Monday, August 30, 2021
Dear Colleagues,
Once again, I find myself feeling very proud to be a part of the University at Albany community. We began the semester with a successful first week of classes all due to the hard work and dedication of our faculty and staff. Our students, too, contributed to a smooth transition back to campus by adhering to our health and safety protocols. This was a sure sign of our students’ desire for an in-person, on-campus academic experience.
As we strive to offer our students an enriched academic and campus experience, please remember that while an occasional class session online, such as providing a video and discussion session, may be appropriate, it is not possible to change course modalities. Doing so can have serious consequences for a student’s financial aid eligibility and visa status.
With course modalities finalized several months ago and our campus returning to a primarily in-person residential experience, teaching in person for those assigned to do so is an essential function of their job and core element of their professional obligation. Changing the modality of a course unilaterally may result in referral to employee relations in our Office of Human Resources Management.
It is encouraging that faculty remain interested in utilizing teaching technologies and multiple modalities in delivering courses. I would urge any department that is interested in developing online programs to reach out to the Dean of Undergraduate Education or the Dean of the Graduate School to discuss future options.
Again, I would like to recognize and thank each of you for making the return to campus for our students an extremely positive, safe, and fulfilling experience.
Sincerely,
Carol H. Kim
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
University Hall Room 308, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12222
Phone: 518-956-8030 - Toll Free 888-226-5600 - provost@albany.edu
