Summer Session via Distance Learning

April 6, 2020

Dear Colleagues,

Last week CUNY made a University-wide decision to keep summer sessions in the distance learning environment. I know this raises many questions for both faculty and staff, and we will keep you updated as the situation develops.

As a start, this announcement gives us an opportunity to reflect on what we’ve learned so far in this challenging period of urgent recalibration, and to fine tune our summer teaching. I know we will continue to support the expansion of asynchronous learning, as described on the Center for Teaching and Learning’s TeachHybrid site. We are also currently working on a faculty best practices guide for the delivery of final exams, with the goal of sharing this before April 20. I will send faculty a follow-up email detailing these and other efforts, and as ever, ask that you reach out to me with any thoughts or concerns.

The move to distance education for summer also raises questions about campus access—to libraries, offices, and labs—and whether staff will also continue to work remotely through the summer session. Decisions such as these must be made with full consideration of the latest guidance from New York State and City, in addition to recommendations and policies from the University. We will continue to share information on these important matters.

Appreciation for your resilience, flexibility, and compassion during this era of uncertainty and constant change cannot be overstated. I consider myself fortunate to be working with such dedicated faculty and staff colleagues during this historic period for our college and world beyond.

Sincerely,

Dennis Slavin, PhD
Acting Provost