Dear Monarch Community:



I write you with a variety of emotions as our campus, our community, our Commonwealth and our world face unprecedented challenges and unknowns with the continuing spread of the coronavirus pandemic.



I want to let you know that we have decided that our classes will remain online and our employees will continue teleworking through the entire spring semester.

My goal is to provide everyone an opportunity to process and reflect on what this means before inundating you with next steps. We will soon communicate specific information to students and families so they can begin scheduling times to retrieve belongings from residence halls and apartments. We have made it a priority, however, to provide housing for those who have no other place to go.



We will do our best to respond to questions, but, frankly, some we may not have answers for as of yet.



I understand there is disappointment and frustration, but I can assure you a dedicated group of faculty, staff and students has performed admirably in the last week to prepare for any scenario.

Our advances and history in technology will allow us to resume classes next week, and we have assembled significant resources to help faculty and students navigate the process. We will ensure everyone has the opportunity to make progress toward the ultimate goal—graduation. I don't have an answer yet on exactly what that will look like, but I promise I will work with student and faculty leaders to ensure a virtual celebration worthy of our graduates.

Like colleges and universities across the world, we had no playbook to work from in facing this dreadful and unpredictable virus. But your safety and health have always been at the forefront of the actions we have taken. All members of this Monarch community are in my thoughts and prayers as we once again stand together, albeit for something most of us never envisioned.



Additional explanations and directions will be forthcoming in the next 24 hours. I have been committed in my 12 years as president to sharing news—good or bad—with all of you in a timely and transparent way. I ask for your patience and prayers as we face this formidable and deadly foe.

Sincerely,

John R. Broderick

President