Important Updates for Undergraduates
Dear Students,
I'm writing to follow up on Provost Helble's community update. To those of you who are here, thank you for all you have done to help us slow the spread to levels that may enable us to loosen restrictions on Monday. We all hope this will continue through the end of the term without further outbreaks, and will help set the stage for a successful start to spring.
In addition to the Provost's news, I have other news about academic accommodations in the coming weeks, our ability to offer a campus waitlist, and when you can expect spring planning updates. Some of this news may be disappointing, and for that, I am very sorry. But we want to be sure you have this information to consider in your own decision-making and next steps.
ACADEMIC ACCOMMODATIONS
As some of you may know, the faculty Committee on Instruction (COI) met yesterday to consider grading policies. While the policies cannot be changed this late in the term, the COI has agreed to provide faculty members with additional flexibility with respect to the deadline to submit final course work for the term. If you anticipate encountering any difficulty in completing your final assignments, please be in touch with your faculty members and your undergraduate dean as soon as possible to discuss extensions or other accommodations, including whether your circumstances would warrant an Incomplete. The deadline to request an incomplete has also been extended until March 19th.
SPRING CAMPUS WAITLIST UPDATE
As I mentioned in my message on February 8th, it wasn't clear at that time whether we could offer a randomized campus waitlist for on-campus room assignments. I'm afraid we've confirmed we are at capacity for spring and that won't be possible.
We are holding out hope, however, that we may be able to offer a randomized waitlist process for spring on-campus access for students living locally. We will need to get through the next few weeks and the spring arrival quarantine period to know whether we can increase the number of students who can enter College facilities, but we will monitor conditions closely and let you know on Monday, April 5th where we are. If we are able to do so, it will not be first come first served, and will be randomized for the number we think we can accommodate. We will let you know on the 5th if that will be an option, and if so, how to place your name on the list. We'll do that on very quick turnaround so that students affected can take advantage of facilities that will be opening that week.
SPRING ARRIVAL INFORMATION UPDATE
Those of you who are approved for spring will be receiving more updates next week. We know you have questions, and will do our best to respond to them before the end of classes, and after you're done with exams. Updates will include information about pre-arrival testing, travel guidance and arrival date planning, and arrival testing, move-in and arrival quarantine information.
SUPPORT RESOURCES
As always, no matter where you are, campus resources are here to help. If you are concerned about your ability to meet your end of term academic obligations and exam schedule, please be in touch with your faculty members and your undergraduate dean. If you'd like to talk confidentially with a primary care provider or a counselor, please call the Health Service, 24/7, at 646-9440. The Student Wellness Center staff, at https://students.dartmouth.edu/wellness-center/wellness-mindfulness/wellness-check-ins/swc-wellness-check-ins, and the Tucker Center chaplains, at https://students.dartmouth.edu/tucker/spiritual-life/united-campus-ministry/campus-ministers, are also here for you. And in the event of an emergency, you can reach on-call staff and emergency resources through Safety and Security at 646-4000.
As the darkness of winter begins to yield to longer days and light that comes with it, I also urge you to remain optimistic about the future. Every week that passes brings us closer to all being back together, which I know is, in some regards, what matters most of all.
Have a safe and productive weekend,
Dean Lively