Coronavirus Update 04-01-2020

Yesterday, Massachusetts Governor Baker extended to May 4 the emergency order requiring that “all businesses and organizations that do not provide ‘COVID-19 Essential Services’ close their physical workplaces and facilities to workers, customers and the public.”

For the health and well-being of our community, and in keeping with the Governor’s revised timeline, all Bay Path employees, with the exception of a very limited number of staff, will continue to work remotely 100% of the time through Friday, May 1. Our new projected reopening date is Monday, May 4.

I know for many of us it feels like a lifetime ago, already, that we were on campus together. While another month may seem daunting, I have every confidence that our community will stick together and forge ahead in doing what we do best: boldly and creatively working in support of our mission.

Being creative is an apt description for how we are working! I would like to thank the faculty who are tirelessly delivering courses online and staying in touch with students to make sure they have the resources and confidence to succeed online. And I’d like to thank all staff for compassionately and comprehensively supporting not only our students, but each other as well. I have enjoyed catching up with so many of you through my virtual coffees, lunches, and “unwinds!” I look forward to seeing more of you soon!

The extension of the emergency order also confirmed for us that the right decision is to postpone our 2020 Commencement and all related activities. We will be sharing this information with students later this week and will also send them a survey asking for their input regarding potential new dates. I am so disappointed for our graduating students, among whom are some of our very own employees, but I promise that we will have a ceremony to acknowledge the accomplishments of the great class of 2020 in the future.

Thank you for understanding the need to both extend our remote-working guidelines and postpone Commencement. As I’ve stated, nothing is more important than the health of you and your families. You all remain in my thoughts. Be well.

 

Yours,

Dr. Leary

 

--