Gustie Parents,
Thank you for supporting your students through the transition to online teaching and learning. I have heard from our professors that, in general, this week has gone smoothly for our students, and I hope that is true for you and your family. If your student is having any trouble adjusting to our “new normal,” I encourage you to have them reach out to our Academic Support Center, Dean of Students Office, or Gustavus Technology Services (GTS).
Remember to visit the Gustavus COVID-19 website for regular updates, frequently asked questions, and archived communications. As we continue to navigate the many changes to our spring semester, here are some updates and links that may be helpful to you:
EVENTS
- Commencement — We recognize the importance of celebrating our seniors’ accomplishments with an on-campus commencement ceremony. While it seems unlikely that our original date of May 30 will be possible, a variety of future dates and scenarios are being considered. We will update you as soon as we know more.
- Honors Day — Plans are underway to host a virtual Honors Day Convocation in early May. Involved students and their families will receive communication with more details within the next few weeks.
ACADEMICS
- Academic Support Center — The Academic Support Center (ASC) is available to work with all students on any academic question or concern, including advising, registration, study skills, and accommodations. The ASC staff has prepared a helpful guide for adjusting to online learning.
- Pass/Fail Grading for Spring Semester Courses — Students will now have options for pass/fail grading of Spring 2020 courses. By default, students will receive a grade of P (pass) or F (fail) for all courses in Spring 2020. All courses passed with a grade of P will satisfy any relevant major, minor, and general education requirements. Students will still have the option of requesting a letter grade for any of their Spring 2020 courses. Students must submit the requests for letter grades to the Registrar’s Office on a per-course basis by May 20. Please encourage your student to have a conversation with their academic advisor to see if letter grades may be important in their individual circumstances (e.g. graduate school requirements, veterans benefits, etc.).
- Registration for Fall 2020 Classes — Fall registration will be pushed back one week to allow more time for advising and settling into our new academic routine. Registration will begin on Monday, April 27 and continue through May 8. Students should check their email for messaging from the Registrar the week of April 6, 2020. See Registration Dates & Deadlines for more information.
RESIDENTIAL LIFE
- Move-Out Schedule — For students who still have belongings on campus, Residential Life continues to work on a comprehensive plan for a coordinated move-out that will take place after the Minnesota “Stay at Home” order is lifted. This move-out is expected to take place over the course of several weeks to allow for proper social distancing. We will be utilizing an online scheduling program to have each student sign up for a time slot to move their items out of their building. We are working on finalizing the timeline and it will be sent once completed. Students who reside more than 350 miles from campus will be able to have their belongings stored on campus over the summer. More information will be communicated in the coming weeks.
- Refunds and Credits — A communication outlining our approach to refunds and credits was sent to students and parents on Friday, March 27. Letters with individualized account information will be mailed to each student’s address of record within the next two weeks. We appreciate your patience in this area, as we are awaiting guidance from the U.S. Department of Education regarding refunds and credits.
- U.S. Census — We have received guidance from the U.S. Census Bureau that clarifies that Gustavus students who were assigned on-campus housing during the spring semester will be counted in the 2020 U.S. Census as part of the Group Quarters Operation. This means Gusties who lived in on-campus housing will be counted by Gustavus and should not be counted at home. More information is available on the Gustavus Dean of Students blog.
STUDENT SERVICES
- Health Service and Counseling Center — Students are encouraged to utilize telehealth through the Gustavus Health Service and telecounseling through the Gustavus Counseling Center.
- Center for Career Development — The Gustavus Center for Career Development is eager to work with students as they make plans for internship, job shadow, and employment opportunities. Career specialists are available for individual virtual meetings with students.
This transition will continue to be a journey for your student, your family, and all members of the Gustavus community. I know that as parents, you are on the front line in supporting your student’s academic work and personal wellbeing during this challenging time. Thank you for your diligence and commitment to your student’s success. Please let me know if there are additional ways we can assist you.
Yours in community,
President Bergman
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