Coronavirus / Covid-19 Update: Class Meetings, Student Services, and Residence Life
Dear Families,
As we continue to monitor the latest developments related to the novel coronavirus, we are writing to share important updates about how classes will proceed in the coming weeks, resources that will remain available to students, and precautions taken for health and safety in residence halls.
Our decision-making and planning is guided by our sense of responsibility, first and foremost, to protect the health and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff. It is also our high priority to ensure that teaching, learning, and research are progressing and the academic requirements of classes are being met.
We remain actively focused on the unfolding situation. For the latest and most comprehensive information from The New School, visit newschool.edu/coronavirus.
Changes to Class Meetings: New York Campus
Spring Break
Monday, March 16 through Sunday, March 22
- For students who are not traveling: Residence halls will remain open and dining services are open.
- For students who are traveling: Be sure to take devices, textbooks and other materials essential for carrying on your coursework
Post Spring Break
Monday, March 23 through Sunday, March 29: Alternative Teaching and Learning Week
- On-campus classes will not meet the week of March 23-27. NOTE: Credit and non-credit classes that have been completely online since the beginning of the semester will continue as scheduled.
- Students should use this time to catch up on readings, assignments and/or create work groups online or via Zoom with their classmates.
- The Making Center, studios, labs, practice rooms, libraries, and other facilities will remain open. (Hours may be limited; please check online for specific spaces.)
Monday, March 30 through Sunday, April 12: Transition to Remote Instruction
- All classes will be offered online or via other alternative delivery methods between March 30 and April 12. Classes will not meet on campus during this period.
- The Making Center, studios, labs, practice rooms, libraries, and other facilities will be open.
Residence halls, campus buildings, and student services remain open and accessible
Residence Halls
Residence Halls remain open. RA’s and professional staff are on call and can be reached via Campus Safety in the lobby of your student’s residence hall community or at 212-229-7001 should they need any support. Students can reach AJ Lutz, Director of Housing and Residential Education (HRE), and the HRE team at universityhousing@newschool.edu or by phone at 212.229.5459.
- Stuyvesant Park & 92Y: David Grimes, stuypark@newschool.edu
- Kerrey Hall & The Alabama: David Howe, kerreyhall@newschool.edu
- Loeb Hall: Morgan Vinson, loebhall@newschool.edu
- 20th Street Residence: Kyle Stuber, 20thstreet@newschool.edu
If your student lives in the residence halls, they should complete THIS FORM to help us better prepare for their on-campus needs
Dining Services
Dining services will remain open. University Center Dining Commons hours are forthcoming and will be available online.
Residence Hall Visitors
Effective Tuesday, March 10, 2020, students are no longer permitted to sign any guests into the residence halls. Guest(s) who were approved and have already checked in as an extended stay will be permitted to remain in the halls until the conclusion of their approved stay. This policy applies to residents of other residence halls, short-term visitors, and any extended-stay visitors and will be in effect until further notice.
The use of the fitness rooms and practice rooms will be restricted to only residents within that residence hall.
Residence Hall Preparation
At this time, there are no reports of COVID-19 on our campus. We are taking proactive measures to ensure timely and swift response in case a member of our community is impacted and requires quarantine.
Facility Cleaning Information
Facilities staff have already increased cleaning high-touch surfaces (elevators, entrance doors, lounges, etc.) multiple times throughout the day. Students are encouraged to take extra precautions in their living space and to clean high-touch surfaces on a regular basis. Additionally, the housing staff is working to purchase additional supplies such as hand sanitizer, tissues, and disposable thermometers for each RA Office. Further communication will be sent to students when these supplies are available for pick-up.
Campus Health and Safety
- Your student should contact Student Health Services (SHS) at shs@newschool.edu or 212-229-1671, option 2, or visit their health care provider if they are not feeling well or displaying COVID-19 symptoms. They should call ahead to talk with a healthcare provider prior to their visit.
- Students experiencing harassment, intimidation, or a situation in which they feel unsafe should report it to Campus Safety at TISecurityOffice@newschool.edu or 212.229.7001. Students who wish to report anonymously can state to Campus Safety that “I just want to report this, I do not want to get involved” and include location/incident details.
Additional Campus Resources and Contact Information
We will continue to share updates. We appreciate your understanding and flexibility during this challenging and rapidly changing time. For the latest and most comprehensive information from The New School, visit newschool.edu/coronavirus.