Reopening Planning

Message from the President

August 20, 2020

To: The John Jay College Community
Re: Continuing Planning for Reopening

In many ways, it feels like a lifetime ago when we abruptly transitioned to a distance-learning model in the Spring 2020 semester. Since that time, we’ve learned a lot, sharpened our online skills, and have been hard at work developing plans to safely reopen in the fall. As we get ready to welcome our students to the Fall 2020 semester, I am writing to share the latest updates on the development of our reopening plans. These updates reflect a deep commitment to offering a meaningful education to our students, while also balancing essential safety considerations. Everything we do is being guided by three key principles:

• The health and safety of our community is paramount and is at the center of all our decision-making.
• We are planning in order to have the lowest density possible on campus to allow for appropriate safety precautions.
• This means we will be offering most classes in a distance-learning format and conducting College operations remotely, with limited exceptions.

 

We are closely following guidance provided by CUNY and New York State. Our research reopening plan has already been submitted to, and approved by, CUNY. Our detailed campus-wide reopening plan has also been submitted to CUNY for review, and we are now working with CUNY for approval. As soon as the plan is approved, we will share it with you and post it on the web.

Even while our detailed plans undergo review, I am outlining below some of what you can expect.

Limited On-Campus Services

• In the fall semester, while the majority of classes will be taught remotely, we will offer a small number of science labs in-person or in a hybrid format on campus. You can review a detailed memo from the Registrar about the different instruction formats for courses this fall here. 
• Most student services will continue to operate remotely, with a few exceptions, including the Food Pantry, Children’s Center, and Student Housing. Hours of operation and availability of student services will be indicated on the Coronavirus Updates web page.
• With limited exceptions for a few essential services, most staff will continue to work remotely. Supervisors will be working directly with staff in those areas on plans for limited on-campus functions.
• We are continuing to work diligently to meet faculty, staff, and student technology needs for advancing distance-learning success. Any community member who needs technology assistance should contact the DoIT Help Desk.

 

Requesting Campus Access

• The small number of students, faculty or staff who need access to campus will need to follow a process to access campus facilities including offices and study spaces. The process will include online safety training, health screening on the day of access, and required mask wearing at all times on campus. We expect to share details about the process, as well as accommodations, before the start of the semester.

 

Key Contact Information

We have designated points of contact to respond if you need help, or have questions or concerns:

• To report any safety concerns or complaints, individuals can complete the Covid-19 Workplace Safety Complaint Form.
• Our Coronavirus Campus Coordinator is Mark Flower, Interim Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, who is serving as our campus safety monitor and leading and coordinating the work of the Campus Reopening Committee. He can be reached at mflower@jjay.cuny.edu.

 

As new information comes in, and circumstances change, we will continue to update you regarding our reopening plans. Thank you for your patience and understanding during this stressful time. Stay well, take care of each other, and I look forward to seeing you throughout the academic year.

Karol V. Mason
President 
John Jay College of Criminal Justice