Today: Mar 19, 2024

Seventeen CSCUs closed until the end of the semester

Tamonda Griffiths – Editor-in-Chief

At about 6:50 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17, an announcement from Connecticut State Colleges and University President Mark Ojakian was posted on the university’s Facebook page.

“In consultation with [the Board of Regents],” said Ojakian in the post, “I have made the difficult but necessary decision to continue our move to all-online education for the remainder of the semester at all 17 CSCU institutions.”

CSCUs made the decision to go completely online for the remainder of spring 2020, Ojakian said after it “became clear” the COVID-19 pandemic would continue to affect the state beyond the April 5.

In a previous university-wide email statement on Tuesday, March 10, President Joe Bertolino informed students that in coordination with the CSCU system the university would remain online until at least April 5 following spring break.

With all 17 institutions going completely online, Ojakian also said this would mean all physical, in-person graduation and commencement activities would be canceled as well.

“I know how hard students and faculty have worked to get to this point,” said Ojakian, “and we are looking at all options to ensure they receive the recognition they deserve in addition to the diploma they have earned.”

Ojakian said students, faculty and staff should receive word from their respective university presidents about how their institution will successfully transition itself completely to support online, distance learning.

Guidance regarding residential students, Ojakian said should also be made available soon.

“We recognize that a number of our university students may not have a place to go if forced to vacate their lodging, and our university leaders will, of course, ensure they have necessary accommodations,” said Ojakian. “Finally, our university leaders will communicate with resident students to outline a process and timeline for issuing refunds for room and board payments. I understand this is a stressful time for all of us, and as I indicated yesterday, self-care remains essential.”

Photo Credit: Jacob Waring

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