Dear friend,
I hope this note finds you well. While many of you are keenly focused on the present moment—working remotely, staying engaged with your programs, and adapting to an altered normal in your lives—I know you are also wondering about plans for the summer and fall at NBSS.
Although it is not possible to predict the changes of the coming months, in consultation with faculty and staff, we have established a set of criteria that will help us navigate our way forward, and which must be met for us to offer safe and healthy access to our facilities. Many of these items are not within our control, but instead reflect how reliant we are on the healthy progress of our greater community.
As things currently stand, and given the unpredictable near-future, we have decided that the building cannot reopen this summer, neither for in-person instruction nor make-up time for students. This is a difficult reality, as it delays student progress in programs and postpones precious time for in-shop work. However, we felt that asking students to forgo other summer plans or extend summer housing would be irresponsible and offer unrealistic expectations.
I recognize that this news will be particularly disappointing to our May 2020 graduates, who need make-up time to finish their program requirements. The faculty and staff will continue to work with you, individually in many cases, to find the best way forward in each of your programs. We remain committed to you and the successful completion of your work.
While I do not have a clear picture for fall yet, we are planning for a variety of scenarios that take into consideration the need for make-up time, continuation of studies, and the introduction of new students. No decisions have yet been made, but you will be among the first to know.
As always, I welcome your questions. Please send them to mmichelson@nbss.edu by Monday, April 27. You may also join one of two optional Zoom sessions next week; the details are below.
Thank you for continued engagement and patience, both in your programs as they are right now, and in the broader arc of your training at NBSS. Your resilience, creativity, and passion are a constant source of inspiration and motivation to our entire community, from faculty and staff to our Board and alumni. As we all find our footing during this challenging moment, know that you, our students, are foremost in my mind.
My best to all,
Sarah Turner
President