Dear Mercy College Community,
I continue to be impressed by the strong community of students, faculty and staff at Mercy College who have pulled together during this time of uncertainty.
When we first announced that academic instruction would move online, we said we would evaluate at the end of the month how long to continue in this format. The situation has evolved quickly since then. Based on recent recommendations from local government and public health officials, the College has made the following decisions to both ensure the safety of our community and to provide academic continuity:
Academic Instruction to Continue Online Through End of the Spring 2020 Terms
Due to the recent escalation of the local response to coronavirus, a decision has been made to continue online academic instruction through the end of the spring 2020 terms. This online format may be an adjustment for many students and faculty. PACT mentors, faculty and staff are available for any questions or concerns and will continue to provide academic support for Blackboard and online tutoring. A limited number of specialized courses have been preapproved to continue on-campus.
Residential Housing to Close March 29 Through End of the Spring 2020 Terms
Today, another important decision was made to close the residence halls as of Sunday, March 29 through the end of the spring terms.
- Essential services for residential life students will remain available through March 29.
- Students currently living in residential housing are encouraged to begin the process of moving out immediately. Residential Life staff is available to help with this process.
- Residential students who have already left campus and still have personal items in their rooms will need to pick up their belongings by Sunday, March 29.
- The Office of Residential Life will contact students to set up an appointment to pick up their belongings and will work with students on a case-by-case basis who are unable to return to campus by Sunday, March 29.
- Students with exceptional circumstances that prevent them from returning home and seek to remain on campus should contact the Residential Life staff as soon as possible.
- Applicable room and meal charges will be pro-rated as of March 29 for the remainder of the term for students leaving campus. Additional information will be forthcoming.
- If you have any questions or concerns please contact the Office of Residential Life: (914) 674-7277 or residentiallife@mercy.edu.
Libraries and On-Site Resources to Close Until Further Notice
Libraries and on-site resources will close as of tomorrow, March 19 until further notice. The College will continue to evaluate the situation and will reopen when possible. The IT helpdesk, helpdesk@mercy.edu, is available for remote support.
Events and Activities Cancelled
All events and activities, including the Annual Trustees’ Dinner and Mercy-sponsored travel, are cancelled until further notice.
Telecommuting Schedule for Faculty and Staff to Continue Beyond March 29
Telecommuting schedules for faculty and staff will continue past March 29 and a return date will be determined based on guidance from local authorities and our peer institutions. We will work to provide as much notice as possible. Faculty and staff will continue to work remotely according to their regular schedule, however, staff designated by their supervisors to support on-campus operations are asked to report to campus as needed.
The Mav Market Food Pantry Remains Available Online
Individuals in need of assistance may use the Emergency Food Request Form to place an order to be picked up at the Bronx, Dobbs Ferry, Manhattan, or New Rochelle Campuses. If you would like to make a food or monetary donation to The Mav Market, please email mavmarket@mercy.edu or visit our online wish list on Amazon to make a donation.
You are encouraged to keep informed and stay abreast of the latest developments. Mercy’s webpage about the coronavirus is updated regularly with all previous communications, frequently asked questions and additional resources. For questions or to provide information that might be useful to the College, please email healthalert@mercy.edu.
Thank you for your cooperation and patience.
Sincerely,
José Herrera
Ph.D. Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs