Dear EURUS Students,
I wanted to write to wish you all the best in these unprecedented and challenging times and remind you again that EURUS is here for all of you. I apologize in advance for the length of the message but I wanted to address several issues. Also to let you know that I am always available via email (and then skype, zoom etc).
Everyone’s circumstances now are quite individual but there are common threads—the inability to travel for language training or research, the foreclosure of summer and other job opportunities, the difficulties of focusing when working from home, by yourself or in crowded spaces with roommates and families, anxieties over an uncertain future, etc.
I mention these not because I have a magic solution, of course, but to let you know that you are not alone. The world will return to more or less normal- in fits and starts, maybe not as soon as we would like- but it will. We need to be there for each other in the meantime and above all follow all public health guidelines and stay healthy and safe.
We need to take care of our mental health also. Carleton offers online counselling and sometimes these sessions are needed more than ever. Please see the appropriate FAQ at https://newsroom.carleton.ca/coronavirus-covid-19/faq/
In terms of practical matters, the university is dealing with many issues on a case-by-case basis. So if you are struggling with a university-related matter, please let Krysia and/or myself know and we will advocate for you.
I understand that the university has been engaged in intensive discussions over summer fees and other related issues and announcements will be forthcoming. All courses this spring-summer are online. We have no information now about when the library will reopen or the university will allow travel. Of course these things depend on health trends far beyond our control.
Right now Carleton is planning for a “normal” fall semester, with of course the realization that it is likely not to be completely normal. So continue to prepare for on-campus classes in Fall 2020. I don’t think we will know anything definitive for at least a month and even then, given covid-19’s unpredictability, I could see a scenario where we start off almost normal and have to retreat to an online model halfway through.
As I said, we have to accept that life will be quite different for a while, until we beat this virus through a vaccine or other means. But I believe once we accept this, we can think of how to use this weird time effectively. To read great literature, to connect with friends and family virtually or in your household, to work on languages, to keep and improve our fitness as best we can. I’d love to hear ideas from all of you. I would also love to hear your ideas on how to create and sustain a sense of community over the next months.
Above all, stay healthy and safe. I never thought I would be quoting our Queen, but we WILL meet again. Virtually, whenever you like and physically when restrictions ease.
Please know that my most important job by far now is getting you all through this is most painless way possible.
Contact me anytime,
Jeff Sahadeo
Director, EURUS