March 23, 2020

To: CCSJ Students, Faculty and Staff
From: President Dr. Amy McCormack

Dear CCSJ Community,

While we have no reported cases of COVID-19 on campus and no reported cases of known exposure from our students, faculty or staff, Indiana now has 259 positive coronavirus cases and 7 reported deaths out of 1,960 people tested. At noon today, Governor Holcomb announced a stay at home order, effective Wednesday, 3/25, which will continue through April 7th. While we had hoped to keep the building open for essential student support services and access to computers for the students, this is no longer feasible. If you need access to your office, please make arrangements to come to campus tomorrow, 3/24, and please maintain safety and social distancing measures.

We know that our students will need support during this unsettling time and the transition to virtual learning. Faculty members are discussing grading options and options to access internet and specialized equipment and software licenses. The Vice President of Academic Affairs will be sharing further information later this week. For students, I want to repeat services and contact information and encourage you to stay positive and focused on your future. We will get through this together, but your health and safety is our top priority.

  • Tutoring services are available by emailing jyoung@ccsj.edu , calling 219-473-4285, and contacting your professor during virtual office hours. We are exploring 24-hour tutoring services.
  • Disability Support Services will continue to provide accommodations, so students should reach out to John Mackowicz at jmackowicz@ccsj.edu or call 219-218-3105.
  • Advising and Enrollment will be available to assist with registration for returning and new students. All registrations can be done virtually by contacting academic advising at advising@ccsj.edu or 219-473-4220.
  • Kerry Knowles, our Student Assistance Program (SAP) therapist, will be available by phone or email to students and faculty and staff, and telehealth is also an option. Please contact Kerry by phone (cell: 219-413-3702 or office: 219-663-6353) or email (kerryk@crowncounseling.org ).
  • Pre-packaged bags from the food pantry will be available for pick-up tomorrow, Tuesday, 4/24, between 11-2, or until supplies last. Students will need to sign in with security and only one bag per person will be allowed. The food pantry will be closed, effective Wednesday, 3/25, and remaining supplies safely redirected.
  • The library computers will not be available beginning tomorrow, 3/24, and through April 7. Use the chat function on the library webpage for library services. Dr. Qi Chen, Director of the Library, will assist you.
  • Financial Aid will continue to process financial aid applications and issue awards and refunds remotely. Utilize this time to complete your FAFSA and contact financial aid at finaid@ccsj.edu if you need assistance.

There is significant work happening in Washington, D.C., and I have sent letters to Congressman Visclosky and Senators Braun and Young asking for student and institutional support. I have heard from the Lilly Endowment and know our funding opportunities are still available. We are continuing to stay in contact with our scholarship donors, while being sensitive to this unprecedented time. Faith and prayer are strong means of support, so use them often.

Sincerely,

Dr. Amy McCormack
President