On March 25, 2020, Hunter College President Jennifer J. Raab shared this update:
To the Hunter Community,
We continue to be moved by how our community goes above and beyond to meet the challenges of the transition to remote learning and all the other issues resulting from the crisis. We write to share some important updates below, including a change to the spring semester schedule, and to make sure you all know that Hunter continues to be here for you in this difficult time.
CUNY RECALIBRATION PERIOD & SPRING RECESS
We wanted to confirm that all you have read the recent memo from the Chancellor which changes the instruction and spring recess schedule. Please note the following: The Chancellor has instituted a pause in remote learning from Friday, March 27 to Wednesday, April 1 to allow the CUNY system to improve access to technology and instructional support for faculty. As a result, spring recess will be shortened to Wednesday, April 8 to Friday, April 10. Classes will resume on April 11 rather than April 17 as previously planned.
At my request, the Central Office has allowed us to exempt certain Hunter graduate programs from this change in schedule to allow you to maintain plans previously implemented. Please note these programs will follow the previously approved schedule, will continue to meet this week and next, and will observe Spring Recess from April 8 to April 16 as previously planned.
They include:
- Advanced Certificate in Cytotechnology,
- MS in Speech Language Pathology,
- Masters of Social Work (MSW),
- NP and DNP Nursing programs,
- DPT in Physical Therapy,
- MS Nutrition,
- MUP Urban Policy, and
- MS Urban Planning.
Courses that were being taught online before the general move to remote learning also can proceed with their regular semesterly schedules.
We understand that this change in schedule may impact religious observations for some students, and we are committed to facilitating accommodations so they are able to observe without negatively impacting their academic studies. We urge students to speak to their faculty if they need such accommodations. Faculty should speak with their dean or program director regarding accommodations.
NEW POLICY: CREDIT/NO CREDIT GRADING
Recognizing the difficulty in transitioning to remote learning, CUNY has now created a new Credit/No Credit grading policy for the Spring 2020 semester. Students will have twenty days after receiving their letter grade to switch to a Credit/No Credit grade. This policy will override all program-level grading policies currently in effect at CUNY institutions, including those related to courses within the major, pre-requisite courses, honors courses and maximum number of credits that a student can earn with Credit/No Credit grades. This policy will go into effect April 1, pending approval by the CUNY Board of Trustees. We will have additional information about the impact of CR/NC on their financial aid and academic progress.
DORMITORIES
You may have already heard that CUNY policy is now to close all dorms by Friday. Please be assured that anyone who is in need of housing will be offered accommodation in another facility, and we will work with each student individually to support them. We understand that this will be unsettling for many, but we are committed to making the transition as smooth as possible and to providing assistance for people who do not have alternative housing options. Students should contact living@hunter.cuny.edu with any issues they may have moving out of the dorms by Friday.
CLOSING BROOKDALE CAMPUS
Once all the students have left the dormitories, we will be closing the Brookdale Campus. If anyone needs to access their offices, please contact the Dean’s office and make arrangements to do so before March 30.
RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS
As we have mentioned before, Hunter has instituted a long-term laptop loan program. If you are a student in need of a laptop, please request one here. We are distributing laptops on campus in a limited way, but are moving to mailing students technology where possible. In-home broadband access is also available for free to CUNY students. Please visit the CUNY Continuity For Students website for more information.
In addition, we encourage students to apply for a grant from the Coronavirus Emergency Assistance Fund if they have unexpected expenses related to the current crisis. Students can apply here.
As a result of the closing of the Brookdale campus, we are consolidating Hunter’s two food pantries and adjusting the hours on an ongoing basis to best meet student demand. The 68th Street location remains open for limited hours, please check the Food Pantry website before you visit.
INSTRUCTIONAL RESOURCES FOR FACULTY
During the CUNY Recalibration Period, we will continue to support faculty as they fine-tune their remote teaching practices. More information about upcoming webinars, office hours, and training and support can be found here. All of the instructional support programs will continue during the CUNY recess.
TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES FOR FACULTY AND STAFF
As we continue to transition we have learned that some faculty and staff need additional or different technology to effectively teach and work remotely. If you would like to request additional or different technology, including headsets or software, please reach out to your department chair, program director, or dean. We will do our best to accommodate these requests on a case-by-case basis.
We also want to remind you of the Hunter-specific technical support available through the ICIT Help Desk. They continue to be available to support you remotely and we encourage you to email helpdesk@hunter.cuny.edu.
Once again, thank you all for your perseverance as we transition our College to make it work for every member of our community. We are so grateful to the Hunter community for rallying in these tough times to move swiftly to remote learning. This crisis highlights our extraordinary resilience. The situation is ever-evolving, and we appreciate your patience and flexibility as we respond to the crisis.
With appreciation,
Jennifer J. Raab
