September 3, 2020: Week 3 Message

Dear Faculty,

I hope you and your families are well and that your academic year is off to a good start. As our third week of in-person classes nears completion, I am encouraged by how smoothly we have adapted to this new environment. Together, we have made the sacrifices and adjustments needed to maintain continuity of instruction with minimal disruption to our students’ schedules. Thank you for your efforts in making that happen.

With a few exceptions here and there, like the supply chain issue with classroom technology, the fall term has begun as well as could be expected, given the challenges we face. On that front, ITS has received and is currently installing lapel microphones in the classrooms outlined in our earlier reopening messages. The remaining DocCams should arrive in short order and will be installed upon arrival.

Regarding your classes, I ask that you continue to work with any student who may need to transition to remote learning for some period of time. Only the CARES Center team has the authority to determine when a student can return to class. So please work with your students when they do return and treat them as you would want to be treated, with grace and understanding.

If you suspect someone in your class is sick, you can use the same classroom management techniques you would use for a student during flu season. Ask them if they are okay, recommend they leave the class to take a break or to get a drink, or encourage them to attend the class online instead, but please advise them to contact the CARES Center team. If you have questions or student issues, please contact the Dean of Students for help.

Thank you again for your dedication and flexibility. I’m proud of the great work you are doing under challenging circumstances.

Sincerely,    

Carl L. Reiber

Provost & Vice President Academic Affairs

Last updated: 8/18/2021