Juilliard Announces Operational Changes in Response to COVID-19

Thursday, Mar 12, 2020
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Updated information can be found at our COVID-19 Response page
 

Update: March 12, 2020, 10:30pm

We are actively working with individual students to resolve needs and hardships resulting from the necessary actions taken in response to the COVID-19 virus.

  • We are working with residential students who need accommodations and emergency financial assistance—no student will be left without a place to live.
  • Residential students from countries designated by the CDC as Level 2 and 3 alert are not expected to return home. We will work with each of these individual students to create a plan.
  • All students will be given the opportunity to finish their academic credits for the semester—this situation will not prevent anyone from graduating, or delay anyone’s future graduation.
  • We are working on a plan to help students who rely on work study funds. Details will be shared in the coming days.
  • We are working to develop additional ways to support our students who need urgent financial and other assistance in this challenging time.

Community Message: March 12, 2020, 4:25pm

Dear Juilliard Community,

We have all had an unprecedented week. Just a few days ago, we had hoped to be able to resume normal activities at the end of March, but the situation has rapidly evolved in New York and around the globe. This letter will address two difficult decisions that we have made in response to this growing health emergency. First, we will move exclusively to online remote learning for the rest of the spring semester. Second, we ask that all students move out of the residence hall, understanding what a hardship this will be. We recognize how deeply disappointing these actions are and the significant impact they will have on our community.

Our decision to take these actions is guided by the recommendations of our local and national government and health authorities. By following the social distancing policies that are being put in place around the world, we will do our part to limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Students, your devoted faculty will work with you to make the most of this challenge, and as a part of this, we will look for opportunities for creative learning. Faculty and staff, I appreciate your dedication and flexibility during this time as we work to stay safe and healthy. We will do our utmost to support you as you work to provide our students with meaningful learning opportunities.

While we recognize that many of you will have additional questions, we are announcing this decision now in order to provide community members with as much time as possible to make accommodations. We will communicate more details and guidance as quickly as possible in this rapidly changing environment. Here are the things that we can share now:

All Juilliard classes will take place through remote learning through the end of the school year. All performances and public activities will be canceled through the end of the school year.

  • While we recognize that this is a major disappointment, we commit to supporting our faculty in making this an opportunity for creative learning. We will also create opportunities for sharing our community’s artistic work in the online space.
  • We will ensure that students can meet their academic requirements remotely, including for those students slated to graduate.
  • The Preparatory Division and Evening Division will also continue online learning for the rest of the school year.
  • The Office of the Provost and Dean, the Office of Academic Affairs, and individual departments will continue to be in touch in the coming days and weeks with further details and guidance.
  • No final decisions have been made at this time regarding Commencement.
  • Our Spring Gala fundraising event will be postponed.

Given the extraordinary circumstances, we are asking students to move out of the residence hall for the remainder of the year by 5pm on Sunday, March 22. More guidance will be given to residential students today and in the coming days.

  • We care about every student that lives on campus, and we will work with everyone individually to resolve concerns. We understand how difficult this is.
  • We ask students who will have difficulty meeting this deadline to contact the Office of Residence Life ([email protected]) or the Office of International Advisement ([email protected]) so that we may help resolve individual concerns as needed.
  • For students who are not currently in the New York area, we understand that travel is not advised at this time, so we will work with you to facilitate the storage and return of your belongings. If you are in this category, please contact [email protected].
  • We will arrange for pro-rated reimbursements of room and board charges.

These academic and residence hall changes will have a significant impact on international students.

  • We strongly urge all international students to contact the Office of International Advisement ([email protected]) so that we can provide you the best guidance and support for your situation.

As previously announced, our current intention is for the Irene Diamond Building to remain open to community members.

  • Lincoln Center performances have been suspended for the month of March; however, the campus remains open, as does our building pending further notice.
  • As possible, administrative staff will be working on a modified schedule with rotating remote work procedures, as designated by managers of individual departments. The schedule for facilities and security staff will be determined by department leadership.
  • Further guidance will be shared on an ongoing basis to faculty, staff, and students as the situation develops.

Travel advisories are rapidly changing, including an expansion of the travel restrictions from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to now include most of Europe.

As stated previously, you will be receiving follow up emails today and over the coming days with more details and guidance as the administration addresses this evolving challenge. Please know that we will be sharing information in the most timely manner possible and that we are committed to working through each and every difficulty presented to us. Our community is strong, resilient, and hopeful, and we bring to this challenge all of the ingenuity and commitment born of over a century of artistic habits of mind and excellence at Juilliard.

My thanks to all of you,

President Damian Woetzel

Community Message: March 9, 2020, 5:30pm