Dear Maria Community
The dynamic situation related to the spread of Coronavirus (Covid-19) has led our college to put into practice measures that are both prudent and based on best practices to continue to keep our campus community safe and slow the transmission of the virus. Maria College will be extending spring break through March 22, 2020. All classes scheduled for this time period will be suspended, and information about instruction and assessment originally scheduled for this week will be forthcoming from instructors.
The College’s task force on Coronavirus meets daily to update and assess the situation. We have been in consultation with the State of New York, the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities (CICU), and our peer institutions in the region. This approach is consistent with measures being taken at similar institutions of higher education.
This extension of Spring Break will serve as a time for a number of important initiatives. We will be preparing our systems to deliver academic instruction and student support services remotely, if that is what circumstances warrant in the near future. New York State Education Department has issued guidelines allowing for flexibility during this emergency and Maria faculty will be ensuring delivery of course materials for the remainder of the semester to meet Federal and State credit hour guidelines. Finally, we will be using the time to perform a proactive deep cleaning of the campus facilities.
There are currently no confirmed cases of Coronavirus within the Maria College campus, and we are continuing to monitor this closely while keeping open lines of communication with all stakeholders.
Events that are scheduled to occur between 3/12 and 4/30 are currently being examined. Cancellations or rescheduling will be communicated via the web and your Maria College email account. It is important to check these sources regularly.
Please bookmark our website on the Coronavirus response for the latest information: www.mariacollege.edu/coronavirus
As was communicated before, please use good sense and stay home if you are experiencing symptoms of colds or flu, and please communicate with the appropriate personnel at Maria (see the website) if you need to report any Coronavirus exposure.
Students or parents who have any questions about these steps are asked to contact Andrew Ledoux at DLedoux@mariacollege.edu or 518-861-2505. Questions about your individual courses should be directed to your faculty instructor.
Thank you for doing your part to keep our community safe; I will be updating you as the situation develops.
Thomas Gamble
President