A summary of some new news related to CUNY's and CSI's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. See https://csi-covid19.github.io/ for the archive.
To add/suggest news, please email John Verzani
link an email regarding the CSI food pantry and other such services on Staten Island was sent out by Student Affairs.
link The College Council Executive Committee sent President Fritz a letter with a suggestion in anticipation of budget issues next year.
link CUNY updated its guidance the eighth time. This includes updates to several important areas: Grading Policies; Academic Calendar and Events; Shared Governance and Contractual Obligations; Distance Learning Platforms, Tools & Resources; Financial Aid and Other Types of Support.
Of note:
The flexible grading policy, aka: the credit/not credit grading option
Change to student retention policies
A description of the change to the calenda brought about by the pause and the shortening of spring break
Adjustments to tenure time, notification of appointment
P&B Voting (also voting for Chairs to take place in May) had this suggestion: Colleges that were still trying to figure out how to proceed were advised to reach out directly to their colleagues. (We have been informed that the college is close to announcing a solution.)
Notes on the distribution of Chromebooks
Financial aid changes for veterans
A summary of changes brought about by the federal response. There is about 1 billion in relief for higher education New York State.
The governor's proposal to create a 1000 bed hospital at CSI utilizing the residence halls and the recreation center was approved by the US President.
link President Fritz sent a campus email regarding the current planning.
The Advance has an article mentioning: link
"Cuomo previously said that it would take about 10 days for the CSI hospital to be completed."
"Two parts of the CSI campus – the Dolphin Cove dorms and the Recreational Center – are being eyed for the care facilities, according to communications from the school, "
"The Army Corps of Engineers has been responsible for the transformation of civilian facilities into field hospitals, with support from the National Guard."
link PSC Chair Bowen sent out an email about a mass virtual protest. She says "The recent federal stimulus bill includes $14 billion for higher education, with $1 billion going to New York State. The additional federal funding should stabilize education budgets; there is no justification for cuts to CUNY!"
link PSC Chapter Chair George Sanchez sent out an email "to reach out and ask if you can please email any questions or concerns you have moving forward with anything having to with your positions. Workplace safety, health considerations, tenure and promotion, online or distance learning and workload?"
link PSC Health and Safety watchdogs announce "COVID-19: Worker Safety & Health" online workshops
link A Blackboard support update was made
link A table of training opportunties was shared
link John Jay decides to move all Summer 2020 instruction online. (This is not set officially by CUNY, as of yet. There was some talk last Friday that it is expected courses might need to begin online, but that they might be able to complete in a traditional manner if that is desired. Medger Evers Faculty Senate are asking for a determination to be made so faculty can adequately prepare for online instruction for the fall semester.)