SUNY Orange students,

Welcome back to the Spring 2020 semester. I continue to hope for good health and safety for you and your loved ones.

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.

I believe SUNY Orange was quite fortunate regarding the timing of this outbreak. We were able to reach Spring Break without interrupting your academic schedule, and we were able to extend your break one additional week to allow us additional time to react to the COVID-19 situation. In those two weeks, our faculty has transitioned courses to alternative/distance formats and staff has worked to establish virtual student supports and continue College operations.

While you’ve been away, many of you had questions and were concerned about what the rest of the Spring 2020 semester may hold. I’m sure you are still digesting all of the changes you are encountering. I have asked for your patience and flexibility before, 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 you and your academic success.

What is your role now as we navigate these uncharted waters together? Stay in touch with your instructors. Take advantage of our student services to the best extent that you can. Ask questions. Learn how you can best to adapt to this “new look” semester. Remain true to the goals you set for this semester back in January: to learn and to finish strong.

I wish you the best of luck today and in the coming weeks. This was not what you, or I, expected, but it is the reality we face. There is no doubt in my mind that we will emerge from this stronger as a College, and stronger as a community.

Regards,

Dr. Kristine Young

COVID-19 Student Resources Page