Saint Rose to move to all-remote classes on November 17, residence halls remain open

Interim President Marcia J. White sent the following message to the campus community on Sunday, November 15:

Dear Students,

As you know, there has been an escalation in the number of Coronavirus cases worldwide and in the United States. Our region has also experienced this increase. On Friday, Albany County reported its largest number of positive cases in a single day since the start of the pandemic.

While we have done extremely well for so many months, the situation at Saint Rose is influenced by the regional and local virus spread. While our number of positive cases remains relatively low compared to some other institutions, with only 17 total positive cases since the start of the fall semester, and 6 positive student and 2 employee cases currently, the rapid pace that the number of positive cases is climbing in New York and nationally is concerning.

To protect all members of our campus community — students, faculty and staff – we will transition to all remote delivery of classes beginning Tuesday, November 17. Students will be able to remain in the residence halls through 10 a.m. on Wednesday, November 25, while having the option to leave earlier if they wish. Starting this evening, service will be take-out only meals from Dining Services.

Effective immediately, we will cancel all in-person events and meetings for the remainder of the fall semester. Tomorrow will be the last day that athletic teams may practice or engage in any in-person team activity.

Thank you to the faculty and staff who are assisting in making this transition quickly. I appreciate your flexibility and commitment to our students and the academic mission in these dynamic circumstances. If you have questions regarding your coursework, please contact your faculty member directly. If you have any questions related to student life, please email studentdevelopment@strose.edu. If you want to leave your on-campus residence room earlier than planned or have other housing questions, contact reslife@strose.edu.

If you are on campus, please limit your movements, and continue to wear your masks at all times. Unless it is related to health or security, appointments will be virtual or by phone.

I want you to know that this decision is not the result of any student conduct violations. Quite the contrary, you have been remarkable, wearing your masks and fulfilling our policies. Ultimately, this decision fulfills the value of our founders: “to care for our dear neighbor.” At this time, caring for our students, our faculty and staff, and our surrounding community propels us to BE PROACTIVE by taking this action. Our Saint Rose spirit has been demonstrated every day for the last three months, and in the final weeks of our semester, we must show our love by keeping our distance to protect each other, our families, and those we may never meet.

Please know how much I appreciate everything you have done to keep our campus a safe and engaged learning community for the last three months. If we take these actions and continue to show our support for each other, we will continue to be a strong, resilient community.

With my gratitude,

Marcia