RECAST | Preparing for Fall

From: Academic Deans <deans@evergreen.edu>
Date: May 8, 2020, 12:36 PM -0700

Dear faculty colleagues-

We know how hard all of you are working this quarter, and we appreciate all your efforts in pivoting to remote instruction. After talking with colleagues at other institutions, it is clear that Evergreen’s faculty and staff have done amazing work. Thank you! 

Many of you have questions about fall planning. The curriculum deans will be presenting an information session during the special faculty meeting on Monday, May 11, from 4-5 pm, via Zoom. (A link will be provided separately.) At the meeting we will discuss planning for fall instruction, gather feedback on the planning process, and share how we are developing health and safety plans. More details will follow via email on Tuesday, May 12.   

None of us know how prevalent COVID-19 will be this coming fall.  We remain subject to guidance from Governor Inslee, and will align the college’s operations with the phases of his “Safe Start” policy plan. In order to better prepare, and to have clearer answers, we have already delayed summer and fall registration to the week of June 1, and delayed Academic Fair to Wednesday, May 27.  

We are planning for a mix of in-person and remote offerings and activities that corresponds with Phase 3 of the Governor’s “Safe Start” plan. We also need to be prepared with contingencies. More information can be found in the attached document. We will be able to share those details and more during Monday’s faculty meeting. 

Our first concern is for the health of our faculty, staff, students, and the overall community. We hope that as many fall classes as possible can happen in person, and we must ensure that those classes are conducted safely. We will accommodate those faculty who request to teach remotely due to COVID-19 related family care, quarantine, or elevated risk. Likewise, we will need to accommodate those students who must attend classes remotely due to COVID-19 related factors.  

This kind of planning is challenging and valuable work, and we value your flexibility and commitment to students as we approach registration week and Academic Fair. Thank you!  

Sincerely –  

The Academic Deans