Dear CCAS Faculty, Staff and Students:
The resurgence of COVID 19 cases around the country has reminded us all of the virulent nature of this pandemic. Monday’s announcement to move most instruction online this fall is reflective of this challenging environment in which the health and safety of our community must be our primary concern.
I want to once again underscore how much I appreciate your flexibility, adaptability and patience during this unprecedented and difficult time. We understand this is not what anyone hoped for and is particularly disappointing for our students who come to GW to be a part of a rigorous campus experience in the heart of the nation’s capital. Let me assure you that we will continue to do all we can to provide you with the resources and opportunities to participate in new ways of learning and engagement through virtual campus events and conversations for our students, and instructional technology workshops and information sessions for our faculty and staff. We are also working to provide access to campus facilities for advanced studio and lab science students who are working on thesis and research projects.
GW’s decision to move online has led to many questions, particularly as it relates to the academic calendar and our graduate and international students. While we’re still working to resolve some of these issues, I encourage you to visit the university’s FAQ webpage, which will be continually updated. Within Columbian College, we have posted undergraduate FAQs and FAQs specific to our graduate students that I encourage you to bookmark. We are also in the process of organizing a town hall for our students. More details about the time and date of that event will follow within the next day or two.
As always, we are committed to not only keeping you informed but also to ensuring your wellbeing. Should concerns arise during the days, weeks and months ahead, please do not hesitate to contact your program head, HR representative or a member of the dean’s office. Our Undergraduate Advising and Graduate Studies offices will also continue to assist students during this time.
To all our faculty, staff and students, I send my sincere gratitude for your being part of our vibrant learning and research community. This continues to be a stressful time for each one of us but, together, I remain confident we will move forward and be stronger than ever.
All the best,
Paul Wahlbeck
Dean, Columbian College of Arts and Sciences