March 13, 2020
Dean Linda Keller’s message to students regarding preventative measures for the coronavirus situation is below. As it notes, in order to keep our community as safe as possible, the Law School’s physical facility will be closed to students starting March 16, 2020, with online classes starting March 23, 2020 after next week’s Spring Break. Our campus will also be closed to the public as of March 16, 2020 until further notice.
Dear Students,
I’d like to provide you with another update regarding the coronavirus situation. There are still no known cases of the virus in our TJSL community. Nevertheless, the Law School has decided to take several proactive measures for the short-term in order to protect the health and well-being of our community. Rest assured that we will continue to monitor the situation and keep you apprised of any future steps.
First, the Law School will move to online classes when we return from Spring Break on March 23, 2020. Classes will take place online for two weeks. Thereafter, we will re-assess whether to continue teaching online depending on the situation and guidance from the CDC and health department. We will provide more information about the technology for online classes next week.
Second, effective March 16, 2020, the Law School campus (including the library) will be closed to students. Although we recognize that this might be an inconvenience for some students, the health and safety of the community must take priority.
Third, all events scheduled through March 31st will be cancelled (or postponed, if feasible). We appreciate the hard work that goes into organizing events, and know that these events mean a great deal to our students. Nevertheless, given the rapidly evolving situation, we believe that this step is necessary for the health and safety our students and our community. In addition, the WASC site team has postponed their visit, originally scheduled in early April, for several months. We will provide information about potential cancellations of other events scheduled for April in the coming weeks.
I hope you will all continue to take good care of yourself in these difficult times, including practicing good hygiene, staying home if you are ill, and following CDC and health department guidelines regarding social gatherings and social distancing. I encourage you to review up to date information from the CDC (see https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html) and local county health department (see https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/hhsa/programs/phs/community_epidemiology/dc/2019-nCoV.html). I also urge you to review warnings and precautions regarding travel posted by the CDC (see https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html).
We are concerned about your welfare. If you are instructed by your doctor or other experts to self-isolate because of potential exposure to the coronavirus, or have been diagnosed with Covid-19, please let us know by emailing myself, Associate Dean Anders Kaye and Assistant Dean Lisa Ferreira. We appreciate you keeping us informed.
We will continue to provide updates and information via email. Please be certain to check your TJSL email regularly. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me directly, or to reach out to Dean Kaye or Dean Ferreira.
I understand that this is a stressful time for all of us. I ask for your patience as we make the transition to online learning. I know that this is a community that pulls together during trying times, and I am confident this will be no different. I thank you in advance for your continued dedication to your education and wish you all the best.
Sincerely,
Dean Keller
Linda M. Keller
Interim Dean
Professor of Law
Thomas Jefferson School of Law