March 6, 2020
Dear Students,
As we approach the end of the quarter and mid-semester, some members of our community are experiencing rising stress related to the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus). We are hearing from several of you and some parents, asking for flexibility in course attendance and completion of assignments.
Yesterday’s COVID-19 Update email (#6) stated that in keeping with the most recent guidance from the CDC, for institutions of higher education with no identified cases on campus, classes are continuing without interruption. This action is consistent with the current practice at our peer universities. However, we understand the rapidly changing nature of our public health situation.
Santa Clara policy states: “Class attendance expectations and consequences for absence are left to the discretion of individual instructors” (Undergraduate Bulletin, p. 559). Some of our graduate programs also have specific attendance requirements from accrediting bodies.
At the same time, in light of escalating fears and the dynamic nature of COVID-19, we have encouraged faculty members to be mindful of the heightened state of both risk and anxiety among our students and to consider using our existing instructional continuity resources to accommodate students who are sick, self-isolating, or not comfortable attending class in person. We have also asked them to consider being flexible about attendance policies or requiring students to provide doctor's notes or other documentation, particularly in light of guidance for colleges and universities from the CDC and Santa Clara County Public Health Department. Finally, we are working with faculty to help them prepare to offer instruction online or remotely if that becomes necessary. In the meantime, please work closely with your individual professors to ensure continuation of your learning when you must miss class or to secure accommodations if you are delayed in completing your academic work. We are all here for you; we want to support you.
Thanks for your dedication to your classes. We’ve been excited by your impressive projects, presentations and progress this year.
We hope that spring break brings you some peace, joy and rest.
Sincerely,
Lisa Kloppenberg, Provost
Elsa Chen, Vice Provost for Academic Affairs