CORONAVIRUS UPDATES

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.

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

Today at his briefing on Coronavirus, Governor Cuomo declared a State of Emergency for the State of New York. This is a preventative action that gives state officials several additional resources to contain the spread of the virus. Some of these resources are:

• Expedited procurement of cleaning supplies, hand sanitizer and other essential resources
• Expedited procurement of testing supplies and equipment
• Expedited personnel onboarding
• Expedited leasing of lab space

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.

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/