哥大停課

Columbia Families,

This evening, the University announced the cancellation of classes on Monday, March 9 and Tuesday, March 10. We will transition to online teaching and learning beginning Wednesday, March 11. The decision to suspend classes does not mean that the University is shutting down; campus staff and services will continue to support our students. A copy of President Bollinger’s message appears below.

We have taken this precaution because a member of our community has been isolated as a result of exposure to the new coronavirus (COVID-19). This individual has not been diagnosed at this point with the virus. This individual is well and is receiving appropriate support, consistent with guidance from the New York City Department of Health.

This cancellation of in-person courses is intended to help protect our community and to allow for the safe resumption of our academic activities after we, in consultation with Federal, State and City health authorities, have determined it appropriate to do so.

The Office of University Life has also provided critical updates about key campus services:

• Classes are cancelled on Monday, March 9 and Tuesday, March 10. Classes will resume online on Wednesday, March 11. Your student will hear directly from their faculty and instructors about how to access courses.

• Residence halls and the Hartley Hospitality Desk remain open.

• Dining halls will operate as usual. We will also be providing to-go containers at no charge.

• Campus services, including Columbia Health, libraries and bookstore, remain open.

• All University-sponsored spring break travel, domestic and international, is cancelled.  Students should contact their group adviser for more information.

• The Campus Operations custodial team?is frequently cleaning common areas of academic and residential buildings, using?a one-step, hospital grade, heavy-duty disinfectant on high-touch surfaces. Hand sanitizer will be made readily available in key campus locations.

We appreciate your patience as we work through the logistics of this transition. We know you and your student are likely to have more questions and encourage you to visit our COVID-19 Community Guidance website for many answers. We will remain in communication with you over the coming days as new details become available.

On a personal level, I know that this has been and continues to be a challenging moment for students. Your feedback, questions, and input have been helpful as we work with campus partners and local officials to prepare for this transition. If you have a student in need of support, do not hesitate to reach out to us via email. We will work with our advising deans, residential life staff and other advisers to connect them with medical and psychological care.

Sincerely,

Matthew Patashnick
Associate Dean for Student & Family Support

 

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Lee C. Bollinger <[e-mail]>
Date: Sun, Mar 8, 2020 at 8:41 PM
Subject: Time Sensitive Update on COVID-19

Dear fellow members of the Columbia community:

I am writing this evening to notify everyone that, because a member of our community has been quarantined as a result of exposure to the Coronavirus (COVID-19), we have decided to suspend classes on Monday and Tuesday. This suspension of activities will allow us to prepare to shift to remote classes for the remainder of the week. I want to emphasize that the individual who has been quarantined has not been diagnosed at this point with the virus.  

Please understand that the decision to suspend classes does not mean that the University is shutting down. All non-classroom activities, including research, will continue in accordance with the new travel and events restrictions announced recently. At this point, just to restate what is important to know, we do not have a confirmed case of the virus on campus. This action is intended to prevent the virus from spreading.

This message will soon be followed by more specific information from deans and other University leaders, including plans for remote instruction beginning Wednesday and continuing until the start of Spring Break on Friday.   

Let me say how much we appreciate the efforts of everyone who is helping us work our way through this challenging situation and your understanding and attention. As always, we are especially committed to providing updates as we have more information and recommendations.  

 Sincerely,

 Lee C. Bollinger