Good Evening Students,

Below you’ll find important updates to Concordia’s processing plans for the 2020-2021 academic year. We look forward to safely welcoming you to campus! Please read all instructions carefully as many familiar campus procedures have changed.  Of course, in these times changes can happen quickly, so please keep reading your emails for the latest updates.

Processing and Move in Schedule

Please note that all students must be fully registered for classes and cleared by Health Services, Financial Aid and Student Accounts before processing. Clearance requirements can be found below.  

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

                                                                1-3pm (Students whose last name begins with D-H)

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

                                                                1-3pm (Students whose last name begins with N-R)

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

                                                                1-3pm (Students whose last name begins 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:                        Schedule for returning residents will be emailed. 

Orientation

 Saturday August 22nd and Sunday August 23rd. Complete schedule will be sent separately.

Clearance Requirements
 

HEALTH SERVICES

1.       Documentation of your immunizations: 

At minimum, that you have had

a)       two (2) doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine. The first dose CANNOT be BEFORE your 1st birthday.

b)      One (1) dose of meningitis vaccine

c)       Physical exam

d)      All documents must be signed and stamped by your medical provider

2.       You must provide proof that you have medical insurance valid in NY State. (If you are an international student OR have out-of-state Medicaid, you CANNOT waive the College Health Insurance)

Instructions for Enrolling/Declining (Waiving*) the College-offered Health Insurance

a)       Go to www.gallagherstudent.com/concordiany

If “Student Waive/Enroll” does not appear on the upper left, click “Find School” in the middle of the page – the option should then appear in the upper left.

b)      Click on ‘Student Waive/Enroll’ to the left

c)       Log in if you’re a returning user, or create an account for first time users

d)      Click the blue ‘I want to WAIVE/ENROLL’ button

e)      Follow the instructions to submit a Waiver form or an Enrollment form

*Domestic Students: waiving the insurance indicates that you have a plan that is equal to or better than the College-offered plan and that it allows you to receive care in New York State. You may not waive the College-offered insurance if your current insurer is an out-of-state Medicaid or proprietary provider. If this is the case, please call the Health Center at extension 2243.

*International Students: you may NOT waive the College-offered insurance.

FINANCIAL AID 
Complete the 2020-21 FAFSA ASAP if you have not done so. You can complete the FAFSA at www.studentaid.gov. If you are a New York State resident you should also complete the TAP grant application at https://www.hesc.ny.gov. 

1.       Once you have completed your FAFSA and have a financial aid package available, you must accept the aid offered to you via Banner Self-Service.

2.       Please note that he Financial Aid Office is not open for walk-ins, but will continue to support current students, prospective students and families through virtual appointments, phone calls (914-337-9300 x2227), and email (financialaid@concordia-ny.edu) during normal office hours: Mon-Thurs 8:30am-6pm and Friday 8:30am-5pm.

STUDENT ACCOUNTS 
The due date for Fall 2020 is August 7th. Pay your balance in full or create a payment plan by August 7th. To make a payment or enroll in the payment plan, log into your Banner Self-Service account, go to Student & Financial Services, select Student Account, and click on Make a Payment.

Question about your student account? Please contact Denise Hopkins at Denise.Hopkins@concordia-ny.edu, or Rosalin Gutierrez at Rosalin.Gutierrez@concordia-ny.edu.

Residence Hall Move In Requirements 

Please note that all students must be fully registered for classes and cleared by Health Services, Financial Aid and Student Accounts before processing. Clearance requirements can be found below. 

24 hours before to coming to campus, all students and their guests must complete the Covid-19 Site Entry Screening form. You will receive this form before your move in date. Please email it back to studentlife@concordia-ny.edu the day before you are scheduled to move in.

• Two guests may accompany you to campus. One guest may enter the residence hall with you while the other remains at the vehicle unloading belongings.
• All students and their guests will have their temperature checked, and staff will ensure that all have a face mask or cloth face-covering.
• Students and guests must wear masks at all times when on campus. 
• If you or your guests are not feeling well, please call the Office of Residence Life to reschedule your move in. Do not come to campus if you are ill. 

If you have any questions regarding your housing application or assignment, please contact John Dana, John.Dana@concordia-ny.edu. You must be fully registered for classes and cleared by Health Services, Financial Aid and Student Accounts before coming to campus for processing.

Concordia is committed to maintaining the safety of our entire community as you move forward with your education and college experience. While this fall will certainly look different than other semesters, Concordia’s enriching academics, supportive environment and close community will not change. Thank you for doing your part to show that Concordia Cares. Please contact our office if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Kathy Laoutaris

 

 

Dear Students,

We are looking forward to seeing you on campus this fall, and are busy planning for a healthy, productive academic year. 

To assist you in making your travel plans, we want to keep you apprised of the latest guidance from New York State. 

At this point, the State’s guidance regarding quarantine mandates for college students is the same as it is for anyone traveling to New York. New York State has identified 31 ‘restricted states,’ and mandated that people arriving from these states quarantine for 14 days. As of today, the list of restricted states includes:

Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. This list is evolving and can be found here: https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/covid-19-travel-advisory.

Students traveling from these states and from countries listed on the CDC website are to quarantine in New York State for 14 days before being allowed to come on campus.

One option is to arrive in New York 14 days before the start of school and self-quarantine with a friend or family member before coming to campus. Concordia has also secured discounted rates at these nearby hotels:

Hampton Inn Tuckahoe Road: $89 per night, Group Code:  CCQ, contact Lisa Keppler (Reservations must be made by August 10th)
Springhill Suites Tuckahoe: $139 per night; use Corporate/promotional code CUJ

All students will be asked to complete an Entry Questionnaire and students will be tested as they arrive on campus. 

You will continue to receive updates on all Concordia’s health and safety measures. Please remember to check your email and the Student Information Portal often.  

Concordia is proud to be a caring community. Wearing masks, keeping our distance, and thoughtfully considering how our actions may affect others are all ways to show that we care. We are all responsible for keeping each other safe, and many of your classmates, friends and family members who are at increased risk for infection are counting on your caring and cooperation this semester. Thank you for making Concordia who we are!

Please feel free to reach out with any questions. 

For your reference:
https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2020/06/interimguidance_traveladvisory.pdf

Sincerely,

Kathy Laoutaris

Director of Athletics & Campus Life | Athletics & Student Experience

 

From the Student Accounts Office

Tuition, room and board and fees for 2020/2021 were set with the understanding that courses would be delivered through a flexible mix of in-class/lab and digital experiences, and reflect costs the College must incur regardless of how many days of service it receives.

While course delivery may change to protect the health and safety of our community, the value of a Concordia College education and Concordia College degree remain constant.

We appreciate our students more than ever in this unprecedented time.

How Will Concordia’s Commitment to Your Safety Impact Campus for Fall 2020?

Concordia is excited to welcome you back to campus this fall! We will soon be filing our reopening plan with New York State in accordance with state guidelines. When you arrive on campus, you’ll notice several changes made to ensure the health and safety of our entire community as we prepare for another year of intellectual and social engagement. Adaptations will continue as we adjust to the world’s new normal, and more details will follow, but here is a heads up on what to expect.  

Campus

• Masks and social distancing will the norm across campus. You will see lots of signage placed as reminders. You will receive a washable Concordia mask, and disposable masks will always be available to you in Security at no cost. 
• Dining services will be modified. Please see Chartwell’s guide below. 
• Activities including intramurals may be adjusted or limited. Access to the Fitness Center is still under review.
• Common spaces across campus will be modified to promote social distancing, with occupancy adjusted. 
• Large campus events will be held virtually. 
• During the semester, you will be asked to limit travel off campus to reduce the risk of exposure. 

Classrooms and Labs

• Your safe, uninterrupted education is our priority! 
• Classrooms will be cleaned nightly, and dispensers for both surface wipes and hand sanitizer will be located in hallways and classroom common areas.
• Classroom capacity is set to 50%. Masks will be required in classrooms as 50% capacity does not allow for six-foot social distancing. 
• Plastic barriers have been added to some lab spaces.  
• Faculty have been encouraged to hold classes outdoors as space and weather permit. 
• 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.
• Training in Blackboard and other platforms will be available to you, along with Concordia’s full range of support services. 

Residence Halls

• Residence hall capacity has been reduced. Room gatherings will be limited to occupants plus 1 person. 
• Face coverings will be required in public areas of residence halls. 
• Guests will not be permitted in residence halls.
• Social distancing guidelines will be followed, including directional indicators for common areas and stairwells and limits on gatherings. 
• Community bathrooms have been fitted with soap dispensers. There will be occupancy limits for community bathrooms. 
• Residents will be asked to provide plans for emergency travel, off-campus treatment and isolation in the event of illness, medically recommended self-quarantine, or closure of residence halls. 

Concordia Cares
Concordia is proud to be a caring community. Wearing masks, keeping our distance, and thoughtfully considering how our actions may affect others are all ways to show that we care. We are all responsible for keeping each other safe, and many of your classmates, friends and family members who are at increased risk for infection are counting on your caring and cooperation this semester. Thank you for making Concordia who we are!

CHARTWELLS GUIDE FOR FALL

Greetings Students -

I hope this finds you and your families well.  As many of you know we have had a shared instance of Blackboard with Concordia Portland.  That is changing and we are now partnering with Concordia Nebraska.  Many of your past courses have already been migrated and you may have received emails notifying you of that.

We have some active classes that still need to be moved.  If your class started prior to today in our summer terms, it will be moved on 7/7/20 starting at 10pm EST, this is expected to last 18 hours.  As of Tuesday at 10:00PM you should no longer log into the shared instance with Concordia Portland and should login via the Concordia Nebraska portal:  https://blackboard.cune.edu/

Other than using the new link to log into Blackboard, everything should work exactly the same as before.  You can always refer to our knowledge base with questions.

If you have any issues or questions, please reach out to your professor or to the helpdesk: helpdesk@concordia-ny.edu. 

Thank you,

Alison Bogart
IT Academic Software Specialist | Information Technology Services
914-337-9300 ext. 2168

 

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.

We remain steadfastly committed to our students and meeting their needs during this unprecedented time. Due to the global pandemic and government shutdown orders, Concordia moved swiftly to continue instructional and academic support services including (but not limited to)  library access, tutoring, and advising. As a result, students are able to earn credits toward their degree programs.  Tuition and fees for the Spring 2020 semester will not be refunded.

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FROM THE STUDENT ACCOUNTS OFFICE, APRIL 1, 2020

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 from April 1, 2020 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.  

Dear Students,

The Conservatory Department is looking for singers, instrumentalists, composers and performers – and thanks to a substantial gift from a donor, scholarships are available!

This is a co-curricular program. All Concordia students – graduate and undergraduate pursuing any degree – are welcome.  All matriculated, degree program students are eligible for scholarships.

The scholarships are audition-based and will be awarded at three levels:

Top: up to $5,000 per year

Intermediate: up to $3,500 per year

Participatory: up to $2,000 per year

Top and Intermediate scholarships require a commitment to participate in an ensemble (for instance the Concordia Community Choir or a chamber/jazz/contemporary instrumental ensemble) and will include weekly, 60-minute private lessons (10 per semester). Participatory scholarships require an ensemble commitment and may include weekly, 30-minute private voice lessons (10 per semester). Concordia Conservatory faculty are teaching artists, each an accomplished professional musician. 

While we’re all off campus, video auditions can be arranged on an individual basis. Please contact me for more information.

Musical expression is a powerful, uplifting force at all times, and in these days more than ever. I wish you all good health and good spirits, and I look forward to hearing from you!

Keith Kreindler

Conservatory Department Chair

Keith.Kreindler@concordia-ny.edu

Congratulations! You are now and forever a Clipper. 

Be sure to stay in touch and let the Alumni Office know how you're impacting our world with your passion, purpose and service. We'd love to see you in your cap and gown! Email us a picture, or use #Cord2020 if you post on social media. 

Your diploma will be conferred once your final graduation requirements have been received and recorded and any outstanding balances are resolved. Your diploma will be mailed to you within 60 days of conferral at the address you provided on your graduation application. If this address has changed, please email the Registrar's Office or call them at (914) 337-9300 ext. 2104. 

 

Register Now for Fall 2020

Your advisors are fully available for phone calls and Zoom meetings – please email them. You can now view your degree plan at any time by logging into DegreeWorks. Use your ID number and the password you use for your email to log in. Review the College Catalog and your Banner self-service account for 2020-2021 course listings.

Updated Incomplete Policy
In the event that an emergency or other extenuating circumstance prevents a student from completing assigned work, an instructor may issue an “I” or Incomplete. The instructor will fill out an Incomplete Form outlining the work the student must complete. The form will state a due date; this due date must be no later than August 15, 2020.

When the student has completed the work, the instructor will submit a Change of Grade Form changing the “I” to the appropriate grade. If work is not completed by the due date, the student will receive the default grade the instructor designates.

Additional Guidelines
International students without internet access will be given one month from the time they return to campus to complete their work. Students who contract the coronavirus will be given one month from being symptom-free to complete their work.

Video conferencing is new for many of us. Below are some basic guidelines and expectations for making remote learning productive and enjoyable.

• Find a comfortable space to work where you can be focused and engaged.
• Refrain from dressing in any way that might make your instructor or classmates uncomfortable.
• If you are not using your phone to connect to class, please place it out of reach.
• Socially distance yourself. Instructors will not assign any group work requiring a physical meeting.
• Remember to mute your microphone unless you are responding to a question or participating in a discussion. Leaving your microphone on can cause feedback and distort the sound quality for everyone.
• Do not take screenshots, or make audio or video recordings without the permission of your instructor.

As a reminder, any behavior that violates Concordia’s Student Guide Policy or Academic Integrity and Ethics may be reported by instructors to Student Experience.

Dear Students,

The Advising Period for the 2020 - 2021 semester starts today March 18th!

Please email your advisor to set up a phone or zoom meeting. Advisors look forward to connecting with you to help you continue to plan your academic future.

As you begin to plan remember:

• You can view your degree plan at any time by logging into DegreeWorks: www.degreeplan.concordia-ny.edu . Use your ID number and the password you use for your email to log in.
• Banner Self-Service has the course listings for the 2020- 2021 academic year so you can review what is being offered: banweb.concordia-ny.edu
• The digital quad is an additional resource. Hover over the academic tab and click on Program Planning for more information.
• Click below for a checklist for you to follow to ensure you are completing everything you need for the upcoming academic year.
• Our IT help desk is available to help with any technology concerns you might have in regards to DegreeWorks, banner and blackboard. Email them at Helpdesk@concordia-ny.edu and include a screenshot when possible.
• You are not alone! Your advisor is here to help you.

As the Director of Academic Advising I am also here to help you. Do not hesitate to reach out with any questions.

We look forward to helping you plan for the next academic year! We ask for your grace and understanding as it may take a little longer than usual for your advisor to respond. They will be receiving a lot of emails during this period. Therefore, the more preparation you can do before your meeting on your own will lead to a more productive and valuable use of your time.

Your advisor or myself will reach out with additional information or any updates as necessary.
 
Laura J. Brezovsky
Director of Academic Advising
Head Men’s and Women’s Cross Country Coach

STUDENT ACADEMIC CHECKLIST

 

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 

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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 

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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 

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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 

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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 

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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 

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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 

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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 

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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 

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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 

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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 

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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 

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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 

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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 

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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 

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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 

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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