College shifts all instruction, staffing to remote; restricts campus access

Posted on March 20, 2020

President Ramsammy sent the following email to all students and employees on Friday, March 20. Please take a moment to review the information and resources below.

Dear members of the college community,

As we finish the first week of break, I want to share a video message from myself to all of you, and also offer this brief update on our response to the unprecedented situation surrounding the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Fortunately, there have still not been any positive cases of the virus reported within the Hudson Valley community. We continue to work closely with SUNY, state and local leaders to stay up to date on the latest developments in this evolving situation. We will continue to communicate directly with students, faculty and staff as we respond accordingly. Once again, I’d like to thank you all for your patience and understanding as we work to ensure the health and safety of our community.

Restricted Campus Access and Employee Protocols

As of 8 p.m. on Sunday, March 22, as directed by Governor Cuomo, the college is officially restricting access to campus facilities and requiring that employees work remotely. As such, offices will no longer be able to accommodate in-person visits, and students, employees and visitors will not be allowed on campus until further notice. These restrictions apply to the college’s main campus, as well as TEC-SMART, the Albany Center for Education (ACE), college facilities on Jordan Road and the Capital District Educational Opportunity Center.

• The college will continue instruction in an online or distance learning format for the duration of the spring semester. All classes have transitioned to this format.
• The Capital District Educational Opportunity Center has suspended all classes until May 1.
• All college business must now be conducted online or via phone, email or standard mail. If you need assistance, please see our online directory for contact information.
• These policies will be in effect until New York State guidance changes. Any updates will be communicated to the college community as we are made aware of them.

Academic Continuity

We have continued to make great progress this week in creating plans to maintain academic continuity for the remainder of the semester. Please note that all classes and labs will take place remotely beginning March 30. Health Science students whose coursework includes a clinical component will receive guidance directly from their department chairs. All students should expect to continue to receive direction and communication from faculty on plans for their specific classes.

As I shared earlier this week, a revised master schedule outlining changes in class format will be made available on the college’s Novel Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) Information webpage by 5 p.m. on Monday, March 23 and will be emailed to all students and employees.

Faculty Training

I’m pleased to say that faculty are continuing training on how to transition courses to online or distance learning formats. These trainings will continue to be offered remotely throughout the next week. The Center for Distance and Online Learning Training Schedule has been updated, and all workshops, clinics and one-on-one appointments are now offered in remote format. Support and assistance will continue to be available after next week through the DLhelp@hvcc.edu or (518) 629-7070 for faculty and students using Blackboard and remote teaching tools.

Frequently Asked Questions

We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions related to the Coronavirus (COVID-19), which is now published on the college’s Novel Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) Information webpage and will be updated as the situation evolves.

Financial Aid and Other Student Concerns

Please know that the college is still receiving guidance from SUNY and New York State on policies for extended payment deadlines, financial aid information, and various other issues that affect our students, and we will share updated information when it is available.

Message from SUNY

SUNY Chancellor Kristina Johnson’s most recent message to students is available on the SUNY website for those who may have missed it. We are continuing to work closely with Chancellor Johnson and other SUNY leaders, and we will keep sharing information as it develops.

Upcoming Communications

Please continue to check your Hudson Valley Community College email, where relevant updates will be communicated with you directly. Updates will also be posted on the college’s Novel Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) Information webpage as new information becomes available.

Final Thoughts

As we all work to manage this ever-changing situation, please continue to do your best to stay calm, stay strong and stay healthy, both physically and mentally. This is a stressful and difficult time for all of us, but I am so very proud of the way our college community has come together to support one another, even at a distance. We may be apart, but we are certainly not alone. Please continue to take care of yourselves and one another. Be kind to one another, and look for the good in things. This is a challenge that we will get through together. Let’s continue to do our best for one another, so that when this is over, we can each look back and be proud of the way we acted in the face of uncertainty and fear.

We are all facing the same problems, but I want to thank you—each and every one of you—for being part of the solution.

Sincerely,

Roger A. Ramsammy, Ph.D.
President
Hudson Valley Community College