| by Ashley Arrocha and Gael Meraud

Dear Middlebury Institute Students,

We would like to start by acknowledging the stress and challenges that these extraordinary circumstances are undoubtedly causing you. Please note that the decision to respond proactively to the Covid-19 outbreak was not taken lightly, but our foremost concern is your health and safety. The strength of the character of our community is revealing itself at this time, and we are grateful for your patience and understanding as we work to make the best of a difficult situation. We remain committed to your success and wellbeing and write today with a follow-up to President Patton’s email (COVID-19: Remote Instruction and Other Measures) to share some important updates and decisions that are underway.

Updates

·         Campus Access:  With social distancing being of utmost importance in helping curb the spread of COVID-19, the Institute will close all common areas effective 6pm on Friday, March 13th. This includes the Samson Center, Samson Center Reading Room, Holland Center, Library, computer labs, classrooms and other locations where groups can gather. They will remain closed for the rest of the semester. 

Please note that we are not shutting down the campus nor are we shutting down operations, but essentially closing common areas on campus and moving instruction to remote platforms. 

·         Emergency Contact Info:  We kindly ask that you update your emergency contact information in Banner. You can do this by logging into BannerWeb.

·         Immersive Learning and Professional Development Funding:  You should have already heard from the program directors about thestatus of Institute-organized Immersive Learning opportunities.  Additionally, you will soon hear from  Carolyn Meyer regarding Immersive Learning Funding and, for those who received Professional Development Funding, Student Council.

·         Latest Updates and FAQs For the most up-to-date information related to our campus response to COVID-19, please visit the new COVID-19 web pages

 In-Process Decisions

·         Student Work-Study (On- and Off-campus Employment): The Office of Student Financial Planning is waiting for more information from the Department of Education and the Human Resources office.  More information will be shared as soon as it is available.

·         May Commencement:  At this point, we are unsure how spring Commencement will be handled.  We need to figure out how to best manage the logistics of graduation while making it a meaningful way to honor the graduates. We hope to have an answer by April 1st.  Please stay tuned - more communication will go out soon.

·         Summer Programming:  At this point, it is too soon to make any decisions regarding summer programming.  

Reminders

·         Instruction:  Beginning March 23, all classes will be held remotely. There is no plan to resume in-person classes this semester.

·         Events and Group Meetings All Institute-sanctioned, in-person events and group meetings (both on and off-campus), have been canceled or postponed.  Considerations are underway to determine which events and meetings can be held remotely.  

·         Visitors:  Effective immediately, no visitors, including prospective students, alumni, speakers, job applicants, etc., will be permitted on campus. To the extent possible, visits and meetings will need to be conducted online.

·         Health and Wellness:  It is especially important that you take good care of yourself at this time. Please know that your access to Wellconnect services and support and Silvercloud remain the same.  To learn more about how to access these services, please visit our website or contact the Office of Student Services at student.services@miis.edu or 831-647-4128.   Please note that if you wish to use the WellConnect web-based resources or online therapy, the code you will need to do so is:  MIIS-STU.

·         Student Town Hall:  VP Jeff Dayton-Johnson and the Coronavirus Response Team will host a town hall on Friday, March 13th from 1pm-2pm for students to learn more about the Institute’s measures to promote social distancing and help curb the spread of this virus on our campus.  This will also be an opportunity for you to ask questions and share your concerns.  You should have already received an email about this.  The town hall will take place on ZOOM via this link: https://middlebury.zoom.us/j/700540885.

We are committed to providing you with ongoing support and assistance during this difficult time. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns. 

 

Sincerely,

Ashley and Gael

Ashley Arrocha                                               

Associate Dean of Student Services              

aarrocha@miis.edu                                        

831-647-4654

Gael Meraud                                          

Assistant Dean for Career and Academic Advising              

gmeraud@miis.edu                                        

831-647-4633

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