Dear Herron community,
Thank you for your patience as we work to define the best path forward from the events that are rapidly unfolding around us due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Herron School of Art and Design and the university are committed to providing you with the same level of rigor and growth that would be provided through a more traditional, face-to-face learning experience. Together, we have well-defined plans and strategies in place to help support you as we navigate this journey.
At this time, Indiana University has postponed all Spring Commencement Ceremonies. The decision was announced this afternoon in a university-wide letter from IU President Michael A. McRobbie.
Degrees will continue to be awarded when earned and graduates will be able to participate in a future IUPUI Commencement Ceremony when the public health situation allows us.
Additionally, all IUPUI school recognition and other celebratory graduation events in April and May 2020 have been canceled. This means that Herron's 10th annual "Look/See" celebration scheduled for May 6, as well as Herron's recognition event scheduled for May 16, will NOT be held.
In an effort to correct misinformation regarding IU's recent COVID-19 announcements, please know:
- At no point are classes outright canceled, nor is the IUPUI campus closed. However, some building hours may be adjusted, so call or go online to check whether the facility you plan to visit is open. A summary of changes and closures on the IUPUI campus can be found here.
- Following our extended spring break from March 15 to 29, students on all IU campuses will be taught virtually (not in person) for the remainder of the semester, beginning Monday, March 30.
- Education and classes will continue, but use of Herron's studio spaces and classrooms will be restricted. This means most students will not be able to work in the studios; all classes and assignments will be managed online; and faculty will not be meeting with students face-to-face individually or in groups, on or off campus.
- Herron has suspended all previously scheduled on-campus events through the rest of the academic semester until further notice.
- Students who do not have access to adequate technology, such as a computer and reliable, fast-speed internet connectivity for remote learning, should notify a faculty member immediately.
- Students needing to retrieve personal belongings from studios or lockers should contact a faculty member directly to coordinate pick-up.
- Students with work-study positions are permitted to work when classes resume on March 30, provided there are job duties to perform that can be supervised; only hours worked can be paid. Students are encouraged to check in with their immediate supervisors to see how this may impact their job duties.
- Internships will follow the protocols of the internship site. Students should check in with their immediate supervisors to see if their internships are impacted.
- Herron's Office of Admissions and Student Services will operate by remote means and be available on a virtual basis. If you have any questions or need assistance, email herron4u@iupui.edu.
- Stay informed by checking your IU email at least daily and visiting coronavirus.iu.edu.
I recognize the unprecedented challenges during this critical time and that the decision to postpone spring commencement is disappointing for our 2020 graduates, their friends, professors, families, and loved ones. However, we are investigating alternatives to honor graduating students, as well as senior capstone and graduate exhibitions, and specific guidance will follow.
I want to challenge each of us to be creative in our solutions and to be flexible and supportive in our interactions with one another. Every challenge brings opportunities if we look deeply enough and are committed to uncovering the poetics in the world around us. Creativity and innovation are the cornerstones of our school and educational system, and now is the time to fully embrace those ideas and move forward.
Have a safe and enjoyable spring break. I look forward to an exciting and successful completion of this semester despite these unusual circumstances. Together, we will make it work.
Sincerely,
Greg Hull
Interim Dean
