March 11, 2020
COVID-19: Update 16 [Classes Suspended]
Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,
As our previous communications indicate, the College is paying close attention to news and information provided by public health agencies to inform our own policies and guidelines regarding the current ongoing situation with the 2019-Coronavirus pandemic (referred to as “COVID-19”). We are fortunate that there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in our community to date.
Suspending Classes
Out of an abundance of caution and concern for our community, however, we are suspending all classes as of tomorrow, Thursday, March 12, until end of day Sunday, March 22. This period of suspension will give the College time to prepare alternate models for remote teaching and distance learning.
During this suspension period, both campuses will be closed to students. However, students can access either campus to obtain materials and belongings through 5 p.m. on Friday, March 13.
Labs and shops (and possibly other College resources, to be determined) will halt normal operations during this suspension period to prepare for future scenarios. One-to-one activities, such as student advising, will take place remotely as determined by individual offices and staff members.
Any student work that was scheduled to take place on campus and that has already been approved with a completed Project Authorization Form is also suspended and must be rescheduled when the College fully reopens, subject to additional review of the request.
To compensate for this period of suspension, we will extend the current term for a week through Friday, May 1 (week 15). As of now, Summer and Fall term schedules remain unchanged, beginning May 16 and September 12 respectively.
We will provide a series of detailed communications to you during the suspension period. We expect to resume Spring classes (in person or remotely depending on circumstances) as well as access to campus resources on Monday, March 23.
Grad Show and Graduation Ceremony
Regrettably, we are canceling the Spring Grad Show and Graduation Ceremony. The Provost and Chairs are working closely with Career and Professional Development to provide potential employers with options for recruitment. Students will receive their degrees, certificates and honors upon completing their requirements and will have the option to participate in Summer or Fall Graduation activities. There will be no Graduation activities for Spring 2020.
Travel Restrictions
The College recommends that individuals avoid international and domestic travel. Upon their return from urgent or personal travel to affected regions or through major airports, individuals will be required to self-quarantine for a 14-day period in order to reduce the risk of exposure when campus operations resume.
Employee Information
All employees are expected to work during the suspension period. Please coordinate any necessary modifications to your work schedule with your supervisor. Employees will receive a follow-up email from Human Resources with more information about modified work schedules, pay plans, and use of leave programs during this suspension period.
Likewise, student employees should communicate with their workplace supervisors.
The Office of the Provost and Department Chairs will communicate directly with faculty as we prepare alternative lesson plans and opportunities for remote learning.
Additional Information
Students should address any general questions to the CSE at cse@artcenter.edu. Please also stay in touch with your instructors when classes resume.
Please continue to monitor your ArtCenter email and other official communication platforms as we provide updates about campus operations.
The College’s official communications about COVID-19 have also been collected and will remain available for reference on the ArtCenter website.
The College recognizes that COVID-19 and the disruption in our normal activities may be causing stress or anxiety for people in our community. Students in need of emotional support are encouraged to contact the CSE to make a free appointment with an on-campus mental health counselor. Staff and faculty should consult with our Employee Assistance Program.
We understand that the current situation is challenging and that there will, invariably, be some unanswered questions. We will endeavor to get to all pertinent issues and appreciate your patience, understanding and flexibility as we do.
Lorne Buchman
President
ArtCenter College of Design