Gratitude and Transitions: March 19 Update from the Chancellor

March 19, 2020

Dear PNW faculty, staff and students,

Among the many reasons I am proud to be part of the Purdue University Northwest community are the determination and perseverance of our students, faculty members and staff. This strength underlies the ways all of us continue to power onward during one of the most extraordinary semesters in our campuses’ history.

I am in awe of the many ways you have come together as a university community to support one other these past two weeks. Your acts of kindness, empathy and professionalism are much appreciated and greatly admired.

As we prepare to begin our first week of virtual learning on March 23, I want to remind us all that this transition will take time. Please have patience as our information systems will be handling significantly heavier traffic, our faculty are working quickly and creatively to adjust to new ways of teaching, and our students switch gears from face-to-face instruction to online learning. As a consequence, some courses will not be completely ready on Monday.

Student success is paramount for PNW faculty—now and always. Students should keep in mind that your professors, and staff members, are here to assist you. Reach out for help.

The university remains operational, and you can communicate with instructors as well as all the offices that offer supporting resources via email and phone. I know, too, that many professors and advisors are reaching out to you through Blackboard, Brightspace, text and email.

The senior leadership of PNW continues to monitor the state, national and global situation and to develop contingency plans. As a metropolitan university, PNW is working with community partners to assist students as needed, and to provide expertise and assistance in Northwest Indiana. Please check your PNW email and the PNW COVID-19 Guide regularly for updates.

I encourage all of you to keep your long-term goals in front of you during this unprecedented time. While we are faced with instability now, and we recognize that it is disruptive, this situation is temporary. When it ends, the PNW community will be stronger.

Finally, I again express my deepest appreciation to PNW faculty and staff as you have gone above and beyond to prepare the move to online instruction in a very short timeframe. From video-recording labs to providing online resources to personally reaching out to students, know that your efforts are recognized. Your work clearly illustrates that we are powering onward.

Sincerely,

Chancellor Thomas L. Keon