March 18, 2020
An Update from Ursuline College President Sister Christine De Vinne, OSU, PhD
Library Closing
At 5:00 p.m. today, March 18, the Besse Library is going virtual. Librarians will work from home and will continue to be available to provide research assistance, connecting students and faculty to resources available through the library’s digital networks. You may contact librarians through the library webpages during hours posted and follow the library on Twitter and Facebook, where librarians will post helpful information.
IT Support
Even with the move to full-virtual Library hours, IT staff members will still be available to you remotely: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.; Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; and Sunday, 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. Connect with IT, via the IT webpage https://servicedesk.ursuline.edu, email HelpDesk@Ursuline.edu or call 440.684.6013. Staff will return voicemails.
Personal Counseling Services
Dr. Anita Forsberg Culbertson will be offering personal phone therapy to currently established students, faculty, or staff. Anyone who has not been seen by Ursuline's Counseling Services this academic year will need to be referred out, due to the State of Ohio’s Licensing Board requirements that intake assessments must be done in person. Dr. Culbertson will try to help you to find resources in your area, should you need additional assistance. Click here to learn more, including Dr. Culbertson’s contact information and hours of availability.
Commencement Postponed
We send early congratulations to all of you who will be part of the momentous Class of 2020. We need to inform you today that in keeping with CDC guidelines regarding public events, Commencement ceremonies will be postponed. We will not host the large gathering at Public Auditorium on May 15. We will still celebrate your accomplishments and share your joy. We have created a Commencement planning committee led by Kathy LaFontana and Deanne Hurley to think creatively about how best to help you safely mark this momentous occasion in your lives. We will announce the alternative plan by April 15. Please be assured that what the celebration looks like or when it takes place has no impact on the conferral of your degrees. Your eligibility to receive a diploma will not be affected. Students will receive various awards at the end of the semester, as in past years, even though public awards ceremonies are not possible. More information will follow as it emerges.
Food Service to be Suspended
Given that the residence halls are closing, that faculty will be teaching all courses online through the end of the semester, and that most staff members are working from home until at least the end of the semester, our food service providers, Metz Catering, will close its kitchen in the Pilla Center indefinitely on Friday, March 20.
Bookstore
The bookstore currently remains open Monday through Thursday, 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. However, this is subject to change. Regardless of its hours of physical operation, our bookstore is offering:
- Free shipping on all items with no minimum purchase. Visit the campus store website for details.
- Up to 7 eBooks at no additional charge with your Ursuline email address. Visit the campus store website for details.
- Free access to courseware to help supplement content, through Lumen Learning, which also offers additional resources to faculty. Click here for the Lumen offer.
- Free shipping return labels and an extended non-return period without penalty to assist with increased returns by mail. Click the COVID-19 message at the top of the bookstore home page.
A round of special wishes to students, who begin the virtual half of their SP20 semester today. With your grit and determination, you’ll learn not just the content of your courses but the skills needed to access this new delivery method. Success to you! Stay in touch with your faculty, especially as you begin—they miss you!
Stay healthy, keep praying.
