On Friday January 22, the French and Italian Basic Language Programs started their last day of pre-semester orientation with a discussion with Assistant Dean of Students Anne Marie Morgan from the Office of the Dean (LAS). Dean Morgan presented a lecture followed by a Q&A on resources and best practices working with students during these demanding times of confinement and online teaching.

Among all the useful information, we have learned that the Emergency Dean deals with after-hour crisis management that cannot wait until the next business day and requires direct intervention from the University. Thus, generic absences or problems do not need to be reported to them. However, their Office does consider cases when students do not respond to emails or seem not to be engaged in work, as such behavior could lead to academic probation or failure.

We were also informed about medical withdrawals, reporting obligations, recommendations on email vs. verbal communication, the work of the COVID Wellness and Emergency Mental Health Crisis Centers, and the Behavioral Intervention Team that meets weekly to talk about threats and menacing verbal behavior reported to the Student Dean’s Office.

We have learned a lot!

Thank you, Dean Morgan, for coming to talk to us.

Thank you, Dr.-s Clay and Hill for organizing this event.