March 22: Coronavirus Update

Dear Merrimack College Community,

As we prepare to make the transition to remote learning tomorrow, Monday, March 23, we wanted to take this opportunity to remind you of the many resources that Merrimack has implemented in order to make this transition as seamless as we can. We realize that this change may present some challenges large and small, but are confident that the tools that are available to our students, faculty and staff will lead to a successful and productive remote learning experience.  

We encourage everyone to review the previous communications that have been sent in regards to remote learning, teaching, advising and tutoring. Below, we have included a list of reminders and resources that will assist you to begin remote learning on Monday: 

Reminders and Resources: For Students

1. The College has created this Student Remote Learning Website to help you every step of the way as we transition to remote learning. We encourage you to visit this site regularly as it includes resources and guides that will be helpful. This website includes information on how to access Blackboard, resources from the Academic Succes Center, how to schedule virtual tutoring and advising support, mental health counseling and more. It is updated regularly with new and developing information. We recommending creating a bookmark so you can visit this page with just one click!
   

2. If you have not heard from your instructors we encourage you to reach out to them starting today. Check-in with them, share your concerns or any questions you have. Your instructors are here for you and want to see you thrive during this time!
   

3. Create your Zoom account. Zoom will allow you to connect with your instructors, classmates, conduct advising and tutoring sessions, schedule teletherapy and much more. Take a look at these instructions on how to get started.
   

4. Begin to review your courses in Blackboard. There is no better time than now to spend some time in Blackboard before classes begin on Monday in order to get more comfortable with the system. If you have any Blackboard questions, email AskIT or call the 24/7 hotline: (978) 837-3500.
   

5. As a reminder, your advisor will be reaching out to you about how your remote advising will take place this year. Each school and department does advising in different ways and for the most part, the same process will continue with the exception that it will happen remotely. We have adjusted the dates for the start of registration as follows: 

• Monday, April 6: Juniors and non-graduating seniors registration for Fall 2020 (original date was March 26)

• Thursday, April 16: Sophomore registration for Fall 2020 (original date was April 2)

• Tuesday, April 21: Freshman registration for Fall 2020 (original date was April 14)
  

6. The Task Force can always be reached if there are any questions you have and are unsure as to who to contact. Send any questions you have and the Task Force will put you in touch with the appropriate contact.
   

7. ALL student support services are open for calls, emails and remote meetings. Check out our Support Services page to get in touch with the office you need to.  
   

8. If you are missing your books or materials let your faculty member know and email the Task Force who will help you retrieve your books from campus or get online access to electronic books.
   

9. Finally, you are not alone, thousands of students, faculty and staff are going remote together so if you have a concern, a question or just need to talk with someone just ask by emailing the Task Force or calling the 24/7 Hot Line at 1-978-837-3500.

Reminders and Resources: For Faculty and Staff

1. The College’s Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) has created the Continuity of Education website for faculty questions in regards to remote learning. We encourage you to visit this site regularly as it includes resources and guides that will help faculty to teach remotely. Reach out the CETL Team should you have any questions regarding remote learning. 
   

2. If you have not done so already, please reach out to your students with expectations that you have for your class as we move to remote learning. If you have not heard from a student and you would like to make sure they are prepared, reach out to the ASC Team who can help. 
   

3. Review the courses that you have set up in Blackboard for each of your classes. Do not wait until the day of your class to make sure that you are ready. If you have questions, please reach out to AskIT, the CETL team, or call the 24/7 hotline: (978) 837-3500. We are here to help!
   

4. As a reminder, the academic calendar has been adjusted to give departments more time to prepare and to communicate with advisees for Fall 2020 registration. See your email for more details. These changes are:

• Monday, April 6: Junior and non-graduating seniors registration for Fall 2020 (original date was March 26)

• Thursday, April 16: Sophomore registration for Fall 2020 (original date was April 2)

• Tuesday, April 21: Freshman registration for Fall 2020
  

5. Some students have not been able to retrieve their books from campus or have limited access to adequate WiFi, we ask that course instructors be cognizant of the difficulties some students may have and please email their Dean or the Task Force if you need assistance in helping a student.
   

6. Create your Zoom account. Zoom will allow you to connect with your instructors, classmates, conduct advising and tutoring sessions, schedule teletherapy and much more.
   

7. If a student or employee indicates to you that they are concerned they may have the COVID-19 or have tested positively for COVID-19, please notify the Task Force, whom will reach out to the student immediately to assist them and to determine their last know contacts on campus to ensure proper protocols and notification are made to other members of our community and local and state authorities, if needed. All emails to the task force are considered confidential.
   

8. Finally, the Task Force is always a resource that can be reached if there are any questions. Send any questions you may have and the Task Force will put you in touch with the appropriate contact. 

Over the coming days and weeks, we will continue to communicate with the entire Merrimack Community with any changes that are made during this ever-changing event. Continue to review your Merrimack email, the COVID-19 website, and social media for immediate updates.  

Remember, you are not alone and we are all learning as we go. The College is committed to working with each student, faculty and staff member to assist them during this challenging time. We will get through this together.

Best,

The Task Force