Good evening,
I hope you and your loved ones are doing well. I also wanted to take this time to check in, especially since we’re rounding the bases on our first week of distance learning and virtual Wesleyan life.
Some of you have reached out already with concerns about navigating challenging dynamics at home. Others have contacted me with requests to modify their class schedules. And a few of you have expressed concerns about completing the semester while navigating an unfamiliar, virtual landscape. No matter what, keep reaching out! None of us signed on for this, but I want to encourage you as I encourage myself to take things step-by-step and day-by-day.
While many of us no longer have unfettered access to all the people and communities we hold dear, that doesn’t mean we can’t continue to make important connections. FaceTime and Netflix/Amazon/Hulu/Peacock/YouTube/Disney+ (lest I leave out any streaming giant), or pick up the phone and call/text someone. Find new ways to maintain the networks that have been your support. I’m happy to speak with anyone about what I’ve been doing to live beyond my keyboard and touchscreens. None of my approaches are groundbreaking, and most of them don’t feel as satisfying or as cathartic as giving my little sister a hug or eating out with one of my closest friends. Even so, they’re getting me through this.
What follows is a short listing of important academic updates and resources for your review. I’ve provided a link to the Spring 2020-specific Student Academic Resources (SAR) website where there is useful information to help you complete the semester successfully. Please note, peer advisors, course tutors, and Accessibility Services are still available to work with you.
Additionally, I invite you to keep the lines of communication open with me and your professors. Don’t hesitate to schedule a half-hour appointment or a 20-minute drop-in with me to discuss any issues or concerns; you may do so through the following link: https://tinyurl.com/deanleathers.
IMPORTANT UPDATES/RESOURCES
Credit/No Credit (CR/U) Process
Students will be allowed to move from letter grades to CR/U grading simply by notifying their professors by the last day of classes, Wednesday, May 6. Please note: all departments and minors will accept CR/U credits this semester towards their majors/minors.
Revised Timeline for Spring 2020 Pre-Registration
The university has revised the timeline for pre-registration for the Fall 2020 semester:
Planning: April 7 – 20
Scheduling: April 21
Adjustment: April 22 – 28
The new dates for the planning period overlap with Passover. Please let me know if you have concerns about your ability to participate in academic planning during that time frame.
Fourth (4th) Quarter Drop/Add Process
The deadline to add or drop a fourth (4th) quarter course is five (5) business days from the first class meeting. You may access the 2nd/4th quarter drop/add form through the following link: https://www.wesleyan.edu/registrar/forms/DropAddForm_2nd4thQuarter.pdf
To submit your request, download the form and complete the top portion digitally (you may do this without access to a scanner as the form is now writeable). Once you have done so, forward the form to me, your course instructor, and your faculty advisor(s). If you cannot download the form, please email me (tleathers@wesleyan.edu), and I will walk you through an alternative process to submit your request.
A full listing of current, 4th quarter classes can be accessed here.
Tips for Learning in a Digital Environment
The following link provides access to resources to help you with the transition to distance learning: https://www.wesleyan.edu/sar/Spring2020.html.
Many thanks to those of you who have reached out for support and those who have given their peers support as well. I also want to give a big thank you to those of you who have wished me and my family well. Please continue to look after each other.
Take gentle care,
Dean Leathers