Dear Students,

Welcome back! During these unprecedented times, I hope you were able to enjoy a few moments of peace and relaxation over break.

Before classes resume on Monday, I want to provide you with an update on some of the changes that have occurred within our college to adapt to this new environment we are all facing, and to assure you that our commitment to you has not changed.

Facilities

As you know, Washington State University will be teaching classes online for the remainder this semester. In accordance with the Center for Disease Control and Governor Inslee’s COVID-19 guidance, and to protect the health of our community, I directed our staff and faculty to work remotely, and have restricted access to many buildings, labs, and classrooms within our college to ensure safe social distancing.

Instruction

Our faculty spent their break training with experts to better provide you with a quality online education experience. If you haven’t already, read Learning Innovations’ Student Guide for Distance Delivery, that has resources to help students successfully complete courses delivered remotely through Blackboard Learn and other academic technology.

If you experience any technical difficulties, Crimson Service Desk is available to help Monday – Friday 8-5 p.m. PST with Zoom live chat and a hotline: 509-335-4357.

I have instructed our faculty to, whenever possible, teach these courses “live” during normal class hours in order to give you a “virtual” classroom experience. This may not always be possible in certain cases. Look for further communication on your class schedule from your instructor, or feel free to contact them directly.

Student Services

Our academic advisers and Voiland College Student Success Team will continue to provide you with the high-quality tutoring, advising, and mentoring services to which you are accustomed- over the phone, on their website, and via Zoom.

We Want to Hear from You

I know there are a lot of uncertainties right now. To help us better assess your concerns, please take a moment to fill out this quick survey and provide us with feedback on areas that we can help you.

I understand you have a lot of important questions that need answers. We may not have all the answers right now, but I can reassure you that come Monday morning, your Voiland College teachers are still going to teach, your advisers are still going to advise, your tutors are still going to…tute.

We’re just going to do these things in a safe manner.

These changes will take time to adjust for all of us. Please be patient and kind during this time of transition, and don’t hesitate to reach out for help. We’re here for one purpose – to provide you with a world-class education.

If you haven’t already, visit WSU’s COVID-19 website for news on what’s happening around the university, and look for more information from us – that means lots and lots of emails and social media – as we solve these challenges together.

Go Cougs!

Dean Mary Rezac's signature
Mary Rezac (she/her/hers)
Dean, Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture
Washington State University
Email: mary.rezac@wsu.edu
Phone: 509-335-5593
Twitter: @VCEA_Dean
vcea.wsu.edu