This is a surreal time, not without historical precedent, but certainly no history we’ve experienced together. I’m writing this from my home, where I’ve been working for over a week. I hope you are in a place that is safe and allows you moments of peace, and moments of time to learn when the opportunity presents.
The UPO staff and I are dedicated to your well-being and success. We have spent the last couple weeks preparing for the transition to online meetings and instruction, and this week we continue thinking of ways we can keep each of you moving forward toward graduation.
The university just released new information on extended timelines for registration, add/drop, and withdrawal. The end of classes and finals week will stay the same, but others things about your classes will change. Each of your faculty is making adjustments to your class to continue it fully online, and each understands that this is a challenging time.
If you have need for assistance to help you in any way, you have places to go. The Iowa Dean of Students can help with laptops and direct you to academic and health supports. Your advisor, and professor, are also ready to help too. We will do all we can to help you finish your classes, even under the strain and uncertainty of this pandemic.
More than anything we’re asking you to be patient with yourself and those around you. This time is hard on all of us, none of us will be doing our best work, and some of us will be hit harder because of illness or financial strain, or both.
To feel anxiety and worry at a time like now, and to struggle to meet academic deadlines, is normal. We are here to help, and I encourage you to ask for any help you need. And if you aren’t feeling well, physically or mentally, contact your local health care provider or call the University of Iowa Health Access Line: 800-777-8442. Video consults are now available if you have symptoms.
The university has set up a website, and Tippie has a companion FAQ, to answer your questions. These pages will be updated, so please check them along with your course ICON sites regularly.
The Tippie community is strong and it is unique in its emphasis on working together. We need that value more than ever in these stressful times. We will get through this, and we will get through it together.
