Important Update: Boston Campus Access and Services
Good afternoon,
Despite the pause in classes, students, faculty and staff have been busy moving students out of the residence halls, ensuring services will continue, albeit remotely in many cases, and preparing for an unexpected change in routine. The College, and indeed the world, is learning more about COVID-19 daily, and plans and directives are changing almost as quickly. Our decisions over the past 10 days have been informed by public health recommendations and best practices, and we are committed to supporting public health officials in the desire to flatten the curve. We know that this has been a difficult series of days, and we hope everyone is doing well and receiving the support they need.
As a reminder, residence halls close on Friday, March 20, at 3:00 pm. Those students who are remaining in campus residences have been notified. Only current residential students will have access to residential buildings going forward.
At 6:00 pm on Friday, March 20, the college will restrict access to all campus buildings until at least April 5. Members of the faculty and staff will continue to have access to academic and administrative buildings. Departments that have made arrangements for student employees to continue reporting to work on campus should email deanofcampuslife@emerson.edu to coordinate building access. The 25 Boylston Place entrance to the Dining Center will be open at established meal service times for residential student meal pick up.
All college offices are finalizing plans for how students and community members should receive services for the remainder of the semester. Some of those plans have already been shared, and a more complete list will be published on Monday, March 23. A limited number of staff will be on campus, including those who provide safety and maintenance functions. Residence Directors will maintain their on-call schedule and you can continue to contact the Campus Life Office, which will be operating with limited on-site staffing, at 617-824-8620, Monday-Friday between 8:45 am and 5:00 pm.
Residential students on the Boston campus will receive more detailed information about on-campus services over this coming weekend. Students living off-campus will also receive more specific information about services and supports on campus and in the Boston community. Students remaining on-site at Emerson Los Angeles will receive more specific information and direction from Tim Chang, Associate Dean at ELA.
The most up-to-date information related to on-campus resources and questions can be found here:
As you prepare for the start of online courses and remote learning, it might also be helpful to explore these links for details on the virtual operations for key offices and services:
Student Success and Student Care and Support,
International and Global Education
Student Accessibility Services
Please also note that despite the building closures, Information Technology (IT) has prepared the following plans and directions for accessing their services remotely:
IT Help Desk
Beginning Sunday, March 22, the Help Desk will operate entirely as a virtual support service. We will continue to offer support to faculty, students, and staff for remote work questions (like Zoom, Canvas, and connecting to your phone). Our staff will be available by emailing helpdesk@emerson.edu, visiting it.emerson.edu/help, or via 617-824-8080, but the walk-in desk will be closed.
Operating hours will be:
Monday – Thursday, 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
Friday, 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Saturday and Sunday, 12:00 – 6:00 pm
Computer Labs & Media Services
Our computer labs and Media Services Center will be temporarily closed as of 5:00 pm, Friday, March 20. In the interim, we are working with our vendor partners to make software available for download on personal machines until our facilities reopen, which is currently planned for Monday, April 6. Please reach out to the IT Help Desk for any assistance with installation, or to schedule Zoom training or webinar support.
Media Technologies and Production (MTP)
As of 5:00 pm, Friday, March 20, all facilities will be closed through Sunday, April 5. We will continue to assess the needs of the Emerson community and will share updates as events unfold.
MTP Contact information can be found here
Since building access will be restricted, Computer Labs, the Equipment Distribution Center (EDC), Production Spaces, Rehearsal Studios, and similar spaces will not be open or accessible for use through at least April 5. Please note that 172 Tremont and the Fitness Center will also be closed.
Should students staying off-campus need access to campus spaces or services, please contact the Office of Campus Life prior to making any trip to campus at the contact information noted above to discuss your request.
Information for accessing Emerson Counseling and Psychological Services (ECAPS) and the Center for Health and Wellness will be shared on Monday, March 23. Those services remain available through this week. After-hours counseling services will also remain available for all students by contacting 617-824-8595.
Despite the challenges our community has faced, we remain heartened by the many displays of kindness and support witnessed this past week. We have a strong community, which will serve us all well in the coming days and weeks.
Jim Hoppe
Vice President & Dean for Campus Life
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