Finals Week Planning: LIRR Strike Contingency Guidance for Faculty
Dear Colleagues:
As you are likely aware, Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) unions have threatened a work
stoppage beginning this Saturday, May 16. Negotiations are ongoing, and we remain
cautiously hopeful that a resolution will be reached. That said, we are planning for
the possibility of a full train service shutdown and want to give you clear guidance
now, so you are not left making decisions under pressure on Monday morning.
The following is a summary of what you are authorized and encouraged to do.
Instructional Options
If the strike is in effect on any day during finals week, you have the discretion
to:
- Offer a take-home exam with a defined submission window if synchronous remote proctoring
is not practical for your course.
- Move your final examination to a remote or asynchronous format. This does not require
additional approval from your chair, though we ask that you notify them and communicate the change to students no later
than 24 hours in advance.
- If you choose, you can create your exam online using the Brightspace Quiz tool, and
require that students use the Respondus LockDown Browser to complete their exam. The
office of Distance Learning can provide support with Brightspace Quizzes and Respondus.
Visit the Distance Learning webpage to find technical support resources and information about expanded virtual drop-in
support sessions. For questions, contact their helpdesk at distancelearning@farmingdale.edu.
- Schedule a second in-person sitting later in the week or the following week for any
exam that genuinely requires physical presence — laboratory practicals, clinical competency
assessments, and similar formats.
Academic Policy Notes
Late penalties are suspended for any work affected by the strike. No student should
be penalized for disruptions caused by the transportation shutdown.
The Registrar's Office will issue a brief extension on grade submission deadlines
for finals administered during the strike period. Details to follow.
Please visit the LIRR Strike Contingency Guidance webpage for resources and updated information.
We appreciate your support of our students. Please do not hesitate to reach out to
your dean or department chair if you have questions.
Sean Lane, PhD
Senior Vice President and Provost
