March 20th
Memo
Faculty of Engineering Response to COVID-19 (UPDATE March 20, 2020)
TO: Students, Faculty and Staff
From: Dean, Faculty of Engineering
In the last week, we have all become familiar with terms such as “social distancing” and “self-isolation” and “flattening the curve.” This is both a challenging and unprecedented time for everyone, and I want to start today’s message by once again thanking our engineering community for their ongoing work, support, understanding and cooperation in doing our part in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.
Our first priority is the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff. We are all in this together, making decisions day-by-day to ensure that you feel connected and supported during this time.
As such, I’d like to take a moment to highlight some of the key messages and supports that were made available this week.
· As announced today by ±«Óătv’s Research Advisory Committee, all researchers are advised that all University campus-based research operations are to be suspended as of 5:00 pm on Tuesday, March 24 until further notice.
Due to the suspension of all research operations graduate students, research assistants and post-docs cannot continue to use their research offices on campus. These individuals should consult with their supervisors to establish the online system that will be used for communication amongst the team.
· Beginning on Monday, March 23rd, all courses will be offered remotely. Students should review the modifications to each course on Brightspace and prepare for the resumption of classes.
· For students who wish to consider withdrawing from their course, there is still time. ±«Óătv has extended the deadline to Monday, March 30th. You will be able to drop winter term courses via Dal Online and if you have trouble withdrawing, email registrar@dal.ca. If you are not sure of the implications to your academic record, please contact an academic advisor or your department.
· On-campus supports are still available to students at any time. Please note that although the Melda Murray Center is closed, you can still contact them if you need help accessing campus services, assistance with career materials, or if you have any questions or concerns.
· Other supports in the Faculty of Engineering are also open and accessible to students. Please contact our Undergraduate Office if you have any questions or concerns regarding scholarships and bursaries, requirements regarding your degree or questions regarding co-op programs.
· If you are currently on a co-op placement, or are planning to do a co-op placement this Spring/Summer, please contact our Science, Information Technology, Engineering Co-operative Education Office with any questions or concerns.
· For questions or concerns regarding academic accommodations including remote teaching designs and environments, we encourage you to email Dal’s Student Accessibility Centre.
· Lastly, a memo was released yesterday regarding Spring/Summer 2020 courses. Please note that all in-person classes and in-labs will be offered remotely until the Fall of 2020. Additional details will be shared in the weeks to come.
I’d also like to remind you that registration for returning Engineering students opened on March 18th and is available online.
The coming days and weeks could no doubt bring further challenges and changes and we will do our best to keep everyone informed on our response to this situation. I’d like to once again encourage everyone to check this site daily for up-to-date information on our response to COVID-19, and want to re-assure our students, faculty and staff, that we are working tirelessly to provide everyone with the information and support they need.
All the best, and please stay well and stay safe.