Dear Colleagues,
I hope this email finds you safe and well. I am writing to you from UMass Boston where we have every indication that the university will operate remotely for the remainder of the academic year. To be specific, we have been remote since March and will continue to operate remotely through June of 2021. All campus buildings are "closed" and only essential individuals are coming to campus. Given the increase in COVID numbers this Fall, I am certain we are not the only institution that will continue to operate remotely until summer 2021.
Over the last eight months we have developed several new initiatives aimed at serving the campus community, while also trying to remain relevant and viable. Some of these efforts include a Virtual Campus Center ; Virtual Information Booth; Virtual Game Room Activities and a new Campus Calendar which highlights campus-wide virtual events. However, I am concerned that these efforts, and others, are not enough to demonstrate our worth in a fully remote environment.
Given our current situation, I am looking to connect with other institutions that have operated remotely over the last eight months and will continue to operate remotely for the rest of the academic year. This includes institutions that may be open, but with extremely limited operations. What services, programs and initiatives have you developed during this time? What new ideas and initiatives are you considering? How will you remain relevant and engaged through the summer of 2021?
I am looking to connect with others on this topic. If you would like to be a part of a Zoom conversation email me at Geoff.Combs@umb.edu. Let's exchange ideas, or at minimum, commiserate. Please feel free to share this email with others. My best to you all.
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Geoff Combs
Executive Director, Campus Center & Event Services
University of Massachusetts–Boston
Boston MA
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