Violent storms that included at least one tornado struck the greater Chattanooga area on Sunday night. This storm has complicated an already difficult situation created by the novel coronavirus pandemic. With all course instruction online and the end of the semester one week away, we are actively working to provide options for those who are able to finish the semester, while we provide flexibility to those who simply cannot finish.
The power of a tornado is truly devastating. Some students and instructors will be without power and/or Internet for an extended time. Others have lost everything, and it will take years to get back to something approximating normal. It is important that we reach out to help those in the “MOCS Family” who are in need and provide flexibility to deal with unique situations we never expected to have to deal with. A tornado and a global pandemic? Now more than ever, we have to rely on each other for help.
We are assessing the need to make accommodations around course requirements. The Provost will ask faculty to grant exceptions to due dates for assignments and examinations scheduled for this week. In addition, there will be modification to the academic calendar to assist students and faculty.
A communication from the Provost will be coming later today.
Please be reminded of resources available to members of our campus community:
- Regarding the Satisfactory/No Credit grading policy: https://blog.utc.edu/coronavirus/2020/03/27/satisfactory-no-credit-grading/
- Tech support: helpdesk@utc.edu or 423-425-4000
- Scrappy’s Cupboard: https://www.utc.edu/student-outreach/scrappys-cupboard/index.php
- Student Counseling: 423-425-4438 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., https://www.utc.edu/counseling-center/index.php
- Student Emergency Fund: Website: http://utc.edu/sef, online application: http://utc.edu/sefapply
- Student Outreach and Support: http://utc.edu/sos
- Library resources: https://www.utc.edu/library/library-continuity/index.php
- Human Resources info for employees: 423-425-4221 or personnel@utc.edu
- COVID-19 information: https://www.utc.edu/coronavirus
It is important for every one of us to be as flexible as possible and to focus on our mission to serve students. This semester has required herculean efforts by both faculty and students to move to online instruction. The recent storms have created huge needs for impacted students and faculty, and we must deal with this crisis on a course-by-course, student-by-student, faculty-by-faculty basis. We can do this.
Our hearts go out to those who now are also dealing with the aftermath of Sunday night’s storms. The challenges we have experienced this semester have brought stress and uncertainty. All of us are affected. Together, we will get through these challenges.