Dear Assumption Students and Parents,
On Sunday, Governor Baker issued a series of actions to prevent the spread of COVID-19, coronavirus, in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The Governor’s actions compel us to take additional measures to prevent occurrences of and the proliferation of coronavirus. As such, please be reminded, and know of, the following updates:
- Temporary Remote Learning Begins Thursday, March 19
- Remote Learning Extended through Monday, April 13
- Continued Access to Student Services
- Campus Building Access
- Athletic Program Update
- Grief Counseling Available for Students
Remote Learning to Begin Thursday; Extended to April 13
Remote instruction will commence on Thursday morning, March 19. Given new guidance provided by the federal and state governments and the timing of Holy Week and Easter, the remote learning period is extended to April 13. Regardless of any future government action, remote learning will continue at least until April 13 to ensure students can complete their academic program. I realize this mode of learning is different, and perhaps not ideal, for faculty and students, however, it is the safest and only realistic option at this time. I thank faculty for their tireless efforts over the past few weeks and the Information Technology staff for supporting our faculty during this unprecedented situation. I also thank students and their families for their patience and flexibility as we transition to temporary remote learning.
(Students, please check your Assumption email for messages from faculty.)
It remains our hope to be able to return students to campus to complete the semester. A final decision on whether this will be possible will be made no later than April 8.
Continued Access to Student Services
Assumption is committed to fulfilling its promise to deliver the array of services students have come to enjoy and expect. Some employees will work remotely, others will continue to be on campus during this period to serve our students’ needs. Regardless of their location, all employees will continue to respond to and provide services our students depend upon and expect. This includes the Academic Support Center, Career Development and Internship Center, Office of Financial Aid and more.
Access to Campus Buildings
Given that the campus census is low, all buildings will be locked, but accessible to faculty and staff by key or card pass. However, they have been asked not travel to campus unless necessary.
Taylor Dining Hall is providing to students residing on campus three meals per day, and will be open from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m. Students who have food delivered to campus must meet the delivery driver at the front stairs of Taylor Dining Hall. Uber or Lyft rides must also be met at the same location, as these individuals will not be allowed on campus.
Only students currently approved to reside on campus may be permitted in residence halls.
All other students are strictly prohibited from campus until April 13, at the earliest.
Athletic Program Update
The Northeast-10 Conference Council of Presidents have determined that effective immediately, all team activities and competitions in NE10 spring sports, along with the Conference’s spring championships, will be cancelled for the remainder of the spring semester.
Grief Counseling Available for Students
Students experiencing grief regarding the passing of Professor Ranasinghe are encouraged to contact staff in the Counseling Center. Staff are available by email and will call students in distress over this sudden and heartbreaking news. Students may log into the Portal to access counselors’ emails and contact them directly. The student assistance program is also available 24/7 by phone at 1-800-386-7055, text at 741741 (text TALK) and online at
www.ibhworklife.com.
Thank you once again for your patience and flexibility as we adapt to this unprecedented global health crisis. Know that the faculty and staff remain committed to the success of each student and all services will continue to be afforded.
Sincerely,
