Dear Colleagues,
I am deeply grateful for the flexibility and compassion you have already shown the students displaced from the East Residence Hall since February 9th.
As you know, the temporary closure has affected a group of students who are experiencing meaningful disruption to their daily lives and academic routines. I am writing to ask for your continued awareness, flexibility, and support as we work together to help them remain fully engaged in their coursework during this period.
For some students, the impact of this situation may extend through much of the semester. I respectfully ask for your continued partnership as they navigate these challenges while striving to meet their academic responsibilities. This may include reasonable flexibility with deadlines, thoughtful use of hybrid or alternative learning modalities where feasible, and flexibility with attendance when appropriate.
As you work to support students through both the immediate and longer-term academic impacts of this disruption, we encourage you to consult with your Chair, Program Director, and Dean to help determine appropriate, individualized responses to student needs. Please also keep your academic leadership informed of any challenges you are observing or any additional support you may need in assisting students during this period.
If you are receiving questions or have concerns about academic issues for which the information is not readily available through your deans, directors, or chairs, we have created an Academic Support Team to provide further support. You can contact them at:
ProvostSupport@umb.edu
Thank you again for your care and responsiveness in continuing to provide the support that our students need and deserve.
Sincerely,
Joseph B. Berger
Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
