Today the SAU System proceeded with plans to move course delivery online by March 30. SAU Tech released its plan for the remainder of the spring semester. SAU faculty and staff have pulled together to facilitate changes in curriculum delivery and student services to be ready to meet campus needs.
We know that many questions remain amidst this changing landscape for our students, parents, and even our faculty and staff. Great progress has been made in just a short period. In the days and weeks ahead, we covet patience, support, and understanding as decisions are made for the greater public health of our community.
Several questions have come in regarding housing refunds. This is an emergent situation. Because students may remain on campus and use food plans, no refunds will be available for those students who choose to return home for the remainder of the semester. SAU has partnered with our food service provider to allow students with positive declining balances to carry over those dollars to the summer and/or fall terms.
Faculty will host virtual office hours following this transition. Plans are underway for virtual advising to help students register for fall classes. Because some course work requires special computer equipment, access to certain technical labs remains open through the end of the semester. Additionally, the Academic Enrichment Center will be open for two weeks beginning March 30. We do ask that students review the campus visit protocol online before coming to campus as virtual assistance will also be available.
All external events scheduled on System campuses have been canceled through the end of the spring semester with two exceptions. The first being the scheduled ACT exam on April 4. No decision has been made at this time. Testing through ETS, CPCE, PSI and Pearson will continue as scheduled unless otherwise notified through the SAU Testing center. The second is spring commencement. Options for spring commencement continue to be evaluated during this ever-changing environment.
As always, student success is our priority. Every decision made is for the positive benefit of our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends, so that SAU continues to serve students for many years to come.
For the latest information and answers to frequently asked questions, please visit the response page at https://web.saumag.edu/coronavirus/. Please email any questions to taskforce@saumag.edu.
