A Letter from the Student Senate.

Dear students,

Even after a full week in virtual classes, it is difficult to shift focus back to academics when the world is changing so rapidly. As we continue forward this semester in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Student Senate wants to remind you that we are with you.

The return to coursework and lectures has felt overwhelming but we are grateful to professors who have been flexible with deadlines and to classmates who have been ready to listen. While faculty have been very understanding, we know even asking for an extension can be challenging. If you want help reaching out to your professors or have any trouble getting accommodations, contact us.

We all need additional support right now to manage our workload, care for ourselves and others, and to adjust to changes. The Student Senate is working to compile a list of resources for food access, financial assistance, and wellness in this time of physical distancing. We are also available to talk with you directly about what you need to succeed this semester.

Through conversations with Dean Galea, Graduate Student Life and many of you, we realize what we need most is a reminder that we are not alone. The purpose of the Student Senate is to connect us to each other and the campus, advocate for our needs as students, and ignite community action. So that is what we are going to keep doing.

Join us on March 30 at 5 p.m. for our General Student Body meeting via Zoom where we will connect, ask questions, voice our concerns, and make plans to aid communities most vulnerable at this time.

We also encourage you to continue engaging with campus as we make our way through the next few months. The school will continue to host virtual events, including Coffee Chats with the Dean, and an “Ask Me Anything” Zoom session with Dean Galea on Thursday, March 26 at 5 p.m. Fill in this online form beforehand with questions you’d like to discuss.

As we continue responding to the challenges unfolding before us, let us not forget that our resilience is found in our connection to each other. If you have questions or concerns regarding school, or simply want to talk, please reach out to us. We are here for each other.

Warmly,

The Student Senate

phsenate@bu.edu

Kimberley Hutter, khutter@bu.edu

Tamuyen Do, tamuyend@bu.edu

Thaddeus Chua, thadchua@bu.edu

Morgan Simko, msimko@bu.edu

Andrew Chiao, abchiao@bu.edu

Nadia Tabbal, ntabbal@bu.edu

Folkake Olayinka, folakeo@bu.edu

Sasha Dastine, sdastine@bu.edu

Ruby Singh, rkbsingh@bu.edu

McKenzie Beaton, mbeaton1@bu.edu

Alissa Nolan, nolanat@bu.edu

Cara Safon, csafon@bu.edu

Gloria Ng, csafon@bu.edu

Lizzy Chalfin, emchalf@bu.edu