Update from Dean Lively
Dear Undergraduates,
Today's community message reports that an employee and an undergraduate have tested presumptive positive, and three more students are being tested today. Those affected, and their identified close contacts, are in self-isolation or self-quarantine and have our support.
As the Provost notes, it is clear that transmission in the Upper Valley community is now prevalent. The College is reiterating that given the risk of transmission and restrictions on domestic travel, visitors should not be coming to campus who are not authorized to be here.
We've heard that some of you may still be planning to return to Hanover to live in off-campus apartments. We continue to receive messages of concern from community partners, College employees, and even from some parents asking us to reinforce that you should not come back. The governor has asked that those coming from out of state self-quarantine. The public health situation is escalating. Dartmouth facilities are not available to anyone other than those authorized to be here. Please, recognize increasing travel restrictions and public health concerns, and please, do not return to Hanover.
That said, we are all adapting to new circumstances.
Before I took the role of Dean of the College, I taught a full slate of courses in the sociology department. One of the key goals of a sociological perspective- or the sociological imagination, as sociologist C. Wright Mills argued some 50 years ago now - is the ability it provides for individuals to link their personal or private troubles to public issues or large scale social problems.
To be able to understand one's individual circumstance as a function of one's place not only within the culture and social structure, but also at a particular moment in history, allows us to better understand what is happening around us and to navigate the world in ways that result in better emotional well-being, stronger decision making, and, in the end, positive social change.
We are at one of those defining moments.
I know it's hard. I know it's disappointing. And I also know you're not alone - because all of us, staff, faculty, and administrators, alike - are all right there with you. And we all need to do the best that we can - together - for ourselves and for one another.
Thank you again for your patience as we all transition to remote learning and teaching this week. As I mentioned on Friday, campus resources are here to support you. In addition to the undergraduate deans (https://students.dartmouth.edu/undergraduate-deans/), the Health Service (https://students.dartmouth.edu/health-service/about/dartmouth-college-health-service-open), the Student Wellness Center (https://students.dartmouth.edu/wellness-center/) and the Tucker Center (https://students.dartmouth.edu/tucker/), I want to draw your attention today to the Academic Skills Center, which continues to offer tutoring and other academic support services (https://students.dartmouth.edu/academic-skills/).
And we know that for many of you, there are concerns about what this all means in terms of career opportunities. The Center for Professional Development is offering virtual appointments, virtual workshops, and other programming. You certainly don't need to worry about this now, as so much is in flux, but for those of you who do, please consider consulting with CPD staff or participating in their workshops and programs to stay connected to developments in the employment world (https://cpb-us-e1.wpmucdn.com/sites.dartmouth.edu/dist/a/752/files/2020/03/CPD-Homepage-FAQ_3.18.docx.pdf).
Although I know that some of you had a rough start this morning and others still are grappling with missing friends, getting into desired classes, or looking for quiet places to do your lessons, I ask that you remember President's request from his message last week and to continue to expand curiosity and compassion to yourself, as well as to one another, as we embark on this historic undertaking - together.
Best,
Dean Lively