From the President: Our campus in the time of COVID-19

THE CORONAVIRUS CRISIS has unfolded on our campus the way it has in communities across our nation and our world: in the words of Ernest Hemingway, “Gradually, then suddenly.”

We had to respond quickly when it became apparent the virus was spreading across the Northwest. Working with Gov. Kate Brown and presidents of other universities, we made the decision in mid-March that all courses would be offered remotely for the entire spring term in order to keep our students, faculty and staff as safe as possible.

As always, our students are foremost in my mind and the minds of my colleagues. They deserve a high-quality education, and we are working tirelessly to provide it in a virtual learning environment. Remote learning is a new term for many of us. It describes the strategy of moving content designed for face-to-face teaching to a digital format. PSU is well-positioned to be a leader with our existing tools and capabilities, and more of them under development.

Our talented faculty is rising to the challenge with characteristic innovation, enthusiasm and a willingness to put students first. This goes beyond making sure students can attend classes remotely; we are also working to find new ways to continue offering supports, like tutoring and advising, that they usually get in person. Sometimes when things are shaken up—and we scramble to respond—amazing things happen! I anticipate that this shift will lead to profound learning experiences.

We realize that many of our alumni have their own questions about the crisis or are searching for a way to help students in need. Please visit letknowledgeserve.org/resilience to read perspectives from PSU researchers responding to this moment in history.

On this page, you can also find information on making a gift to the PSU Resilience Fund—a new philanthropic fund established to help address critical needs across campus in the wake of the coronavirus. Many PSU students are particularly vulnerable and may be facing new pressures during this time. Areas of urgent need include emergency funds for students, basic needs support, and resources for remote teaching and learning. Every gift to this important fund is deeply appreciated. After all, we’re all in this together.

I wish you good health. Thank you for being a part of PSU.

Sincerely,
Stephen Percy
Interim President, Portland State University