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Remote learning for remainder of the semester and housing update

Mar 16, 2020

Dear campus community,

As of March 30, Salem State University will move all of its courses to remote instruction for the remainder of the spring 2020 semester. No in-person classes will be held. While there remain no cases of coronavirus on our campus at this time, we believe these actions are needed to limit the spread of this virus through social distancing.

As classes move to remote instruction, we will implement a process to vacate the residence halls as much as possible. A separate email will be sent to resident students regarding the process for petitioning to remain on campus due to special circumstances, as has been done for spring break and the week of March 23.

Information will also be shared with students regarding a process for retrieving belongings from residence halls. To facilitate social distancing, this process will be handled by appointment-only and will require registration. In order to ensure the safety of our community members, we cannot accommodate walk-ins.

We understand the concerns about residence hall and meal plan payments already made by students, and we are seeking guidance from state officials to try to address these concerns.

A survey is being sent to students to build a clearer picture of what kind of technology they can access for remote learning. Students are strongly encouraged to take part.

Faculty will be receiving further details from academic affairs about access to instructional sessions should they seek guidance in optimizing remote instruction.

We realize that a number of courses might not be easily translated to remote instruction, such as laboratory and studio courses. These will be addressed on a case by case basis, and we appreciate your patience as we manage this unprecedented situation.  

This shift will likely result in a number of questions:

We greatly appreciate your cooperation and understanding as Salem State works to reduce the burden on our local health care system and protect those for whom COVID-19 is a significant threat. More information will be shared as it becomes available.

Thank you,

John D. Keenan

President

 

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