April 28
COVID-19 Update by President Gentile, April 28, 2020
Greetings NSCC Students and Community,
This has been a challenging spring semester! Here we are with the end in sight and only two short weeks to go. You are incredible for sticking to your studies and I am in awe of your courage, hard work and determination. The next two weeks will zoom by (pun intended)!
Seriously, it is time to think about a number of things as this once-in-a-lifetime (I hope) spring semester comes to an end, including:
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What’s next in your program? Summer sessions? Fall semester? Graduation? Transfer? Do you have some IP courses you will need to complete? Have you spoken with an advisor? Have you reviewed your program of study sheet to see what comes next?
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It’s time to register for summer. All summer courses will be online. This is the traditional online format with which NSCC has over three decades of experience with best practices and strong student learner outcomes. That means our faculty are experienced, well versed in facilitation of an online course and dedicated to helping you learn in this modality.
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In another week or two the fall semester course catalogue will be revamped to reflect the need to provide more online and hybrid course section choices (just in case we still can’t be fully on campus in larger groupings) as well as a good mix of smaller class size on-campus in classrooms courses, especially those with labs and hands-on skill building. Social distancing and safe interactions on campus will be our daily mantra. We’ll notify you when the new mix is up for registration.
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Virtual Commencement is coming up! Reserve your calendar for 6 p.m. June 25 – details are being worked out but here’s some exciting news – every graduating student will be sent a no-charge cap, gown and tassel from the bookstore so you can wear the academic regalia when you send in your short video or photo for uploading into the ceremony software! You’ll also be sent your degree holder and any earned cords/pins for student activities and honors, along with the official commencement program book. Our soloist and student speaker choices are in the final phases but we have confirmed our keynote speaker! Senator Elizabeth Warren, recent candidate for President of the United States, will be addressing you! She has a strong commitment to public higher education and was delighted to be asked to be this year’s keynote speaker. As you know, Senator Warren has met and conquered many challenges – just like you! We are honored that she has agreed to provide the NSCC Class of 2020 a heartfelt, inspirational address designed especially for you!
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We’ve received our CARES Act allocation and here’s the link for you to fill out your application for financial help. The criteria are defined by the federal government and the funds are meant to provide students who have experienced financial impacts due to the campus moves to an online/remote platform because of COVID-19. You may be eligible for a federal grant as a result. Click here to find out more and fill out an application if you have experienced such impacts: https://www.northshore.edu/cares-act/index.html
You’re almost there – you’ve almost completed this semester…keep fighting, keep studying, and keep staying safe and healthy! Governor Baker has indicated that the COVID-19 virus has plateaued in Massachusetts but is not yet diminishing. He has extended the Stay at Home order date from May 4 to May 18, 2020. We need to stay the course for a bit longer.
We are all so proud of you. And, if you are struggling to get to the finish line – let me know – we are here to help!
--Patricia A. Gentile, Ed.D.,President