Classes moved online, what now?

On Monday, March 9, students and faculty were informed that all classes are being completely moved to an online platform. What does this mean for the future?

With over 100 confirmed cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in New York State and more than 25 in New Jersey, universities in the New York metropolitan area are beginning to shut down.

As of now, all classes will be conducted online through April 5, meaning that classes will remain online after spring break. It is up to the professor to decide how classes will be conducted. Whether it is via Zoom, recorded lectures, or some other method of teaching, classes will continue. Zoom can be accessed through the myStevens portal. For technical assistance, you can click on the “IT Service Desk” icon on the myStevens page and search the Knowledge Base with your questions.

Director of Public Relations Thania Benios said, “Our goal is to provide flexibility for you and your instructors to take health precautions while also making sure that these disruptions do not present any disadvantage to your future academic or professional progress.” Instructors have been asked to conduct exams remotely, if possible. If that is not feasible, exams are to be postponed. Additionally, all lab courses are postponed. Professors will provide more details in coordination with the Dean’s office and Office of the Provost once they receive more information.

This is the first time many professors are conducting online classes, so the transition may take some time. However, students should be prepared to continue learning new material. Assignments and exams will be given at the discretion of the professor.

There are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 at Stevens; however, students who live in Stevens housing (on-campus, leased, CARE House, Lore-El, and Stevens-owned Greek housing) who are able to return home must do so until April 5. During spring break, Pierce Dining Hall will be open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. from Saturday, March 14 to Saturday, March 21. From Monday, March 16 to Friday, March 20, Pierce Café will be open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. All other campus eateries will be closed. Students who must remain in Stevens housing during this time must contact the Office of Residential and Dining Services (RDS). Students can email rds@stevens.edu with any questions.

While students are encouraged to go home, employees may or may not be allowed to work remotely. With the approval of their supervisors, university employees will be permitted to work from home on a full-time or part-time basis until further notice. Approval is not automatic and is based on the needs of on-campus staff. There are certain staff units that are integral to campus operations and functions (including Facilities employees and police officers) that will still be needed on campus.

If the novel coronavirus comes to Hoboken, Stevens will work closely with local, state, and federal health officials and will make decisions accordingly to safeguard the health and well-being of the community. If a member of the Stevens community were to contract the coronavirus, all students, faculty, and staff will be notified immediately and additional steps will be taken.