November 24, 2020

To FSC Parents:

I want to keep you fully informed about the plans Farmingdale State College has for the spring 2021 semester.

This has been a challenging time for you, your student, and the entire College community. We have taken many steps to ensure the health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff, relying on healthcare professions to provide us with the best preventive practices and strategies. Yet, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced us to alter many of our operations, and so for spring 2021 the number of in-person classes will again be limited.

This approach was successful in that it greatly assisted us in minimizing the exposure of students, faculty, and staff to COVID. At the same time, we are keenly aware that remote learning has been difficult for many students, and we have provided technology and training to help them adjust. Many faculty members have gone to great lengths to assist students by extending virtual office hours and holding individual meetings. Additional guidance and support is available to students through their academic department and the Office of Distance Learning. Various options for online or remote tutoring are offered as well. Over the course of the spring term, we will also work to provide more opportunities for student engagement. In the weeks ahead, students will receive further information about academic and support services, and the health and safety requirements for spring.

SUNY has also issued new guidance and requirements that will have an impact on our spring 2021 academic calendar. Unfortunately, this will require the cancellation of our spring break. Further details will be forthcoming shortly, and communicated by email and posted to the COVID-19 Hub on the FSC website.

Our virtual Winter Commencement ceremonies will be held by School from January 11 - January 14. Details are available on our Commencement web page. Plans for Spring Commencement in May are currently being discussed.

Our students have been diligent in observing campus, SUNY, and state public health requirements. During the spring semester, we will continue to conduct mandatory COVID-19 testing of all students with an on-campus or residential presence. I ask that you assist us by urging your student to comply.

I fully recognize the demands and stresses placed on families and students by the COVID environment. Overall, our students have been resilient and cooperative. Our faculty and staff continue to work extraordinarily hard to provide a high-quality experience under these difficult circumstances. Like you, we look forward to a return to normal as soon as possible. In the meantime, I appreciate your patience and understanding.

John Nader
President