Dear Students,
On behalf of the faculty and staff of the School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, I wish to thank you for your continued patience and understanding as we adapt to remote instruction. You have shown great resiliency and commitment toward your studies and we are grateful for your flexibility during this period of transition.
As you know, per recommendations of state and federal authorities regarding COVID-19, AU senior leadership has suspended on-campus instruction for Summer 2020 Sessions 1 and 2. Courses offered during those sessions will be delivered remotely, and a decision regarding course delivery for Session 3 will be made by June 1.
At this time, the School’s leadership and faculty are determining the best way to facilitate the 2020 summer practicum that will ensure student safety and as well as the educational needs of the forestry and wildlife students, either for graduation or as the pre-requisite into the Professional Forestry curriculum. Once there is firmness and clarity for both practicums, the faculty will hold an informational meeting with each class via Zoom. With registration beginning April 6, students will have adequate time to register for the courses beforehand.
The University has also canceled all study abroad programs for summer 2020 due to risks associated with international and domestic travel. Regarding commencement, spring ceremonies postponed due to the COVID-19 outbreak will be combined with those of summer on August 8-9. While the University plans to host summer commencement, final event decisions are contingent on public health circumstances surrounding the global pandemic.
During this unprecedented and transformational time, our goal is to ensure our students have the resources needed for their well-being and academic success. We have many state-of-the-art technical resources such as virtual computer labs, online teaching platforms, and cloud-based communication tools to facilitate our degree programs. Additionally, the School’s Office of Student Services has created the below resources for undergraduate students who may:
- Participate in Live Zoom Chats 3-times weekly with Drs. Enebak and Kenney to pose questions and receive feedback (through May 1)
- Receive guidance via Advise Assist meetings (by appointment) with Dr. Kenney and admissions/career guidance support with Ms. Wendy Franklin via Zoom
- Visit the “Online Resources for Students” website for student advisement, academic tutoring, communications, and registration information, and a directory of on-campus helplines for technical support and health and wellness services
Be assured the School is committed to your ongoing success and will continue to support your progress each step of the way, from registration to graduation. As we near the close of the spring semester, we encourage you to routinely check your email and the School’s social media channels for up-to-the-minute communications, in addition to the Auburn University’s COVID-19 Information page.
Again, we sincerely thank you for your continued patience as we navigate forward. Please be safe and well.
Best Regards,
Janaki R.R. Alavalapati, PhD
Dean, School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences
