November 20, 2020—Dear Marist Community,

We write with congratulations and thanks to all members of the Marist community as we conclude our in-person portion of the fall semester. Collectively, we accomplished what many other colleges and universities across the country could not: complete in-person learning in one of the most challenging environments in living memory. This experience confirmed that Red Foxes adapt, no matter how imperfect the circumstances.

As we transition from the on-ground portion of the Fall semester to online, please be reminded that there will be no classes on Wednesday, November 25 through Saturday, November 28. Classes will resume November 30 through December 4 online, with final exams taking place online December 7 through 11. Below are a few updates and reminders:

Thanksgiving Departure

As we transition to the virtual conclusion of the semester, we encourage students to avail themselves of the virtual support systems the College has in place, communicate with faculty members and advisors, and have a successful completion to the semester. We all want our students to finish the fall semester well, get some rest, and be ready for the spring semester next year.

As students plan to return home, we ask that they follow the guidelines the College has provided throughout this term on safe practices by maintaining the public health measures of mask wearing, social distancing, good personal hygiene and refraining from hosting or attending gatherings. We suggest that students review guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which specifically provides recommendations for travel and holiday gatherings.

Winter Session

We know how important it is for our students to stay on track for graduation, and have expanded the number of offerings this Winter Session to support that effort. This year, Marist is offering a discount of up to 30% on Winter Session courses. Courses are priced at $500 per credit and $1500 per course, as compared to the traditional fee of $730 per credit and $2,190 per course. Registration for winter session classes is open through November 30. Visit marist.edu/winter-session for more information.

Looking Ahead To Spring

Planning has already begun for a successful on-ground spring semester, and we will end with a few notes about that process with more details to follow in the coming weeks:

• Feedback: First, we will be sending a survey shortly to get student feedback on the Fall semester. Student feedback will be important for us to learn what can be improved for the Spring semester.
• Flu Shot: While away, students who have not received their flu shot must get one and upload proof of vaccination by January 15 to our online portal, in anticipation of the Spring semester.
• COVID-19 Test: Marist will continue our practice of requiring students to provide documentation of a negative PCR COVID-19 test prior to the start of Spring semester. Specifics on the timing of this test will be forthcoming.

We look forward to providing additional information shortly, including the specific start date for spring, so families can adequately prepare for the semester. Thank you for all you did to “protect the pack” this fall.

Sincerely,

Geoff Brackett, Executive Vice President
Thom Wermuth, Vice President for Academic Affairs
Deb DiCaprio, Vice President for Student Affairs