Spring Semester Updates and Resources

TO: Gustavus Students
FROM: President Bergman
SUBJECT: Updates and Resources
DATE: May 1, 2020

Dear Gusties,

We have made it to May! The class tulip meadow is blossoming in the Linnaeus Arboretum and the crabapple trees outside Old Main promise to bloom shortly.

With three weeks of online learning remaining, I know this is a busy time of year. If you need support, I encourage you to reach out to your professors or staff members who can provide guidance and answer your questions. We remain committed to helping you successfully complete the academic year.

Please carefully read the email below that I sent to parents this afternoon outlining some important reminders and updates. As you prepare for your final weeks of online learning, I want you and your loved ones to be aware of the many College resources available to you.

As always, thank you for your continued engagement and support for one another. Keep up the good work!

Yours in community,

President Bergman

TO: Gustavus Parents
FROM: President Bergman
SUBJECT: Gustavus Spring Semester Update
DATE: May 1, 2020

• Online Learning Update — Our faculty began delivering a high-quality online education to our students on March 30. They have prioritized connection and compassion for our students while maintaining course integrity to the extent possible during this uncertain time. Mechanisms for instructional delivery have included: Moodle (our learning management system), Google technology (hangouts, chat, meet, classroom), Zoom, Instagram, Facebook, etc. Faculty have adapted based upon student/faculty access to technology and needs. Our professors report that students most appreciate synchronous opportunities to “check in” with both classmates and faculty members.
• Planning for Fall Semester — For those of you who have returning students, please know that it is our intention to have Gusties living and learning on campus and in-person this fall. College leadership is developing a variety of scenarios to allow for social distancing; solutions may include extending the class day, building in flexibility in the academic calendar, and/or offering hybrid courses blending in-person and online learning. We will send more information as planning moves forward.
• Registration for Fall Semester 2020 — Students were informed that registration for fall courses was delayed one week and will now take place May 10-19. If students haven’t already done so, they should be talking with their academic advisor about fall classes.
• Pass/Fail Grading Deadline — As a reminder, students 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.).
• Course Withdrawal Deadline — The course withdrawal deadline has been extended until May 20, 2020. If students wish to withdraw from a course, they should consult with their academic advisor.
• Academic Support Center — Staff in the Academic Support Center are available to work with students on academic questions or concerns, including advising, registration, study skills, and accommodations.

RESIDENTIAL LIFE