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COVID-19: Ways to Help Springfield College Students

March 19, 2020

Dear Alumni and friends,

I’m writing to share information with you about Springfield College’s response to COVID-19 and to share a few ways that you can help our students. 

These are challenging times for us all. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are not yet clear and we are all managing as best we can with the information that we have available. I know for certain that those in the Springfield College family are leading and serving communities and organizations in ways large and small to maintain a sense of calm, to provide strategies for managing the circumstances, and to navigate this uncertainty. You are all in our thoughts. 

The most up-to-date information on this quickly evolving situation is available on the Springfield College web site at https://springfield.edu/coronavirus. You may already have heard about the decisions we have made, but allow me to summarize:

  • Beginning March 30, classes for the balance of the spring semester will transition to fully online. This was a difficult decision, especially because of how it effects our seniors, but, in this dynamic environment, it is the right one for us to make.
     
  • Our efforts to recruit the next class of Springfield College continues in virtual settings. Our upcoming accepted student open house will happen online on April 5.
     
  • For the time being, we will not be holding in-person regional or on-campus events as you are used to experiencing. All College departments, including our Alumni Relations team, are creatively considering options for connecting virtually or rescheduling events and lectures to a later time. A decision about Reunion 2020 has not been made at this time, but our goal is to have it continue as planned.
     
  • If you have been planning a visit to campus, I ask that you postpone your plans at this time. We are currently restricting visitors to campus to essential personnel. 

How can you help?

True to our shared commitment to Humanics, many in the Springfield College family have reached out wanting to know how they can help our students during this difficult time. A few options are available and you are invited to consider any or all. 

Words of Encouragement – Send a note of support to students using this web form. Our students always enjoy connecting with our alumni, parents, and friends and now, in a time of change, I know your words of encouragement will be well received.

Student Assistance Fund – Many students are facing unexpected financial expenses associated with changes to the academic calendar. Your support will help with travel expenses, meals, technology needs and other necessities. We are prepared to use this fund to assist students as they adjust to spring semester changes. To donate visit the COVID-19 Student Assistance Fund Online Giving Form.

Local Housing – For some students, returning to their permanent homes is not an option. Local alumni, parents, and friends who may have housing available are welcome to contact me. 

Finally, I want you to know that we understand this is a difficult time for you and your families as well. Getting used to new ways of living and working challenge us all. Yet, how we continue during this unprecedented time and how we come out of it when it is over will strengthen us individually and collectively. Every act of generosity will help in the days ahead.

Please continue to check the web site and our social media accounts for the most up-to-date information. 

I wish you all good health.  

Sincerely,

Kathleen Martin MS’97, DPE ’99
Vice President for Advancement
Springfield College