Dear Students,

The Health Center will continue to operate remotely over the summer until August 20th.  If you need an appointment, please email me at paige.mcintyre@concordia-ny.edu.

Please keep in mind, if you are applying to any new school in the fall, you will need your immunization record including your MMR and Meningitis vaccines. You may request this information from your primary care provider or from Concordia’s Health Center via email at paige.mcintyre@concordia-ny.edu.  Please make your immunization requests by July 15th, as we will begin to archive all medical information.

Have a wonderful summer, stay healthy, and best of luck in your academic pursuits!

Paige McIntyre MSN.FNP-C
Director of Health Services
Concordia College New York

 

Do you need financial aid? Please do not wait until the last minute.

Your federal financial aid does not automatically renew; you have to fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form each year. 

If you will need financial aid between July 1, 2021, and June 30, 2022, be sure you renew your FAFSA form as soon as possible.

If you will be attending two colleges within July 1, 2021, and June 30, 2022, be sure to list both college school codes on your FAFSA.

Are you a student who’s considering transferring from one college to another?

Please click on this link for general guidance https://studentaid.gov/resources/transfer-students.

Tools to Help You Complete Your FAFSA ® Form 

• FAFSA Tips: See the latest tips to help you fill out your 2021–22 FAFSA form.  
• FAFSA Deadlines: Check your state’s FAFSA deadline, and remember to meet school deadlines, which you can find on the school’s website. You can also contact the school’s financial aid office for state and school deadlines.  
• FAFSA Q&As: Find answers to common questions you may have about the FAFSA form.

Regards,
Tanya Noya ’14, MBA, MS 
Director of Financial Aid 
Concordia College New York

 

Concordia NY will continue to fulfill academic transcript requests at least through August 31, 2021. Current students can make a transcript request through Banner Self-Service.  Alumni can do so through the link provided on the Registrar Page of the Concordia website. This process has not changed and will not change through the summer.

All student records will be cared for and accessible after the College closes. More information regarding where students can access their information will be available in the coming weeks and will be posted on our website.

We encourage students to wait until their spring term grades have been posted or their degree posted if applicable before making a request, to ensure that all information is accurate. In an effort to ease the transition, transcripts for students who have applied to Teach-out Programs through Iona and Manhattanville will have their transcripts sent automatically and do not have to make a request. 

 

Comparable Programs at Mercy College

We have been in touch with Mercy College about comparable programs our students may find of interest. While Concordia will not be entering into a teach-out agreement with Mercy, their admissions team would like to be of assistance to our students if possible. Mercy College offers these comparable programs:

• BS Biology
• BS Business Administration
• BS Criminal Justice
• BS Health Science
• BS Nursing (undergraduate and post-baccalaureate; both programs have waitlists) 
• BS Psychology
• BS Social Work (number of transfer students subject to a cap)
• MS Early Childhood Education
• MS Teaching Students with Disabilities in Early Childhood and Childhood

Concordia students can get a provisional examination of their credits at Mercy’s Transfer Credit Max portal. If you are interested in more information about Mercy College’s programs, please contact their admissions department. 

Please see this communication from the Financial Aid Office. It contains important information for all students who have taken federal loans. 

FINANCIAL AID COUNSELING 

 

 

Please read this communication here.

 

Dear Students,

On Thursday, February 4 at 4:30 pm, we will hold a Zoom town hall for Concordia students and their families. You will hear from both Concordia and Iona leaders about continuing your educational progress. We will update you with the information available to us. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions. A Zoom link will follow early next week. 

Dr. Rachel Eells

Dear Students,

As you heard in the Zoom meeting this morning, the Board of Regents of Concordia College New York has decided that Concordia College will close. Classes will cease beginning with the Fall 2021 semester. In addition, the Board agreed to proceed on a formal agreement with Iona College to provide continued education for Concordia’s students through a teach-out, and to sell Concordia’s Bronxville campus to Iona College. 

The goal throughout the decision-making process has been to provide you with the opportunity to continue your education with minimal disruption, at an institution with a like mission, faith-based foundation, comprehensive array of programs and facilities, and strong financial picture. Concordia and Iona are equally committed to that goal. 

In the coming weeks, as details of the agreement are finalized pending regulatory approval, you will hear from both Concordia and Iona about how the transition will work for various student groups. Concordia’s Spring 2021 semester will proceed as planned without disruption.    

Iona College will be making dedicated admissions and financial aid representatives available for Concordia students. We will share that contact information and additional details with you as soon as possible. Iona plans upcoming informational meetings as well. For now, you may direct questions to questions@iona.edu. 

This is painful news for all of us who love Concordia. Shock, grief, anxiety and anger are all normal feelings. Please do not hesitate to reach out for help from the resources below.

Counselors at The Guidance Center of Westchester are available to all Concordia students remotely. Please call 914-613-0700 x7140 to speak to a counselor. After hours, call (914) 286-3350. The Center’s crisis/urgent number is 888-842-9226.

The Atlantic District has generously made licensed, Christian counselors of the Lutheran Counseling Center available to Concordia students, faculty and staff free of charge. Appointments may be set by calling 1-800-317-1173. If no one answers, leave a message and the best call back number. Calls will be returned several times a day. Alternatively, you may e-mail Center@LCCNY.org with your phone number and need. Responses will be timely.

Office of the President

Concordia College New York

 

After much deliberation, the Board of Regents of Concordia College New York has decided that Concordia College will close; classes will cease beginning with the Fall 2021 semester. In addition, the Board agreed to proceed on a formal agreement with Iona College to provide continued education for Concordia’s students through a teach-out, and to sell Concordia’s Bronxville campus to Iona College. 

This extremely difficult decision is the result of a deliberative, thoughtful and strategic process, informed by immutable business realities. Set within the context of a changing and broadly challenged higher education industry, the College’s financial shortfalls were further accelerated by the global pandemic.  

Iona College’s like mission, faith-based foundation, comprehensive array of programs, strong financial picture and close location were all factors in the Regents’ student-centric decision. Together, Iona College and Concordia College are committed to the needs of students and will be providing numerous communications and assistance to facilitate this transition.

Many details of the agreement are being finalized and are subject to regulatory approval. As information becomes available over the weeks to come, Concordia College will update students, admitted students, staff, faculty, alumni, donors, Conservatory students, OSilas Art Studio students, and the community. At present, Concordia does not expect any disruption to the current Spring 2021 semester. 

Board of Regents Chairman Joe Carlin said: “While we had hoped to preserve the College in its current form, and worked hard on a number of solutions, we know that this move gives our students the best opportunity for a seamless continuation of their education at a worthy institution.”

Concordia President John A. Nunes said: “Students were and continue to be our priority throughout the prayerful and painstaking decision-making process. By acting now, Concordia’s Regents have provided our students with an excellent option for continuing the quality, faith-informed education they began here. This outcome brings deep pain to all of us who care for Concordia, and in whose hearts Concordia will always live. I find inspiration in Concordia’s legacy: the generations of alumni who have and are today impacting the world with the foundation Concordia gave them. I find hope in the bright future of our current students, able to pursue their passion, purpose and service at a thriving institution with a Christian foundation, just as generations of Concordia students before them have done. May God bless them on their journey.”    

 

Every credit and every degree earned at Concordia is valid, and will remain valid after the College closes. That is because Concordia College New York is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), and will remain accredited through closure. The College’s closure will have no effect on the validity of any credits or degrees earned by any current or past Concordia students. 

Accreditation is public information. Concordia’s accreditation information may be seen here on Concordia’s website, and here on the MSCHE website. In addition, the New York State Education Department (NYSED) offers a searchable database of registered programs, where Concordia’s information can be found. 

Concordia College New York will make its final degree conferrals on December 31st, 2021, subject to MSCHE approval. Any student who plans to complete their Concordia degree at one of the institutions with which Concordia has made a teach-out agreement must complete their degree requirements and transfer their earned credits back to Concordia before December 31st to be considered for a Concordia College degree conferral. Please note that this information does NOT apply to students who simply transfer to another institution and earn their degree from that institution. 

Yes. The Spring 2021 Semester will proceed as planned. Concordia will finish the traditional academic year with some form of commencement in keeping with health and safety requirements. Classes and scheduled days off all remain unchanged. The established Spring Semester for non-traditional students will proceed as planned, ending for ADP and graduate students by June 26, and for nursing students by July 2. 

 

Yes, Concordia will hold a limited Summer Session in July and August.

• The established Spring Semester for non-traditional students will proceed as planned, ending for ADP and graduate students by June 26, and for nursing students by July 2. 
• Registration for Limited Summer Session Opens Monday, March 22.
• July and August classes will be offered for ADP, Graduate Education and MSBL students on a path for August degree conferral. 
• A few traditional undergraduate courses will also be offered, including a 200-level English course. 
• Financial aid will be available for this session. All students should complete the 2021/2022 FAFSA. Students in non-traditional programs should contact the Financial Aid Office for information about important implications the Summer Session may have for 2021/2022 financial aid. 

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) adjudicator has confirmed that Concordia College has a way to permit graduating F-1 students to apply for a full year of authorized Optional Practical Training (OPT). The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) has approved an arrangement where Concordia University in St. Paul, MN will act as the custodian for records during the period of approved OPT. This will not be a direct transfer of records, which would immediately end any approved OPT. Rather, SEVP will manage the movement of graduating F-1 students’ SEVIS records from Concordia College New York to Concordia University St. Paul. The Principal Designated School Official (PDSO) at Concordia University St. Paul will manage these SEVIS records for the duration of students’ approved OPT. The list of records to be moved will be submitted upon the completion of the semester and graduation. 

Please contact Gary E. Vega for complete information. 
914.337.9300 x2106

It is Concordia's responsibility to provide an educational plan, or teach-out agreement, for each program. Iona College offers many programs that are similar to Concordia's, but faculty and staff at Concordia are also working quickly with other area colleges and universities to find options for continuing and completing programs. All programs and student types are being addressed in these conversations, including our traditional undergraduates, and Nursing, Radiologic Technologies, Accelerated Degree Program, Master's in Business Leadership and Impact U students. All teach-out agreements are subject to final regulatory approval. 

It is Concordia’s responsibility to provide a teach-out agreement for each program. Concordia has made an agreement with Iona College that will allow many Concordia students to transfer to Iona or complete their Concordia program at Iona. Concordia is working on additional teach-out agreements with accredited institutions so that students in every program will have options for their next plan. Please visit this page for the latest information on completed teach-out agreements. The agreements Concordia negotiates with Iona and other institutions are designed to make degree completion as seamless as possible for students, and to that end may include course substitutions, comparable or matching tuition, and other considerations. No student is obligated to enroll at one of the institutions with which Concordia makes an agreement. All agreements are subject to final regulatory approval.

Completing Your Concordia College Program by May, 2021
Concordia’s Spring 2021 Semester will proceed as planned. Concordia will celebrate graduates on May 8 and confer degrees on May 31. 
Next Step: All students who are on track to complete their degrees in the Spring 2021 Semester can apply for degree conferral by March 1.

Completing Your Concordia College Program Over the Summer of 2021
Please see information on Summer Session above. 

Completing Your Concordia College Program at Another Institution
Concordia students who expect to complete their program by August 31 or December 31, 2021 have the option to participate in a teach-out. The teach-out will occur at an institution with which Concordia has entered into an agreement. Through these agreements, students will complete the last part of their degree requirements at the designated teach-out institution. When a student completes their degree requirements, a transcript will be sent to Concordia and the student’s degree will be certified and issued by Concordia.
Next Step: Concordia is in the process of identifying and making agreements with appropriate institutions. See this page for the latest information. 

Transferring to Another College
Concordia students in the beginning to middle of their programs have the option to transfer to another institution. Once a transfer student completes their program according to the requirements of the institution to which they transferred, they will receive a degree from that institution. Iona College will be an option for many students as Iona shares several of Concordia’s programs. Students in programs Iona does not offer should know that Concordia is working quickly to identify and make agreements with institutions that do offer these programs. 
Next Step: Rising sophomores and juniors in good standing are invited to apply to Iona College as transfer students. Information about Iona College and applying to Iona as a transfer student can be found here.   

 

No Concordia student is obligated to attend any of the colleges with whom Concordia makes a teach-out agreement. It is Concordia's responsibility to provide a teach-out agreement for each program, and Concordia is working with local colleges to provide pathways to make the process as simple as possible, whether that results in a transfer or a teach-out of the last portion of a student's degree program. Iona College is Concordia's primary partner in this endeavor, as many of its programs align with Concordia's. Concordia is working with other partners as well. All teach-out agreements are subject to final regulatory approval.  

Due to the impending closure of Concordia College, all students with federal loans must complete exit counseling at the Federal Student Aid website. Please see the document below for instructions and helpful information regarding federal student loans. 

Information for Every Concordia Student with a Federal Loan

Please see this important document from the Financial Aid Office.

FINANCIAL AID COUNSELING

Dear Student,

On January 28, 2021, it was announced that Concordia College would be ceasing operations. Due to the closure of the college, we would like to provide you with student loan discharge information.

Students may apply to have their federal student loans discharged if they meet all requirements as determined by the U.S. Department of Education. You may be eligible for this discharge if you were enrolled at the time the college was closed or were on an approved leave within 120 days of the school’s closure. Students who complete their degree before the school closure or complete a comparable program through teach-out at another college, a transfer to another college, or by any other comparable means would not qualify for federal student loan discharge. You can find additional information about loan discharge at https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/closed-school.

If you wish to apply for a federal student loan discharge, you need to fill out a Loan Discharge Application for School Closure and send this application to your federal student loan servicer(s). Links to all of the federal student loan servicers are below. If you do not know who your federal student loan servicer is, you can look up which servicer(s) have your student loans by logging into https://nslds.ed.gov/nslds/nslds_SA/.

Loan Servicers:

Cornerstone
FedLoan Servicing
Granite State
Great Lakes
HESC
MOHELA
Navient
Nelnet

Please contact your loan servicer for specific questions about federal student loan discharge.

Sincerely,

Financial Aid Department

914-337-9300 ext. 2227

financialaid@concordia-ny.edu

UPDATE 5-3-21

Concordia NY will continue to fulfill academic transcript requests at least through August 31, 2021. Current students can make a transcript request through Banner Self-Service.  Alumni can do so through the link provided on the Registrar Page of the Concordia website. This process has not changed and will not change through the summer.

All student records will be cared for and accessible after the College closes. More information regarding where students can access their information will be available in the coming weeks and will be posted on our website.

We encourage students to wait until their spring term grades have been posted or their degree posted if applicable before making a request, to ensure that all information is accurate. In an effort to ease the transition, transcripts for students who have applied to Teach-out Programs through Iona and Manhattanville will have their transcripts sent automatically and do not have to make a request. 

UPDATE 2-23-21

Concordia College has arranged to reduce the cost of obtaining official transcripts for current and past students. Electronic transcripts ordered through Parchment (see instructions here) will now be $5 per request. Requests that go through Registrar's office (mailing a hard copy; picking up a copy; or legacy requests that Parchment cannot fill) will be $7.50 per request. 

Accessing Your Unofficial Transcript

• Students with or without holds who are applying for transfer to Iona do not need to send Iona an unofficial transcript. Concordia’s Registrar has arranged to share unofficial transcripts directly with Iona. 
• Students without holds who are applying to colleges other than Iona can access their unofficial transcript from Banner and share it with the colleges they are applying to. 
• Students with holds who are applying to colleges other than Iona should contact the Registrar’s Office. The Registrar will send you a PDF of your unofficial transcript so that you can share it with the college you are applying to. 

Email registrar@concordia-ny.edu from your Concordia student email
Include your request and your student ID

Ordering Your Official Transcript

Concordia College can only issue official transcripts to students whose accounts are in good financial standing with a $0 balance. Current students in good financial standing can order their official transcripts through Banner. Instructions can be found here.   

 

Concordia College has arranged to reduce the cost of obtaining official transcripts for current and past students. Electronic transcripts ordered through Parchment (see instructions here) will now be $5 per request. Requests that go through Registrar's office (mailing a hard copy; picking up a copy; or legacy requests that Parchment cannot fill) will be $7.50 per request. 

Counselors at The Guidance Center of Westchester are available to all Concordia students remotely. Please call 914-613-0700 x7140 to speak to a counselor. After hours, call (914) 286-3350. The Center’s crisis/urgent number is 888-842-9226.

The Atlantic District has generously made licensed, Christian counselors of the Lutheran Counseling Center available to Concordia students, faculty and staff free of charge. Appointments may be set by calling 1-800-317-1173. If no one answers, leave a message and the best call back number. Calls will be returned several times a day. Alternatively, you may e-mail Center@LCCNY.org with your phone number and need. Responses will be timely.

Regent Jean Hanson has provided us with a description of the process that led to the Board’s decision to proceed on a formal agreement with Iona College and close Concordia. She also describes work the Board undertook to achieve a different outcome. Her communication can be read here. 

Direct emails to Board of Regents Chair Joe Carlin at: board@concordia-ny.edu

For those students who are unable to complete their education at Concordia College New York (CCNY), Iona is working towards providing a seamless pathway for CCNY students to continue their education without losing time or credits for their major. Iona’s goal is to provide former CCNY students with a comparable high-quality liberal arts education. Iona is also working to ensure that CCNY students receive non-athletic financial aid similar to what Concordia offered in addition to institutional and residential living grants that allow CCNY students to pay about the same amount as what they are currently paying in tuition.  CCNY and Iona also share a similar heritage and legacy as Christian institutions and Iona will work to keep the legacy of CCNY alive well into the future.

Iona is making every effort to allow CCNY students to continue their education at Iona. To this end, Iona has adjusted its non-athletic merit scholarship program to keep the tuition and fee amount similar to Concordia. The College is also offering Concordia students a generous on-campus residential grant. Here is a brief overview of the merit scholarship and residential grant adjustments for traditional undergraduate Concordia students enrolled on the Bronxville Campus:

• Iona will match the non-athletic institutional aid offer for all students enrolled as an undergraduate at Concordia College Bronxville Campus during the spring 2021 semester who enroll full-time at Iona College.  
• Iona will award an additional grant called the Concordia College Transfer Student Scholarship to offset the impact of differences in tuition and fees.
• For students choosing to live in Iona on-campus housing, an additional grant of $1,500 annually ($750 per semester) will be awarded.
• To qualify for federal aid, students will be required to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The 2021-2022 FAFSA is currently open. Iona College’s school code for the FAFSA is 002737. 
• As long as students maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress and remain in good standing, institutional scholarships and grants will be renewable annually based on Iona College policies.
• Iona College does not offer a Division II athletics program, so athletic aid will not apply, however Concordia student athletes may be eligible for other scholarship funds.

For Concordia students who have applied to transfer to Iona College and been accepted for admission, Iona will waive the enrollment deposit and the housing deposit. 

Students can indicate their commitment to attend Iona by completing and returning the Enrollment Response Form enclosed in their admission packet.  After the receipt of the Enrollment Response Form has been confirmed, students may proceed with the enrollment process by going to the Transfer Student Roadmap.

Current Concordia students will need to submit a transfer application for admission for the Fall 2021 semester. There are two ways to apply for admission. Based on feedback from previous transfer students, many prefer submitting the Iona Transfer Application versus The Common Application. However, either one is acceptable, and Iona has no preference. Additionally, to reduce unnecessary costs associated with applying, Iona is waiving all application fees.  Students may use the fee waiver code: #GoGaels! Transcripts will be required, but SAT/ACT, essays and recommendations are NOT necessary. 

• For admission consideration, students with or without holds who are applying for transfer to Iona do not need to send Iona an unofficial transcript. Concordia’s Registrar has arranged to share unofficial transcripts directly with Iona.
• Upon receipt of your application for admission, Admissions Counselor DJ Arndt will contact you. DJ has been appointed as the counselor dedicated to serve Concordia students, and will provide personalized attention throughout the process to ensure a smooth admission process. If you have any questions about applying for admission, or what is required to be accepted, DJ would be happy to answer your questions.  He can be reached at darndt@iona.edu.

Iona will work carefully with each student to ensure credits transfer and find substitutions where possible. The goal is for students to move forward in a seamless transition. If you decide to transfer to another college or university that has not been identified as a teach-out partner, Iona cannot guarantee transfer of credits. Acceptance of transfer credits is always the prerogative of the “receiving” institution.

Iona is purchasing the main CCNY campus in Bronxville. Details regarding how the Bronxville campus will be used is still to be determined as Iona and Concordia examine each program and finalize teach-out plans. However, for the most part, it is expected that teach-out classes will be held on Iona’s campus. When Iona begins to use the Bronxville campus, shuttle service will be provided as necessary.

Most CCNY students in good standing will be provided a pathway to complete their degree.  CCNY and Iona share many complimentary degree programs and it is expected that most CCNY students will be able to complete their degrees at Iona either through the teach-out plan or by transferring to Iona. The teach-out is the Concordia College mandated plan for closing and sets a path to and for their students’ success. Iona is the main teach-out partner, among others. All teach-out agreements will be posted here as they are reached; all are subject to final regulatory review. Iona and Concordia are reviewing each area and program to identify how many students are in the program, the status of their progress and determine how many can finish by December 2021, making the teach-out an option for them vs transferring to Iona.  

All program information is available at https://www.iona.edu/academics/explore-majors-programs.

Iona’s main campus is located at 715 North Avenue in New Rochelle, only three miles from the CCNY campus.

Undergraduate Admissions/Transfers, including second degree nursing students: 
DJ Arndt, darndt@iona.edu

Graduate Business Students: Katie Brunck Giordano, kbrunck@iona.edu

Graduate Arts & Science Students: RoseDeline Martinez, rmartinez@iona.edu

Iona College is a private nonprofit institution of higher education that is chartered by the New York State Department of Education Board of Regents, accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, and eligible to disburse federal and state financial aid.  To learn more about Iona’s accreditations please visit: https://www.iona.edu/about-iona-college/accreditation.

• Iona is a diverse community of learners and scholars dedicated to academic excellence and the values of justice, peace and service. No two Iona journeys are alike. But they all have a few things in common. High-quality academics, outside-the-box thinking and dedication to helping others underscore every Iona experience. Iona strives to develop skilled, service-minded students. 
• Iona offers experiential learning opportunities for every student — through community partnerships, internships, research and more. Iona students often graduate with valuable, real-world experience.
• Iona is proudly recognized as a top college for helping students achieve upward economic mobility and financial security.
• With nearly 50 undergraduate programs and more than 40 graduate programs, Iona offers rigorous, quality academics across a wide range of disciplines. 
• Equally important is the College’s commitment to service. Inspired by the legacy of Blessed Edmund Rice and the Christian Brothers, Iona incorporates service-learning experiences into courses across every academic discipline. 
• Iona is highly accredited, offering undergraduate degrees in liberal arts, science, and business administration, as well as Master of Arts, Master of Science and Master of Business Administration degrees and numerous advanced certificate programs. 
• Staying ahead of market demands and student interest, Iona has invested and expanded in Health Sciences – with a robust CSD program, an OT program that began 2 years ago, and a new Nursing program, offering a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing and a second degree in Nursing. 
• Iona recognizes the need to stay nimble to succeed in a fast-changing world and makes sure its students recognize it too. The Hynes Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation — an interdisciplinary hub for creative problem-solving — offers programming and resources to all students.

No. Iona College is in a very strong financial situation and has taken a leadership role in New York State’s higher education landscape. Iona’s strong financial position is allowing the college to purchase the property from CCNY.  

It is CCNY’s responsibility to provide a teach-out agreement for each program; no student is obligated to enroll at one of the institutions with which CCNY makes teach-out agreements. All teach-out agreements will be posted here as they are reached, and are subject to final regulatory review. The agreement being worked on between CCNY and Iona will provide a seamless pathway for students to complete their degrees. 

Students transferring to Iona should be in touch with Admissions counselor DJ Arndt. Once they apply and are accepted, DJ will introduce them to the academic advisor who will work with them to identify which courses they need to take to complete their degree, and will help them register for the appropriate classes. Registration for Fall 2021 semester opens on March 15.

Iona will provide academic counseling and other support services to ensure CCNY students do not lose time waiting for classes that are required for graduation.

Iona will guarantee residential housing on Iona’s campus in New Rochelle for anyone who wants it. In fact, Iona has created a special residential housing grant to help defray the cost of living on campus.  

Yes, Iona will continue to need and hire resident advisers. Students need to live on Iona’s campus for one year, prior to being eligible to serve as an RA. Iona welcomes applications and consideration to be an RA after living in Iona’s residence halls for a year. 

Iona offers multiple residential housing options and robust dining services meal plans that include both on- and off-campus dining options. The Gael Express is a shuttle service that provides transportation from Iona’s campus to major transportation hubs including local train stations that access New York City.

Prospective F-1 International students should contact DJ Arndt at darndt@iona.edu with any questions regarding transferring. ISS is available to provide transfer students with a seamless transition to Iona and will issue the Form I-20 to all eligible students. Contact ISS as soon as possible for details regarding SEVIS record transfer and I-20 insurance so that your F-1 status may be uninterrupted.

Iona and CCNY will continue to work with regulatory bodies that handle visas for international students. If you have immediate questions, please contact Gary.Vega@concordia-ny.edu.

Iona is making every effort to allow you to continue your education at Iona. To this end, Iona has adjusted its non-athletic merit scholarship program to keep the tuition and fee amount similar to Concordia’s. The College is also offering Concordia students a generous on-campus residential grant. Here is a brief overview of the merit scholarship and residential grant adjustments for traditional undergraduate Concordia students enrolled on the Bronxville Campus:

• Iona will match the non-athletic institutional aid offer for all students enrolled as an undergraduate at Concordia College Bronxville Campus during the spring 2021 semester who enroll full-time at Iona College.  Iona College does not offer a Division II athletics program, so athletic aid will not apply, however Concordia student athletes may be eligible for other scholarship funds.
• Iona will award an additional grant called the Concordia College Transfer Student Scholarship to offset the impact of difference in tuition and fees.
• For students choosing to live in Iona on-campus housing, an additional grant of $1,500 annually ($750 per semester) will be awarded.
• To qualify for federal aid, students will be required to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The 2021-2022 FAFSA is currently open. Iona College’s school code for the FAFSA is 002737. 
• As long as students maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress and remain in good standing, institutional scholarships and grants will be renewable annually based on Iona College policies.

CCNY students will receive a comprehensive financial aid package from Iona upon receipt of the Free Application for Federal Students Aid FAFSA application data, including federal, state, and institutional aid from Iona.

Iona offers numerous scholarships. Please visit Iona’s website for more information: https://www.iona.edu/admissions-financial-aid/cost-financial-aid.

Current CCNY students can expect to be packaged for the 2021-2022 academic year with financial aid on a rolling basis upon receipt of the FASFA and academic information from CCNY.  To start the process, students should apply to Iona College and add Iona College Federal School Code 002737 to their FAFSA.

Yes, Iona participates in TAP. The Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) is New York's largest grant program which helps eligible New York residents attending in-state postsecondary institutions pay for tuition. TAP grants are based on the applicant's and his or her family's New York State taxable income. To be eligible for TAP, you must be a New York State resident for 12 consecutive months before enrolling in the program for which assistance is sought and attend an eligible school or college located in New York State.

Iona College does not offer a Division II athletics program, so athletic scholarships or aid will not apply, however Concordia student athletes may be eligible for other scholarship funds. Iona is regulated by the MAAC conference and NCAA, and has limited athletic scholarships available. It is unlikely that CCNY students will have a spot on an Iona roster. Iona is investing in club sports which may provide opportunities for Concordia students to continue participating in the sports that they love.

5-17-21

Good morning!

Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) 
The Department of Education has not yet released HEERF funds allocated to Concordia under CRRSAA. If you received an automated email regarding an impending direct deposit, please disregard it. We will continue to update you as we receive information. If you have any questions, please contact Rosalin Gutierrez at (914) 337-9300 ext. 4805 rosalin.gutierrez@concordia-ny.edu. 

Final Degree Conferral: Dec. 31st , 2021 
Concordia College New York will make its final degree conferrals on December 31st, 2021, subject to MSCHE approval. Any student who plans to complete their Concordia degree at one of the institutions with which Concordia has made a teach-out agreement must complete their degree requirements and transfer their earned credits back to Concordia before December 31st to be considered for a Concordia College degree conferral. Please note that this information does NOT apply to students who are simply transferring to another institution and earning their degree from that institution. 

College of Westchester Update  
Concordia has signed a Teach-out Agreement with the College of Westchester covering Health Studies and Business Administration programs. CW has other programs that may serve our students, and is offering a significant tuition discount for all Concordia students, whether they are transferring or participating in the teach-out. Information, including admission contacts at CW, is available on our Teach-out Plan page and at the CW website here: https://www.cw.edu/cw-understands-concordia-college-students. 

News from the Student Health Center
The Health Center will continue to operate remotely over the summer until August 20th.  If you need an appointment, please email paige.mcintyre@concordia-ny.edu. Please keep in mind that if you are applying to any new school in the fall, you will need your immunization record including your MMR and Meningitis vaccines. You may request this information from your primary care provider or from Concordia’s Health Center via email at paige.mcintyre@concordia-ny.edu.  Please make your immunization requests by July 15th, as the Health Center will begin to archive all medical information.

Concordia-Iona Agreement Finalized 
The agreement for Iona College to acquire Concordia’s campus has been finalized. You can read Iona College’s press release here. https://www.iona.edu/news/iona-college-finalizes-agreement-acquire-concordia-college-campus-bronxville-ny

University of Bridgeport
Concordia is in talks with the University of Bridgeport (an NCAA Division II school) about a potential Teach-out Agreement covering various programs including Biology and Business Administration. Look for updates in the weeks ahead. 

Best-

Dr. Rachel Eells 

---

5-10-21

Good afternoon, Concordia.

Congratulations, Graduates!
Saturday’s Parade of Graduates was a beautiful celebration of our nearly 400 graduating students who are ready to offer the world their passion, purpose and service. Although the knowledge that this was Concordia’s final commencement was ever present, the day was filled with hope for new beginnings, fueled by the transformative power of education. Kathy Laoutaris ’93 was named the 2021 Distinguished Alumna for her decades of dedication to Concordia and our students, and Bishop Derek Lecakes received the Honorary Doctorate in recognition of his life’s work in service to the Lutheran Church. The recording of the livestream is available here. A link to the individual pictures taken of each graduate will be posted on the website soon. 

Congratulations, Nursing Cohort 12.5! 
The Pinning Ceremony for our Nursing graduates will be held at 3 pm today. Watch via livestream here. 

Teach-out Agreement with College of Westchester
We have finalized a teach-out agreement with the College of Westchester, offering an option for students in our Health Studies and Business Administration programs. Please see the Teach-out Plan webpage for course equivalencies. 

Concordia College Degrees and Credits
In answer to some inquiries we’ve received from students, I want to be very clear about the validity of Concordia degrees in light of our closing. Every credit and every degree earned at Concordia is valid, and will remain valid after the College closes. That is because Concordia College New York is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), and will remain accredited through closure. The College’s closure will have no effect on the validity of any credits or degrees earned by any current or past Concordia students. Accreditation is public information. Concordia’s accreditation information may be seen here on Concordia’s website, and here on the MSCHE website. In addition, the New York State Education Department (NYSED) offers a searchable database of registered programs, where Concordia’s information can be found. 

Important Information from the Financial Aid Office
Please check your email for an important reminder for all students who intend to apply for financial aid. Instructions for the FAFSA, deadlines and tips included. The information is also posted here.  

Have a wonderful day.

Dr. Rachel Eells 

---

5-3-21

Dear Concordia Students,

The time is coming when you will be leaving us. Some of you are graduating, some are taking classes this summer to finish up by August, and some are transferring to another school. Whatever your next path, know that we are grateful that we were a part of your journey, we will miss you, and we pray every blessing as you go. When the apostle Paul was not with his ministry partners in Philippi, he wrote words of encouragement to them: “God began a good work in you. And I am sure that he will carry it on until it is completed.”

You are meant for more, and even though you won’t be able to continue your good work with us, here in this place, you will continue to grow and carry our mission forward. The world needs your lives of passion, purpose and service, and my prayer is that you will continue to build on what you have done here. We are so proud that you have been a part of the Concordia community.

Concordia Transcripts
Concordia NY will continue to fulfill academic transcript requests at least through August 31, 2021. Current students can make a transcript request through Banner Self-Service.  Alumni can do so through the link provided on the Registrar page of the Concordia website. This process has not changed and will not change through the summer. All student records will be cared for and accessible after the college closes. More information regarding where students can access their information will be available in the coming weeks and will be posted on our website. We encourage students to wait until their spring term grades have been posted or their degree posted if applicable before making a request to ensure that all information is accurate. In an effort to ease the transition, transcripts for students who have applied to Teach-out Programs through Iona and Manhattanville will have their transcripts sent automatically and do not have to make a request. 

Graduates
Cap and Gown Pickup Tuesday, May 4 from 10 am to 7 pm in Schoenfeld
Along with your cap and gown, you will receive a name card for you to fill out and bring to the Parade of Graduates, and five Assessment Forms. You and each person in your party must complete a form on the morning of May 8 so that you can submit it upon arrival. No one will be permitted to participate in the Parade of Graduates without a completed Assessment Form. Extras are available here. 

Students Tansferring to Another Institution
If you have not made plans for your next educational steps, here are ways that you can explore your options:

• Please reach out to your advisor to talk about possibilities.
• Visit Concordia’s Teach-out Plan page, which includes links to course equivalencies for each program, and links to each college’s informational page for Concordia students (Iona, Manhattanville, College of Mount Saint Vincent). 
• Work with advisors at the teach-out school to have your transcript evaluated, learn about financial aid, and build your schedule for the fall. 

Congratulations to our Men’s Tennis Team!
Ending our 12-year reign within the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC) that included a 68-0 record against league opponents, our men headed into Sunday's CACC Championship Finals with a 17-0 regular season record. Our 21st-ranked men's tennis team defeated Chestnut Hill College 4-0 for the program's 10th CACC Championship title.

Events This Week
Spring 2021 Parade of Graduates, Saturday, May 8 beginning at 9:00 am
The Spring Parade of Graduates will be livestreamed throughout the day on Saturday, May 8. Tune in to cheer on and celebrate our graduates! https://livestream.com/accounts/3230472/events/9652057

Daily Morning Reflection at 10:30am in Sommer Center
Monday, Wednesday and Friday and virtual and in-person. Tuesday and Thursday are only available via Zoom. Meeting ID: 898 1076 7703 Password: May 

Monday, May 3
9pm - Concordia Conversations   Meeting ID: 881 3037 9655. Password: Clippers

Tuesday, May the 4th be with you!
Cap and Gown Pickup 10 am to 7 pm in Schoenfeld

12:30pm- Star Wars Marathon in the Brickyard 

8pm- Trivia  Meeting ID: 848 7568 7719  Password: Trivia

Wednesday, May 5
11am -  Senior Cap decorating in the Brickyard

Saturday, May 8
Spring 2021 Parade of Graduates, beginning at 9:00 am   https://livestream.com/accounts/3230472/events/9652057

Enjoy the cherry blossoms!       

Dr. Rachel Eells 

---

4-26-21

Dear Concordia Students,

It’s difficult to describe the complicated feelings that are happening on our campus right now. Many of our students are finishing their classes this week, and preparing for finals during the first week in May. Others will be taking their last Concordia classes in the summer months. We are preparing for our final graduation event, and faculty and staff are packing offices. Mixed with the sense of accomplishment that comes at the end of a semester is a tremendous sense of loss.  Holding and managing these (and other) complex and conflicting emotions is challenging and tiring. 

• Consider what you can control and focus on small steps to your larger goals.
• Make time for sleep, exercise, and healthy eating.
• Pray, meditate, control your breathing, and be still.
• Make room for those complex emotions, allowing for both celebration and mourning.

What’s Next for You
If you have not made plans for your next educational steps, here are ways that you can explore your options:

• Please reach out to your advisor to talk about possibilities.
• Visit Concordia’s Teach-out Plan page, includes links to course equivalencies for each program, and links to each college’s informational page for Concordia students (Iona, Manhattanville, College of Mount Saint Vincent). 
• Work with advisors at the teach-out school to have your transcript evaluated, learn about financial aid, and build your schedule for the fall. 

We have been in touch with Mercy College about comparable programs our students may find of interest. While Concordia will not be entering into a teach-out agreement with Mercy, their admissions team would like to be of assistance to our students if possible. See here for details.

Congratulations to our Athletes
For the ninth time in the last 12 years, our Women's Tennis Team has been named the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC) Champions, defeating Chestnut Hill College on Sunday afternoon in the finals 4-0 to repeat as Conference Champions. The team advances to regionals at a site to be determined, May 7-11.

Our Men’s Golf Team, for the ninth time in program history and eighth consecutive time overall, has qualified for the 2021 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II Men's Golf Championship. The East/Atlantic Super Regional Championship is set to take place at the Lake View Country Club in Erie, Pa.

Events This Week
Radiologic Technologies Pinning Ceremony
Head to the homepage today at 2:00 pm to celebrate the pinning ceremony for Rad Tech Cohort 6. The students-only ceremony was recorded earlier to share with friends and family today. Congratulations, Cohort 6!

Sluberski Film Series
On Thursday, April 29, at 7:00 PM, the Sluberski Film Series will conclude with the Concordia community-sourced film We Will Remember: The Oral History Project. Register at Eventbrite for this free, virtual event.

Empty our Career Closet!
The Concordia Career Closet is brimming with outfits which all need to find new homes. Please stop by Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 8:30am to 5pm and Thursday from 8:30am to 12pm to choose some great items. When coming to the Arch (found on the lower level of Sieker Hall) check in before and after with Darcy Kaye.

Daily Morning Reflection at 10:30am in Sommer Center
Please note that Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday are only available via Zoom link. Meeting ID: 852 1669 8071 Password: April

Monday, April 26
Stop by the Commons to write your professor a thank you note.

10:30 AM Interview with Nicola Standard. President John Nunes will be interviewing Nicola "Nicky" Standard, President of the Bronxville Rotary and VP/Branch Manager for Apple Bank for Savings in Bronxville. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85216698071?pwd=bXBpekwxQnpUZ2pST1NEY2EraFVJUT09 . Meeting ID: 852 1669 8071 Password: April 

2:00 PM Radiologic Technologies Pinning virtually on Concordia’s website

9:00 PM Concordia Conversations.  Meeting ID: 881 3037 9645   Password: Concordia

Tuesday, April 27
Takeover Tuesday with Noel Vasquez via @ConcordiaNYStudentGov

8:00 PM  Trivia Night Meeting ID: 872 7063 9012  Password: Trivia

Wednesday, April 28
Outdoor Eucharist Service. Concordia has been known for its beautiful campus for many years. You are invited to celebrate our amazing campus by joining the community in celebrating the Eucharist with Pastor Taylor outside on the Quad. The Concordia Chior will be proving music for the day. If you cannot join us in person, you can join via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85216698071?pwd=bXBpekwxQnpUZ2pST1NEY2EraFVJUT09 
Meeting ID: 852 1669 8071 Password: April 

11:00 AM – Stop by the Commons to write your professor a thank you note

Thursday, April 29
10:30 AM Remembering Nicodemus Armendariz, Jr. Join Morning Reflection for a virtual service to remember Nico. We will be joined with friends and family of his in remembering his time here at Concordia. Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85216698071?pwd=bXBpekwxQnpUZ2pST1NEY2EraFVJUT09 Meeting ID: 852 1669 8071 Password: April 

7:00 PM Sluberski Film Series: We Will Remember: The Oral History Project. Register at Eventbrite (virtual)

Saturday, May 1
10:00 AM-3:00 PM - Buy, Sell and Swap on the Quad! Bring items you no longer want to the Quad for a Concordia Garage Sale.

Take care of yourselves and each other.

Dr. Rachel Eells 

---

4-19-21

Dear Concordia Students,

This morning, I got to see the sunrise, and was reminded that even when times are difficult, there is beauty to be found. My prayer for you this week is that you are able to devote the time and energy you need to successfully complete the spring semester, and that plans for your next steps become further solidified. I pray that you are given hope and that your eyes and your mind find comfort in something wonderful.

Updated Information about Teach-Out Partner Schools
Concordia’s Teach-out Plan page continues to be updated as new information comes in. I am in conversation with additional schools about other possible teach-out options, and as soon as anything is set, it will be included. If you are having trouble finding the information you need about your particular program, talk to your advisor. The page includes links to course equivalencies for each program, and links to each college’s informational page for Concordia students. Keep in mind that each student’s situation is unique, and that you should work with advisors at the teach-out school to have your transcript evaluated. 

Weekly Activities
Please register to attend the Books and Coffee on Thursday evening, when Dr. Anthony Bradley will join us to talk about his book, Why Black Lives Matter. Also, please note that there will be a celebration on Saturday for students, faculty, and staff!

Daily Morning Reflection at 10:30am in Sommer Center  Meeting ID: 852 1669 8071. Password: April.
Please note that Tuesday is only available via Zoom link, and there is no Morning Reflection on Thursday. 

Monday, April 19
9pm – Concordia Conversations   Meeting ID: 881 3037 9645.    Password: Concordia

Tuesday, April 20
Takeover Tuesday with Carlos Penaherrera via @ConcordiaNYStudentGov
8pm – Trivia Night Meeting ID: 872 7063 9012 Password: Trivia

Wednesday, April 21
11am – DIY Tie Dye Coaster in the Commons

Thursday, April 22
Spring Day Off - No Classes! 
12:30pm - Earth Day Celebration: Head to Schoenfeld Gym to enjoy a fun filled afternoon of a viewing of Zac Efron's Docuseries "Down to Earth." We will also have Earth-friendly crafts like decorating reusable bags, bird seed holders and more!
7pm - Books and Coffee with Dr. Anthony Bradley, who will discuss his book Why Black Lives Matter: African American Thriving for the Twenty-First Century. Event is available in Sommer Center and via Zoom. Please use the link to register for either viewing. 

Friday, April 23
7pm – Movie Night in Schoenfeld Gym

Saturday, April 24
6pm - Farewell Concordia
Head to the Quad to celebrate all that Concordia has offered you! Games, activities, and a food truck will be there! A DJ and photobooth will add to the fun along with the night ending with a bonfire and s'mores! Faculty and staff are invited to celebrate with our students!  

Stay focused- stay healthy!

Dr. Rachel Eells 

---

4-12-21

Dear Concordia Students,

I hope that you are taking moments of stillness to enjoy the unfolding and blossoming of spring. I have hostas growing right outside my basement window that I am checking everyday, encouraged by new life and the greening of what was gray.

This week’s Memo includes the following

• Updated Information about Teach-Out Partner Schools
• Books and Coffee- Thursday April 22, 7:00 PM
• Sports News
• Weekly Activities

Updated Information about Teach-Out Partner Schools
Concordia’s Teach-out Plan page has been updated with programs covered under our agreements with Iona College, College of Mount Saint Vincent, and Manhattanville College. The page includes links to course equivalencies for each program, and links to each college’s informational page for Concordia students. Keep in mind that each student’s situation is unique, and that you should work with advisors at the teach-out school to have your transcript evaluated. 

Radiologic Technologies Students
We are working with the admissions team at Manhattanville College to arrange an information session to address your questions. Look for an upcoming announcement.  

Books & Coffee
Our final Books & Coffee event will take place on Thursday, April 22nd, at 7:00PM, with limited LIVE seating, as well as being available via LIVESTREAM. The link above allows you to register for the event. Our featured author is Dr. Anthony B. Bradley, who will lead a panel discussion and Q&A of his book “Why Black Lives Matter: African American Thriving for the Twenty-First Century”. For this book that offers fresh ways to participate in solutions, Dr. Bradley assembled a team of scholars and religious leaders to provide a distinctly Christian perspective about the systemic challenges that undermine Black thriving, and what is needed for Black communities to thrive from within. Dr. Bradley will speak about his book, and President John A. Nunes will host a Q & A and panel discussion with students and members of Christians for Racial Justice (CRJ), an initiative that he and Dr. Bradley lead. Dr. Anthony Bradley is professor of religious studies and director of the Center for the Study of Human Flourishing at The King’s College, Theologian-In-Residence at Redeemer Presbyterian Church – Lincoln Square, and serves as a research fellow at The Acton Institute. Dr. Bradley lectures widely throughout the U.S. and abroad. His writings on religious and cultural issues have been published in a variety of journals, and he is a frequent contributor to national media outlets. 

Congratulations, Clippers!
Playing together for one last game on Sunday evening, our 22nd-ranked men's soccer team capped up a historic Spring 2021 season with a 3-1 victory over Dominican College to end the year as Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC) Champions. We ended the season with a 7-1 record. GO CLIPPERS!

Weekly Activities
Daily Morning Reflection at 10:30am in Sommer Center
*Please note that Tuesday and Thursday are only available via Zoom link. Meeting ID: 852 1669 8071    Password: April

Monday, April 12
12:30pm – Stop by the Commons for some FREE Mental Health Awareness gifts! 
9pm – Concordia Conversations   Meeting ID: 881 3037 9645       Password: Concordia

Tuesday, April 13
Takeover Tuesday with Dashaun Galloway via @ConcordiaNYStudentGov
8pm – Wheel of Fortune   Meeting ID: 872 7063 9012       Password: Trivia

Wednesday, April 14
11am – DIY Felt Coaster in the Commons

Friday, April 2
7pm – Christmas in April! Join fellow Clippers in celebrating the best holiday of the year AGAIN! Celebrate with a Christmas movie, games, crafts and more! 

Best,

Dr. Rachel Eells 

---

3-29-21

Dear Concordia Students,

This week’s Memo includes the following:

• Links for schools with whom we have Teach-out Agreements
• Information for graduating F-1 students
• Concordia College Oral History Project
• Easter Travel Information
• Weekly Activities

Dedicated Informational Pages for Concordia Students
Iona College, College of Mount Saint Vincent and Manhattanville College have published web pages with information for Concordia students. Please follow the links for updates from these schools. 

F-1 Students Graduating from Concordia in May Can Apply for OPT 
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) adjudicator has confirmed that Concordia College has a way to permit graduating F-1 students to apply for a full year of authorized Optional Practical Training (OPT). The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) has approved an arrangement where Concordia University in St. Paul, MN will act as the custodian for records during the period of approved OPT. This will not be a direct transfer of records, which would immediately end any approved OPT. Rather, SEVP will manage the movement of graduating F-1 students’ SEVIS records from Concordia College New York to Concordia University St. Paul. The Principal Designated School Official at Concordia University St. Paul will manage these SEVIS records for the duration of students’ approved OPT. The list of records to be moved will be submitted upon the completion of the semester and graduation. Please contact Gary E. Vega for complete information. 914.337.9300 x2106

Make Your Submission to the Concordia College Oral History Project by Wednesday, March 31st 
The Concordia College Oral History Project needs your submissions! Share your favorite memory via video, audio, photos or text by March 31st. All submissions will be archived, and many will be featured in a special Sluberski Film Series event in April. Head to the homepage for the link or find the submission form at https://forms.gle/Nb6VWU5KKcxbr1zH8

Easter Travel
If you are traveling out of NY for the Easter break, please follow the NY travel guidance, found at https://forward.ny.gov/covid-19-travel-advisory. For most people, the following still applies. All travelers entering New York from a state that is not a contiguous state who have been outside of New York for more than 24 hours must:

• Complete the Traveler Health Form.
• Obtain a COVID-19 test within three days of departure, prior to arrival in New York.
• Upon arrival in New York, quarantine for three days.

Weekly Activities
Daily Morning Reflection at 10:30am. On Wednesday you can also join the in Sommer Center. Please note that there is no Morning Reflection on Thursday and Friday.  Meeting ID: 891 7735 3636  Password: March

Monday, March 29
Celebrate Women’s History Month with the viewing of Women of Impact: Changing the World, a 40 minute National Geographic documentary following the stories of amazing women changing our world. 6pm in Schoenfeld Gym

Concordia Conversations at 9pm. Meeting ID: 881 3037 9645 Password: Concordia

Tuesday, March 30
Takeover Tuesday with Dashaun Galloway on the @ConcordiaNYStudentGov page

Wheel of Fortune @8pm. Meeting ID: 848 7568 7719 Password: Trivia

Wednesday, March 31
Easter Egg Decorating @11am in the Commons 

Thursday, April 1
Hop Movie Night at 6pm in Schoenfeld Gym

Friday, April 2
Open Movie Day! Bored on campus? Stop by Schoenfeld Gym for free access to all Disney+ content. Bring a friend to watch a childhood favorite or a new Disney, Pixar or National Geographic Film! Popcorn provided! 

Saturday, April 3
Last day of Marvel Movie Marathon!

Sunday, April 4
Have a blessed Easter!

Best Blessings this week-

Dr. Rachel Eells 

---

3-22-21

Dear Concordia Students,

It’s officially spring, so I hope that you will be able to enjoy some of the warmer temperatures this week. Any predictions about when we will see our cherry blossoms on the quad?

We are paying attention to changing guidance from New York State and the CDC about gatherings, and collaborating with students, faculty, and staff, while we plan for commencement and end of the year activities. As soon as those plans take shape, we will let you know. In the meantime we have quite a few activities, in person, and virtual, for you this week!

JOIN THREE-TIME FOOD NETWORK CHOPPED CHAMPION, ADRIANA URBINA, FOR A VIRTUAL ZOOM! 
On Thursday, March 25th at 5 pm, Concordia Dining is excited to bring you a virtual experience with three-time Chopped champion and entrepreneur, Chef Adriana Urbina! Adriana will show students how to make dorm-friendly chickpea-loaded sweet potatoes with lemon-tahini, and afterward will host a Q&A session. 

• Recipe box kits will be available for purchase in The Commons starting Tuesday, March 23rd with all of the ingredients needed to participate in Adriana's demo. 
• Not interested in cooking? No problem! Feel free to join anyway!
• RESERVE YOUR SPOT FOR THE VIRTUAL ZOOM HERE

All week: Marvel Week!
Stop by Schoenfeld Gym all week long to enjoy watching all 20 Marvel movies in chronological order! See the Digital Quad for movie times.

Monday, March 22
Concordia Conversations with Nina Grizzle at 9pm; Meeting ID: 881 3037 9645 Password: Concordia

Tuesday, March 23
Takeover Tuesday with Katie Suss on the @ConcordiaNYStudentGov page

Tuesday Trivia @8pm; Meeting ID: 848 7568 7719  Password: Trivia

Wednesday, March 24
Pottery painting in Schoenfeld Gym @1pm

Decorate Easter Eggs in the Commons @11am 

Thursday, March 25
Marvel Bingo in Schoenfeld Gym at 8:30pm

Friday, March 26
Easter Egg Hunt @8pm. Meet at BSH gazebo. 

Saturday, March 27
Last day of Marvel Movie Marathon!

Teach-out Agreements
This week and next, we are working to finalize Teach-out Agreements with Iona, Manhattanville, and College of Mount Saint Vincent. As details are being finalized, we will share what we can about arrangements with those institutions. Check here frequently for the most updated information. 

Iona’s Housing and Enrollment Deposits Waived for Concordia Students
Based on feedback and ongoing conversations, this change of information was added to the Iona FAQ last week. 

• Question: Do Concordia students have to put down a deposit to enroll or for housing? 
• Answer: For Concordia students who have applied to transfer to Iona College and been accepted for admission, Iona will waive the enrollment deposit and the housing deposit. Students can indicate their commitment to attend Iona by completing and returning the Enrollment Response Form enclosed in their admission packet.  After the receipt of the Enrollment Response Form has been confirmed, students may proceed with the enrollment process by going to the Transfer Student Roadmap.

Registration for Limited Summer Session at Concordia Opens Monday, March 22

• The traditional undergraduate spring semester will conclude in May, as planned. Spring classes for our non-traditional programs will continue as planned, through late June/early July.
• July and August classes will be offered for ADP, Graduate Education and MSBL students on a path for August degree conferral. 
• A few traditional undergraduate courses will also be offered, including a 200-level English course. 
• Financial aid will be available for this session. All students should complete the 2021/2022 FAFSA. Students in non-traditional programs should contact the Financial Aid Office for information about important implications the Summer Session may have for 2021/2022 financial aid. 

Take care this week!

Dr. Rachel Eells 

---

3-15-21

Dear Concordia Students,

March, in general, seems to be a time of waiting. Waiting for spring to arrive and stick around, waiting for Easter, waiting for the snow to melt, waiting for playoffs and awards, waiting for taxes to be filed. This year, we are waiting for COVID vaccines to be available, waiting for another round of stimulus checks from the federal government, and, at Concordia, waiting for more information about how our beloved campus will close and how our students, faculty, and staff will transition to their next chapters.

My prayer for you and for myself, is for comfort and God’s presence during the wait.

Kudos to Our Athletes!
The volleyball team closes out a historic year inside the Meyer Athletic Center Gymnasium on Tuesday, Mar. 16 when the Clippers welcome Nyack College for the program's first home Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC) Championship game with the quarterfinal-round bout scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m.

Playing in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Women's Basketball Championship for the first time in program history on Friday evening, we rebounded from an early double-digit deficit and rallied behind the second-most steals in program history to get within one point midway through the final quarter but could not find the equalizer in a 61-54 setback to third-seeded Georgian Court University. Congrats on a historic season!

Information Updates
The Teach-out Agreements with Iona, Manhattanville, and the College of Mount Saint Vincent are on track to be finalized by the end of March, and we are exploring possibilities with a few other institutions so that you have more options as you consider your next steps. 

Students whose spring semester continues until the end of June will continue those courses as planned, and we are building our July and August schedule now for students who could finish in time for August degree conferral.

Keep talking with your faculty and program leaders about what plans are in place for your particular programs.

Check here frequently for the most updated information as it is finalized. 

Activities This Week
Monday, March 15th 
Concordia Conversations with Angelica @9pm. Meeting ID: 881 3037 9645. Password: Concordia 

Tuesday, March 16th 
Takeover Tuesday with Madison Gardner. Follow @ConcordiaNYStudentGov to view. 
Wheel of Fortune @ 8pm. Meeting ID: 848 7568 7719. Password: Trivia

Wednesday, March 17th
Happy St. Patrick's Day! Stop by the Commons to pick up some holiday goodies. 

Thursday, March 18th
Virtual Career Fair. Sign up on Handshake or contact Darcy.Kaye@concordia-ny.edu for more information

Friday, March 19th
Cookie Decorating with Therese @11am in the Commons
Moana Movie Night at 8pm in Schoenfeld Gym 

Dr. Rachel Eells 

---

3-8-21

Dear Concordia Students,

The grass is getting greener, plants are starting to show new growth, and this weekend, Daylight Saving Time begins. We are ready to spring forward, finding newness all around.

New Achievements
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) revealed the 2021 Division II Women's Basketball Championship bracket on Sunday evening, with Concordia College New York being selected into the field for the first time in program history as the sixth-seed in the East Regional. The 2021 season has been a historic one Concordia with a season of firsts. First time hosting a home playoff, first time advancing to a playoff semifinal and now first time advancing to East regional. The Clippers will begin the regional on Friday, Mar. 12 against third-seed Georgian Court University in Buffalo, NY. Stay tuned for details about how to follow the progress of our team!

New Information
We have posted many new FAQs from Iona, plus important info from Financial Aid on the student information page. While we wait for Teach-Out Agreements with other institutions to be finalized, your best source of program-specific information will be with the faculty leaders of your programs. They are working through the details, and can keep you informed. Check here frequently for the most updated information as it is finalized. 

New Activities This Week
Monday, March 8th 
Concordia Conversations with Katrina Sta Cruz @ 9pm 
Meeting ID: 881 3037 9645 Password: Concordia

Tuesday, March 9th
Piñata Party on the Quad @2pm
Trivia @ 8pm; Meeting ID: 848 7568 7719 Password: Trivia

Wednesday, March 10th
DIY Stress Balls in the Commons begins at 11am

Friday, March 12th
SGA Meeting for all students @5pm;  Meeting ID: 868 6478 1420 Password: Clippers
Movie Night @8pm: Cinderella (with Brandy Norwood & Whitney Houston)

Dr. Rachel Eells 

---

3-1-21

Dear Concordia Students,

As you know, Concordia is making teach-out agreements with other institutions to ensure that your transition is as smooth as possible. We are now finalizing a teach-out agreement with Iona College that describes how the majority of our students can find an educational home there. To address programs Iona does not have, we are drafting agreements other institutions. 

The College of Mount Saint Vincent will likely provide a pathway for our Accelerated Degree Program, and Manhattanville College will be our teach-out partner for Radiologic Technologies. We will share details as soon as they are available. These institutions may also be able to serve students in additional programs, and those conversations are ongoing. All teach-out agreements are subject to final regulatory approval. Check here frequently for the most updated information as it is finalized. 

Official Transcripts at a Lower Cost
Concordia College has arranged to reduce the cost of obtaining official transcripts for current and past students. Electronic transcripts ordered through Parchment (see instructions here) will now be $5 per request. Requests that go through Registrar's office (mailing a hard copy; picking up a copy; or legacy requests that Parchment cannot fill) will be $7.50 per request. 

Reminder: Unofficial Transcripts

• Students with or without holds who are applying for transfer to Iona do not need to send Iona an unofficial transcript. Concordia’s Registrar has arranged to share unofficial transcripts directly with Iona. 
• Students without holds who are applying to colleges other than Iona can access their unofficial transcript from Banner and share it with the colleges they are applying to. 
• Students with holds who are applying to colleges other than Iona should contact the Registrar’s Office. The Registrar will send you a PDF of your unofficial transcript so that you can share it with the college you are applying to. 

Email registrar@concordia-ny.edu from your Concordia student email
Include your request and your student ID

Commencement: May 8, 2021
Students on track to graduate in May must submit a graduate application by March 15 and order regalia by March 4. Details and instructions here. 

Upcoming Student Events
Tuesday
Women’s Basketball is hosting a HOME playoff game this Tuesday. Watch party in Schoenfeld at 5:30.  This is a first for Concordia!
Wheel of Fortune at 8pm

Wednesday
Friendship Bracelets in the Commons at 11am
Video Game Tournament in the Brick at 7pm

Thursday
Comfort Dog 10am – 2pm

Friday
Raya and the Last Dragon Movie Party at 8pm 

Saturday
Volleyball at 12pm

Some count March 1 as the first day of spring. I hope your day hints at the warmth and new growth that is to come.

Dr. Rachel Eells 

---

2-22-21

Dear Concordia Students,

Good morning. Thank you so much for the flexibility you showed last week, as the winter weather affected our campus. 

To mark Black History Month, President Nunes will interview Chivona Newsome at today Morning Reflection. She is the co-founder of Black Lives Matter Greater NY and a civil rights leader at the forefront of the New Civil Rights Movement. In addition to her work with members of underrepresented and vulnerable communities, Chivona has worked leading protests and seeking justice for the families of police brutality. 

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89474713574?pwd=Yk80Z3RrQml4NVVIN2ErUlh3TjlVQT09 
ID: 894 7471 3574
Passcode: February 

Please remember that information about our closing and your transitions to other institutions can be found on this page. We are updating this page frequently, as new details are available.

Also, deadlines for applying for graduation and ordering regalia are approaching. This page has all the details.

Remember, also, that resources are available for your mental and emotional health.

• Counselors at The Guidance Center of Westchester are available to all Concordia students remotely. Please call 914-613-0700 x7140 to speak to a counselor. After hours, call (914) 286-3350. The Center’s crisis/urgent number is 888-842-9226.
• The Atlantic District has generously made licensed, Christian counselors of the Lutheran Counseling Center available to Concordia students, faculty and staff free of charge. Appointments may be set by calling 1-800-317-1173. If no one answers, leave a message and the best call back number. Calls will be returned several times a day. Alternatively, you may e-mail Center@LCCNY.org with your phone number and need. Responses will be timely.

Blessings on your week.

Dr. Rachel Eells 

---

2-15-21

Dear Concordia Students,

The faculty and staff at Concordia are working quickly with Iona and other area colleges and universities to provide you with options for continuing and completing your education. All programs and students types are being addressed in these conversations, including our traditional undergraduates, and Nursing, ADP, MSBL and Impact U students. We have created a dedicated webpage with important information about our closing and your transitions, and we are updating it regularly. Please visit and bookmark this site. 

You may be feeling lost right now, and that is understandable. We are planning for a series of program-specific meetings, during which you will be able to discuss possibilities with your faculty and advisors, and potentially hear directly from Iona and/or the other schools with which we are crafting agreements. Plans and options for completing your degree will become more clear in the days and weeks ahead. 

Change and uncertainty are difficult. Please remember to care for your mental health as you do your physical health. 

Counselors at The Guidance Center of Westchester are available to all Concordia students remotely. Please call 914-613-0700 x7140 to speak to a counselor. After hours, call (914) 286-3350. The Center’s crisis/urgent number is 888-842-9226.

The Atlantic District has generously made licensed, Christian counselors of the Lutheran Counseling Center available to Concordia students, faculty and staff free of charge. Appointments may be set by calling 1-800-317-1173. If no one answers, leave a message and the best call back number. Calls will be returned several times a day. Alternatively, you may e-mail Center@LCCNY.org with your phone number and need. Responses will be timely.

Upcoming Event
To mark Black History Month, President Nunes will interview Chivona Newsome at Morning Reflection on Monday, February 22. She is the co-founder of Black Lives Matter Greater NY and a civil rights leader at the forefront of the New Civil Rights Movement. In addition to her work with members of underrepresented and vulnerable communities, Chivona has worked leading protests and seeking justice for the families of police brutality. 

The Lord bless you and keep you,

Dr. Rachel Eells 

---

2-8-21

Dear Concordia Students,

Thank you to all who attended the Student Town Hall last week. Your questions helped shape an informative first session. The questions we were not able to cover have been collected and we are working to address them. Look for additional information sessions in the near future. 

This week, faculty and staff will be meeting with counterparts from Iona and other local colleges to get specifics about your options moving forward. Here is some key information:

• Traditional undergraduate students, we are looking for clear pathways for current freshmen, sophomores, and some juniors to transfer to another institution. We are working with Iona and other institutions to make that process as simple as possible. 
• We are making plans for students nearing the end of their programs to be able to take the remainder of their coursework at Iona, or other institutions, and still receive a Concordia degree.
• Rad Tech students, we are talking to area schools about programs as Iona College does not currently offer a Rad Tech program. 
• Nursing students, we are exploring possibilities at Iona and elsewhere for you. 
• ADP and graduate students, we are working with area colleges to find the best pathway for you. While many schools can match the content that you need, we are looking to find the best fit for the delivery mode you’ve experienced at Concordia. 
• Concordia is exploring options for summer classes for traditional, nursing, graduate and ADP students. 
• No Concordia student is obligated to attend any of the colleges with whom we make agreements. 

The information from Iona we shared with you last week has been posted to this webpage, which will be continually updated as details become available. Thank you for your patience as we move through the process of securing a next educational plan for each of you. 

Clipper Action
You can cheer on our Clipper basketball teams safely by watching via livestream. Games this week are scheduled for Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. Information is at www.concordiaclippers.com. 

Dr. Rachel Eells 

---

2-1-21

Dear Concordia Students,

I’m going to keep this brief today, because we have had a lot of information to digest in the last few days. Please know that as we go through this transition, there are so many people from both Concordia and Iona working very quickly to get you the information you need in order to plan for your next chapter.

Spring 2021 Semester
The Spring 2021 Semester will proceed as planned. Concordia will finish the academic year with some form of commencement in keeping with health and safety requirements. Classes and scheduled days off all remain unchanged. 

Student and Family Town Hall
On Thursday, February 4 at 4:30 pm, we will hold a Zoom town hall for Concordia students and their families. You will hear from both Concordia and Iona leaders about continuing your educational progress. We will update you with the information available to us. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions. You will receive a Zoom link this week. 

The Dialogues on the Quad scheduled for Tuesday, February 2 has been postponed in light of last week’s announcement. Stay tuned for an update on this event. 

Stay safe and warm today, as we are in the middle of a winter storm. I am always amazed at how a coating of snow quiets the world for just a moment. I hope you can take some time for stillness and reflection today, letting God’s “peace that passes understanding” cover you when you feel unsettled.

Praying God’s comfort for us today-

Dr. Rachel Eells 

---

1-26-21

Good morning, Concordia!

We are so pleased to welcome all of our residential students back to campus, and looking forward to seeing more of you in person in classes this week. Just as we did in the fall, and perhaps even more so now, it is vital that we follow the guidelines laid out for us by our local, state, and federal authorities in order to keep ourselves and our community healthy. Please remember that the Concordia Cares Covenant is the commitment that we all need to make in order to continue learning together during the pandemic. So that we can take care of one another and abide by state and federal guidelines, completing your Daily COVID-19 Self-Assessment is critical for every day that you are on campus. 

New Media major and marketing intern Lexi Murdock created this video of fellow students reminding us about our covenant together. Special thanks to everyone involved - you represent Concordia well!

We hope to see you at the following upcoming events:

This morning is a fourth Monday, which means that you are invited to a special Morning Reflection at 10:30am. President John Nunes will be interviewing Robert O'Gorman via zoom. A former Time Man of the Year - Twenty-Five and under award winner, his works have provided the public with an engaging portrait of Roman Catholic identity and vocation in the United States.  
You can find the Zoom link here.
Meeting ID: 832 7634 8835
Passcode: January 

On Thursday, January 28, at 2:00 pm, Stephane Laroche, a Concordia graduate who works for USAID stationed in Nigeria, will be speaking to the community through zoom on careers in the US Foreign Service. Mr. Laroche will focus on the USG but will also discuss alternative pathways. 
You can find the Zoom link here and on the digital quad.
Meeting ID: 890 5590 8102 
Passcode: 029380

Our next Dialogues on the Quad is scheduled for Tuesday, February 2 from 3:40 to 5:00. Join student panelists Ava Perez and Noel Vasquez for Discerning More: Strategies for the Age of Misinformation. Nobel Laureate Dr. Peter Agre, seen here on The Colbert Report, will give the keynote. He’ll be joined by Dr. Theresa Robinson, a science educator at Elmhurst University who works to make high quality S.T.E.M. accessible to families and students from marginalized communities, and our own Professor Betty Geiling. 

Have a great week!

Dr. Rachel Eells 

---

1-18-21

Today we celebrate the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., American reformer and civil rights leader. While he was an undergraduate studying sociology at Morehouse College, he wrote an essay on the purpose of education for the school newspaper. He said, “The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically,” and “Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true education.”

Over the past year, our world has needed intensive and critical thought about equity, healthcare, and politics, and we have seen how vital character is to any of that thought. Intelligence, skills, power, or position without character leads more quickly to mistakes, or willful ignorance, or abuse.

In her new book, Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents, Isabel Wilkerson compares those of us living in the developed world to homeowners who have inherited an old house that appears beautiful and stable, but was built on uneven ground and has endured generations of patched cracks hiding deeper ruptures. She says, “Here we are, the current occupants of a property with stress cracks and bowed walls and fissures built into the foundation. We are the heirs to whatever is right or wrong with it.”

We are living in a time when the stress cracks and bowed walls of our lives together are ever more obvious. We are reckoning with realities that have been too long hidden or ignored. Our house- our society- needs repair, and Dr. King reminds us that we need people of character to be intensive critical thinkers to do that work. We must understand our history, examining the deep foundations of the problems we now seek to solve, and considering ethical and moral implications of both action and inaction.

You are Meant for More. Our country is Meant for More.  Our world is Meant for More. Thanks be to God that we don’t have to do this work alone. We are the people of God, doing God’s work together, attending to our neighbor, listening to our neighbor, caring for our neighbor, and working with our neighbor for a brighter future. Together, we are meant to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God (Micah 6:8).

We are looking forward to seeing more of you on campus next week, as many of our classes begin meeting face to face. Please remember that the Concordia Cares Covenant is the commitment that we all need to make in order to continue learning together during the pandemic. So that we can take care of one another and abide by state and federal guidelines, completing your Daily COVID-19 Self-Assessment is critical for every day that you are on campus.

Blessings on your week!

Dr. Rachel Eells 

---

1-11-21

Good morning, Concordia!

Yesterday, many Christians celebrated the Baptism of Christ, when Jesus, who came to us at Christmas, was joined by the Holy Spirit, in the form of a dove at the Jordan River, and the Father’s voice was heard. The story of our faith is that God comes to humans, no matter where we are, or how alone we might feel. As we gather back together for the semester, remember that God comes to us, to be with us in every situation. This morning, we will gather for a virtual Clipper Induction during Morning Reflection.

Our campus is starting to buzz again- it’s wonderful to have you back with us, either virtually or in person. If you are a student in one of the handful of programs that is holding in person classes, or if you are on campus for any reason, please remember to use the KONGiQ app to complete your daily Covid-19 self-assessment. For those of you beginning your classes online today, you do not need to complete the self-assessment until you physically begin coming to campus.

Remember that our traditional undergraduate programs will be online for the first 2 weeks, then we will see you on campus beginning January 25. The beginning of any semester requires organization and connections, and this semester, those are even more critical. Check your Concordia email at least daily, and reach out to instructors to make connections with them.

Last week was the time for our Bronxville students* to go through processing- making sure that everyone is up to date on forms and finances. If you missed processing, you are not yet cleared to attend your classes, and you need to contact Kathy Laoutaris immediately to make arrangements.

*ADP students have their own process for this.

Please review this document from the Student Resource Portal for important information on 

• Testing and Quarantine Requirements for new and returning residential students
• Processing and Move-in Schedule
• Spring 2021 Calendar details – including your pop-up rest-and-relaxation days!

Best Blessings-

Dr. Rachel Eells 

---

1-4-21

Good morning, Concordia, and Happy New Year!

It’s a beautiful start to the new year here in Bronxville, as we look forward to a safe and successful Spring 2021 Semester.  

Remember that the Spring 2021 Semester for traditional undergraduate students begins remotely on Monday, January 11. It is crucial that you read your emails for important communications from your instructors as classes begin. We will transition to in-person instruction on January 25.

Please review this document from the Student Resource Portal for important information on 

• Testing and Quarantine Requirements for new and returning residential students
• Processing and Move-in Schedule
• Spring 2021 Calendar details – including your pop-up rest-and-relaxation days!

Staff and faculty are back from break and available for any assistance you may need on advising, career services, academic support, financial aid and student accounts. Please don’t hesitate to reach out via phone or email. 

May the remainder of your break bring you peace and perspective as we prepare to begin 2021 together. 

Hope, Health, and Happiness for the New Year,

Dr. Rachel Eells 

---

12-21-20

Today is the winter solstice, or Midwinter, which is the moment in the northern hemisphere when the night is longest, and day is shortest. Today, the day will last only a little more than 9 hours and 15 minutes. We have been living in increasing darkness, and now, we see the gradual return of the light, as our days will lengthen.

In cultures all around the world, people have found ways to gather light and lift spirits with festivals, holidays, special songs, decorations, and traditions. Light for the long night.

Tonight, we get to experience a rare occurrence- a “great conjunction,” in which Jupiter and Saturn will appear so close together just after sunset that they may look like one big Christmas Star. Light for the long night.

One of my favorite Christmas carols is “In the Bleak Midwinter,” by Christina Rosetti. Her words tell of God, whom Heaven cannot hold, coming to earth. Angels filled the air, as Christ rested with his mother. The light of the world came into our darkness. Light for the long night.

I hope that your nights are restful and your days restorative, and that your celebrations this holiday season are full of both comfort and joy. May the light of God’s grace shine into every part of your lives and reflect out to the world around you. 

Here are links for you to enjoy:
From the New York Times, an article about ways that various cultures celebrate around this time of year.
From Scientific American, a piece about the Great Conjunction, and how best to view it tonight.
From YouTube, an instrumental version of In the Bleak Midwinter, performed by young cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason, with his sister Isata Kanneh-Mason on piano. This brings me to tears.

Merry Christmas, Concordia.

Dr. Rachel Eells

---

12-15-20

Good morning, Concordia students and our most recent Alumni!

This weekend, we celebrated commencement with a Parade of Graduates, and I was so glad to share small, safe, meaningful moments with our graduates and their families. You can see pictures from Saturday on Concordia’s social media pages, and also view other commencement content, including student addresses from Abraham Lamboy and Jennifer Grant, on our dedicated graduation page, along with the other commencement content.

One video from that page I would like to share with you is the President's Charge, in which President Nunes delivers a powerful message that is relevant to all of our community. Please take the time to watch this, knowing that we are so proud to get the honor to be a part of your vocation story.

Bronxville may see some snow this week! Bundle up and stay warm as you share light and warmth with the people around you.

Reminders

• For those students who are still coming to campus- please remember that you still must complete the Daily Self-Assessment, which can be found on the Student Information Portal on our main website. Especially now that numbers in NY are climbing, we must show care for one another by taking every precaution, and following the protocol outlined in the Concordia Cares Covenant.
• Please complete your Course Evaluations for your classes. These evaluations are used to continuously improve our functioning. Your feedback is important. Students should visit http://survey.concordia-ny.edu and login with your UserID and Password to complete evaluations.

God’s richest blessing on you and yours during the holidays.

Dr. Rachel Eells 

---

12-7-20

Good morning, Concordia!

My walk this morning was very cold! I was grateful for layers, my fleece face covering, and the cup of tea that I knew I would soon enjoy. Just as darkening days remind me of the importance of light, colder temperatures make me more appreciative of the warmth of home and family. 

For those students who are still coming to campus - please remember that you still must complete the Daily Self-Assessment via the app or the pdf which can be found on the Student Information Portal on our main website. Especially now that numbers in NY are climbing, we must show care for one another by taking every precaution, and following the protocol outlined in the Concordia Cares Covenant.

Finals Week is upon us. Remember that this is your opportunity to show off what you have learned this semester, so plan out when and where you will work; get plenty of rest and healthy food; and finish strong! Click here for some encouragement! 

Please complete your Course Evaluations for your classes. These evaluations are used to continuously improve our functioning. Your feedback is important. Students should visit http://survey.concordia-ny.edu and login with your UserID and Password to complete evaluations.

And finally, we are so excited to celebrate our graduates this weekend! Instead of a typical commencement ceremony, we will have a Parade of Graduates and virtual celebratory content on our website. We are particularly proud of these students who will be our newest alumni, and who are living their lives of passion, purpose, and service.

Stay warm, find light, and celebrate that God’s blessings shine into the coldest  darkness.

Dr. Rachel Eells 

---

11-30-20

Good morning, Concordia!

Tomorrow is the first day of December and the meteorological start of winter. The next three weeks will see fewer and fewer daylight hours until the winter solstice - this year on December 21, the shortest day of the year in the northern hemisphere and the astronomical start of the winter season.

Yesterday was the beginning of Advent for the Christian church, the time of preparation for Christmas, when the light of the world came to Earth as a baby. Hanukkah, the Jewish eight-day festival of light, runs this year from December 10-18. It is fitting that both of these celebrations occur near the winter solstice. Longer nights need brighter lights, so we decorate our houses and trees. We gather together for cozy times. We sing songs to lighten our lives. And we prepare for the coming of the light.

One way that we share light with the world is by considering the needs of others. While we can’t gather for a rally as we usually do on Giving Tuesday (tomorrow, December 1), the Concordia community will be gathering around the concept of giving – including giving to the Student Food Pantry that last year’s generosity created. Faculty and staff will be asked to consider a gift of $18.81 to ensure that this important student resource stays well-supplied. I hope any student in need uses the pantry freely. I also hope that any student who is able to will think about making a gift, or passing along the link above to someone else who can give.  

Reminders

• Any student who will be on campus still needs to complete the Daily Self-Assessment, via the fillable PDF or the app. 
• Keep up the good work through the end of the semester! Remain in contact with your professors and finish strong.
• Please complete your Course Evaluations for your classes. These evaluations are used to continuously improve our functioning. Your feedback is important. Students should visit http://survey.concordia-ny.edu and login with your UserID and Password to complete evaluations.

Blessings on your week!

Dr. Rachel Eells 

---

11-23-20

Happy Thanksgiving, Concordia!

This Thanksgiving, we may be gathering around smaller tables, visiting virtually with extended family, instead of in person. Our menus might change, and our activities for the day may be different than in years past. Yet, we still have the opportunity to stop and consider the things for which we are grateful.

I am so grateful for the ways that you have lived out the Concordia Cares Covenant this semester. Because of the combined care of our entire community, we have been able to contain our few cases of COVID-19 on campus, and safely learn and spend time together this semester.  Thank you!

Reminders

• Any student who will be on campus still needs to complete the Daily Self-Assessment, either via the KONGiQ app or the fillable PDF at the Student Information Portal on our main website.
• While the Digital Quad is inaccessible today, the website is still available.
• Please complete your Course Evaluations for your classes. These evaluations are used to continuously improve our functioning. Your feedback is important. Students should visit http://survey.concordia-ny.edu and login with your UserID and Password to complete evaluations.

God makes the clouds rain goodness,
The deserts bloom and spring,
The hills leap up in gladness,
The valleys laugh and sing.
God fills them with his fullness,
All things with large increase;
He crowns the year with blessing, 
With plenty and with peace.
              (Lutheran Worship, Sing to the Lord of Harvest, p 493)

Blessings on your week!

Dr. Rachel Eells 

---

11-16-20

Good Morning, Concordia!

Finishing the Semester Strong
Last week, on Thursday, I wrote to you about our switch to remote learning that started today for the traditional undergraduate population only. I want to highlight some important points for all our students:

• Resident students are welcome to remain in the dorms through the end of finals week.
• Anyone who remains on campus, or comes to campus, needs to continue completing the daily Covid-19 self-assessment, either using the app or the fillable form found on the digital quad.
• The library remains open, and the hours can be found here.
• Please keep connected to your professors, and committed to successfully completing all of your coursework.

Blackboard
On Saturday, emails went out from Gary Gollenberg to students, faculty, and staff about Blackboard challenges. Please read that email carefully, as it will help you access our system. If you have any questions, please contact the helpdesk or call 914-395-4802.

Preparing for the Spring Semester
As we did in the fall, all students who take classes based on our campus will need to attend Processing, so that we can ensure that everyone is cleared to be on campus and attending classes. At Processing, you will get your spring sticker for your ID card. Look for an email shortly describing the times and dates for Spring Processing, as well as information about what will be needed to return.

Events
Check out the calendar on the Digital Quad to see upcoming events this week. This week is busier than usual, with both in person and virtual events, including a Words with Friends tournament tonight, a Career Exploration session on Wednesday, and a chance on Thursday to talk with Concordia folks about your semester, the pandemic, and whatever else is on your mind.

Staying Safe
Last week on Wednesday, NY Governor Cuomo announced some new restrictions, including on gatherings in private residences: “indoor and outdoor gatherings at private residences will be limited to no more than 10 people.” This may change how many of us are able to celebrate Thanksgiving, or socialize in our homes. Wherever you are, please continue to live by the Concordia Cares Covenant. 

Blessings on your week!

Dr. Rachel Eells 

---

11-9-20

Good Morning, Concordia!

Special Message from President Nunes
I am always extremely proud of our Concordia Community every day, but perhaps even more so during these challenging times as we face this global pandemic. The way in which our faculty, staff, and students have been taking care of themselves and others has been simply remarkable. Living out our Concordia Cares Covenant to one another, we have been able to remain open with only a few cases this fall semester. As I reflect on the upcoming last two weeks of in-person classes, I remain grateful to each of you and encourage us all to remain vigilant and committed to one another.  God’s richest blessings!

Travel 
Our Thanksgiving break is extended this year, and our traditional undergraduates will have that entire week off (November 23-28). We hope that everyone who is traveling home does so safely. The final two weeks of the semester will be remote, so that residential students do not have to travel back to our campus.

Please keep connected to your professors, and committed to successfully completing all of your coursework. The Concordia Forward team is reviewing New York’s new travel policies and preparing communications about how our spring term will begin. 

Blackboard Notice
An email went out this morning to all students, faculty, and staff about a Blackboard outage tonight at 11:00 PM, lasting 4 hours. Plan accordingly- this is not the night for late night blackboard work. If you have any questions, please contact the helpdesk at helpdesk@concordia-ny.edu or 914-395-4802.

Events
This Saturday, November 14th at 7 PM, you will have the opportunity to hear the 9-time Grammy-winning Emerson String Quartet, who will broadcast a concert recording in our Sommer Center. Concordia students will receive the broadcast link FREE on the Digital Quad the day of the concert.

Check out the calendar on the Digital Quad to see upcoming events this week, including daily Morning Reflection, Monday Night Football, Trivia Tuesday, and continuing opportunities to see the wonderful exhibition of photos from Ireland in the OSilas Gallery.

Blessings on your week!

Dr. Rachel Eells 

---

11-2-20

Good Morning, Concordia!

It’s November, and Daylight Savings means that our mornings are brighter. The wind has made it so that the beautifully colored tree outside my office window is a little barer. November is a time of change. The election taking place tomorrow will shape what is next for our nation, and we pray that changing behavior and developing science will shape the path of the pandemic, as well. As we celebrated All Saints Day yesterday, now is a good time to look to the past for directions in the future. We remember those who have gone before us, paving the way for democracy and free elections, as well as living through pandemics and vaccine trials. We are blessed by their experience and can honor their memory by living with passion, purpose and service.

Here are some changes that you need to know about this week:

Spring Calendar
We’re looking forward to a full and productive Spring Semester. Please take a look at the revised academic calendar posted on the website. Here are some highlights about how the traditional undergraduate academic calendar has changed:

• The first two weeks of traditional undergraduate classes will be fully online as we ease back from the break safely, in a way that accommodates individual circumstances, including any need for self-quarantining. You’ll soon receive complete details about self-quarantine requirements, processing and move-in in a separate communication. 
• Like most colleges, we have determined that a typical Spring Break is not advisable for 2021. Instead, traditional undergraduates be given several days off (with no classes) throughout the semester. I hope you’ll use these days to relax and recharge. The days off will be Tuesday, February 9; Wednesday, March 3; Wednesday, March 24; and Thursday, April 22.   
• MLK Jr Day (Monday, January 18), Easter Break (Thursday, April 1 – Monday, April 5) remain unchanged.
• As our Accelerated Degree Programs, Graduate Programs, and Post-Baccalaureate Nursing Program have unique schedules, the calendars for those programs remain unchanged.

Travel Advisory
On Saturday, NY Governor Cuomo announced a significant change to the state’s travel advisory policy: effective November 4th, 2020, travelers to New York will not be required to quarantine for 14 days provided they meet certain COVID-19 testing conditions. The Concordia Forward team will review this policy and communicate later about how this affects our campus, as there are testing and quarantine protocols that still need to be followed for out of state travelers.

Events
Check out the calendar on the Digital Quad to see upcoming events this week, including daily Morning Reflection, Monday Night Football, Trivia Tuesday, A Career Exploration Event, and continuing opportunities to see the wonderful exhibition of photos from Ireland in the OSilas Gallery.

Please note that Sommer Center is a polling place, so neighbors will be coming to vote there on Tuesday. Please follow all signage, and leave plenty of space for our visitors to safely socially distance while they are with us to vote.

Mark your calendars: The 9-time Grammy-winning Emerson String Quartet will broadcast a concert from Sommer Center Saturday, November 14th at 7 PM. Concordia students will receive the broadcast link FREE on the Digital Quad the day of the concert. Stay tuned for more information and reminders.

Blessings on your week!

Dr. Rachel Eells 

---

10-26-20

Good Morning, Concordia!

It’s a gray Monday, but right outside my window, I see what a friend of mine calls a Life Savers tree - all 5 colors of the hard candy are showing on one tree. Life Savers Trees show up best against a gray sky, and bring me joy on what might be called dreary days.

Travel Advisory 
You might have seen that the travel advisory for coming to New York has been expanded to 43 states, and our close neighbors, Connecticut, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, have met the criteria for travel restrictions. New York has asked that all non-essential travel to NY from those states should be avoided, but determined the following:

• No one from CT, NJ or PA has to complete the travel form.
• Teachers, school staff, and students from CT, NJ, and PA can go to work at/attend school in NY.

Events
Today, at 10:30, join us for chapel to hear President Nunes interview Krish O’Mara Vignarajah, President and CEO of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service. Ms. Vignarajah arrived in America as a refugee before her first birthday, inspiring her to pursue a career in public service. She previously served in the Obama White House as Policy Director for First Lady Michelle Obama and at the State Department as Senior Advisor under Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Secretary of State John Kerry.

Please join us for a timely Sluberski Film Series presentation of Capturing the Flag on Wednesday, October 28th, 7:00PM. Get inspired to vote, to help someone else to vote, and to get involved in the growing non-partisan efforts to protect our fragile democracy. Register here to receive the password to access the film and Zoom information for the Q&A with special guest Frank Deale, a law professor at CUNY School of Law, who will help unpack these complicated issues.

If you happened to miss Dialogues on the Quad last Thursday, or Books and Coffee with President Nunes, last Saturday, you can find links to watch recordings on the resource portal.

October 31, in addition to being Halloween, is Reformation Day. This is a protestant church holiday, commemorating when Martin Luther nailed 95 theses (items for consideration) to door of the All Saints' Church in Wittenberg, Germany in 1517. This is regarded as the start of the Reformation, which changed the church and culture in innumerable ways. One of those changes was providing education to all, and putting scripture into the hands of the common people, not just church leaders. Concordia is proud to carry on that tradition, educating a diversity of students, and encouraging everyone to pursue lives of passion, purpose, and service.

Blessings on your week!

Dr. Rachel Eells 

---

10-19-20

Good Morning, Concordia!

Thank you for a wonderful Homecoming weekend! I loved seeing pictures of people on their 5K, and enjoyed the virtual conversations in the afternoon. I am especially excited for you to read Meant For More, the new book from President Nunes. 

Bronxville students: Last week you received an email from Dr. Nereida Quiles-Wasserman about a new app for completing your Mandatory Daily Health Self-Assessment. We need all of you to switch from filling in the Adobe form on the Digital Quad to using the app, KONGiQ. Your login information is in that email.

This week, on Thursday at 9:00 AM, we will have our first virtual Dialogues on the Quad of the academic year. The topic will be Access to Healthcare, and the panelists (including our own Dr. Karen Bourgeois and Ezequiel Ayala-Santos, Rad Tech student) will address questions like: 

• Is healthcare a right or a privilege? 
• Is denying healthcare non-humanitarian? 
• How do faith traditions inform the conversation? 
• How are systemic racism and disparities in healthcare access and outcomes linked? 
• Can costs be reduced without sacrificing quality? 

You can read about the keynote speaker, Dr. Jill Kalman, here. You can join the Zoom meeting here, or by entering the following information when you open Zoom: 

Meeting ID: 825 7408 1400
Passcode: 215611

News from the Career Exploration Center:

• There will be a webinar about planning for your career on Wednesday afternoon at 3:00 PM. Here is the Zoom link and meeting info:

Meeting ID: 853 0845 7473.   Passcode: 288955

• Destination College is an organization which helps high school students prepare for college. Mount Vernon High School is 100% online and many students are struggling with this type of instruction. They are seeking volunteers to help student in Math and Reading. The areas most requested are Algebra, Geometry, Chemistry and AP US History. Volunteering is a wonderful way to serve the community and to boost your resume. If you are interested in serving the community in this way, please contact the Career Exploration Center at darcy.kaye@concordia-ny.edu

This week, I will close this message with a few lines from Meant For More. President Nunes closes the introduction with a prayer (on page 8), of which these words are a part:

Bless us as we work in, with, and under the world just as it is,

Confident that you are always at work in the middle of all that is ordinary;

Confident that through our struggling, you are teaching us all things; 

Confident that we all are meant for more

Blessings on your week!

Dr. Rachel Eells 

---

10-12-20

Good morning!

Gray, wet skies in Bronxville are serving as a backdrop for the beautiful colors of the changing leaves. Whether commemorating Indigenous Peoples Day or Columbus Day, today we remember the history of our land, taking time to consider how this land has been shaped by people, often with conflicting goals and imbalanced power. As all of you are pursuing lives of passion, purpose, and service, consider how you might be stewards of the places where you live, honoring history, and caring for the land that sustains you.

We have quite a few exciting events coming up in the next weeks. Homecoming festivities this weekend include a virtual 5K, Books and Coffee with President Nunes, a panel about our 3 decades of Accelerated Degree Programs for adults, and a 4:00 social event for our Bronxville students (details tbd). Stay tuned through the week for more ways to celebrate Homecoming in new ways!

Next week, on Thursday, October 22, at 9:00 AM, we will be holding the first of four virtual panel discussions for our Dialogues on the Quad series. The topic is Access to Healthcare, and the panel will be moderated by Concordia President John Nunes. The Keynote will be delivered by Dr. Jill Kalman, Cardiologist and Executive Director of Lenox Hill Hospital. Panelists include Ms. Tania Hammock, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and Amanda Gallipeau, Health Law Manager for Empire Justice. Rounding out the panel are our very own Dr. Karen Bourgeois, Dean of Health Sciences and Nursing at Concordia, and Ezequiel Ayala-Santos, Rad Tech major.

Spring Registration for traditional undergraduate students has begun. The schedule is posted in banner and students should set an appointment with their advisor if they have not already done so. First year a students should contact Rachel Damiani to plan for their spring schedules. All other traditional undergrad students should contact their program advisor. Graduate and ADP schedules are being finalized, and an announcement about those registration processes will be coming soon.

Students, our Information Technology team is here to help you. When you need assistance, you can either call the IT helpdesk at ext. 4802, or send an email to helpdesk@concordia-ny.edu. When you contact the Helpdesk, please be sure to include identifying information, so that the IT team can assist you quickly:

• Full name
• ID number if possible
• Call back number (required for Banner Pins)
• Description of the Problem

God sends both the rain and the sunshine, and promises to walk with us. Find blessings this week.

Concordia Cares Covenant  |  Mandated Student Daily Self-Assessment  |  Campus Visitor Policy 
Incident Report Form

---

10-5-20

Today is October 5, 2020. It is a lovely cool day in Bronxville, and our neighbors are decorating their yards with pumpkins, Halloween decorations and political signs. We had a flu shot clinic last week on campus, and gardens are being harvested. The chapel bells are ringing as I prepare to send this.

This is a time of preparation for what’s next. We prepare for election season by learning about our candidates. We prepare for winter by preparing our homes. We prepare for Halloween by buying too much candy. We prepare for flu season with vaccinations. We prepare for midterm by studying. We prepare for lives of service by learning, praying, and working.

And as COVID-19 case numbers continue to rise nationally, we continue to be vigilant, taking this pandemic seriously, and taking care of ourselves and each other. I have been so pleased with the ways that you are living out the Concordia Cares Covenant. Please continue to do so - this is not the time to relax our practices.

I wanted to point out a few of the links available on our Student Information Portal.

• If you scroll down past the Communications section, you will see a Resources section. There, you can find our daily self-assessments, our dashboard (showing current case count) and NY State COVID-19 report card (showing information for all schools in NY).
• Next you will see a link to the new COVID Alert NY App, which became available on October 1. This app uses Bluetooth technology to provide exposure alerts, as part of the state’s contact tracing program.

Please review these links, as well as the many others available on the page. 

I would also encourage you to scroll down the page the next time you visit the Digital Quad. There, you will see a calendar of upcoming events. This week, please note the Career Exploration virtual event on Wednesday at 3:00, in which you will learn how to use Handshake. Here is the Zoom info to join that meeting:
Meeting ID: 853 0845 7473
Passcode: 288955

I hope that your day is pleasant, your physical, mental, and emotional health are good, and you feel the face of the Lord turned toward you with love.

Concordia Cares Covenant  |  Mandated Student Daily Self-Assessment  |  Campus Visitor Policy 
Incident Report Form

Dr. Rachel Eells 

---

9-28-20

Good morning!

I have noticed that during these last 7 months of the pandemic, time doesn’t feel the same- days and weeks slip into one another, and I find myself wondering, and unable to always recall, how I have spent my time.

To be sure, the return to campus, and the schedule and routine that accompanies the academic year have helped bring some regular rhythm back to my days. I still find, however, that marking time is more important to me than ever. This is why I am paying attention to the changing season, and frequently consulting my calendars to see what today and tomorrow hold, and remember what came before.

Today, we can take some time to mark time in a special way. It is the fourth Monday of the month, which means that our morning reflection will feature President Nunes, interviewing someone pursuing a life of passion, purpose, and service.

Please join us via Zoom at 10:30 to hear the conversation with notable Catholic leader, Kenneth Hackett, who was the United States Ambassador to the Holy See from August 2013 until January 2017, and president of Catholic Relief Services.

Concordia Cares Covenant

Mandated Student Daily Self-Assessment

Campus Visitor Policy

Incident Report Form

God’s richest blessings for you today and always,

Dr. Rachel Eells 

---

9-21-20

Autumn has caught us in our summer wear.
–Philip Larkin, British poet (1922–86)

This weekend got chilly! I hope you were able to enjoy the cooler temperatures and new crispness in the air.

Tomorrow, Tuesday, September 22, at 9:31 A.M. EDT is the Autumnal Equinox, when day and night are roughly the same length. The exact timing of the equinox is when the sun crosses the celestial equator from north to south. The Mayans built a giant pyramid to mark the autumnal and vernal equinoxes at Chichen Itza, in Mexico. On the equinoxes, it looks as if a snake made of light slithers down the steps of the pyramid.

After the autumnal equinox, the sun rises later and nightfall comes sooner. We will also see leaves change and fall, as the lessening light triggers trees to break down the chlorophyll that makes leaves green, revealing the yellows and reds of the season. The trees are preparing for winter by shedding leaves, and conserving nutrients for the trunk and branches. 

Let autumn remind you that the rhythm of the seasons keeps us moving forward, even amid a pandemic that has seemed to contort, slow, or stop time. 

Let autumn remind you that we are in a particular season of life that will pass to something new. 

Let autumn remind you that there is audacious beauty in change. 

Let autumn remind you that even as we see change and decay all around us, God does not change. God abides through every season of life, and grace is ours whether the day is long or short, hot or cold, ill or healthy.

Your efforts to protect the health of our community are working - our current positive case count is still zero! Just like the trees are preparing for winter, we need to keep practicing our healthy habits, physical distancing, and mask-wearing, so that we are prepared for flu season, and staying healthy.

Concordia Cares Covenant        Mandated Student Daily Self-Assessment       Campus Visitor Policy     Incident Report Form

Dr. Rachel Eells 

---

9-14-20

Good morning!

Our semester is underway, and campus life is buzzing. I want to direct you to our website, for some latest news. 

You will be able to read about two upcoming events this week:

On Tuesday, September 15, at 7:00 PM, you can virtually attend a screening of Quarantine Diaries, the first film in the 2020-2021 season of the Sluberski Film Series. This original film created by Concordia’s new media students is a compelling look at the spring 2020 quarantine, told through the lived experience of Concordia’s notably diverse, globally representative students. Register here

On Wednesday, Sept. 16, at 7:00 PM, Barbara Demick will discuss her new book, "Eat the Buddha: Life and Death in a Tibetan Town.” The first Books & Coffee event of the season is another in a long series of collaborations with Friends of the Bronxville Public Library, and will be held virtually, via Zoom. 
register here

As days pass, I’m seeing more compliance with mask wearing and social distancing - thank you for the ways that you have modified your own behavior during this unusual time. As I learn to work in new ways, I am so grateful for the grace that God gives us - it helps me move forward from mistakes, it teaches me how to be patient and kind, and it offers peace that the world cannot give. I hope that you are able to feel grace today, and reflect it to those around you.

Concordia Cares Covenant
Mandated Student Daily Self-Assessment

Blessings,

Dr. Rachel Eells 

---

9-7-20

Happy September, Students.

I have loved seeing our campus so full of life, grace, and care. Thank you for being a part of our community! We would like to offer our heartfelt thanks to those who are following and supporting the Concordia Cares Covenant.

As we move through this semester, please remember to care for yourself and your community, by wearing masks, completing your Mandated Student Daily Self-Assessment, creating space, monitoring your health, and following our campus protocols.  

Here are some reminders that I’d like to highlight:

• In order for our library to remain a safe place to work and learn, students must wear masks at all times, and not move furniture to study in groups. 
• In order for our campus to remain a safe place to live, there can be no guests in residence halls.
• At meal times, whether indoors or outside, please put your mask back on when you are not eating.

Bronxville schools begin this week, and we are communicating our Campus Visitor Policy with our neighbors, so we should be seeing fewer school age children during the day. We are prohibiting unauthorized visitors from being on campus- please notify security if you observe unauthorized visitors.   

Last week, you received an email from Vice President Wahlers, explaining how you can use the platform Concordia provides for submitting Incident Reports and Complaints to submit reports regarding compliance with the College’s COVID-19 protocols. There is a link to the form at the top of the Digital Quad (Incident Report Form), and at the bottom of every page on the Concordia website (File an Incident Report/Complaint). On the form, select “COVID-19 protocols” at the “Nature of this report” tab.

Looking Ahead
Concordia’s cultural events have gone digital this fall – making it easier for everyone to join. Keep an eye out for details on our New Media students’ original film Quarantine Diaries, edited by Tobias Lentz, which will have its digital premiere on September 15 as the first Sluberski Film Series event of the season. The film will be followed by a Zoom Q&A with the student filmmakers. Our Books & Coffee series will open its season on September 16 with author Barbara Demick. 

Dr. Rachel Eells 

---

8-31-20

Good Morning!

I hope your weekend was restful, and that you got the chance for some stillness. 

Last week, as we started our new routines, and got used to being together once again, we worked to make adjustments to the ways that we interact. We gave more detailed directions about mask wearing. I sent reminders about the Mandated Student Daily Self-Assessment. We made sure that information about how we are operating during the pandemic is readily available. 

We also finalized our Campus Visitor Policy, and soon you’ll see some new signs posted to enforce this policy. While our valued friends and neighbors in the community have long had open access to our beautiful outdoor spaces for dog walking, bike riding, etc., we are restricting that access for the time being for the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff. Please be assured that preauthorized guests allowed on campus per the policy will be subject to Concordia’s health and safety protocols. 

Concordia: you are Meant For More! Let this week be a time when you consider the more for which you are meant, and how your time at Concordia will help you achieve your goals. The beginning of a semester is the time to consider your routines, habits, and organization, finding and refining what works, so that you can be successful. We are so glad to walk alongside you, supporting you on this journey, lending expertise, pointing you toward helpful resources, and praying for you.

Dr. Rachel Eells 

---

8-24-20

It’s the first day of the Academic Year!

Here are your morning reminders:

• Complete the Mandated Student Daily Self-Assessment every day that you are going to be on campus, STARTING NOW! You may want to set a calendar reminder on your phone that includes the link.
• Bring your ID with Fall 2020 sticker to class. Your professors can ask to see this, so they know that you have been through processing, and are ready to be there.
• Mask up, maintain distance, wash your hands. We do this for one another, and ourselves.
• Demonstrate Concordia Cares by supporting and holding each other accountable, and by committing to the Concordia Covenant.

At 10:30 every weekday, we hold Morning Reflection. Today’s Morning Refection will mark the official opening of the academic year, with a message from President Nunes. You can attend in person (until seating is full) or via the Zoom link sent from Student Experience:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87875448240?pwd=d2M3UjlrbzFYdmk5dTFxSHkvZUR4dz09
Meeting ID: 878 7544 8240
Passcode: Clippers
+1 929 436 2866 US (New York)

Concordia Students, you are Meant For More! 
The theme for this academic year takes its name from the title of President Nunes’ new book Meant for More: In, With, and Under the Ordinary, coming in October. We will be reading, discussing, and considering what it means that we are meant for more in a world where less is often considered good enough.

Dr. Rachel Eells 

---

8-17-20

Good morning!

Concordia Cares 
I am looking forward to your return to campus next week! This will be a unique time, to be sure, but even as our procedures have shifted, our priorities and our purpose have not. We have been working all summer to prepare our campus for the fall semester, so that we can provide a safe and productive environment in which to learn. In order to do this, we will all need to work together, caring for one another by wearing masks, keeping appropriate distance, and paying attention to our health.

One way that we will care is through regular health screening. Employees are completing a daily screening questionnaire, and a similar instrument for students is being finalized now (more information to come).

Processing and Move in Reminders
All returning students should bring their ID card with them to processing.

Commuter Student Processing:  Schoenfeld Hall
Wednesday, 8/19/2020:            9-11 am (Students whose last names begin with A-C)

                                                 1-3pm (Students whose last names begin with D-H)

Thursday, 8/20/2020:                9-11 am (Students whose last names begin with I-M)

                                                 1-3pm (Students whose last names begin with N-R)

Friday, 8/21/2020:                      9-11 am (Students whose last names begin with S-T)

                                                  1-3pm (Students whose last names begin with V-Z)

Resident Student Processing and Move in:  Schoenfeld Hall
Saturday, 8/22/2020:                      9-11 am (All new residents)

Sunday, 8/23/2020:                        9-11am  (Students whose last names begin with A-J)

                                                       1-3pm   (Students whose last names begin with K-Z)

On Saturday, we will hold Clipper Induction, welcoming our new students, and in the evening there will be residence hall activities. Sunday will be busy, too, so be sure to stop by the quad for free ice cream!

For your last-minute questions, please refer to the student information portal. 

This week, I am praying for safe travel and smooth transitions for all of you, so that we can continue our mission together. See you soon!

Dr. Rachel Eells 

---

8-10-20

Good morning!

Concordia Cares Covenant
Today, I want to share a video with you that we have made, explaining the Concordia Cares Covenant. In scripture, we read about God’s covenants with his people, and covenants between neighbors. The Concordia Cares Covenant is how we are holding ourselves- students, faculty, and staff- accountable to one another. This is how we will remind ourselves daily of our commitment to ourselves and our community. 

Watch the video here: https://vimeo.com/446267203/f6e139bfc8

Communication
On Friday of last week, you received an email from Kathy Laoutaris with reminders about starting the fall semester. Students who are not New York residents should review the information about New York’s travel advisory, and be in touch with Kathy Laoutaris (Kathy.Laoutaris@concordia-ny.edu) about your plans for a safe arrival.

As always, that email, along with previous communications about the fall (including the Monday Memos), can also be found at the student information portal here: www.concordia-ny.edu/StudentInfo. 

Comfort
I shared this prayer with you last week, and I’m sharing it again, because I find it personally very comforting. God’s presence and guidance remain consistent, even when our circumstances shift. 

O Lord God, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown.

Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go, but only that your hand is leading us, and your love supporting us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Blessings,

Dr. Rachel Eells 

---

8-3-20

Good morning!

We are grateful in this time of uncertainty that Concordia is able to proceed with plans for the fall. Governor Cuomo has given the direction that colleges and universities are allowed to reopen provided that the rate of infection in their region remains low. We are ready to work together to keep that infection rate low here in Bronxville! It will take all of us committing to new ways of interacting, while we build a community that cares for every member and every neighbor.

Commuters
Commuter students have been asking about places to study on campus when not in class. In common spaces, like the library and Lower Schoenfeld, we have spread out seating and in some places, hung clear plastic dividers between computer stations. You can anticipate that there will be places to do your work, although we won’t see groups of students gathering to study in the same way.

Communication: Processing
On Friday of last week, you received an email from Kathy Laoutaris with critical information about processing, move in schedule, health requirements, student accounts, financial aid, and orientation. That information, along with previous communications about the fall, can also be found at the student information portal. 

Concordia Cares
As we get ready to begin the fall semester, it is natural to feel some anxiety about learning new ways of being together. We believe that we are not entering into this unusual time alone. To begin a meeting on Friday, President Nunes prayed this prayer, which is used as part of the morning and evening services in the Lutheran liturgy:

O Lord God, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown.
Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go, but only that your hand is leading us, and your love supporting us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Although our path is new, we go with good courage, preparing well, and trusting God to lead.

Dr. Rachel Eells 

---

7-27-20

Good morning!

As the beginning of the school year approaches, and colleges and universities around the country are announcing plans, or changing course, we would like to reassure you that New York state is further along in our reopening than many other states, and according to state guidance, we are able to proceed as planned.

Coursework: Safely Blended
For the Fall 2020 semester, Concordia College is offering a face-to-face experience with portions of courses supported remotely. It is the College’s position that as safety concerns allow, a thoughtfully designed combination of in-person instruction and engaging digital experiences is the best way to deliver on Concordia’s promise of a high-quality education in preparation for a life of passion, purpose and service.

Our courses are being built with the flexibility to support a student (or instructor) who must learn or teach remotely for a portion of the semester. It may be the case that one or more of your courses may be primarily online, but your semester will include safe face to face interaction with both in person and virtual support.

Campus Life: Creative Ways to be in Community
Our campus life team is planning new ways to be together. Students will be able to expect virtual game nights like Bingo, Pictionary and trivia nights. Student Experience will also offer indoor and outdoor movie nights while keeping social distance. We will continue to host DIY events for dorm room crafts and decor like our succulent planters, pumpkin painting and carving and canvas crafts. SGA, clubs and organizations will continue to meet and host events on campus.

Communication: Quarantine
On Thursday of last week, you received an email from Kathy Laoutaris, explaining how New York’s travel advisory will affect our residential students. That information, along with previous communications about the fall, can also be found at the student information portal here.

Some highlights:

• Students travelling to NY from states on the travel advisory list, as well as any countries that the government has specified, will need to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival. The email has suggestions for how to set this up. Students to whom this applies should contact Kathy Laoutaris to discuss their travel plans.
• As conditions around the country and world change, the list changes. Please refer here for updates. 
• THIS JUST IN: Westchester Department of Health has just clarified that students may complete their quarantine in a state NOT listed on the travel advisory before entering New York.

Coming up: Commuter Communication
We are currently drafting messaging addressing the commuter experience, so that our many commuters can get a sense of how the semester will run for them.

Concordia Cares
As an outpouring of our faith, we are committed to caring for one another and the community. This year that care will show up in the ways that we wear face coverings, keep distance, and attend to the needs of those around us. We look forward to having you join those efforts to commit to caring in this way. 

Blessings,

Dr. Rachel Eells 

---

7-20-20

Good morning, Concordia!

This summer, I have spent time trying to figure out which types of face coverings I like best. Whether taking a walk, going to the store, or saying hello to a friend, I have figured out what works for me (and doesn’t fog my glasses). Now, as I prepare for the semester, I am considering what I need to do in order to best help me interact with you, and with my coworkers.

We are called to do a new thing here at Concordia, during this pandemic. Our circumstances have changed, but our mission has not, and we have been planning ways to safely be together so that you can continue on your way to impacting our shared future through lives of passion, purpose and service. Wearing masks, keeping our distance, and considering how our actions may affect others will be some of the ways that we show that we care. And that is Concordia’s way. 

We are looking forward to the fall, and proud that our reopening plans are built on New York state guidelines for safety. Last week, you received an email from Kathy Laoutaris, explaining what you can expect for campus life. That information can also be found at the student information portal on this page.

Some highlights:

• Your courses will be delivered using a combination of face-to-face and remote instruction designed for maximum adaptability and to keep classrooms at 50% capacity.
• Masks and social distancing will the norm across campus. You will see lots of signage placed as reminders- take a look at the attachment for an example! You will receive a washable Concordia mask, and disposable masks will always be available to you in Security at no cost. 
• Common spaces across campus will be modified to promote social distancing, with occupancy adjusted. 

Updates:

• We are finalizing details about quarantine spaces on or near campus, and higher education institutions across New York are working with the governor’s office to understand how New York’s travel quarantine will affect our campuses. Stay tuned.
• Last week, visa guidelines that barred international students from remaining in the US for online classes were rescinded. Concordia College is in full support of this decision and we look forward to serving ALL our students on campus this fall with on-site, interactive courses and engaging digital learning experiences.

Looking forward to seeing your face-covering-fashion!

Blessings,

Dr. Rachel Eells 

---

7-13-20

Good Morning, Concordia!

Some of you may know that my family and I moved to New York in January, from the Chicago area. As you can know, the pandemic has affected everything, and this includes our acclimation to our new home and community. I really appreciate the way that New York has risen to the many challenges that this virus has presented. I feel blessed to be in a place that is taking this seriously, and carefully considering how to reopen safely. I am proud that Concordia is working closely with both the state and with local higher education organizations to coordinate our safe reactivation of campus this fall. 

Attached to this email is the signage you will see across campus when you return this fall. A successful upcoming year depends on each of us. I know that we are more than ready to meet this challenge. In fact, it’s been Concordia’s way since 1881: we care for one another as we care for ourselves. When we wear a mask, when we keep our distance, when we show we care, we are doing as we know we’re meant to do. We are all responsible for keeping each other safe. Thank you in advance for making Concordia who we are - a community that cares. 

Residential Students
Students intending to live on campus should have received an email from Student_Housing@Concordia-ny.edu about making room arrangements. If you did not receive it (be sure to check your Clutter or Spam folders), or you have questions, please reach out to John Dana (John.Dana@concordia-ny.edu). 

Blackboard
When you log into Blackboard please make sure that you click on the Concordia New York button.  This link below provides detailed instructions about logging in: http://kb.concordia-ny.edu/blackboard-cune-logging-in/

Living a life of passion, purpose and service.
Concordia College New York has recognized Chip May, Executive Director of Camp Arcadia in Arcadia, Michigan, with an honorary doctorate of humane letters. Chip is a true friend of Concordia, and you can read about his work and our many connections to Camp Arcadia in this news release. 

Take care of yourselves and others!

Dr. Rachel Eells 

---

7-6-20

Good Morning, Concordia!

This weekend, all across the United States, people reflected on Independence, and our country’s complicated relationship with freedom. The American Revolution was freeing for some of the people who built this country, while the tyranny of slavery continued much longer. As we are seeing, the work of freedom continues, as we define and redefine what it means to be free. We are still working to “rise to the occasion of our new nation” (borrowing from Hamilton).

Thanks be to God that we have some scriptural guidance on how to proceed. 

Galatians 5:13-14
You were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only don’t let this freedom be an opportunity to indulge your selfish impulses, but serve each other through love. All the Law has been fulfilled in a single statement: Love your neighbor as yourself.

In the Lutheran tradition, we not only consider Freedom From… but also Freedom For…

Grace gives us freedom from the power of sin and death. That freedom is for service to a broken and hurting world. Because we are set free, we can boldly love our neighbor, using whatever advantage or privilege we have to lift up another and care for one another.

CARES Act Update
I am so pleased to tell you that an announcement is being finalized about CARES Act funding. Look for an email from the Office of the President soon.

Stay Close, Go Far
We would like to congratulate double Concordia alumna and Adjunct Professor Camille Grizzle-Murriel '15, '16, as she has been appointed to lead the Transplant Services Program for the Department of Surgery at SUNY Downstate's University Hospital of Brooklyn. Prof. Grizzle-Murriel is showing us what passion, purpose, and service look like, and we are so proud of her accomplishments.

Students, please share your accomplishments with us! What are you working on? Tell us about your internships, your volunteer efforts, and the ways that you are using your freedom for the good of your neighbor.

Blessings,

Dr. Rachel Eells 

---

6-29-20

Good Morning, Concordia!

One of the ways that I tend to my physical and mental health is by spending time outdoors. Over the last months, I have found multiple green places within walking distance of Concordia’s campus, and find that time among trees and water helps still my soul. Psalm 46 speaks of peace and stillness from God in the midst of chaos, describing a “river whose streams make glad the city of God.” This river delivers blessings from God, every day.  Even if you can’t find a local stream to visit, remember that God is our ever-present help in time of trouble, and invites us to stillness in Him.

Stay Close, Go Far
We are so glad to be working with our students taking summer classes, and we are looking forward to seeing the rest of you soon! Our region in New York (Mid-Hudson) is on track for phase 4 reopening in the coming weeks, which includes higher education, and we are finalizing our plans for how Concordia will function in the fall. In order to stay connected and keep you informed, we are continuously updating information for you on our website. If you haven’t recently visited the student information portal, please go there now. There, you will find information about our reopening plans, as well as a repository of these Monday Morning Memos, and information about registration.

Please be sure to register for your fall classes if you haven’t already done so. Your advisors are fully available for phone calls and Zoom meetings – please email them. Concordia is arranging educational spaces (both on and off campus) to provide optimal learning while keeping everyone safe. Your professors are preparing courses that utilize both familiar and new tools, and will be able to flex between face to face and online, as the situation demands. We are here to make sure you achieve your educational goals.  

Take care of yourselves, wear masks, and go find some green spaces for some stillness!

Dr. Rachel Eells 

---

6-22-20

Good Morning, Students!

Your Concordia Team has been working diligently to prepare for the fall semester, and in last week’s memo, you read about our plans for reopening. Today, I’d like to tell you more about how classes are being built this summer.

We have assembled a strong Instructional Design Team of experts, made up of existing staff and faculty, plus three independent contractors. This team is meeting with faculty to continue the process of creating imaginative, innovative, and effective hybrid courses (with both face to face and online components) that can respond quickly to changing circumstances while maintaining the highest quality educational experiences for all students. This team will be meeting throughout the summer, collaborating with individual faculty, schools, and campus offices, so that we are all working together to coordinate schedules, spaces, and strategies for success. 

In addition to their work with faculty, they are also creating and collecting resources for students, including a short but thorough Blackboard orientation module, which will be helpful as you familiarize yourself with our new virtual classroom spaces and return to as a reference when needed.

We are so grateful for their steadfast dedication to our mission and our academic experience. Today I am proud to introduce our Instructional Design Team members:

Alison Bogart has 15 years of experience in the e-learning industry, both in customer service and technical support. She is the Blackboard administrator for Concordia College New York. She also created and maintains Concordia’s Knowledge Base, found here.

Meizhen Chen has an M.S. in Instructional Systems and Learning Technology. She has been working as an instructional designer at Concordia University–Portland for the past 7 years. She provided ID support for the College of Health & Human Services and other programs as needed. Her passion and expertise are in the design and development of learner-centered assessments.

Gary Dresser '79 holds an Ed.D. in Teacher Leadership and Student Learning and has served the Concordia College New York Learning Community for 6 years. He is the Coordinator of Educational Accreditation for Concordia’s EDU. For the past 3 years, he has worked to teach Blackboard and Taskstream skills to faculty and adjuncts for the purpose of facilitating data collection and assessment for EDU accreditation. 

Anne Grey has been an educator for the last 20 years and has an Ed.D. in Higher Education. Her passion for experimenting and exploring creative ways to engage adult learners in diverse communities has made her an effective instructional designer, and she has helped design courses in various disciplines. 

Susan Krauss teaches in the Education program at Concordia College New York and designs online courses. She has been teaching for over 30 years (almost 10 years at Concordia.) She has a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from the City University of New York and a master’s degree in Educational Media and Technology from New York University.

Sarah Shewbert holds a Ph.D. in music history from the University of Washington and is an alumna of Concordia University–Portland '01 where she also worked as an academic advisor, instructor, and director of its youth theater program for more than 15 years. For the past 5 years, Sarah was an instructional designer with Concordia Portland's online programs.

Roaldy Taveras '14 has been part of the Concordia community for almost 10 years. In his role as IT Client Services Manager, he provides technological support for on-campus and online classes across the college. Within the IT office, Roaldy helps faculty use Blackboard and Zoom as essentials tools for online learning.

Other notes
·         Our region of New York (Mid-Hudson) is in Phase 2 of reopening, and hopefully, will move to Phase 3 this week. In Phase 4, higher education can reopen, and we are working with newly-released state guidance to finalize our plans.

·         We are still in the application process for the CARES Act money, and the government has not released funds to our institution yet.

Stay Close, Go Far
I hope that you are remaining safe and healthy, as you find new ways to engage your community, interact with loved ones, and find time for rest. During the summer months, when the sun burns hot, and you seek relief, remember the words of Psalm 121; “The Lord watches over you- the Lord is your shade at your right hand.”

Blessings-

Dr. Rachel Eells 

---

6-15-20

Good morning, Concordia!

I hope that you are safe and well where you are. This week’s memo contains important information about how we are getting ready to see you again!

Our administration, faculty and staff are busy preparing to reopen our campus for Fall 2020.  Concordia plans to open in a blended format which will provide students with on-site, interactive courses and engaging digital learning experiences. While protocols and procedures designed to maximize safety will be different, the strengths of our Concordia experience remain the same. Our Reopen Concordia plan is designed to foster student engagement and intellectual growth through meaningful academic experiences, and to continue to fuel student achievement through the individual attention and support that Concordia is known for. We remain steadfastly committed to our Mission and our students. 

What can you expect this Fall at Concordia?

Academic Calendar
The Fall semester for our traditional undergraduate students will open August 24 in a blended format of traditional classes integrated with web-enhanced content and technology.  Classes will continue through November 23 without a break. After the Thanksgiving holiday, classes will be fully online for the remaining two weeks of the semester. Recognizing that some students require the optimal learning spaces campus provides, resident students will have the option to remain on/return to campus after the break. Commuting students will also have access to campus after the Thanksgiving break. Exams for the fall semester will be administered online. Nursing students will also begin their courses on August 24 and the program will include online lectures and lab simulations in the lab in small groups. Our accelerated degree programs will begin in early July. Further decisions on the spring semester calendar will be made at a later date. 

Academic Program Delivery
Concordia has engaged an Instructional Design Team to build courses that can shift as needed along a range of delivery methods, from fully in-person to fully online. Extensive resources and training ensure that Concordia’s faculty can maximize face-to-face time while fully supporting learning that happens virtually. This means that students can expect uninterrupted academic progression throughout a range of potential scenarios. 

Student Experience
The College is committed to a vibrant campus life. Administrators, the Student Experience Team and the Student Government Association have been working together on plans to safely engage students with activities, athletics, clubs, and residence life. Physical distancing protocols will alter the format of some programming as the College follows local, state and national guidance. 

Athletics
Concordia is working with the NCAA Division II governance and is in support of The Division 2 Conference Commissioners Association (D2CCA) recommendation to pursue no changes to the 2020 Playing and Practice Seasons and D-II Championships schedule for fall sports, allowing seasons to be planned (including start dates) as legislated if public health conditions allow. Our primary importance is to develop guidelines and protocols to ensure safe competition.

Events
While large public gatherings will not take place this fall, other formats for many of Concordia’s community events are being planned. Details will follow as available.  

Health and Safety Measures
Concordia is committed to protecting the health and safety of students, faculty, staff and visitors. To that end, the College is working with local public health officials, state associations and health care providers to develop testing, monitoring, and contact tracing protocols, while reconfiguring classrooms, residence halls, public areas and dining spaces to enable social distancing. Some highlights include:

• A deep cleaning over the summer will be followed by an accelerated regular cleaning and disinfecting schedule. Cleaning processes and products have been enhanced.
• Hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes will be available throughout campus. 
• Additional cleaning protocols have been developed to support the student move-in/move-out process while keeping Concordia community members and their families safe.
• Signage will guide and encourage compliance with health and safety protocols. 
• The Commons and Brickyard will have changes to best ensure the health and safety of our community.
• All hand dryers will be shut off in restrooms and paper towel dispensers will be available.
• Masks will be required in public spaces; masks will be provided to students, faculty, staff and visitors at no cost. As is current policy, visitors will be required to check in at the Security Office. Staff and faculty will wear identification at all times. 
• Concordia’s offices will be limited to 50% capacity as many staff continue to work from home. Staff will follow a variety of health screening and safety protocols. 

Further details and information will be released over the summer as guidance from New York State is disseminated. Please continue to check your e-mail for important updates.

Blessings,

Dr. Rachel Eells 

---

6-8-20

Good morning, Concordia!

Stay Close, Go Far
We are living in times marked by unrest and anxiety. The virus that causes COVID-19 is new, and we are learning how to deal with it. Racism is a much older plague. I am encouraged to see people around the entire world calling for change, working for change, and asking everyone to take a hard look at the ways that we function. Concordia is in the business of education, but as Dr. Mark Wahlers has said, we are in the change and hope business as well. As Concordia students, you are helping to educate yourselves and others about the hope and change that our communities need. You are the hope, and you can be the change. Thank God for the ways that you are being salt and light for the world, and thank God for the grace that is ours, so that we can move forward to address the sin that has shaped our nation.

Fall Planning
This week, we are expecting to receive guidelines from the state of New York about how we can operate for the fall semester. While waiting for that official information, we have been planning and preparing for your return! Faculty and Staff are working together in groups to organize for reopening, focusing on these areas: health & safety, academics, student experience, human resources, and facilities.  Faculty and Staff are meeting this week to discuss our next steps and prepare for welcoming you back this fall.

We plan to be as face to face as we can safely be. Your faculty are working to build courses that include face to face and online components, blending the best of both modalities, so that your classes will be well-organized, efficient, effective, and flexible. Your Student Experience team is considering ways to build and support our community while encouraging safe and healthy practices for interaction. In the coming weeks, as we are able to firm up plans, you will hear more specific details about the fall semester. Please stay connected so that we can get you the information you need.

Please take care of yourselves and one another. 

Blessings,

Dr. Rachel Eells 

---

6-1-20

 

Dear Concordia Students,

Stay Close, Go Far
This has been an eye-opening and heart-breaking week of news. As we grapple with injustice and unrest, it brings me comfort and hope to know that as students pursuing your educational goals, you are becoming part of the solutions that our country and world so desperately need. Education, understanding, ethics, and service are critical as we speak truth to power, stand together, and create a better world in which all people can flourish and live the lives they are meant to live. Micah 6:8 reminds us that God has shown us what is good and what is required: Do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God. For George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Christian Cooper, and so many more, we do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly, knowing that God’s grace makes it possible for us to confront sin and work together for change.

Fall Planning
Our faculty and staff have been working to ensure a robust and stimulating educational experience for the 2020-21 academic year. I’d like to share a message from President Nunes about what’s gone into the process of preparing for the flexibility we’ll need to ensure your uninterrupted education. As we get ready to welcome you back to campus for fall, expect important updates and details over the coming month.  

CARES Act
As you may know, funding is being made available by the US Department of Education under the CARES Act for colleges to make direct distributions to students. We are making our way through the many (and slow) bureaucratic measures necessary to secure that funding, and once we receive it, we will be able to distribute it to you. Thank you for your continued patience. 

Residential Students
Retrieval of items from the residence halls and the MAC begins today, and most of you have made appointments to safely retrieve your belongings or arranged for storage. We look forward to seeing you this week – even if briefly and in masks! If you have not responded to the email you received and/or made arrangements about your belongings with Kathy Laoutaris, please do so right away.  

Please take care of yourselves and one another. 

Blessings,

Dr. Rachel Eells 

---

5-18-20

Good Morning Students and Graduates!

Yesterday, we celebrated the conclusion of our 139th academic year prouder than ever of the determination and drive of our graduates, students, and Concordia community.

As noted by President Nunes in his charge to the class of 2020, "You have learned resilience that will make your generation one of the greatest classes to ever walk this planet. We need you and I charge you to be world changers, because you are meant for more."

This applies also to all our students who continue their studies with us, either as part of our campus-based programs, or throughout the NY Metro area. We are so proud of each and every one of you, and eager to see how you are changing your world and serving your communities. Thank you for letting us be a part of your educational journey- it is our honor and privilege! 

If you didn’t get a chance to see it already, you can enjoy our reimagined celebration experience here. You will find a collection of videos, showing inspiring messages, beautiful campus views, and the names of all who graduated. 

You can also celebrate our Class of 2020 with a custom Facebook frame found on our main Concordia College New York account. If you haven't liked our page, please do! It is a great way to keep connected to the Cord.

Stay Close, Go Far
Psalm 40:1,3a: I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry…He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God.

One of the reasons that our community can stay close, even though we are physically distant, is because of the unchanging, ever-present love of God. Our circumstances are changed, and now we get to sing a new song- interact in new formats, find new joy, new opportunities, and new ways of being a family.

In this midst of this transition, we can move forward in new ways precisely because the God that guides us does not shut down, does not distance from us, does not forsake, forget, or fail us. There is no shortage of God’s blessings, no run on His mercies. God’s love does not need to be rationed, and does not need a stimulus package.

Psalm 136: Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever.

Blessings,

Dr. Rachel Eells 

---

5-11-20

Good Morning Campus,

I hope your finals week is running smoothly, and that you have budgeted the time that you need to accomplish your goals for the semester successfully. I am so proud of how the Clipper community has rallied together to sustain and complete our academic work during this pandemic. You have been resilient and flexible and learned new ways to be productive. 

This Sunday, we will commemorate the fruits of that labor in a new way. We can’t be together in the MAC, but we will be celebrating our graduating students together virtually. Visit Concordia’s homepage on May 17 at 2 pm for a special celebration of YOU!

In addition to bidding a fond farewell to our graduates, we are saying goodbye to three beloved and formidable faculty leaders. Dr. Kate Behr, Professor of English and Director of the Fellows program, will be relocating overseas. Dr. Mandana Nakhai, Dean of Concordia College New York’s School of Humanities, Dean of Fellows, and Distinguished Professor of English, is retiring. Also retiring is Dr. Sherry Fraser, Provost Emerita and Vice President of Mission. In the coming days, you will hear more about the legacies of these amazing women who have shaped our campus in powerful ways. Concordia has been so blessed by the care, commitment, and considerable expertise of these scholars, and we wish them well in their next chapters, grateful to know that they will always be a part of our family.

Stay Close, Go Far
The connections made in our Concordia community are strong, whether we are physically together, or spread across the world. Thank you for being a part of our community.

My prayers for you this week are for the peace that we can read about in Scripture: the peace of God, which passes all understanding. This peace is present, even when we cannot make sense of the world, or our situations. I’m so grateful for that peace, which I can count on amid any trial.

Blessings,

Dr. Rachel Eells 

---

5-4-20

Good Morning Campus,

What a beautiful weekend! I hope you were able to get out and enjoy the restorative beauty of the sunshine and warm weather.

This week we celebrate National Nurses Week. This annual event begins on May 6th and ends on May 12th, Florence Nightingale's birthday. Our hearts are so grateful to our Concordia nurses - current students, alumni and faculty - who are courageously serving during this time.  Please celebrate their work and commitment to our mission throughout the week with us on our social media accounts.

Today, I want to share two important updates that directly impact you. As always, we are here for you to answer any questions you may have.

Fall Update
We are proceeding with the goal of returning to residential instruction in the fall 2020. We value the importance of being together. However, we know that this will most likely look different in order to ensure the safety and well-being of our students, faculty, staff and community. This has always been and continues to remain our number one priority.

We have assembled a Planning Task Force to ensure we are developing and evaluating multiple scenarios for this fall. In this new normal, our planning must remain flexible and fluid. 

We miss you and can't wait to back on campus. We pray this will be a reality. We will update you as we know more.

CARES Act Information
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act passed by Congress and signed into law provides economic relief from the impact of COVID-19. A specific section of the CARES Act provides funding to higher education institutions to provide emergency financial aid grants to students whose lives have been impacted by this pandemic, many of whom are facing financial challenges. We are happy to share that Concordia applied and was awarded funding from the CARES Act, and is building the mechanism to distribute funds to eligible students. Students who meet basic eligibility criteria for federal financial aid and who have the greatest financial need can be considered for these funds. Applicants must be a full-time or part-time student as of Spring 2020, enrolled in at least one campus-based course, and eligible to apply for and receive federal student aid via 2019-20 FAFSA. Unfortunately, the U.S. Department of Education does not allow these funds to be used for international students, undocumented students, non-matriculated students or students enrolled 100% in online programs. 

Please stay tuned for more information in the days to come regarding this funding. If you are eligible to apply for these funds, you will be notified via your Concordia College email.

Stay Close, Go Far
This Sunday was Good Shepherd Sunday in our church year, in which we remember that the Lord is our shepherd. A shepherd leads the sheep to green pastures and quiet waters (Psalm 23), but also comes to the sheep in their pen (John 10). As we are feeling “penned in” these days, remember that our Lord still comes to us where we are to care for us and protect us. This consistent, unchanging love continues to connect us.

Blessings,

Dr. Rachel Eells 

---

4-27-20

Concordia Students:

As you have figured out, some days are harder than others. Some days are filled with joy, others bring melancholy. We might wake up ready to go, or we find it difficult to muster much energy at all. Some days, we notice and celebrate the new ways that communities are caring for each other. Other days, we grieve because we miss the ways that we used to interact.

And then, there are times that we mourn because of sudden and terrible loss. Last week, we lost a dear friend and professor, Dr. Francine Morris.

I hope you got the chance to read about her impressive career and enduring impact. 

One of your peers had this to stay about Dr. Morris: “Her dedication and her kindness is something that makes her so unique, and made me love her as a professor and a person. I want to truly thank her from the bottom of my heart for making me a stronger person and encouraging me even when I had my doubts about myself.”

On Thursday at 7:00 PM, we will be holding a virtual Celebration of Life for Dr. Morris. Watch your email for more information about participating.

Staying Close, Going Far
Our grief right now is complicated by the social distancing that is keeping us apart from one another. Typically, we are together to process our reactions to difficult events. I asked your psychology professors to share some information that might help us navigate the ways that we can work through our grief together, even though we are apart.

• You may have heard of the stages of grief (denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance). We have come to understand that these are more likely experiences of the grieving process. You might find yourself feeling all of these things in a given day, and that’s OK. 
• Grief is a process. It is intense at times, especially at the beginning. The numbness and shock wear off and eventually life returns to a new normal. Be kind to yourself and feel all the feelings – expect that this will take some time.
• Grief is something that we go through because we have loved.  Choose to focus on the love angle – how wonderful it was to have the person in your life. 

Finally, it is worth recognizing that none of us have ever been prepared for what we are experiencing right now. This pandemic is reshaping the ways that we live and work and have our being. The world is building new expertise, and the next leaders (that’s you) are learning the ways to move forward in a new time. 

Your experiences and emotions, combined with your creativity and compassion will form our new normal. 

Through repetition, Psalm 136 reminds us that God’s love is with us through all things. I find that reassuring right now. 

Thanks be to God that our grief is covered in His grace. His love endures forever.

Grace gives us the space to feel every complicated emotion and find the way forward. His love endures forever.

Share your thoughts, share your sadness, share your feelings of isolation and keep connected to one another. His love endures forever.

This time apart will come to an end. His love endures forever.

Dr. Rachel Eells 

---

4-20-20

Good Morning from Campus!

I wish you were here to see the cherry blossoms. On my morning walk, I took some pictures for you.

Staying Close
As we approach the end of the semester (three weeks until finals), hearing feedback from our students is critical. And we are here for you. Keep in touch with your professors and advisors, and let’s work together to finish strong!

Last week, President Nunes, Kathy Laoutaris, and I  met with on-campus traditional student leaders serving on our Student Government Association to check in, answer questions, and see how everyone was doing. To continue that positive and collaborative conversation, we are planning to host a student forum in the upcoming weeks. We look forward to having you join us.

We understand that there may still be questions regarding credit adjustments. The Business Office is awaiting specific guidance from the Department of Education before final credit adjustments can be made. As we shared on April 1, you can find more information from the Students Accounts Office here under the Credit Adjustments for Spring 2020 section.

Going Far
We are hearing from some of you that setting structure helps to be successful. In consultation with our wonderful Psychology Department, we wanted to share five tips for helping you schedule and plan during these times. Look for this feature again next week.

• Create a to-do list to keep yourself organized. Even if this isn't your typical style, it can be helpful during this time.
• If the list overwhelms you, complete the “low hanging fruit” items first. This will allow you to cross things off and feel relief for accomplishing something. Add “make your bed” to the list, doing so will at least let you accomplish ONE thing every day!
• Move your body every day - even if you don’t feel like it. Exercise and good mental health are positively correlated. 
• Take half an hour to dream about your future - entertain all the possibilities of all that you will achieve.
•  Embrace the idea that the time you are spending with your family or pandemic partners is a unique period in history - likely never to happen again. Find joy in everyday moments.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (Philippians 4:8)

Have a terrific week!

Dr. Rachel Eells 

---

4-13-20

Students,

Good morning, and happy Monday! 

It is a rainy day in Bronxville, so I’ll have to find some other way to get my daily exercise, rather than walking the neighborhood.

Did you get to see the Easter video greetings from President and Mrs. Nunes? You can watch it here.

Academic Updates
Grades this term
After careful consideration and consultation with our Academic Deans, Program Chairs and our President's Council, Concordia has decided to continue with our regular grading system for the Spring 2020 semester. There are several factors that brought us to this important decision.

• We have a distinct advantage here at Concordia. Our small size that allows our faculty to be in constant conversation with our students. We hold ourselves accountable to work with each and every student to assess their academic progress in real-time as we navigate these new modes of learning together.
• We know so many of you have worked tirelessly for your grade achievements. We believe you deserve to receive those grades. 
• We are mindful that pass/fail grading can affect athletic eligibility, grade point averages, and graduate school admissions. 
• Several of our programs have prerequisites that require a certain grade or above.

As an additional measure to assist during this difficult time, in late March we introduced an updated incomplete policy that can be found on the student information portal. This policy allows professors to provide more flexibility, as needed. If you are struggling to complete your coursework in this new environment, please reach out to your professor(s) now, so that together, you can make a plan for success.

Keeping the Cord Connected
We would love to hear how you are doing! 

• Check out the emails from Student Experience to find ways to stay connected.
• It is registration season, so schedule conversations with your advisor, so you can make some decisions for next year.
• Reach out to your professors and deans- communication is how we stay close.

Stay safe, stay healthy, carry Easter joy with you, and keep in touch.

Dr. Rachel Eells 

---

4-9-20

Students,

Our Concordia College New York community is extraordinary. We are extraordinary because of you, our students.

Since I set foot on this campus, I have felt the indelible Concordia spirit in every facet of my job, and I am so glad to be here.

We know this is a tough time. We are navigating new ways of learning, embracing a new normal, balancing work and family commitments and more.  We remain inspired by you, our students, as you excel during these times. You are strivers. You are meant for more. Your commitment to our mission shines bright.

We see you. We know you. We are here for you. We are here to make your dream of completing a college education a reality. 

Starting next Monday, I will be sending a Monday Morning Motivational Memo designed specifically for you, our students. It will include relevant updates, FAQs, helpful hints, and hopefully, words that will lift your spirits and motivate you.

For now, I want to encourage you to keep in contact with us. Tell your professors and your advisor what’s working and what’s not working. Talk to your peers about helpful strategies. Let us know when there are troubles and when there are successes. 

Passover and Easter remind us that we have a Redeemer who loves us through anything. I’m praying that you have a blessed weekend, full of hope and peace. Stay healthy and safe, and celebrate that God cares for us always.

Dr. Rachel Eells