University planning in response to COVID-19

March 11, 2020
Dear CALS undergraduate students, 

I’m writing to you as a follow-up to President Pollack’s March 10 communication to campus about the latest steps being taken by the university to prevent the spread of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) and to share some additional resources. 

Our highest priority is to protect the health and safety of our campus community. To that end, after spring break – scheduled to begin March 28 – we are asking that you not return to campus, but rather complete the remaining weeks of the spring academic semester from your permanent residence. This means that when classes resume after spring break on Monday, April 6, you will attend classes via virtual instruction. I know that these emerging plans are disruptive and upsetting to all of us, but they are important for protecting our community.

In this move to virtual instruction, faculty are working to set up remote access to their course materials. Please understand that many of our instructors are still working through the details associated with moving their course online, but soon will be able to address questions regarding what virtual instruction will mean for you and your academic coursework.

Questions about your major requirements can be directed toward your advisor, department, or major. Questions about college requirements can be emailed to CALS Student Services at cals_studentservices [at] cornell.edu (cals_studentservices[at]cornell[dot]edu).

If you are engaged with laboratory research this semester, you are advised to collect results before leaving for spring break. Please consult with your instructor. 

The CALS Student Services Office will remain open for student needs. The staff will be available to meet with you via phone or videoconferencing. 

Additional Resources:

The university is posting answers to many of your questions – such as how online instruction is being supported and what to do if you cannot access classes remotely – on the FAQ page of Cornell’s Coronavirus website. 

A dedicated hotline has been created to connect members of our community with campus resources. It can be reached by calling 607-255-0101 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Cornell Health is posting up-to-date information and resources to address medical concerns. 

You can access information about COVID-19 from several trusted health organizations listed on Cornell’s Coronavirus website. 

I will continue to share information as the situation evolves. 

Meanwhile, please be extra vigilant about your self-care and follow CDC recommendations to protect yourself from illness. This is a stressful time. Staff and faculty are here to help, and resources are available. 

As Cornellians, uncharted territory is not unfamiliar to us – please support one another during this critical time. 

Sincerely,

Kathryn J. Boor, Ph.D.