Dear Friends of Beloit College,

As you are well aware, all of education across the world - not just higher education - increasingly recognizes that in this extraordinary moment, rapid and significant changes must take place to ensure that all students can continue their education while maintaining their health and safety. The last two days have brought clarity around what is the best course of action for Beloit College going forward.

To respond to the spread of COVID-19 responsibly and with the priority of the health and well-being of Beloit College community members, I have just informed students that following the end of the extended spring break on March 23, all Beloit College instruction will occur online for the remainder of the spring 2020 semester. This pathway ensures that students, including seniors, will continue to make progress toward graduation.

The letter that I sent to students is copied below.

Over the next two months, it is important to know that Beloit College remains open. This means,

• We will deliver the curriculum personally, effectively, and creatively using a variety of methods that support engaged learning at a distance.
• We will continue to attend to students’ well-being and personal, academic, and professional development.
• Our commitment to cultivating close relationships with and among students will continue as they complete coursework remotely.
• Students studying abroad in spring 2020 have each been contacted; their plans to remain in place or complete courses from home are being confirmed.

From the moment it was suggested that we might be teaching our students at a distance, the staff and faculty have approached this effort with energy and creativity. Student Life staff will continue supporting our students emotionally, mentally and physically with innovative approaches that take advantage of social media and other technologies. Academic support through LEADS, the Writing Center and the library will be available to your students.

Faculty are actively working to adopt alternative, creative ways to engage students in learning, collaborating, and communicating. Students will continue learning their course content while also acquiring new skills and insights about working together effectively at a distance. I recognize that this is disorienting and disquieting. However, these skills will serve them well when they move beyond graduation and into our increasingly networked world of work.

We are actively working to anticipate and address your questions and provide any additional information you need. To that end,

• You will find answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs)on the website
• You may submit questions to the task force at covid-19@beloit.edu
• You may also submit questions to a dedicated hotline: 608-363-2800
• The hotline will be staffed on
  • Tuesday, March 17
    • 7:00 am-9:00 am CDT
    • 11:00 am-1:00 pm CDT
    • 6:00 pm-8:00 pm CDT
  • Wednesday, March 18
    • 7:00 am-9:00 am CDT
    • 11:00 am-1:00 pm CDT
    • 6:00 pm-8:00 pm CDT

I am deeply appreciative of your patience and understanding as the college developed an evolving series of responses to the COVID-19 outbreak. This situation has been and continues to be challenging for every one of us. What we promise you is that we will be navigating this journey together with our focus, as always, on our students.

Sincerely,
Scott Bierman

Following this message was the letter sent to students on the same day.