COVID-19: An Update From President Steven R. DiSalvo, Ph.D.
BEVERLY, Mass. — Dear Endicott College Community, The activities of the past month on Endicott's campus, and surely around the globe, have been unprecedented, to say the least. I am thankful to our dedicated faculty and staff who have ensured the safe return of our students studying abroad to the U.S., and for the significant work of migrating undergraduate and graduate courses to an online experience, in order to maintain the integrity of an Endicott degree.
March 24, 2020
Dear Endicott College Community,
The activities of the past month on Endicott's campus, and surely around the globe, have been unprecedented, to say the least. I am thankful to our dedicated faculty and staff who have ensured the safe return of our students studying abroad to the U.S., and for the significant work of migrating undergraduate and graduate courses to an online experience, in order to maintain the integrity of an Endicott degree.
I am proud of our faculty, staff, students, families, alumni, and friends for remaining calm and patient during this time as the conditions around the world change quickly.
As you now may know, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has issued an emergency order that requires non-essential businesses to close, and an advisory that all Massachusetts residents stay at home.
In an effort to do our part in "flattening the curve," I am sharing with you the following announcements.
Remote Learning for the Remainder of the Spring 2020 Semester
Extending spring break allowed our faculty to effectively move their courses online and prepare for the possibility of course completion in a remote format. Courses will resume online as planned on Monday, March 30 for all undergraduate and graduate programs and continue through the end of the current semester.
Faculty will be in touch with students in each of their courses if they have not already done so.
Students who may not have access to high-speed internet, or who may live in areas with frequent internet interruptions, should contact their faculty directly, as soon as possible, to develop alternative plans as necessary.
Room & Board Credit
As a result of current events, all returning residential students will receive a pro-rated credit to their student account that will be applied to future charges. Current seniors will receive a pro-rated refund of the unused portion of their room and board. Keeping in mind that every member of the Endicott family is facing adversity since this pandemic has impacted every facet of our world, families will be offered an additional option to apply their room and board credit to the newly established Wings Fund.
The Wings Fund is a new concept, created at the suggestion of Endicott families to assist returning students most affected by the economic downturn caused by the pandemic. In addition to traditional financial aid, students facing financial hardship, who are at risk of not returning to campus in the fall, may apply to the Wings Fund for assistance. Families interested in supporting the Wings Fund should email the College's Chief Financial Officer, Tony Ferullo, at aferullo@endicott.edu.
International students who were unable to return to their homes and currently remain on campus will continue to have access to our grab-and-go meal options at the Callahan Center Dining Hall.
Moving Out
A comprehensive move out plan for residential students has been created and will be communicated to resident students early next week. While details of this plan are not included in this update, the move out process will be orderly and limit the number of people on campus during any given period.
The move out process will begin after the stay-at-home advisory is lifted by the Governor. As a reminder, campus remains highly restricted at this time. There will be no access to the residence halls for any unauthorized individuals.
Faculty & Staff Compensation
While most of our students may be off-campus, the faculty and staff of Endicott College still provide vital services to the Endicott College community. During this time of uncertainty, Endicott College is committed to ensuring all faculty and staff will continue to receive their normal compensation.
Divisional vice presidents will work with their teams to define essential staff to maintain the effective operations of their departments in a way that services our students and community members. We will continue to work remotely until such a time that we receive clearance to return to normal operations.
The College's executive team and I will work closely to build a budget for the new fiscal year that will reevaluate and prioritize Endicott's needs on July 1, 2020, and beyond.
Commencement Ceremonies
As the parent of a current college senior, I recognize the disappointment, anxiety, and impact that the pandemic has had on all students, especially our seniors who are so looking forward to the culmination of their academic efforts. We all must remember, however, that our responsibility is to our greater community and the very nature of higher education is one that develops a stronger society, to keep each other safe.
We have made the difficult decision to postpone the commencement ceremonies originally scheduled for May. We plan on conferring degrees and to issue electronic versions of diplomas upon completion of coursework. This will allow seniors to complete graduate school applications and apply for employment opportunities.
However, we are committed to rescheduling the College's commencement ceremonies at a later date with the pomp and circumstance that is due for such a momentous occasion. More details related to the commencement ceremonies and related activities will be forthcoming.
Major Events
Major events on campus, hosted by Endicott College, will be canceled or postponed through May 31, 2020.
Future events, including Reunion Weekend, will be evaluated in the coming weeks. A cancelation or postponement message will be sent to event attendees individually in the coming days and weeks.
Meanwhile, the following athletics-related events fall under this umbrella as well. The culminating event for the L.E.A.D. Program (Leaders of Endicott Athletics Department) scheduled for April 26 has been canceled and the Athletic Recognition Ceremony scheduled for May 11 has been postponed. Any updates to the Athletic Recognition Ceremony will be publicized accordingly on the athletics website, www.ecgulls.com, and on social media.
Additionally, I want to reiterate Endicott College's commitment to our community. Over the past weeks, the School of Nursing and the Athletics Department have donated medical supplies to local hospitals and we have worked closely with Sodexo to offer already purchased food to local food banks and hospitals in need.
Finally, during this challenging time, I have had the opportunity to reflect on Endicott College's founding principles and specifically our greatest differentiator—the Endicott Model. When Eleanor Tupper and her husband, George Bierkoe, founded Endicott College in 1939, the Endicott Model was noted as being relevant in an ever-changing world. From the moment first-year students arrived on campus, they would begin thinking about life beyond Endicott College. The pandemic that is circling the globe has forced us to do exactly that. To think about how we adapt our expectations to incorporate new realities, to recognize the need to protect our fellow citizens at the cost of our own inconvenience, and to remain calm and level-headed while facing extraordinary challenges.
Whether you call Endicott your alma mater, your home, your workplace, or a destination to visit, we as a community are no strangers to adversity. I am confident this will become just another chapter in the remarkable history of one of America's most unique colleges.
Be well and stay safe.
Sincerely,
Steven R. DiSalvo, Ph.D.
President
President