Dear members of the Class of 2021,
I hope that all of you have taken the time to rest and enjoy winter break. Classes begin on Tuesday, February 9th, and I’m writing to follow up with some additional information/resources to help you start the semester well and successfully complete the drop/add period. You may also access this message on our class blog.
Enrollment
Starting on Saturday, February 6th you are required to enroll in the University. To enroll, login to WesPortal, click through the yellow alert banner at the top of the page, then click on the “Enroll Me” button. Please be aware that you will not be able to participate in drop/add until you have enrolled in the University. You must enroll in the University by Monday, February 22nd, at 11:59pm, EDT. You must do this regardless of whether you will attend classes in-person or remotely this spring.
In addition to enrolling, you must resolve any holds in your list of Action Items. To access your list, go to:
WesPortal > Enrollment Checklist & Addresses > Hold/Enroll
Instruction(s) on how to resolve each action item are provided on the page. Many action items can be resolved with a simple click of the mouse.
All action items must be resolved within the first week of classes. Please be aware that you will still be able to participate in drop/add even if you have unresolved action items (as long as you have already enrolled in the University using the “Enroll Me” button).
Change of Grading Mode
The last day to change the grading mode for courses with the Student Option is Tuesday, March 2nd by 5pm, EDT.
Digital Learning Tips for Classes and Drop/Add
Remember there are resources to help you navigate our online and hybrid learning environments. You may access a set of tips and resources to navigate the upcoming drop/add period and online learning through our class blog.
COVID-19 Campus Protocol for Students on Remote Study Status & Leaves of Absence
Students on remote study status are not permitted to visit campus for any reason during the Spring 2021 semester. This includes attending in-person classes, events, practices, meetings or visiting with students on campus, etc.
Students on medical, academic or non-academic leave must also adhere to the COVID-19 mitigation protocol to not visit campus for any reason during the Spring 2021 semester.
Additionally, the state of CT has a mandatory quarantine order in place for those traveling to any part of CT from other states on their list. You may access that information here: https://portal.ct.gov/Coronavirus/travel.
Senior Paperwork & Resources
I will begin sending reminders within the next few weeks to help you prepare to finish your last semester at Wes.
Please review the resources to help you prepare for completing your last semester and graduation. You may access the Senior Packet and more useful information on our class blog.
As of now, you should review your Credit Analysis Report, General Education Report, and Major/Minor Certification Forms in WesPortal. You may have already received an email from me about oversubscription. You may access more information about this here.
Check to make sure your full legal name is spelled correctly for your diploma. You may access information on how to confirm your diploma name here.
Additionally, don’t forget about programs and services offered by Gordon Career Center and the Cardinals Helping Cardinals program.
Commencement 2021
Commencement is scheduled for May 30th. Additional details about the format (e.g. in-person and/or virtual) will be available later this spring.
Class Dean Office/Appointment Hours
I am still working remotely until further notice, but I am accessible through email, appointment hours, etc. I will continue to conduct appointments through Zoom or Google Meeting, and my calendar is available through the following link for the duration of the Spring 2021 semester: https://tinyurl.com/deanleathers. I look forward to speaking with you soon!
Last year was difficult for so many of us, and we’re clearly not out of the woods yet. I’m hopeful for what is in store for us this year. And while uncertainty appears to be a hallmark of our present time, the love and care that we show for one another can be as well.
I wish you a wonderful start to spring classes, and do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns moving forward.
All my best,
Dean Leathers