Gustavus students received the email below on Wednesday, August 5.
Dear Gustie,
As the COVID situation evolves, the College continues to explore options to meet student needs. We have received feedback from a small number of students who wish to complete all of their learning online and not come to campus this fall. This email provides information to students who are interested in exploring a remote learning option for fall semester.
Students interested in taking all online courses should complete the interest form [editor’s note: individualized link to interest form included in email to students] NO LATER THAN WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2020. Students who complete the interest form will receive an email confirmation. Students who indicate that they require a medical accommodation for their personal health due to COVID will be contacted by the Academic Support Center. All other students will receive a Google Meet invitation from one of the professional staff in the Provost’s Office. The Provost’s Office staff will talk with students about their concerns, discuss the academic feasibility of successfully completing fall semester online, and then assist them in registering for online courses. Students who choose to complete the semester with all online courses should NOT come to campus during the entirety of the Fall 2020 semester.
An increased level of staff and faculty time and financial resources are being dedicated to provide this option. The College is absorbing these additional costs and will not charge an additional COVID fee. As such, students who choose to enroll in all of their classes online for the Fall 2020 semester will not receive a reduction in tuition but will be released from their housing contract and meal plan. Further, if you elect this option, please know that your financial aid package may be adjusted. Students who are considering this option should also talk with a professional in the Financial Aid Office (finaid@gustavus.edu) to weigh those possible effects.