Letter from the University
(superceded by announcement on 03/16/20)
To: Academy of Art University Students & Faculty
From: Sue Rowley, Chief Academic Officer
Date: March 9th, 2020
Subject: Onsite Classes Temporarily Moving Online (COVID-19
precautionary measures). Housing and Dining Halls Will Remain Open as Usual
Dear Academy of Art University Students, Instructors & Staff,
I am writing to let you know that beginning Wednesday March
11th, Academy of Art University is temporarily moving all our
onsite classes online as a preventative measure in response
to our monitoring of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) situation.
This applies for a 2-week period ending after Spring Break (Monday, March 30th).
Our university community is joining the larger San Francisco
community in doing what we can to contribute to sensible public
health precautions. We are following mandates from San
Francisco Mayor London Breed:
https://sfmayor.org/article/san-francisco-department-publichealth-
announces-aggressive-recommendations-reduce-spread
CLASSES
We are shifting all academic and administrative operations online
beginning Wednesday, March 11th at 8AM and ending after
Spring Break (Monday, March 30th).
Beginning on Wednesday, March 11th, please do not come to
campus for classes. You will find step by step instructions on how
to log into your onsite classes at this link, which will be live by 6PM today, Monday March 9th:
Our instructors are experienced and well-prepared to pivot your
classes to online delivery during this period of time. We have been offering accredited degrees online for almost 2 decades.
HOUSING
Campus housing and dining halls will remain open as usual. You
can call the following number with questions about the
Residential Halls: 415-618-6335.
You can also email: housing@academyart.edu
BUS SERVICE
Limited bus service will be provided. Schedules will be posted in
the dorm lobbies as usual.
STUDENTS
During this time, it is your responsibility to:
• Attend your classes online, as instructed
• Check the LMS daily for Announcements
• Check your Academy of Art email daily for updates
• We are also asking you to subscribe immediately to the
Academy of Art text notification system. To enroll, text
EZARTU to 313131.
• Note: check your LMS profile and make sure your email and
phone
STAFF
All Academy employees whose functions can be performed remotely will begin telecommuting on Wednesday, March 11th at 8AM. This applies for a 2-week period ending after Spring Break (Monday, March 30th). Your direct supervisor will contact you with specific directions, and you can address your questions to them.
EVENTS
Campus events are being suspended until after Spring Break.
ATHLETICS
We are continuing our NCAA Division II athletic events, which will be live-streamed as usual (artuathletics.com/live). As a precaution, fans will not be allowed to attend the games in person during this period.
MEDICAL
We are taking these steps as an abundance of caution. We want to reassure you that we are closely monitoring the situation and will take appropriate steps to keep you notified.
We have deep cleaning and disinfecting protocols in place now and going forward for all Academy buildings.
CONTACT
If you have any questions, you can contact us on our Hotline:
877-412-2787
or email us at
The following public health resources may be useful to you and answer many frequently asked questions:
• CDC website
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/steps-whensick.html
• San Francisco Department of Public Health website
https://www.sfdph.org/dph/alerts/coronavirus.asp
In the event that you are not feeling well, please take time off from your studies. Your absence will be excused (no doctor’s note necessary).
We have consulted with top medical professionals at St Francis Hospital. St Francis, along with all the other clinics and hospitals in the Bay Area, is prepared to take care of patients with acute symptoms.
MOVING FORWARD
Please know that the university is committed to making your educational experience this semester as seamless as possible. We know that there is uncertainty around the COVID-19 situation, and that many of you have families and friends at home who are also affected. Doing our best to ensure your well being and peace of mind is our main focus. We are here for you, and we will keep you informed.