Dear Members of the Curry College Community,
As we move forward together, we continue to solve problems, rise to challenges, think creatively, and collaborate with each other under the most unprecedented of circumstances. While this has been a time of sudden and even scary transition and adaptation, I am very proud of how all of us at Curry have continued to support each other.
Following Governor Baker's announcement on March 31, which extended stay-at-home/social distancing advisories until at least May 4, the College has made decisions and is instituting policies on some issues and questions that have been outstanding up until this point. Our goal was to bring our students back to campus as soon as it was safe and allowable to do so; but given this announcement, it has become necessary for us to act and communicate accordingly, always with the best interests, health and safety of our entire community, especially our students, in mind.
Residence Halls Will Be Closed and Courses Will Be Held Online for the Remainder of the Spring Semester
Given Governor Baker's mandate for social distancing and the closure of schools and non-essential businesses until May 4, against the background of our academic calendar, we regret deeply that it no longer seems viable to bring our students back to campus this semester. As you know, we had hoped that this would not be the case, but at this time, we owe it to our students and families as well as our faculty members to allow you to plan realistically for the coming months. We do not yet have a specific date and time when students may return to campus to retrieve their belongings, but in order to adhere to the Governor's order as well as to ensure the health and safety of all, it will not be prior to May 4. We will communicate and implement our move-out process at a time and manner that is safe and appropriate, following guidance from local, state, and federal authorities. We will make every effort to give you reasonable notice and maximum flexibility, and the Office of Residence Life and Housing will be in touch with details.
The College Will Be Making Financial Accommodations for Room and Board Charges for the Spring Semester
In the interest of being fair and equitable to our students and families, we plan to issue applicable refunds or credits for prorated room and board charges for the Spring semester based on several factors, including but not limited to: type of financial aid, outstanding financial obligations (if applicable) and returning or graduating status. In the coming month, our Finance team will be reviewing every individual student's record, which will allow us to provide more specific information once completed. We appreciate your patience throughout this involved process, as we want to ensure that it is done correctly. Details will be communicated via the website as soon as possible, though we do not currently have a specific timeframe for when refunds or credits will be issued at this time.
All Faculty and Staff Members Will Continue Working Remotely Until at Least May 4
Curry College will remain operational, consistent with Governor Baker's exemption to his Executive Order pertaining to colleges and universities for the purposes of facilitating distance learning. However, until further notice, faculty and staff members who have NOT been designated as required to be on either the Plymouth or the Milton campus for continuity of operations or for health and safety reasons, will continue to work from home in accordance with Governor Baker's mandates in this crisis situation and in the interest of public health.
Both the Milton and Plymouth Campuses Will Remain Closed With Limited Access Until at Least May 4
While the College will remain open, both campuses will remain closed to students, faculty and staff members until further notice at such time as local, state and federal government authorities and the College designate it safe to travel and work on campus. If you have been designated as required to be on campus, please be sure to bring your Curry College ID card with you, as you will be asked to identify yourself to gain access.
All Commencement Weekend Events Will Be Postponed, and Physical Celebrations Will Be Held at Later Dates
We share the disappointment of our seniors and their families, and wish that it were possible to hold our ceremony and related weekend events, including our Nurses Pinning, Family Reception and Senior Celebration, as planned. However, we believe that given the uncertainty around public health and restrictions extending until early May at this time, it would be inadvisable to plan to hold events of this magnitude on the original dates (May 16-17). We believe that a Commencement Weekend at a later time, when we are able to come together in person as a community to celebrate the achievements of our graduates as they deserve, is the best way to proceed with this momentous occasion. Student Affairs will also work actively with the senior class officers and members of the Class of 2020 to create memorable events that will uphold the Senior Week tradition. We look forward to honoring the Class of 2020, and will provide further details about these events as soon as possible.
All Summer Semester Courses Will Be Held Online
All Summer 2020 courses for both sessions will be conducted online. Teaching contracts will be distributed and executed digitally, and further details will be posted on the website as soon as they are available.
To All of Our Students, and Especially Our Seniors:
We are deeply saddened that we are not yet able to welcome you back to our beautiful campus as soon as we had hoped. We realize that this is not how you envisioned this semester, and for the Class of 2020, these precious last few months of your college experience, which should be filled with accolades, laughter and love from those who have nurtured your journey over the course of your time at Curry. But no distance can diminish that love or the pride in your accomplishments that we all feel. Although your reunions with each other and with our College may be delayed, they will be no less joyful, and Curry eagerly awaits your return.
Once again, I thank you all for your patience, your understanding, and most of all, the strength of your support of Curry College and each other. We look forward to a brighter moment soon, with many happy celebrations to come.
Sincerely,
Kenneth K. Quigley, Jr.
President
