Dear Faculty, Staff, and Students,
It is hard to believe that only six weeks ago we completely transitioned the way we teach, learn, and work in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It has been an inspiration to witness the way in which our entire Blinn College community has rallied together to support one another throughout this experience. Thank you all for your perseverance, creativity, and dedication.
As we prepare for final exams next week, we begin to look ahead to the May Minimester, Summer, and Fall terms. As previously announced, the May Minimester begins Friday, May 15th, and all courses will be offered online. The Summer I semester, which begins June 3rd, and the Summer II term, which begins July 6th, also will be offered entirely online. Please note that the grading system changes implemented for the Spring 2020 semester will not be applicable to any future term, beginning with the May Minimester.
To ensure the health and safety of our campus communities, Blinn employees will continue to work remotely through at least May 31, 2020. Prior to that date, we will issue an announcement regarding our plans for the phased return of employees to campus in accordance with Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines. In mid-June, we look forward to announcing our plans for the Fall semester.
Once again, I would like to applaud your accomplishments in overcoming the challenges this pandemic has brought to the Spring semester. Students, please accept my heartfelt admiration for your dedication and commitment. You have faced circumstances this semester unlike any experienced in Blinn’s 137-year history, and it is an honor to have played some small role in your success.
Faculty and staff, I would like to thank you for all you have done to serve our students and communities. Thanks to your efforts, approximately 17,000 students have the opportunity to complete the semester and continue to pursue their educational goals. Just as importantly, the lessons they have learned both inside and outside of the classroom will serve them well throughout all their future endeavors.
I encourage each of you to continue to monitor our coronavirus information page at www.blinn.edu/alert/emergency-preparedness.html. We will continue to update that page and the Frequently Asked Questions page with the latest information regarding Blinn’s response to the coronavirus.
Please continue to follow all appropriate safety guidelines, and I wish each of you the best of luck during finals week.
Sincerely,
Mary Hensley, Ed.D.
Chancellor of the Blinn College District
