Friday, Oct. 30, 2020
Dear Springfield College Faculty and Staff:
As you are likely aware, we made the decision today (Oct. 30) to accelerate our planned switch to remote learning and establish a one week shelter-in-place protocol for students. The recent increase in COVID-19 cases and close contacts has overwhelmed our structure for managing the virus despite our best efforts. Our quarantine and isolation spaces are at maximum capacity. With the uncertainty of future cases and our commitment to maintain the safety of our campus, this was the right decision.
Everyone has worked so hard to remain on campus and to reach our November 20 shift to remote learning. The reality, though, is that we need to take actions that will not put you, our students, or any member of our community at undue risk. We need to act quickly and decisively to de-densify our campus to stop any further spread of the virus within our community.
The fall semester has brought a great many challenges, but I have been consistently heartened by the connections that you have made with our students and each other. I thank you for your commitment through the summer and fall to student success. In my opinion, you are truly living the Humanics mission. This is the very best of Springfield College.
Our campus is a safe place. The masking and distancing protocols, and quarantine and isolation protocols continue to keep us safe. There are many reasons to reflect positively on the last few months.
We have communicated our plan for students that provides them with information to make an informed choice about whether to remain on campus or to return home.
Supervisors will communicate with their staff members about any modifications to work schedules over the next several days. If you have not heard from them, you may wish to contact your supervisor or chair for information on our work operations during this time. Employees are still needed on campus, within the restrictions we have all abided by for the last several months. The College and the campuses remain OPEN and it is critical to our success to demonstrate and communicate that.
As of today:
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Classes will be conducted remotely until further notice, except for labs that have been pre-approved by Academic Affairs to be held in person.
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Co-curricular activities, including athletics, are suspended until further notice. Virtual programming will continue.
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Students have been instructed not to leave campus for any reason other than a medical emergency, student teaching, clinical placements, or off campus work.
You will have many questions that this communication cannot answer. A few specific items are addressed below:
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Student Services: The Counseling Center, the Academic Success Center, Library Services, and the Academic Advising Center will remain open and critical components of student success.
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Work study: Some students will be able to continue in their federal work study positions. Additional information about this will be forthcoming from HR.
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Registration: Registration for spring 2021 classes will begin November 9, instead of November 2.
Thank you for prioritizing the health and safety of our Pride family and working together to keep ourselves and all those around us healthy and safe. Springfield College is an incredibly special place. As difficult as it has been to have our usual activities changed immeasurably during this fall semester, there is no place I would rather be than on Alden Street.
Stay safe and well.
Sincerely,
Mary-Beth Cooper, PhD, DM
Springfield College President