Dear Transylvania Pioneers,
As we approach the end of our third week of remote instruction, I write to the Transy Pioneer community to say a huge THANK YOU for the flexibility and understanding you all have shown during this challenging time on campus brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. I want to highlight a few of the many things that happened this week:
- Transylvania remains open with most staff and faculty continuing to work remotely from off campus until further notice. The Campus Emergency Response Team has been actively engaged over the past month assessing, planning and implementing the numerous changes we have all witnessed with our academic programs and daily campus operations. A summary of these decisions is on the 1780 blog. I am truly grateful for the dedication and care with which all members of this team have approached their assignment and advised the group, keeping the best interest as well as the health and safety of the Transy community always in mind.
- Along with Robin Prichard, I spoke remotely to the Pre-Health Club on Tuesday on the science, ethics and economics of COVID-19. We have several of our Transy students working in the health field currently, and they shared their stories and those of family members who are also engaged in health care delivery.
- The division chairs met with Dean Cairo and me to discuss academic plans and issues brought on by the change in instruction.
- The Transylvania faculty held their April meeting this week. I presented the background and rationale for decisions made highlighting a number of changes we have made within the Transy community in response to COVID-19.
- We have completed 10 days using the Beck Center as temporary housing for homeless clients of the Hope Center. Our food service partner, Bon Appétit Management Company, is providing lunch and dinner for them.
- Plans are underway for virtual May celebration of Transy’s commencement and Senior Week for the Class of 2020, with an in-person ceremony to be held later. We will besharing more details over the next few weeks.
Many in our community are celebrating religious holidays this month, including Passover, Easter and the beginning of Ramadan. I wish everyone a healthy, peaceful and meaningful holiday.
With gratitude for our Transylvania community,
Dr. John N. William ’74
Interim President