UAFS Chancellor, Dr. Terisa Riley, released an update Friday, March 27, 2020, reiterating the campus-wide move to remote instruction and launching a resource page for students.
"Dear Lion Students,
As you are aware from my email sent on March 18, UA-Fort Smith courses will be offered online/remote only beginning Monday, March 30 through the end of the spring semester. This message is sent to provide further updates and resources.
Update
Today, Governor Hutchinson announced that the State of Arkansas has 381 positive cases of COVID-19 and reminded us to do our part to "flatten the curve" by continuing to practice social distancing, avoid unnecessary travel, limit gatherings to less than 10 people, and to use excellent hand washing techniques.
Kudos
The UAFS Colleges of Health Sciences, CAST, and STEM donated approximately 100,000 pieces of Personal Protective Equipment(PPE) to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), and I am grateful for the faculty and administrators who gathered to compile, inventory, and donate these desperately needed items. A special thanks goes to Dr. Linus Yu, Associate Dean of the College of STEM, for delivering the supplies to our colleagues at UAMS.
Student Resources
I know that many of our students are experiencing concerns or fears about learning online, and I am happy to share with you the resource guide created for you by Ms. Rachel Putman, Associate Director of Strategic Communication, and which can be found at https://campuslife.uafs.edu/services/health-center/covid19-resources
This guide includes resources that will help you to be successful in the areas of academics, health and wellness, digital engagement, technology, and finances.
Several faculty and students have asked if we have considered some way to "hold students harmless" when grading. I am meeting online with a group of academic deans and representatives of SGA, Faculty Senate, and Staff Council on Monday to discuss a variety of grading options and to determine how to proceed.
I encourage you to review our UAFS website which provides campus updates and where our administrators have provided answers to your most frequently asked questions: https://campuslife.uafs.edu/services/health-center/covid19 If your question isn't answered on this website, or your question pertains only to you, please contact us at chancellor@uafs.edu where we will respond to your individual questions.
Lions, it is an honor to represent you and lead this university. You make me proud and I believe in you.
Stay healthy and safe.
Terisa C. Riley, Ph.D.
Chancellor