Academic continuity and planning for fall 2020

Like you, I am eager for us to return to campus but we will need to be flexible to changing circumstances moving forward. At this time, there have been no decisions about when and how we will resume operations in the fall. The school deans, Vice Provost Kevin Dunn, Vice Provost for Research Caroline Genco, as well as the Center for the Enhancement of Learning and Teaching (CELT), and Tufts Educational Technology Services (ETS) are engaged in a rigorous planning process that will help us prepare forseveral potential scenarios.

Although we do not know how and when we will return to campus, it is likely that some students may be returning to campus on different schedules based on their individual circumstances. As a result, we need to be prepared to deliver our fall programs in a format that employs the tools of both remote and in-person education. I know that such a hybrid approach will be challenging, and there is not a one-size-fits-all approach for all schools and all faculty. Both CELT and ETS will continue to help you with both instructional design and technology to meet the particular requirements of your course. CELT and ETS are updating the “Teaching at Tufts” site (https://teaching.tufts.edu) – it will be the hub for resources, training, and information on planning for teaching for this fall. I encourage you to review this website and to reach out to CELT (celt@tufts.edu) andETS (edtech@tufts.edu) for any assistance you may need as soon as you are ready. In addition, your dean will communicate with you about school-specific needs and plans.

I recognize that there are many unknowns and uncertainties that make this planning process particularly difficult and your work extremely challenging. State and federal guidelines continue to change, and decisions that will impact our ability to resume normal operations have not yet been made. In the meantime, Tufts is committed to the health and safety of our community and continuing to provide support and access to an education of the highest quality for all our current and prospective students. I cannot thank you enough for the remarkable dedication, patience, and resilience you have demonstrated, and will continue to demonstrate, during these trying times. I am confident that Tufts will prevail, and together we will emerge stronger at the end of this formidable crisis.

With deep appreciation and wishing health and safety to you and your loved ones,