March 21, 2020
Dear Students,
Governor Cuomo issued an executive order earlier this afternoon mandating that 100% of the New York State workforce must stay home, excluding essential services. I am writing at this time to provide clarity about the impact of this order on Eastman.
Additionally, please find the most up-to-date information we have on certain Eastman-specific topics relating to our handling of the Coronavirus pandemic, including information about building closures and access, resources, paychecks, and other everyday aspects of Eastman and University life.
The situation in our city, our nation, and our world changes daily, and with all of the changes and adjustments you’ve been asked to make, I want to thank you all for the outstanding work you are doing which includes dealing with the effects of COVID-19 on our Eastman community; practicing social distancing on and off campus; transitioning to online classes and lessons; working with our faculty and staff regarding move-out; and so much more. If you have questions about any area of Eastman life relating to Coronavirus response, don’t hesitate to contact the appropriate member of our COVID-19 Task Force- their names can be found here.
This is a time when it is important to reaffirm our core values and our commitment to our primary mission. Thank you all for your continued hard work, patience, flexibility, support, and especially our shared commitment to each other. Please do all that you can to stay safe and healthy.
All best wishes,
Jamal Rossi
Jamal J. Rossi
Joan and Martin Messinger Dean
Eastman School of Music
jrossi@esm.rochester.edu
585.274.1010
EXECUTIVE ORDER REGARDING 100% CLOSURE OF
NON-ESSENTIAL BUSINESSES STATEWIDE
Building Closures
Today, Governor Cuomo ordered 100% of all non-essential businesses to instruct their entire workforce to work remotely. As a result, ALL Eastman buildings (with the exception of the Student Living Center) will be closed beginning Sunday, March 22 at 5 PM until further notice.
Access
All students will have until Sunday, March 22 at 5 PM to collect any materials, including instruments, from their lockers. It is uncertain at this time if anyone will have access to the Eastman facilities beyond Sunday at 5 PM.
Students who have been approved to remain in the Student Living Center, and students with apartments who had been approved to gain access the Eastman practice rooms, will be sent further information regarding alternative resources that available to them.
Sibley Music Library
Sibley Music Library is now closed until further notice.
Library Materials
Due dates for most material borrowed by faculty and graduate students have been moved to September 1, 2020. Undergraduates may have materials which are due while Sibley is closed – while these might generate overdue notices, no overdue fines will be charged, and undergraduates should hold on to these items. Sibley staff requests that all borrowers not return materials until we are once again open, if at all possible.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING
EASTMAN’S HANDLING OF COVID-19 MATTERS
2020 Commencement
In a recent message to University of Rochester students, President Mangelsdorf announced the decision to cancel the University’s on-campus commencement celebrations this May. In a message that Dean Rossi sent to graduating students, he indicated his intention to appoint a committee of faculty, staff, and students to think creatively together about how Eastman can celebrate our graduating students in a way that will be meaningful and allow us all to participate as a community together. Please submit suggestions about how we might do this to Cathy Hain, who will be chairing this committee.
Pass/Fail
In a decision reached yesterday afternoon, Eastman and the College of Arts and Sciences will offer all students the option of receiving either a letter grade or Pass/Fail for each individual course in which they are enrolled. Detailed information has been issued to faculty, staff and students.
Help with the Transition to Online Classes
We recognize that moving to online learning next week is a top priority for everyone. The experience is new for everyone, but we know that all involved are doing their best to make it a positive experience.
Remember that there are resources online for getting ready for the transition, including a list of options for internet service and guides on how to communicate with classmates and professors and complete other tasks online, as well as updated tips for ZOOM, BOX and Blackboard through IML’s site.
Textbook Returns
For details on how to return textbooks, click here for more information.
Writing Center
Beginning March 23, 2020, the Eastman Writing Center will be moving tutoring sessions online. To view modified hours via ZOOM or to set up an appointment- visit here for all information.
Change of address/forwarding mail
The Student Living Center Mail and Package Room does not hold mail. Any mail that is received is either returned to the sender or forwarded to the address submitted when residents check out of the Student Living Center. If we do not have a forwarding address, we are unable to forward the mail. Please fill out the updated address section on your Express Check Out Form when you check out.
We will not forward mail after August 1, 2020 for students, so please make sure that you update your address everywhere as soon as possible. For more information please see the USPS site for details.
Paychecks
Paychecks will be mailed to the address on file within HRMS for the next bi-weekly, semi-monthly and monthly pay cycles paid on March 31, 2020, including those graduate students who normally pickup via the welcome center window. Paychecks will continue to be mailed until further notice.
Click on this link for instructions if you need to update your mailing address to ensure your checks reach you, or submit this form to the University of Rochester Payroll office. You must have DUO to access HRMS, in order to update your information electronically.
RESTORE (Sexual Assault Services)
For the next eight (8) weeks, hotlines continue to be staffed (585-546-2777 in Monroe County; 1-800-527-1757 in Genesee, Livingston, Orleans & Wyoming counties) 24/7. Counseling, referrals, and crisis support will continue via communication methods the survivor feels comfortable using, including phone calls, video chats, texting, and emails. We also encourage partners and community members to engage with our social media (@RESTOREsas on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter) for real-time updates and changes to our campaign efforts during Sexual Assault Awareness Month in April. For more information, please contact our hotlines or email RESTORE@ppcwny.org.
UR Title IX office can also be found on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/URTitleIX/
Fall 2020 Pre-Registration: NEW Dates:
Due to the adjusted schedule for this semester, we are delaying pre-registration for fall 2020. Watch your inbox for additional information on how to register using our new student information system, UR Student!
| ESM Class of 2021 (Including T5 and Dual Degree) | 4/20/20 | 7:30 a.m. |
| ESM Graduate students | 4/20/20 | 8:00 a.m. |
| ESM Class of 2022 | 4/21/20 | 7:30 a.m. |
| ESM Class of 2023 | 4/22/20 | 7:30 a.m. |
| Open enrollment for all students | 4/23/20 | 7:30 a.m. |
INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS APPROVED TO REMAIN IN THE STUDENT LIVING CENTER
Shuttle Schedule Updates
The Red line is cancelled, effective immediately, only Brown line will run for remainder of semester. Check website for updated information:http://www.rochester.edu/parking/shuttles/
Updates to Dining, Other Campus Services, and Events
In response to new COVID-19 guidance announced by Governor Cuomo, the University is adjusting and reducing some campus services. An updated list of modified campus services—including dining—is now live on the Coronavirus Updates website.
Office of Student Affairs to Operate Food Pantry
Due to the needs of our community who are food insecure, and will be remaining in Rochester, the Office of Student Affairs will be operating a small food pantry available by appointment only. The Eastman Food Pantry is stocked with a limited selection of staple food products, and students may choose up to 5 items per visit to supplement their grocery needs. Students who are approved to stay can register for an appointment by emailing reslife@esm.rochester.edu at least 24 hours in advance. Appointments are available Monday – Friday 10am – 4pm.
The Food Cupboard is also accepting donations of non-perishable food items to help support this endeavor. Groceries can be left at the SLC Front Desk or ordered through Amazon using our Donation Wish List: http://a.co/1TnFUPp.
After All of That
And finally, after all of that information, we need music and hope. I’m very grateful to Professor Weinert for sharing with me the following message earlier today. Personally, I found great solace in the message and the music. My very best wishes to you all.
Dean Rossi
This video was compiled by our graduate David Chin. His BachFest Malaysia was invited to perform at the Leipzig Bach Festival in June, which I’m sure will be cancelled…
Here’s a video featuring musicians of Bachfest Malaysia and our friends around the world, singing a hopeful chorale from Bach’s “St. Matthew Passion”. We hope that this will be an encouragement to all of us who are currently experiencing the epidemic on different levels.
The sounds of the video are completely original, all recorded with each member’s cell phone. The video was done in less than 48 hours, from compiling to the final product. We would like to thank all our musicians who contributed to this project with such short notice. A huge shoutout to our intern Charlie who organized all the files and produced the instrumental track.