April 20, 2020 (9:03 am) Central Time
Dear Simpson College Community,
Good morning. I want to thank each of you for your efforts, dedication, and diligence during this time. As the pandemic continues, we are busy planning for both summer and Fall. Please know we will continue to keep each of you updated on how these decisions will impact YOU. At the heart of everything we so at Simpson College is STUDENT SUCCESS – this will continue now and into the future.
We also recognize that we are a community built upon transparency and truth. Later this week, we will share a timetable for making decisions related to summer course offerings, summer camps and Fall term. There is a great deal that goes into these decisions and I thank you in advance for your patience.
If you have pressing questions, please continue to use the COVIDResponse@simpson.edu email address.
In addition, we will be moving to a once a week COVID-19 email beginning the week of May 4.
In its place, we will be issuing email communication to faculty, staff, students, parents, alumni and other member of the community via individual messages and newsletters.
Key Updates for April 20 Include:
May Term Grading Policies At Discretion of Faculty
Last week we announced that all May Term courses would be moved to an online format. We want to clarify the grading for May Term and inform the campus community that the grading approach for each course will reside with the professor. Given that May Term is a new term, faculty were given an opportunity to switch the grading approach prior to class registration. We ask students to check with their individual instructor to clarify the course’s grading policy.
Simpson College’s Plan for Fall 2020
We recognize that many of you are already thinking about whether classes will be in session this Fall. At this time, we are exploring all options related to Fall. Due to the uncertainties of the pandemic and the projections surrounding the state of Iowa, we are continuing to assess the situation. Our hope is to welcome the campus back in the Fall, however we recognize the need to be agile in these uncertain times. We will communicate decisions related to Fall as quickly as we are able.
Fall 2020 “Simpson Experience Abroad” semester program in Adelaide, Australia has been cancelled
In light of the continuing global pandemic, Simpson College’s partner institution in Australia, the University of Adelaide, has decided not to offer in-person instruction for their upcoming term. Simpson has therefore decided to cancel the Fall 2020 “Simpson Experience Abroad” semester program in Adelaide which Professor Mimi Kammer was set to direct with nine students participating. Professor Kammer has now been named to direct the Fall 2022 “SEA” semester program in Australia instead. Applications from interested students for this program can be submitted in Fall 2021.
Connect with Us
We continue to maintain and respond to all questions submitted through our dedicated email address. Please email, COVIDResponse@simpson.edu However, for students with specific questions related to course work, we encourage you to contact your individual professor and or advisor. For faculty with academic-related questions, please contact Cheryl Jacobsen, academic dean.
Please continue to monitor your emails and check the Simpson College COVID19 webpage for updates.
Please let us know if you have any additional questions. #ONESimpson.
Thank you,
Bob Lane ‘81
Interim President