From Laurel’s Desk – June 2020 | Academic Newsletter | Seneca Polytechnic

in the June 2020 issue

Our March newsletter came out just after we had to suspend face-to-face classes and move to remote teaching. It’s been just over three months and while there are positive signals, we are far from getting back to “normal” – our new normal. The time has flown by and yet there is a “Groundhog Day” feel each day. Whether it is WebEx, Teams, or Blackboard Collaborate, there are tiles of faces, muting/unmuting, chats, sharing screens, and “running” from meeting to meeting. We’ve transitioned from winter to spring and next week, it is summer. It’s an enigma, time suspended and dragging, yet passing in a blur.

Everyone has been so immersed in their work and dealing with whatever comes their way on any given day, there is little time to step back and reflect on what we achieved. And we should. There are many examples of your extraordinary creativity and flexibility as you worked through your courses and found new ways of providing students with learning that only a few weeks prior was thought to be possible only through hands-on experience. Thank you for taking the time to write to me to share your work and that of your students. Incredible work!

This week would have been the start of our convocation season, the highlight of the academic year. A time of goodbyes and the promise of new beginnings. I know many of you have never missed the opportunity to congratulate your students with a handshake or hug and to provide encouraging words to celebrate the end of one journey and the beginning of another. I can only imagine your disappointment. But I know you have found other ways of connecting with them to let them know how proud you are of their accomplishments. Thank you.

I could not let this opportunity pass without acknowledging the many faculty, staff, and administrators who will be retiring at the end of June. You’ve given your time, talent, and heart to Seneca, your school, your program, your colleagues, and, most importantly, your students. There are hundreds or thousands of students who, when asked, “who made a difference” in their lives, will answer with your name without hesitation. What a legacy! We are all very disappointed we will not have the opportunity to see you in person, to wish you well, and to express our thanks and share stories. To all of those who will be leaving Seneca, may you have good health and remember us with fondness. And thank you for choosing Seneca! We are richer for it.

Laurel

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Laurel

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View the June 2020 issue of the Academic Newsletter.