Moving Online For Remainder of Semester

Tuesday, March 17, 2020

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,

Today, I have made the difficult decision that Springfield College is moving classes online for the remainder of the semester amid the coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak. This decision was made thoughtfully and with an abundance of caution and concern for the health and safety of our Community. 

I understand that this is disappointing for all of us, but our highest priority is charting a response to the rapidly evolving COVID-19 threat, while maintaining academic continuity and integrity and safeguarding our students’ ability to finish the semester in accordance with all required standards related to federal financial assistance. 

We will continue to implement our on-going comprehensive transition to distance education. After the two-week extended Spring Break, spring semester classes will resume on Monday, March 30, conducted fully online, and will continue through the final exams period, which ends on Tuesday, May 12, 2020.

While no decision has been made as of today regarding Commencement activities, we are exploring options. A decision will be announced as the situation develops.

Students

We understand students will still have many questions about how they will be supported in a fully online learning environment. Please know we are working to tailor our instruction and services to ensure that all students will be able to be successful.

Resident Students

Students will be able to collect the remainder of their belongings and clean out their campus residences. The move-out for residents will be conducted through a staggered schedule. Further information will be available later today.

Please note: The moving out of belongings is NOT mandatory at this time. An additional time period for those who do not wish to come to campus during this scheduled move-out period will be established later. 

Faculty

Faculty will continue to receive support for transitioning their teaching to online. Those who need support should reach out to the Center for Excellence in Teaching, Learning, and Scholarship. The office of Academic Affairs, Deans and Department chairs, along with Faculty Senate are working together on other key transition issues and new information for faculty will continue to be provided and posted on the Academic Affairs website.

Employees 

All staff and faculty have received comprehensive communications from their supervisors and human resources regarding telecommuting, recording time, and opportunities for professional development. Employees with questions about work assignments or expectations should check with their supervisors who are developing work plans in coordination with their division heads. All employees are encouraged to continue social distancing to the extent possible.

We know this brings great disappointment to many of us, especially our seniors, who were holding on to hope that we could all come back to campus to finish up the year. However, we believe it is the right decision at this time. 

Best, 

Mary-Beth A. Cooper

Springfield College President