SIUE Chancellor's Message to Students
Posted May 4, 2020
May 4, 2020
Dear SIUE Students
As we begin finals week, I wanted to again say thank you for your flexibility and resilience in spite of the circumstances relating to the COVID pandemic. Your ability to adjust to new circumstances is heartening. Under normal circumstances, we would have gathered together last night for finals breakfast – one of my favorite events of the year – to prepare for finals week. Though we didn’t have that opportunity, I do want to wish you the best in your activities this week. In addition, I hope your summer is a positive experience whether you are taking courses, preparing for fall or, for our graduates, moving on to the next phase of your life experience after SIUE.
Because we have received questions recently about upcoming semesters, I wanted to share some information. As you may know, at this juncture we have committed to online teaching formats for SUMMER 2020 through July 5. We are still examining the possibility of on-ground courses in July and early August and will make an announcement by May 15th with more specifics.
Regarding fall 2020, I am pleased to announce that an SIUE planning team is working through specifics of how we will operate. Assuming that conditions allow, we plan to have on-ground classes, but we recognize they may need to look different. The group will identify creative solutions for how we can create on-ground learning experiences and student activities, while preserving the health and safety of our community. The group will include a representative from the leadership of Student Government. They are considering the safety of our students, faculty and staff, how to ensure quality educational experiences, creative scheduling, some alternative modes of instruction, term lengths, housing options, and many other elements for a productive, invigorating semester. That group will also be communicating with you soon, so that you have a better idea of the specifics of Fall semester.
In addition, there also is an SIU System planning group established by Dr. Dan Mahony, SIU System president, which includes individuals from all of the System campuses to capture our best ideas for the fall semester and beyond. He recently made the following announcement:
“To help us move forward with our plan, I have appointed a system-wide task force to identify and explore all options for the fall semester. They are building off the internal conversations already being led by the chancellors on our campuses. For many important reasons, our goal will be to operate as close to normal as possible, while following the guidelines and directives set forth by the governor and health officials. Even as we plan for business-not-quite-as usual, we will need to have back-up plans so we can change course quickly based on the guidance we receive. Our message to students and others is clear – we will be open for the fall semester regardless of how we operate.” (President Mahony communication to SIU System Faculty and Staff, April 24, 2020)
We look forward to seeing you again at some point in the not too distant future. If you have questions about any of these matters, please contact us.
Best wishes for finals. Stay safe and finish strong.
Randy Pembrook, Chancellor
SIUE
