College employees,

Today we all begin an unprecedented era in the history of Orange County Community College as we have re-launched the Spring 2020 semester from a distance in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Off the top, I want to recognize the tremendous efforts of our faculty to pivot their courses from the traditional classroom/lab setting to alternative/distance formats in the span of less than two weeks. I applaud the spontaneous creativity of staff members across the College for transitioning services and departments to suitable virtual platforms in order to support students and continue College operations. All of this has happened while you have been working remotely without access to the comforts of on-campus office spaces and other resources.

I imagine you have heard that Governor Andrew Cuomo announced yesterday the extension of his New York PAUSE initiative through April 15. SUNY Orange will abide by his executive order and all non-essential employees will continue to work remotely until he rescinds those guidelines. Please continue to work with your supervisor on the best ways to serve the College, our students and your specific department while working remotely.

Over the past several weeks, I have asked often for your patience and flexibility, and today that ask remains. Even as we return to academic instruction, there is much work to be done. I know issues will arise, but I am confident that we will continue to demonstrate what makes this College great … our steadfast commitment to our students and their academic success.

Our goals in response to COVID-19 remain: protecting the health and safety of our entire College community and completing the academic programs of the Spring 2020 semester with academic integrity.

With appreciation and respect,

Kris