Mar 30: College Plans to Stay Connected Through Virtual Town Halls

College Plans to Stay Connected Through Virtual Town Halls
Mary Schmidt Campbell, Ph.D., president of Spelman College, recently announced that she will hold a series of virtual town halls in an effort to ensure continued connectivity. The first town hall will take place Wednesday, April 1, at 4 p.m. for faculty, staff, students, parents and alumnae, who will receive an invitation via email. "It is clear that as we continue to work collectively to find innovative solutions to the new normal, staying connected will be more important than ever," wrote Dr. Campbell in a recent message. In addition to the virtual town halls, the College established #SpelmanIsUndaunted, a social media campaign that encourages members of the Spelman sisterhood to share ideas about how the community can continue to stay united in support during this time of transition. Please continue to visit the Coronavirus Update page on Spelman.edu and visit the FAQs page for more information.

Senior Finds Encouragement After First Day of Virtual Learning
Like most members of Spelman’s senior class, Ashley L. Jackson, C’2020, is still processing what it means to finish her final semester away from campus. But following her first day of virtual learning, Jackson said she's feeling encouraged. On Monday, March 23, Jackson, along with more than 2,000 Spelman students, resumed her Spring 2020 semester via remote learning. "I just finished my first ‘virtual’ class session today," she wrote on Facebook. "This is our ‘new normal.’" When she received news of the transition, she was concerned about how the shift would manifest. "I’m so grateful. I think I'm the happiest I've been since we all returned home," she wrote. "Being able to interact with my classmates and my professor was such a gift. It brought some normalcy to this awful situation." Not only was the class session fulfilling, but the care that her professor, Rebecca Kumar, Ph.D., assistant professor of English, showed was also helpful. "Showing an understanding and care for humanity isn’t the norm in some collegiate settings," added Jackson, an independent major, whose studies focus on African American narratives in cinema and television. "Through her course adjustments and mental health check-ins, a massive weight has been lifted off of our shoulders."

Students Encouraged to Submit Applications for Emergency Fund Assistance
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Student Emergency Fund was established to support those experiencing financial hardship due to the College’s unexpected transition to virtual learning. Alumnae, staff, faculty and friends of the College rallied together to support the initiative which, provides one-time awards to students needing financial assistance during the pandemic. Students in need of assistance can complete the Emergency Fund Application, which can be used to offset expenses related to time-sensitive emergencies including, but not limited to, transportation, housing, rent and utilities. For the latest information on resources available please visit the College's Coronavirus Update page.