through challenges and stresses. Our faculty, staff, and students have reimagined and helped us start to see the possibilities of the future and new opportunities for community engagement and development.

Our community here and abroad was not immune to Covid-19 and unfortunately, some contracted the virus and many have lost friends and loved ones.  We came together to develop and implement safety protocols to continue our mission of education while prioritizing the health and safety.  I hope that the community remains healthy and safe throughout the winter break.

We continue to monitor the evolving situation and its potential impact on our spring semester.  Our Return to Campus Task Force, subcommittees, and faculty and staff from across campus are already preparing for the start of the spring semester.  We will continue to update the website and send out communication throughout the break.

The start of the spring semester will likely be very similar to the start of the fall when we implemented policies and protocols to encourage a gradual reopening to prioritize health and safety.  As outlined on the Spring 2021 arrival webpage, we plan to begin the check-in/move-in process on January 30, 2021, ahead of the first day of classes on February 3.  We look forward to welcoming more students back on campus next semester.  For those students who are still looking to change their residential status, please complete this form.

Congratulations on completing the Fall 2020 semester!  I wish you and your family a happy, healthy, and safe holiday season.

Best wishes,

Dean Zack