March 20, 2020
Dear Post Community,
It has been amazing to watch our students, faculty, and staff quickly adapt to changes in the way we teach, live and learn, especially the efforts to transition our campus courses to online that began on March 16. Despite the steps we have taken as a campus community, there continues to be growing concern about the spread of the COVID-19 virus and its impact on each of us academically and personally.
Considering the recent announcements by the CDC and state officials regarding the virus, and the State mandate to restrict gatherings through April 30th, we thought it best to take several additional steps to safeguard you and our community. Remember, our decisions and action plans are based upon your health, wellbeing and safety as the guiding tenets.
Today, I am announcing that:
- Given the State of Connecticut has mandated limited gatherings through April 30, (and our campus semester ends on May 8), all campus classes and exams will continue to be held remotely for the remainder of the spring semester. This includes students taking 8-week courses on campus in Term 5. We anticipate that 8-week courses offered on campus in Term 6 will at least begin as remote courses. Online classes will continue to be offered without interruption.
- Any students who are currently approved to stay in Residence Halls must contact Residence Life within the next 48 hours to review your individual plan to vacate the Resident Halls. Our Resident Life team is here to help you any way possible. A separate message is forthcoming to explain in greater detail.
- For students that had been campus residents who left during the transition to the on-line modality and need to retrieve belongings from the resident halls, please make arrangements to pick up or store your belongings. You must make an appointment in advance for the safety of all. A separate message will be forthcoming imminently.
We have also made the tough decision to postpone the May 9 Commencement. As of this moment, alternative plans have yet to be determined. We will have more information about an alternative graduation celebration in the coming weeks. I know this decision is painful for our students, who thrive on interactions with others, and their professors as part of their Post University experience. I realize that this is especially difficult for our seniors and graduating masters degree students who are deservedly anxious to celebrate their achievements. But, given the unprecedented circumstances and the health and well being of all, this seems best.
I share the disappointment of students and associates who were anticipating sunny days on Country Club Road, and all the events that make spring special at Post University. This is not the semester that any of us wanted.
We are living in unprecedented times that require new levels of understanding, compassion and resilience from all of us. For now, please know how incredibly grateful I am for your efforts and the sacrifices you are making. Our united community will face these difficult times together.
Please stay safe and healthy.
John L. Hopkins
More Specific Details
Residence Life – Housing: Resident student, please look for an email from Residence Life with details on checking-out of your residence.
Room and Board Refunds: We are currently exploring options that will ensure that all students will have this resolved equitably. Stay tuned for further details.
Dining Center in Leever: Be assured that food service will be available (albeit limited hours of operation), until all students have been properly relocated. Specific hours of operation will be forthcoming once we determine the relocation plans for our students.
Traurig Library: Until further notice, the Traurig University library will only be available virtually. Students and faculty can access our library associates and ALL our services and resources via our virtual library or research assistance or [email protected]. If you need any assistance obtaining online government documents, please email [email protected]
Center for Academic Success: All Center for Academic Success services are available remotely. Students who want a paper reviewed by a writing specialist or want tutoring via the phone, should contact the CAS at [email protected] or 203-596-4686. And, of course, TutorMe will continue to be available 24/7.
Athletics: In alignment with CACC guidelines, the spring season for our athletic programs has been cancelled. No instruction, practices, or workouts will be occurring on campus, and the athletics facilities are closed until further notice.
Campus Events: All University sponsored events are cancelled, including those events organized by outside groups who use our facilities, until further notice. For students who have been accepted to the University beginning in the Fall, please look for a message from the Admissions Team regarding Accepted Students Day on April 18, 2020.
The Drubner Center, the Fitness Center and the Eagles Nest in lower level of Leever: All are closed for the remainder of the semester.