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COVID-19 Update: April 23, 2020

April 23, 2020 (9:18 am) Central Time

Dear Simpson College Community,

Good morning. Detailed below are several updates of particular importance to all members of our campus community.

First and foremost, I want to again thank our campus community and especially our faculty, staff, and students who have adjusted quickly under these extraordinary circumstances. It has not always been easy, yet I know our faculty and staff value the learning experiences that happen on our campus and are committed to moving forward.

Second, one of the cornerstones of a liberal arts education is its ability to provide students with learning opportunities and experiences from a wide array of disciplines and fields of study. The value of this education proves even more important today as we prepare for an unexpected world. I can assure you in this final week of the semester that the lessons and final projects have prepared you and will continue to lead you in unexpected ways.

If you have pressing questions, please continue to use the COVIDResponse@simpson.edu email address.

In addition, we will be moving to a once a week COVID-19 email beginning the week of May 4.

In its place, we will be issuing email communication to faculty, staff, students, parents, alumni and other member of the community via individual messages and newsletters.

Key Updates for April 23 Include:

Simpson College Finals Schedule

We recognize that this semester has not turned out exactly as planned and there have been several changes. I want to remind the campus community that classes will continue to meet normally and finals will begin next Tuesday, April 28 and continue through Thursday, April 30. A link to the finals schedule can be found here.

Simpson College to Move Courses Online for Summer 2020  

As an institution we are committed to providing students with continuity in their studies and are striving to be proactive in protecting the health and safety of the campus community and the surrounding areas. As we continue to follow the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and the Iowa Department of Public Health, all classes will continue to be taught online throughout summer. This includes the following summer sessions:

  •  Summer Session One [June 1, 2020 – July 26, 2020]
  • Summer Session Two [June 29, 2020 – August 23, 2020]
  •  Summer Cross Session [June 1, 2020 – August 23, 2020] 

CARES Act Emergency Grant Funding

The Simpson College Financial Aid office issued an email to the campus community yesterday pertaining to the distribution of funds from the CARES Act. To view the email in its entirety, please visit: https://simpson.edu/covid19/student-resources

Information for Graduating Seniors

While our campus will remain closed to the general public through May 31, 2020, seniors needing transcript information may contact our registrar at jody.ragan@simpson.edu In addition, we have already begun meeting to explore options related to the rescheduling of commencement. We will be communicating directly with graduating seniors related to the timeframe and are already planning innovative ways to celebrate the class of 2020!  

Simpson College’s Plan for Fall 2020  

At this moment, we simply cannot predict exactly how the COVID-19 pandemic will impact the fall semester. We are exploring a myriad of options and will be consulting with our campus community in the weeks ahead. Our aim is to prepare for a number of different scenarios and share those findings by early summer. 

Connect with Us

We continue to maintain and respond to all questions submitted through our dedicated email address. Please email, COVIDResponse@simpson.edu  However, for students with specific questions related to course work, we encourage you to contact your individual professor and or advisor. For faculty with academic-related questions, please contact Cheryl Jacobsen, academic dean.

Please continue to monitor your emails and check the Simpson College COVID19 webpage for updates.

Please let us know if you have any additional questions. #ONESimpson.

Thank you,
Bob Lane ‘81
Interim President