Guidance regarding the next few weeks
SUNY New Paltz is publishing important messages and news updates related to the College’s response to COVID-19 on the campus news website. Use this link to view all these posts in one place.
The message below was sent to New Paltz students, faculty and staff, from President Donald P. Christian; Interim Provost Barbara Lyman; and Vice President for Student Affairs Stephanie Blaisdell, on Thursday, March 12.
Campus community members can view updates at the Coronavirus Information and Coronavirus FAQs webpages, which are being updated regularly as this situation evolves.
Dear New Paltz Students,
We know there are many questions and concerns regarding yesterday’s COVID-19 (coronavirus) message to campus. We are working closely with SUNY, local and state health departments, and other state agencies to act consistently with their guidance, some of which is still forthcoming.
Spring break is being extended one full week to enable the College to prepare for remote instruction. There will be no classes from March 16 – 27, including all current online and seated courses. Issues regarding student-costs are still to be determined and will be communicated at a later date.
Distance learning
Instruction will resume on March 30, at which time all classes will be offered remotely, through the end of the spring semester. At this time, off-campus field work or clinical experience, where required for licensing or certifications, will continue.
We are recommending that all students take home whatever they need (books, notes, etc.) to continue their coursework from off-campus.
Tips for distance learning
We have heard student concerns about their academic performance with distance learning. We are discussing different grading options for this semester to accommodate those who are new to remote learning.
SUNY New Paltz is committed to continuing distance instruction so that students may complete their academic requirements this semester. We are offering guidance and support for students who are not familiar with Blackboard and other distance learning platforms.
As we reported yesterday, we are in the process of developing a comprehensive plan to maximize course delivery via distance learning. Here are a few initial resources that may be helpful. Please stay tuned for further guidance and support.
- Open SUNY’s Characteristics of a Successful Online Learner resource with suggestions on how to be successful in an online format.
- The “Support” tab in Blackboard includes links to a number of useful tools to help students.
- For Blackboard related issues, students can make use of the following resources:
- Our campus Help Desk.
- The Open SUNY Help Desk (Also available after hours).
Resident students
The Residence Halls are open during and after spring break. If you need to remain on campus please contact the Department of Residence Life (845-257-4444, reslife@newpaltz.edu) as soon as possible to discuss your specific needs. If you choose to leave campus housing for the remainder of the semester, it is a good time for you to move your belongings. Issues regarding student-costs for students who choose to move out are still to be determined and will be communicated at a later date.
Effective immediately and for the remainder of the semester, there will be no visitors permitted (daytime or overnight) in the Residence Halls. We ask students who remain on campus to be mindful of practicing good public health policies by not traveling back and forth from areas with high levels of COVID-19 outbreaks.
Keeping Connected
All in-person events are cancelled from March 19 to April 19. We are working to offer remote options for students to engage with the campus and each other. We will notify you of these opportunities in the coming weeks.
Avoiding transmission
We are doing enhanced cleaning across campus but encourage frequent handwashing and use of hand sanitizer and wipes to avoid transmission of germs.
Student employment
Student temporary employees will be allowed to work on and off campus and remain in the residence halls if they so choose. We understand that employment is critical to students’ well-being.
Work Study students will also be able to work on and off campus and remain in the residence halls to do so for the same reasons mentioned above. Student Sodexo or Bookstore employees need to contact those areas to understand work schedules and expectations.
TA’s and GA’s will be given alternate work assignments that can be done in a remote location. Those who are resident students will also be allowed to remain in the residence halls.
We will continue to provide updates as they become available
At this time, the SUNY New Paltz campus remains open. We understand that this is an uncertain and disruptive situation for all of our campus community members. We thank you for your patience and hope you recognize that the governor’s directive and our compliance is consistent with our top priority for students’ health and safety.
Please continue to monitor your campus email, the College website and other institutional channels for the latest news and updates in the coming days and weeks.
Additional information and resources related to SUNY New Paltz’s contingency planning and preparedness is available online at https://newpaltz.edu/contingency/.
Sincerely,
Donald P. Christian, President
Barbara Lyman, Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Stephanie Blaisdell, Vice President for Student Affairs