To: Paul Smith’s College students
Delivered: March 20, 2020

Earlier today you received a message from Provost Nicholas Hunt-Bull regarding our academic support systems and online learning approach. We are entering a new phase of learning for the Spring 2020 semester and will surely encounter some highs and lows along the way. Together we can make the most of this unprecedented situation to be sure you each receive a meaningful Paul Smith’s education. This video message from the Provost articulates this philosophy. Please keep yourselves safe and know that we are here for you.

Update on Commencement – Ceremony Canceled

It’s increasingly clear that gathering for commencement will not be possible. So that families can adjust their travel plans we have made the decision to cancel the physical event. On graduation day May 9 we will find a way to mark the occasion as a community. We will celebrate virtually in May and hold an in-person ceremony in the future; please stay tuned. Huge thanks to our senior class leaders for helping staff with input on this decision.

Reminder on Residence Halls

Also today, there has been new guidance from the New York State governor’s office mandating more workers to stay home. This has prompted many students to ask questions about accessing their residence halls to collect their belongings. Until there is further clarification from NY State, the following procedures remain in place:

• Through 5:00 pm Sunday you may use your key to access your residence halls at any time. Beginning Monday March 23 we are requiring appointments and will limit the number of visitors to 50 people per day. Please use this online form to check availability and register your plans.
• Campus Safety is available to help if you are locked out. For the health and safety of the Campus Safety staff, when you arrive to campus and need assistance, please call the office instead of coming into the Campus Safety Office. We appreciate your understanding and patience at this time.
• We understand that some students will need access to academic and other buildings to retrieve personal items. Due to the high volume of calls and assistance needed at this time by our office and to limit the amount of people entering a building at once, please call the Office of Campus Safety to schedule a time to pick those items up.

This situation has put everyone’s creative resilience to the test. If you are feeling discouraged or don’t know how to handle the challenges of adapting to our new reality, our teams are here to help.