Status of Reopening Plan
July 15, 2020
Dear RIC Students,
Next week, we will announce our fall reopening plans. Right now, we are finalizing critical details regarding funding to support our plan, particularly as it relates to testing and mitigation. In addition, guidance is expected to be released this week by the NCAA, which will help us understand more fully the expectations regarding intercollegiate athletics.
Once we make the RIC community-wide reopening announcement, we will host a series of webinars on various components of the plan in order to educate the campus about key aspects of the plan, set expectations and answer any questions from members of our campus community. Information about the plan, resources and other important COVID-19 related information will be available on the college’s website.
RIC’s fall reopening plan for fall 2020 and additional details regarding the webinars will be forthcoming.
International Students
Last week, as colleges and universities across the country finalize reopening plans, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced plans that would have prohibited international students from staying in the country if their college/university offered fully online classes in the fall. The plan would have also required international students seeking to stay in the U.S. to transfer to a college/university that offered in-person classes or possibly risk deportation. We are pleased that this decision has been reversed.
Rhode Island was among the 18 states that filed legal objections to the proposed policy and RIC leadership worked alongside State officials to submit impact statements. We appreciate the outpouring of support from the campus community.
Be well. Stay healthy. Thank you!
Through this health crisis, weighty and often personal issues can create tremendous pain for many of us in the RIC community. If you are in need of help or someone to talk to, please access the resources available to you by contacting the
Rhode Island College Counseling Center or by calling the
HOPE line 24/7 at 401-456-HOPE (4673).
Undoubtedly, this experience will shape us, but I am convinced it will not define us. I am grateful for your continued support during these incredibly difficult and challenging times. I am so proud of all our students who made it through this past academic year and congratulate those of you that recently graduated from high school.
On behalf of the entire campus community, whether it be via online or face to face, we cannot wait to welcome you back. Thank you for your patience and understanding during this most difficult time, and thank you for selecting Rhode Island College as you continue on your academic journey.
Yours in education,
Frank D. Sánchez
President
