March 12, 2020
Dear Faculty,
As we follow the rapidly changing situation with the COVID-19 pandemic, we are being forced to make some difficult decisions. In the interest of the health and well-being of our community,
we are suspending all in-person instruction, including private lessons and chamber coaching effective immediately. In addition, we are canceling all student recitals between now and April 6.
Final degree recitals will be rescheduled later in the semester or after with all possible flexibility. Returning student recitals will be rescheduled for early in fall 2020. We are very sorry to make this change just days after planning for it.
Building Hours
During building hours, faculty may use CIM facilities to teach virtually.
The building will be closed on Sunday, March 15, other than from noon to 4pm.
This time period is primarily to allow those who need items from their lockers and studios to retrieve them. The hours on Monday, March 16, and Tuesday, March 17, will be 7:15am-10pm.
Technology
CIM’s staff has been working to prepare solutions to assist in our upcoming task of providing instruction online.
Next week, on Monday, March 16 and Tuesday, March 17, we will have short technology training sessions for which you can
sign up here
.
A certified Microsoft trainer will be on site to assist with our implementation and utilization of tools for that instruction, specifically Microsoft Teams.
These trainings will cover the basics for getting Teams up and running for video conferencing your teaching and provide an opportunity for you to ask questions. The IT staff, our Microsoft trainer, and Senior Associate Dean Brian Sweigart will be available to assist as needed. On Wednesday, March 18 and Thursday, March 19 they will be available should something come up during your online teaching.
IT is also putting together a website of resources available for you, and that will be shared in the coming days.
Communications
CIM has a comprehensive COVID-19 response webpage, where information is collected and many of the email communications are provided. Find it at
cim.edu/health-updates
.
We understand that this is a new venture for all of us and appreciate your flexibility and creativity in approaching your teaching for the coming weeks. Our goal is to be as supportive as necessary in order to help you continue your work with our students in light of these extraordinary circumstances.
Thank you for all you do for CIM and our students.
Paul W. Hogle, President | CEO
Judy Bundra, PhD, Chief Academic Officer and Dean
