Update from President Cooper - 23rd March

Monday, March 23, 2020

Dear Members of the Springfield College Community, 

I am so proud of how we have come together as a community by demonstrating our continued commitment to our Humanics philosophy in everything we do. I am grateful for the extra effort to ensure that our students have the best possible experience in these unprecedented times.

The move out of our resident students continued according to plan over the weekend. Our thanks again to our Department of Public Safety staff, Office of Facilities Management staff, and Office of Housing and Residence Life staff for their efforts as well as to our students and families for their understanding of this necessary process that none of us anticipated.

Our faculty continue this week to prepare for online instruction and virtual learning that will begin March 30 and continue for the remainder of the spring semester.

Over the weekend, our Physician Assistant program staff delivered supplies on behalf of the College to several local hospitals who had reached out to us for help, including the board chair of one local hospital who contacted me directly, finding themselves in critical short supply of gloves, masks, and sanitizers. After first assuring our own health center has the supplies it currently needs, our staff members quickly responded to a need in our community in true Humanics form. 

Today, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker issued an executive order closing all non-essential businesses and advising residents to telecommute as they are able, as well as limiting access to public venues for essential activities only. In compliance with the Governor’s order, our staff will continue to work at home with the exception of those designated by the order for the essential functions of the College.

I hope this message finds you well. For more information on the College’s response and Q&As, please regularly visit springfield.edu/coronavirus.

Best,

Mary-Beth A. Cooper

Springfield College President