March 16, 2020 at 3:14 p.m.
CSSW Field Practicum Status Update
Dear Online and Residential Students of CSSW,
I hope this note finds all of you safe and well.
I am writing with further updates on the field placement activities at CSSW. As you know, we had implemented a mandatory suspension of all in-person field placement activities through Monday, March 23rd. Based on the latest discussions at the University and recommendations from public health authorities, CSSW is now implementing a suspension of all in-person field activities through Friday, May 8, the end of the spring term. Please note the following:
The suspension of in-person activities is mandatory, and is designed to reduce contacts and slow the spread of the epidemic wherever you live and work.
If your field site can enable remote work, please work with your site supervisor and advisor to engage with and support your site virtually.
If the circumstances at your site does not allow for remote work, please get in touch with your advisor after spring break. Starting next week, we will be sharing remote assignments to support your progress to graduation and preserve your continuity of learning over the next 2 months. This is especially important for those of you enrolled in our 16-month program and our 5-term international program. We are ready to support your learning virtually.
For those who are planning to graduate this May, please know that your advisor will work closely with you to ensure that you meet the minimum requirements for field placement hours.
For those who are not due to graduate in May, rest assured that we will work with you on an individual basis towards successful completion of all degree requirements in a timely fashion.
Some NYC-based students have inquired about leaving the city and returning home, either domestically or internationally. We see no obstacles at this time in continuing your studies from remote locations where you have internet access. International students are additionally advised to keep in touch with ISSO, and the helpful information they present on their websites:
Many of you have asked about commencement plans. At this point in time, commencement activities are still scheduled. We will notify you as soon as we hear any updates from the University on this point.
We recognize that this is a difficult and stressful time for you. Please know that we are meeting continually and staying in touch with our partners to facilitate as smooth a process as possible while the epidemic takes its course. We WILL get through this. Let’s remember to be kind to one another along the way – we all need to support each other.
Be well.
Kathryne
