Dr Miles Letter to Students
Dear Students,
Together, we are living through one of the most tumultuous times in recent history. It is a time when we are faced with tremendous challenges, both individually and collectively, as we have been asked very suddenly to change our way of life. Knowing that we are not alone and that we are charting a path forward as a community provides a measure of comfort.
Everyone at Westchester Community College – your faculty, staff, administrators, and many friends of the college – recognize the extra hardships that you may be experiencing these days. Displacement, uncertainty, food insecurity and simple things like how to access your classes, get academic support, and participate in student activities may be weighing heavily in your thoughts. I’ve heard many questions and concerns that you have raised and want to assure you that we are here for you!
With your safety and well-being top of mind and because we know how committed you are to learning, our faculty and staff have moved all of our courses online so that you can continue advancing in your studies. In addition, our website is filled with resources and links that can offer you important advice and assistance:
- Important Phone Numbers
- Online Learning Support
- Student Involvement/Activities
- Disease Prevention & General Information
- Mental Health & Wellness Services
- Unemployment & Financial Assistance
We are determined to support you through this crisis and we are working every day to get more resources to support your needs including expanding our Student Emergency Fund.
Another important aspect of our current situation is our need to be physically apart and limit contact with others. As humans, we are naturally social creatures who rely on interactions as something critical to our self-care. Again, and this bears repeating, we are here for you and we want you to be there for each other. Your online classes, your social media connections, and your academic support platforms all serve as venues to interact with your classmates and professors. Don’t hesitate to contact us with any comments or questions.
We are exploring innovative ways to celebrate your many achievements while keeping us all safe. Stay tuned to find ways you can engage with the college community and with each other as we approach the coming weeks and months.
Together, we will see ourselves through. As we do, stay safe!
With caring and respect,
Dr. Belinda Miles
President
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