Dear members of the School of Arts & Sciences community,

Under normal circumstances, we would be together tackling longstanding problems, addressing critical issues, inspiring others through performance, and further exploring how our history is affecting today and influencing tomorrow. What we are currently experiencing is far from the norm.

Sadly, due to the seriousness of the novel coronavirus, we need to change the way we work for the foreseeable future. These changes are based on a need to combat the virus at a societal level. By adopting social distancing, we are doing our part to keep ourselves and others healthy, while ensuring we are not contributing to the spread of the virus.

At this time, the best place for you to get the latest information on how the University is responding to COVID-19 is the COVID-19 Updates and Resources site. As I’m sure you have noticed, this is a rapidly evolving situation. For that reason, please bookmark this page and check it often. And if you haven’t already, I strongly encourage you to carefully review the entire site, especially as it holds many answers to frequently asked questions for students and families and faculty and staff.

COVID-19 has presented us—at the School and University—with some unprecedented challenges, namely moving all of our courses online. We are aware some courses will make the transition to virtual instruction more easily than others. Please know we are working diligently to ensure all learning experiences are different, but not diminished—even those that are laboratory- and performance-based. The faculty and staff are working tirelessly to develop creative class alternatives and opportunities that will allow students to engage with the subject material in substantive and effective ways. Again, I refer you to the links above, which have information about teaching and learning during a disruption, as well as restrictions on travel and meetings.

The way we work has changed. Why we do it has not. Teaching, learning, and research will remain at the heart of what we do every day. While our days will not be without difficulty, I am confident that our students and faculty will persevere and optimistic about what we can still accomplish.

COVID-19 communication will continue as new information arises, but this is likely that last issue of InFocus you will receive this semester.

Please take care of yourselves. If at any time you think you may have or have been exposed to the virus, take immediate action. I would also like to ask that we also employ extra patience with one another over the next several weeks. We’re all in the same uncharted territory, and we’re all doing our best to navigate through it.

Best wishes,

Gloria Culver
Dean
School of Arts & Sciences