Rollins Community,
We appreciate the feedback we have received concerning the College message sent yesterday evening. We regret any consternation it caused and have been doing our best to develop a plan that delivers on our educational mission with integrity, and as required by our accreditors, while at the same time respecting the flexibility that is required during this extraordinary time.
We are still assessing when we will be able to safely invite students back to campus. Though it seems like a long time, we have people examining every dorm room and classroom building for water intrusion. We understand, that for some, our campus is the safest place for them to be, and for others, that getting here is going to be quite difficult. Some faculty and staff have badly damaged homes and lack power and/or internet. All of this impinges upon our academic program.
The key point is this: for the integrity of the academic semester, and to remain in compliance with accreditors, each class has to have the academic equivalent of instruction originally planned between October 3rd and October 12th. On October 12, we will resume fully in-person learning. Fall break plans do not need to be adjusted.
On October 1, the College of Liberal Arts Curriculum Committee and the All-Faculty Executive Council met and endorsed the following plan. Given remaining uncertainties, classes will be offered in the following formats. From Wednesday, October 5, until Friday, October 7, faculty may choose to offer virtual classes at the same time as regularly scheduled classes. Additional make up work for the period from October 3 until October 11 must be possible to do at any time. We ask everyone to be patient and flexible with each other.
Faculty will reach out to their students with their instructional plans. Faculty with questions or concerns should reach out to their dean.
Crummer faculty and students will be receiving a separate communication from their dean.
Our overarching goal is to support everyone in moving forward after the devastation Hurricane Ian created. Further information will be forthcoming regarding re-opening of residential, academic, and administrative spaces. Thank you for your continued patience while we work to ensure campus and community safety.
Fiat Lux,
Provost Singer