Dear members of the TC Community:
A few minutes ago, President Lee Bollinger sent the email below sharing that an individual within the Columbia University community has been isolated as a result of exposure to the novel coronavirus COVID-19. While this individual has not tested positive for the virus, Columbia has decided to suspend classes tomorrow (Monday) and Tuesday, and to resume classes remotely (online) beginning on Wednesday and continuing until Spring Break. We will be doing the same here at Teachers College, even though there are no reported cases at TC.
We will soon provide more detailed information about providing faculty the support they need to bring their classes online, and getting students the information and support they need to participate in those courses. We will also be sharing guidance for staff, faculty, and students who fall into groups that the CDC has determined to be at a higher risk.
Our decision to suspend classes for two days, and then to move classes online through Spring Break, does not have implications for other College activities. The College remains open and our research and day-to-day operations will continue, guided by the travel and events restrictions we have announced in recent days. We know that everyone is practicing everyday precautions to stay healthy.
We are grateful for everyone's continued efforts throughout this challenging time, as well as for our community's commitment to civility and respect for all.
President Thomas Bailey
From: Lee C. Bollinger <officeofthepresident@
Date: Sun, Mar 8, 2020 at 8:41 PM
Subject: Time Sensitive Update on COVID-19
Dear fellow members of the Columbia community:
I am writing this evening to notify everyone that, because a member of our community has been quarantined as a result of exposure to the Coronavirus (COVID-19), we have decided to suspend classes on Monday and Tuesday. This suspension of activities will allow us to prepare to shift to remote classes for the remainder of the week. I want to emphasize that the individual who has been quarantined has not been diagnosed at this point with the virus.
Please understand that the decision to suspend classes does not mean that the University is shutting down. All non-classroom activities, including research, will continue in accordance with the new travel and events restrictions announced recently. At this point, just to restate what is important to know, we do not have a confirmed case of the virus on campus. This action is intended to prevent the virus from spreading.
This message will soon be followed by more specific information from deans and other University leaders, including plans for remote instruction beginning Wednesday and continuing until the start of Spring Break on Friday.
Let me say how much we appreciate the efforts of everyone who is helping us work our way through this challenging situation and your understanding and attention. As always, we are especially committed to providing updates as we have more information and recommendations.
Sincerely,
Lee C. Bollinger