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Employee Resource Portal
coronavirus planning and response
Communications
Good Afternoon Concordia Community,
Is It Covid19?
It is so easy to think your runny nose and occasionally cough are the start of the Covid19 infection you have carefully avoided. It is hard to remember that there are other illnesses besides Covid19 that make us sick.
At this time of year, where allergies abound, colds are ramping up and the flu is looming, how do we tell the difference between the symptoms and when do we get tested? So many symptoms overlap in all these conditions. Here are some facts that will (hopefully) make you feel better:
Seasonal Allergies: very rarely will you have a fever with allergies. OTC sinus medications and other allergy medications will relieve your symptoms. It is rare to experiences shortness of breath. You will also not experience body aches and pain or gastrointestinal problems. Unlike the flu or Covid, sneezing is a common symptom of allergies.
Common cold: besides making you feel awful and seeming to last forever, a common cold will rarely if ever cause a fever, shortness of breath, (that stuffy nose does not count as “shortness of breath”) or gastrointestinal problems. OTC meds will give you relief. A cold usually eases its way into your life, unlike the flu that usually comes on quickly. Sneezing is a common symptom that you will not experience with the flu or Covid.
Flu: Flu symptoms usually occur 1-4 days after exposure unlike Covid which can span 2-to 14 days after exposure. Many of the symptoms overlap, but it is rare to have a loss of taste or smell or sneezing with the flu. Getting the flu vaccine is safe way to reduce the odds you will get the flu. There are many symptoms of the flu that overlap with the Covid19 virus, so getting tested is important if you develop signs and symptoms. While the flu doesn’t usually cause shortness of breath, the flu is an upper respiratory illness so having the flu increases your chances of developing pneumonia. Getting tested if you develop flu-like symptoms is crucial.
Covid19: Very often starts with a fever over 100.4. Very often, the virus causes a loss of taste or smell. Very often people describe a feeling of having “ an elephant sitting on their chest”. Very often one will experience a sever headache. Or, you will experience none of these symptoms and still be positive! – such is the insidiousness of this virus.
One thing that all these illnesses share is that regardless, if you have signs and symptoms, please stay home and consult your primary health provider if you have any concern, and DO NOT WAIT if you experience shortness of breath.
Sources: Center for Disease Control, The Journal News, Intermountain Healthcare
Susan G. Crane, RN, BSN
Director, Student Health Services
Dear Concordia Community,
As we navigate together through this most unusual semester, our commitment to the Concordia Cares Covenant guides us to recognize that we are all responsible for keeping one another safe.
For each of us, that responsibility includes staying aware of the many measures the College and its service providers have taken to provide a safe and healthy environment and manage expected cases, as outlined in the COVID-19 Reopening and Preparedness Plan.
In the spirit of that shared responsibility, please be aware that 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.
Reports may be made anonymously, and will be routed to the appropriate department.
Thank you all for doing your part in showing that Concordia Cares.
Dr. Mark Wahlers
Chief Administrative Officer
Dear Concordia Community,
Concordia College New York remains firmly committed to timely and transparent communication around the health and safety of our entire community.
This weekend, Concordia has launched our COVID-19 dashboard which will provide regular updates about the presence of COVID-19 positive tests within our Bronxville on-campus population. This includes students, faculty and staff statistics.
The dashboard will be updated daily (Monday through Friday) by 12pm EST and is accessible on our public website. View Now
Your health and safety remain Concordia's high priority. It is important that you participate actively in the Concordia Cares initiative by staying aware, asking questions, and adhering to safety protocols.
We continue to work closely with the Westchester Department of Health (DOH) on the COVID-19 situation.
Please continue to check your email regularly.
Thank you.
Dr. Mark Wahlers
Chief Administrative Officer
Dear Campus Community,
We are committed to providing timely communications regarding COVID-19 cases and potential exposures to our students, faculty and staff.
Today, a student tested positive for COVID-19 and has left our campus. We have contacted the Westchester Department of Health for further guidance and they will be working closely with Concordia on this rapidly evolving situation.
We have quarantined and tested students who may been exposed as identified through contact tracing. Employees who have interacted with this individual have also been contacted. We understand that this is a challenging situation at several levels. We ask that you respect the privacy of all individuals.
Your health and safety remain Concordia's utmost priority. Throughout the summer, we have spent countless hours to ensure the safety of our community. The procedures we are following were developed in our COVID-19 Reopening & Preparedness Plan in accordance with all Centers for Disease Control (CDC), New York State and local government guidelines. Concordia is following and exceeding all federal and state requirements.
We must be attentive, flexible, serious, and engaged regarding the steps we need to take as a community to care for ourselves and for one another. View CDC COVID-19 prevention guidance here.
If you are an employee with additional questions, please contact:
Terry Vidal, Director of Human Resources
Terry.Vidal@concordia-ny.edu
914-337-9300 x2116
Please continue to be attentive to all communications addressing COVID-19 and the additional steps we will be taking.
We ask you to keep in your prayers all of our students during these unprecedented times.
Dr. Mark Wahlers
Chief Administrative Officer
Dear Concordia Community,
Earlier this week, select administrative offices began to open across campus. We are purposefully taking a gradual approach to this process, and employees who can work from home are encouraged to continue to do so. A few reminders for employees who are back on campus:
- The College’s Workplace Safety Policy and Procedures Related to COVID-19 was attached to an e-mail that was sent from Human Resources on 7/1. Due to the on-going rapid changes with COVID-19, the College has revised the Workplace Safety Policy and Procedures Related to COVID-19 as of July 7, 2020, to make clear that students will be required to wear masks and to add a section regarding traveling to “hot spots". The revised policy is below and it has also been posted at S/HR/COVID-19 Resources and at S/HR/Policies folders.
- You must have approval from your supervisor for you to work on campus.
- The Self-Assessment Questionnaire has also been revised to remind employees to complete all questions, to complete the questionnaire daily, and to include a section regarding travelling to a “hot spot”. The link to the revised questionnaire is below. You must complete the Self-Assessment Questionnaire on a daily basis but only if you are going to be working on campus. Please do not complete the questionnaire the night before you are to report to work on campus.
- When you arrive on campus, check in with security and when you leave check out.
- Your cooperation on completing the questionnaire and checking in with Security is important for the College’s attendance records, especially in the event we need to conduct tracing.
The tireless work of the Concordia Forward Team has made the reactivation of our campus possible, and I am grateful for their commitment to our bright future. The team’s task force groups have been working through new protocols and plans across multiple areas including health and well-being, academic program delivery, student experience, facilities and more. The dedicated faculty and staff of this cross-functional team continually consult with state and local officials as well as peer institutions as they work to bring Concordia through these unprecedented challenges.
The Concordia Forward Plan is guided by two main priorities:
- Protecting the health and well-being of the entire Concordia community.
- Ensuring that all students have access to Concordia’s educational experience as soon as possible in compliance with official guidance.
Key to our plan for the reactivation of campus is our Concordia Cares initiative. 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.
There will be more information in the weeks to come. All plans are contingent on several factors, including the continued spread of the coronavirus, and direction from state and local officials.
Please continue to check your e-mail and visit www.concordia-ny.edu/Fall2020.
Dear Colleagues,
We hope you are doing well during these extraordinary times.
As you may have heard, we entered Phase 3 for our region, the Mid-Hudson Valley Region, on June 23, 2020. While certain areas of specific businesses and/or industries were allowed to be open as of Phase 2, including administrative offices, the College has elected to gradually open administrative offices as of July 6, 2020. The reason that soft date was chosen is to allow the College to work on plans to gradually open our Administrative Offices on July 6, 2020, pursuant to guidelines from New York State.
Attached is the Workplace Safety Policy and Procedures Related to COVID-19 (the “Policy”). We ask that you take the time to read the Policy in its entirety. Below are important points:
1. As of July 6, 2020, you must complete the Self-Assessment Questionnaire referenced in the Policy daily if you are going to work on campus. Note that completing the questionnaire is not a suggestion, but a mandate. A link to the fillable PDF Self-Assessment Questionnaire is also attached to this email. If you have technical issues in filling this questionnaire, please contact humanresources@concordia-ny.edu.
2. You must have approval from your supervisor for you to work on campus.
3. You must wear your College ID while working on campus. If you do not have a College ID, please contact Joe Castaldo, Director of Security, at joseph.castaldo@concordia-ny.edu.
4. All employees are required to remove all non-essential items (excludes computers and components, telephone, lamp) from their desktops at the end of each workday in order to facilitate the daily cleaning and disinfection of offices and workspaces. Papers should be stored in closed cabinets or drawers, not maintained on the desktop, in order to maintain cleanliness and preserve confidentiality. Sanitizing wipes dispensers will be available in all buildings to facilitate additional daily intermittent cleaning of computers, electronic devices, telephones, and other surfaces. If you have a concern regarding the cleanliness of a work area, kindly contact Paul Schulz, Director of College Facilities, at paul.schulz@concordia-ny.edu.
5. You can wear your own facial covering or obtain facial coverings from the Security Office. Please contact Joe Castaldo, Director of Security, at joseph.castaldo@concordia-ny.edu.
Also, a mandatory training on the reopening of the administrative offices will be conducted on July 16, 2020; please look out for additional information.
The College’s plans will be closely monitored and adapted as often as necessary. Naturally reopening the College is completely contingent on the implementation of Phase 4 of New York State’s Moving New York Forward Plan.
Additional information can be found at S:\HR\COVID-19 Resources, including FAQs related to COVID-19.
If you have any questions regarding this email or other concerns, please speak with your supervisor, President’s Council member, or Human Resources.
Thank you, and we look forward to seeing you on campus in the near future!
Terry Vidal, MS, HRM, SHRM-CP, PHRi
Director of Human Resources | Human Resources
Concordia College New York
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. 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 objective 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 email for important updates.
Resources
Questions from Safety Training Related to COVID-19
Q: Is there any information that can be shared specific to Concordia’s international student population this coming fall?
A: Concordia is following all Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines found here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/from-other-countries.html
Based on the policy for the United States:
· Students who are abroad and cannot return to the United States for official or personal reasons will not be able to remain in active status
· Students who are elsewhere in the United States will have to return to campus as we do not offer an option to study 100% remotely
· New, initial status students: If unable to travel to Concordia, you have to be deferred to the spring semester
Q: Will international students have to arrive on campus 14 days prior (if we need to fulfill a quarantine) to school start?
A: No, but international students will have to follow the same CDC guidelines that Concordia is following (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/from-other-countries.html,) which means these students would have to meet any identified quarantine requirements off-campus.
Q: How are students going to be put in quarantine if they live on campus?
A: Students who are subject to the travel advisory quarantine will need to make their own arrangements prior to arriving on campus. Students will be asked to complete an entry questionnaire, and will be tested as they arrive on campus. Information about the travel advisory quarantine can be found here: https://www.concordia-ny.edu/StudentInfo
If a student lives within a certain radius of Concordia, we will ask them to quarantine at home. If that is not possible, there will be eight quarantine locations available on campus away from the rest of the residential populations as well several off-site locations where Concordia will help to provide food, health services, and private bathrooms and bedrooms. These locations will meet the CDC standards.
Q: Has the 2020-21 traditional undergraduate academic calendar already been shared with all traditional students?
A: Yes, it is posted on our website and can be found here: https://www.concordia-ny.edu/academics/undergraduate/catalog.
Q: Security checks have been mentioned several times, does that mean commuter students have to check in every day? If residents leave campus and come back do they have to check in? Will food delivery people have to check in? How will this even be enforced?
A: Students do not need to check in with Security. All deliveries and visitors must be directed to the Security Office.
Q: Where will the security check-in be located? The current Security Office does not seem well-suited to do this (small space and up a set of stairs).
A: The Security Office is located in Sieker Hall and is ready to manage check-in processes. The main door is locked to control the flow of people and the floor is labeled with reflective markings for distancing. Any overflow will socially distance into the Student Experience Lounge.
If anyone finds the stairs a challenge, Security personnel will come out and check you in at the bottom of the steps. We will also be setting up an additional security table in the lobby of the Scheele Memorial Library to allow for security check-ins.
Q: How will you enforce visitors to check in, with the campus being very open and public? Anybody can come in without passing the security office? Will there be stations by Romo, entries of parking area, etc.?
A: Concordia will have extra security personnel around campus gently reminding individuals to wear a mask and proceed to the Security Office if they need a mask and to check in. Together as a community and as part of the Concordia Cares Covenant, we must work together to keep our community safe. This includes letting guests and visitors know the procedure when they arrive on campus.
Q: Will there be social distancing guidelines within Scheele Memorial Library? Will the hours of operation change or will we have to set up an appointment to enter?
A: The Library has been set up for safe use, with plastic dividers between computer stations, and tables marked for safe distancing. Hours have been modified slightly, but the Library will be available for study and services. Online services and virtual appointments will also be available.
Q: Will classroom doors be allowed to be propped open to limit door handles as touch points?
A: Yes, we will check all classroom doors to ensure the propping device works. Every morning, we will open the doors and turn on the window air conditioner. Every evening, the classrooms will be detailed cleaned, closed and locked.
Q: Who is responsible for cleaning classrooms between classes?
A: Students and instructors will have the opportunity to clean their area using sanitizing wipes available in the hallways outside classrooms. Each classroom will be detail cleaned by our cleaning company at the end of every day.
Q: In addition to monitoring best practices for hand washing, will Concordia also monitor hand drying?
A: Paper towel dispensers will be available in every bathroom on campus.
Q: Will Concordia allow a mobile testing site to come on campus for both student and employees?
A: No. There are no plans for mobile testing sites at this time.
Q: COVID-19 is carried in fecal matter. Toilet seat covers are not on all toilets. How are we addressing the airborne fecal matter from bathrooms?
A: We are doing routine cleaning.
Pursuant to the CDC:
“How is the virus spread? The virus that causes covid-19 is thought to spread mainly from person to person, mainly through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. Spread is more likely when people are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).”
Concordia is following CDC guidelines regarding routine cleaning.
What is routine cleaning? Routine cleaning is the everyday cleaning practices that businesses and communities normally use to maintain a healthy environment. Surfaces frequently touched by multiple people, such as door handles, bathroom surfaces, and handrails, should be cleaned with soap and water or another detergent at least daily when facilities are in use.
Q: Will student workers (mentors, tutors, RA’s) also have to fill out the COVID questionnaire every day, or is that just for staff?
A: All employees, including student workers, are required to complete the daily self-assessment questionnaire if they are not working remotely.
Q: Will we still have to do finger printing to log in for payroll?
A: We will be changing the login process that employees can enter hours via online.
Q: Is the Employee Training presentation available online?
A: Yes, it is posted in the Resources found on this page, on the Digital Quad and at s/hr/covid-19.
Q: Will requirements for visitors on campus extend to community dog-walkers, etc.?
A: These individuals are remaining outdoors. All individuals walking, jogging or just passing through campus will be reminded they will need to wear a mask.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PRESIDENT'S OFFICE
6-1-20 | A Message from President Nunes on Fall 2020
APRIL 1, 2020
Dear Concordia Community,
I have a few important updates to share with you today.
FROM THE STUDENT ACCOUNTS OFFICE
Dear Students, thank you for your patience while we worked through credit adjustments for the Spring 2020 semester.
· Concordia College has prorated the following Spring 2020 fees; you will receive a credit adjustment of approximately 45% for each:
· Housing
· Unused dining dollars and board points
· Resident and commuter comprehensive fees
· Parking fees
· In addition, all EXL course fees have been credited back to students’ accounts.
· Refunds will be issued for any accounts with a credit balance.
· If you are on a payment plan, the credit adjustments will be applied toward your next scheduled payment.
· Please allow 30-45 days for processing.
Please log into your Banner Self-Service account to view adjustments made. Click on Student Accounts and select Account Detail. If you have any questions regarding your student account, please contact Denise Hopkins or Rosalin Gutierrez for further assistance:
Denise.Hopkins@concordia-ny.edu
Rosalin.Gutierrez@concordia-ny.edu
ADMINISTRATIVE GRADUATION FEE
The $225 administrative graduation fee charged to students who completed a graduation application remains in place. The fee pays for the administrative tasks necessary to grant degrees: the audit of each student’s record; the conferral of earned degrees noted on final transcripts; and the printing and mailing of diplomas. All these operations will be performed as usual, and each year the College charges this fee regardless of whether students participate in commencement ceremonies. Thank you for your understanding in this matter. Please note that if you ordered a cap and gown, you will receive it.
We share your disappointment at the cancellation of our live commencement ceremony. We are planning virtual ways to share commencement with you on May 17; in addition, you are invited to walk in Concordia’s December commencement ceremony with your loved ones in attendance. If you applied for graduation, you recently received a survey. Your feedback on this survey is important to us, and will help us in our planning. Look for further communications requesting your participation to ensure a very special – if virtual – graduation experience on May 17.
Thank you and God bless you,
President Nunes
MARCH 27
Dear Concordia Community,
By now the enormity of our situation may be settling into a strange sort of routine for you. Yet even if – as I pray – you are safely and healthfully housebound, the suffering all around us and accruing effects of isolation present a challenge to our mental health.
In New York State, mental health professionals have volunteered to provide free online mental health services. New Yorkers can call the state’s hotline at 1-844-863-9314 to schedule a free appointment. The Westchester County Department of Community Mental Health (DCMH) has set up a dedicated telephone resource line. For information, support and referrals, call (914) 995-1900 from 8 am to 8 pm, or text 914-461-7281. MentalHealth.gov is a national mental health resource.
FROM HUMAN RESOURCES
Regular Concordia employees who work more than 20 hours per week (exempt and non-exempt), along with members of their households, have access to a 24-hour Employee Assistance Program hotline offering financial counseling, parenting and senior care resources, legal services and more. Unlimited free, confidential telephone consultations are available. Call 866-726-5267.
FROM THE STUDENT ACCOUNTS OFFICE
We anticipated announcing room and board refund and credit information this week, however we are still working through all the necessary vendor negotiations and operational details. As soon as these are finalized, affected students will be notified. Thank you for your patience.
FROM THE CAREER EXPLORATION OFFICE
Starting April 1, Handshake will be hosting daily interactive Zoom sessions with experts from college and university career centers. Any student on the Handshake platform can sign up to attend and ask questions about careers, internships, summer plans, interviews, and more. The sessions will take place every week day from April 1 - April 17 at noon PST/3pm EST. No need to register, just click the same Zoom link for each session. Not on Handshake yet? Just click here.
FROM THE LIBRARY
Concordia’s Library is here for you remotely. Check in often to access an expanding list of free resources including books, textbooks, articles and educational videos.
FROM COMMUNICATIONS
A broad array of student information related to remote learning, advising and career exploration can now be found at Concordia-ny.edu/StudentInfo. Community health information and regular updates continue to be posted at Concordia-ny.edu/Coronavirus.
Our present crisis has helped us all to recognize the value of community and connection. I am deeply grateful for each and every one of you in the Concordia community: students, faculty, and staff, who together create a meaningful web of connection around our shared educational mission. We will persevere through this crisis, and we will keep the Concordia community connected.
God bless you,
President Nunes
MARCH 20
Dear Concordia Community,
By now the phrase “rapidly evolving situation” is all too familiar. Yet once again, we find ourselves with new and difficult disruptions to contend with.
Governor Andrew Cuomo announced a New York State on Pause mandate today. From Governor Cuomo’s press conference: "These provisions will be enforced…there will be a civil fine and mandatory closure for any business that is not in compliance.”
• Concordia College will be forced to accelerate the closure of its residence halls. As soon as possible and no later than Sunday, March 22 at 5pm, all students must be out of their rooms and off campus. Effective 5pm today, swipe access will only be available for students who have not yet left campus. Our primary concern is safety: students who have already left campus should not return for their belongings. The residence halls and MAC will be secured and any personal belongings left on campus will remain safely in place until we can arrange for pick-up. Contact john.dana@concordia-ny.edu with questions.
• We are in the process of calculating room and board refunds/credits and expect to finalize by the end of next week.
• As of Sunday afternoon, all housekeeping services will be suspended, and Chartwells will not be operating anywhere on campus.
• Governor Cuomo’s mandate holds implications for staff and faculty as well. Additional information will be coming from Human Resources.
The Financial Aid Office has provided a helpful FAQ (available at right on this page) around the transition to remote learning.
Library update
The library is offering several academic services at this time:
• Email: librarian@concordia-ny.edu
• Chat: via Concordia webmail’s Skype for Business (see the library’s homepage for instructions)
• ZOOM meetings (please email to schedule)
Library Hours of Service
Monday - Friday 9AM – 5 PM Remote Access Only
Saturday 12PM - 4PM Remote Access Only
Sunday CLOSED
I fully recognize the difficulty of this situation. The health and safety of our students, staff and faculty must be our top priority at this moment.
Be well and God bless you,
President Nunes
MARCH 19
Dear Concordia Community,
Today I must make several important announcements that will impact our entire community.
• Classes will be delivered remotely through the end of the traditional undergraduate semester.
Graduate, non-traditional and nursing courses will be delivered remotely through mid-May.
• Concordia will not hold a live commencement ceremony or pinning ceremony.
We will be marking these important rites of passage remotely. Look for a subsequent communication requesting your input on a unique and creative graduation celebration. All graduating students are invited to walk in our December commencement.
• Resident students are asked to move out of the dorms by March 31.
Detailed information on move-out procedures and prorated housing refunds will follow tomorrow.
Details will come tomorrow, but for today, I want you to know how sorry I am to share this news. Please know that I and the entire Concordia community are walking with you through your disappointment at the way this semester has unfolded. My heart particularly breaks for those of you whose commencement will not be the traditional one that you and your loved ones were hoping for.
Our small size and close community allowed an incremental approach to decision-making until now, as we considered various options to meet the needs of our diverse student body while moving nimbly through a rapidly changing situation. I had certainly hoped to have better news to share at this point.
Keep faith, Clippers, and keep the Cord connected, for I know that one day we will be together again under happier circumstances.
God bless you,
President Nunes
MARCH 18
Dear Concordia Community,
Here are today’s updates:
Advising Period begins today. Your advisors are available remotely to help you plan for the next academic year, so do not hesitate to email them. More information about the advising period will be send out to all students following this email.
The withdrawal deadline for traditional students has been extended one week to March 27th. Given the missed class time and shift to remote learning, we want to give students time to make informed choices about their courses.
The Commons has updated their hours of operation. New hours through March 29 are:
Monday - Friday
7:30 AM-10:00 AM Breakfast
10:30AM-3:00PM Lunch
3:00PM-4:00PM Deli
4:30PM-6:00PM Dinner
Saturday - Sunday
11:00AM-2:00PM Brunch
Finally, I’d like to share a prayer that Kathy Laoutaris, Director of Athletics and Campus Life, brought to my attention today:
Prayer for a Pandemic
May we who are merely inconvenienced,
remember those whose lives are at stake.
May we who have no risk factors,
remember those most vulnerable.
May we who have the luxury of working from home,
remember those who must choose between preserving their health or making their rent.
May we who have the flexibility to care for our children when their schools close,
remember those who have no options.
May we who have to cancel our trips,
remember those that have no place to go.
May we who are losing our margin money in the tumult of the economic market,
remember those who have no margin at all.
May we who settle in for a quarantine at home,
remember those who have no home.
During this time when we cannot physically wrap our arms around each other,
let us yet find ways to be the loving embrace of God to our neighbors.
Amen.
Sister Carol Jean Vale, SSJ, Ph.D.
President, Chestnut Hill College
Let’s remember that we will get through this together as a community, and keep the Cord connected!
President Nunes
MARCH 16
Dear Concordia Community,
Today I am announcing that we are extending the date through which we will deliver academic operations remotely from March 27 to April 13 (through the end of Easter Break). As you well know, this is a rapidly developing situation, and Concordia will continue to take a gradualist approach as conditions and the most updated guidance evolve.
Latest updates:
CAMPUS OPERATIONS UPDATES/FAQs
What is the status of COVID-19 at Concordia? As of now, Concordia has no confirmed cases of COVID-19 associated with its campus or student body.
Beginning Tuesday, March 17, Concordia’s Student Health Center will be open for phone consultations only. Students may call for a phone consultation Mondays – Thursdays from 10 am to 2 pm, and Fridays from 1 pm to 4 pm: (914) 337-9300 x2243. CityMD in Eastchester (914) 337-8743 is available for our students outside of Student Health Center hours.
In accordance with Closure of Gathering Points guidance issued by New York State today, dining services in The Commons will move to a take-out only model beginning Tuesday, March 17.
Beginning Tuesday, March 17, Concordia’s Fitness Center and Tennis Center will be closed until further notice.
After much consideration and discussion, Morning Reflection has been cancelled for the rest of the semester. We will still hold Holy Communion Services on Wednesdays at 10:30am in the Schultz Chapel. We will be developing and sending out daily devotions (M, T, TH, F) and creating a Spiritual Resource Center on the Digital Quad. If you would like to sign up for a daily devotional email please click here.
VIRTUAL LEARNING UPDATES/FAQS
Welcome to our first full week of online/remote course delivery! Our Information Technology Office continues their work in assisting faculty and students with the transition.
Please consult the Virtual Instruction Resource Center for tools and tips.
Many phone and internet service providers have made it easier to remain connected. See more details here: https://www.concordia-ny.edu/student-resources-virtual-instruction
What additional academic support services are available? The John Bahr Writing Center is fully accessible online and the Library is open with revised hours. The Center for Student Success is fully accessible online. General academic support and work with peer mentors, peer tutors and specialists continues. Sign up for support here. The Connection office is open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday during the hours of 9:30am to 3pm for support or access to computers. Find additional details here.
Students: Please continue to check your email frequently for critical information from your professors and daily status updates.
President Nunes
MARCH 13
Dear Concordia Community,
Social distancing is keeping us safe, but let’s be honest: it’s not in our nature as human beings to be socially distant, particularly in a small, close community like Concordia’s. Saying goodbye to friends and roommates, meeting virtually, missing out on the interactions that bring joy to life – none of this is easy. In these isolating, anxiety-inducing times, let’s remember why we’re doing what we’re doing. Take comfort in the fact that in this moment, keeping our distance is a demonstration of our love – for our friends, colleagues and wider community. As we all do our part for the greater good, never forget that we remain a community – no matter how distant we are for the time being.
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1
Latest updates:
CAMPUS OPERATIONS UPDATES/FAQs
What is the status of COVID-19 at Concordia? As of now, Concordia has no confirmed cases of COVID-19 associated with our campus or student body.
Athletics update: Due to concerns around COVID-19, the CACC Council of Presidents has determined that all CACC spring sports competition will be cancelled. This is difficult news for our student-athletes, student fans, coaches and entire community. Further updates will come in the days ahead.
Where can I find detailed information about the College’s accelerated cleaning schedule? View our Operations and Facilities page.
VIRTUAL LEARNING UPDATES/FAQS
Our Information Technology Office continues to work in assisting all faculty to move their courses to online/remote delivery methods. Robust training sessions occurred yesterday and continue today to ensure optimal integrated delivery for our students.
Students: Please to continue to check your email frequently for critical information from your professors and daily status updates.
I need assistance with Blackboard. Where can I look? Blackboard tips and tools can be found here. Additional resources can be found at our Virtual Instruction Resource Center.
What additional academic support services are available? The Center for Student Success is open on a modified schedule from 9 am until 4 pm weekdays. Virtual appointments are ongoing and can be arranged for almost any time. If students do not have access to computers for online sessions, CSS is flexible and willing to arrange phone calls and video chats. Students can email the Center for Student Success with any questions at centerforstudentsuccess@concordia-ny.edu.
President Nunes
MARCH 12, 2020
Concordia Community,
Thank you for your continued resilience and patience as we work through this unprecedented situation. Now more than ever, our supportive community has the opportunity to shine as a unique institution that lives its mission on a daily basis. Latest updates include:
CAMPUS OPERATIONS/FAQs:
What is the status of COVID-19 at Concordia? As of now, Concordia has no confirmed cases of COVID-19 associated with our campus or student body.
Where can I find the latest updates from the College? Please continue to monitor your email and our website for daily updates.
What does social distancing mean? Social distancing means remaining out of large group settings, avoiding mass gatherings, and maintaining distance (approximately 6 feet or 2 meters) from others when possible. (source: CDC).
Are there any changes to food services being offered? Yes. Revised hours for the Commons are Monday- Friday from 7:30am to 7pm and Saturday – Sunday from 10:30am until 6pm. All self-serve areas will be closed. The Brickyard will also be closed. More details regarding food offerings will be e-mailed to you shortly.
Is there any update on Commencement? As of now, Concordia’s Commencement exercises are on as scheduled. However, this may need to change in the near future.
What is the latest information for Conservatory students? View the latest updates here.
VIRTUAL LEARNING UPDATES:
What does it mean for my courses to be delivered through online/remote methods? As detailed in our update yesterday, we are working on the immediate transitioning from face to face delivery of course content to online/remote instruction through Friday, March 27. There are no face-to-face classes today or Friday, March 13 so that our faculty can focus on training. Our Information Technology Office is working to assist all faculty to move their courses to online/remote delivery methods. Robust training sessions are happening now to ensure optimal integrated delivery for our students. Based on course needs and goals, this may include various digital delivery tools including Blackboard, Zoom, etc. We have created a Virtual Learning Resource Center which can be found here. More information will be added in the days to come.
Who should I reach out to with questions about my courses? Professors will be sharing details about their courses directly with students via email in the days to come.
What academic support services will be available? Our Writing Center is fully accessible online and our Library is open with revised hours. Find additional details here.
I am grateful to our resourceful, creative, problem-solving faculty for their excellent work and dedication to our students. Also, thank you to our Emergency Response Team with key leaders from across the College as they work tirelessly to help keep our Concordia Community informed and safe.
Finally, I am grateful to all of you for your patience and flexibility. Even though we are spending less time together, Concordia remains a vibrant community in which we care for one another and learn together.
President Nunes
MARCH 11, 2020
IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT NUNES
We are committed to the health and safety of our Concordia Community. To date, Concordia has no confirmed cases of COVID-19 associated with our campus or student body. Out of an abundance of caution, we are working rapidly to implement social distancing protocols. This includes the transition of our academic operations to online and remote delivery.
Transitioning to Online Operations:
Concordia is transitioning from face to face delivery of course content to online/remote instruction until Friday, March 27.
Over the next two days, rather than holding face to face classes, faculty are working to transition all classes to optimal remote delivery methods to meet the needs of our students, so that all courses are up and running by Monday, March 16.
Professors will connect with students with information about how courses are transitioning.
Campus Operations:
Our campus remains open, and we will be determining ways to implement social distancing protocols for employees.
Our residential halls remain open. We understand that students may not choose or be able to leave campus for various reasons. Food service options will remain available.
Large events will be canceled, rescheduled, or available via livestream. This includes tonight's Jacobson Lecture, which will be available via livestream only: https://livestream.com/accounts/3230472/events/9034246
We are continuing to closely monitor and evaluate information from multiple sources including state and federal agencies to inform our future decisions. This is a rapidly evolving situation.
Please continue to monitor your e-mail and our website for daily updates.
If you have immediate questions, please contact:
Health Concerns: x2243
Student Life/Athletics: Kathy.Laoutaris@concordia-ny.edu
Academic Operations: Rachel.Eells@concordia-ny.edu
For additional questions, please contact your supervisor or PC representative. Consistently living out our mission is so important in times of transition. Thank you for your patience as we work through these unprecedented challenges.
Concordia College New York is a Christian higher education community of learning where mutual respect flourishes, responsibility is developed and reverence for God is cultivated so that students can pursue lives of passion, purpose and service.
MARCH 10
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT FROM PRESIDENT NUNES
Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,
Many of you may have heard about Governor Cuomo’s containment actions in New Rochelle. Out of an abundance of caution, we are cancelling all classes tomorrow, March 11, so that we can assess the situation, plan our next steps, and equip our faculty to deliver course content remotely, where applicable. Employee operations will continue as normal.
Please note that Concordia College is not within the zone of containment defined by Governor Cuomo, and to date Concordia has no confirmed cases associated with our campus or student body.
This afternoon’s planned Faculty and Staff Forum and Student Forum are cancelled while we reassess. We will notify campus about next steps by midday tomorrow.
Thank you for your cooperation in this difficult time.
March 8, 2020
Dear Students,
As we welcome you back from Spring Break, we want to keep you apprised of the steps Concordia is taking – and steps you can take – to promote a safe and healthy campus community.
As you may have heard, New York’s governor Andrew Cuomo declared a State of Emergency on March 7 to help New York contain the spread of Coronavirus. When governors declare a State of Emergency, they get access to various resources much more quickly than usual. For instance, you’ll often see a State of Emergency declared before a blizzard or hurricane. This State of Emergency will help make sure New York gets cleaning supplies, hand sanitizer and other essential items more quickly. It will also let the State hire more medical staff and get testing supplies more quickly. This preventative move makes us all safer.
Concordia’s Emergency Response Team (ERT) is continually engaged with state and local agencies, using their guidance and the latest Centers for Disease Control information for daily planning and decision-making.
Concordia’s ERT has taken several steps to promote a healthy campus.
· C-Clean is disinfecting all hard surfaces, including door knobs, railings, table and desktops, faucets, light switches, etc., using recommended sanitizing cleaner on an accelerated daily schedule.
· Sanitizing wipe dispensers have been installed in dorm lounges, academic buildings, and food service buildings. Please note that these wipes are intended for surfaces, not for hand sanitizing. Supplies are limited, so take only what you need. Once the wipes are empty, we cannot expect shipment until the end of March.
· Hand sanitizer dispensers have been refilled, however, once they are empty, we cannot expect shipment until as late as May.
· Chartwells, our food service provider, is taking appropriate preventative measures to guard against person-to-person infection.
· On March 4, Concordia adopted a Coronavirus Preparedness and Protocol Policy.
· In compliance with NYS Department of Health reporting guidelines, Concordia has created a reporting form with instructions available here.
It is important that we separate facts from fear, and guard against stigma and panic. Concordia is a place where mutual respect flourishes. We will remember that no one is more likely to get or have Coronavirus based on their ethnicity, and we should not behave irrationally when someone coughs or sneezes.
Concordia is a place where responsibility is developed. Let’s be responsible for doing our part to help reduce the risk of infection.
Stay informed.
· Check your email for updates! We will be holding a student information forum this week. The forum will be livestreamed and recorded for students unable to be on campus.
· Visit www.Concordia-ny.edu/coronavirus-updates for latest information and links to important resources.
If you have symptoms or feel ill, or have questions or concerns, please contact the Student Health Center at (914) 337-9300, x2243. They are located in Schoenfeld Campus Center and are open on weekdays from 8:30am – 5pm. During off-hours, please contact your physician or a local medical provider.
Your health and safety is our top priority, and we thank you for your cooperation during this time.
Student Experience
March 4
Concordia’s administration has been proactively discussing and implementing policy and planning measures in light of concerns around the Coronavirus (COVID-19). As we continue to develop plans for how Concordia could respond to various scenarios while minimizing disruption and maximizing the safety of our entire community, we have today adopted the above Coronavirus (COVID-19) Preparedness and Protocol Policy. Students, faculty and staff should be assured that Concordia is carefully monitoring this unfolding situation. At daily meetings, an emergency response team comprising administration, medical faculty, physical plant and other relevant staff review policies and plans, relying on the available latest information from the New York State Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control. Updates will be posted on this page.
March 2, 2020
Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,
As concerns around the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) grow, Concordia College’s Student Health Center and administration continue to monitor the situation closely. As always, the safety of Concordia’s students, staff and faculty is our top priority. As of this writing there are no reported cases in Westchester County and only one in New York State.
We are continually acquiring the most up-to-date information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the New York State Department of Health, and the Westchester County Department of Health, and following all CDC recommendations. In addition, we have taken the following steps:
• The Student Health Center is providing a basic health screening followed by monitoring for all students arriving from international locations.
• Cleaning and disinfection procedures have been reviewed with C Clean, our contracted housekeeping services provider. Common spaces and high-circulation areas are disinfected daily; all campus areas are cleaned daily and disinfected weekly. A new daily disinfection of all doorknobs is being implemented this week. C Clean is prepared for terminal cleaning and full disinfection of any area as necessary.
• Chartwells, our food service provider, will this week be implementing procedures based on recommendations from its national management.
• Should governmental agencies urge us to incrementally adopt further protocols or restrictive measures, the College is ready to do so.
In the meantime, we encourage all students, faculty and staff to reduce the risk of infection with these preventative measures:
• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water, for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when sick.
• Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze: use the “Dracula” move, covering your mouth and nose with your arm bent across your face.
• Get a flu vaccine. While this will not specifically protect you against the Corona virus, it will help strengthen your immune system which can help your body fight against other illnesses.
Questions? Worried? Concerned about getting the Corona virus? Please stop in or contact the Student Health Center so we can help alleviate any fears or concerns you may have.
Student Health Center
Additional Resources
CDC’s dedicated 2019-nCoV website:
https://www.cdc.gov/nCoV
NYS Department of Health dedicated 2019-nCoV website: https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/coronavirus/
NYS Department of Health directory of local health departments: https://www.health.ny.gov/contact/contact_information/
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