We regret to announce that due to the COVID-19 virus our 2020 commencement ceremony scheduled for Sunday, May 31, has been canceled. We would like to share the refund policy for those students who have already purchased academic regalia. Also, please continue to check this page for further updates as they become available.
If you ordered regalia to be delivered directly to your home, you will receive a refund (minus shipping and handling) IF:
- The package containing the regalia has not been opened. Opened plastic bags will not be accepted.
- The order is returned to Oak Hall within 30 days of shipment.
- Include a copy of your email confirmation.
- Return to:
Oak Hall Cap & Gown
3812 Blue Ridge Dr.
Roanoke, VA 24018
A Message from Connecticut State Colleges & Universities System President Mark E. Ojakian.
Dear CSCU Community,
Over the past several days, my team and I have been in constant discussion with college and university leaders, and the Board of Regents. In consultation with them, I have made the difficult but necessary decision to continue our move to all-online education for the remainder of the semester at all 17 CSCU institutions. I understand that this is a new direction for faculty and students alike, but it has become clear that the COVID-19 pandemic will continue to affect our state well beyond April 5. We must do everything in our power not just to keep our students, faculty, and staff healthy and safe, but also to slow the spread of the virus.
To that end, all physical campuses will be closed to the public through at least the remainder of the semester. All faculty and staff except those designated by their individual institution as Level 1 – and that number will be extremely limited – will continue to work from home.
Unfortunately, this also means that all in-person spring commencement activities will be canceled. I know how hard students and faculty have worked to get to this point, and we are looking at all options to ensure they receive the recognition they deserve in addition to the diploma they have earned.
By the end of the week, the president or CEO of your institution will reach out with information and details on the move to distance learning and which courses can be moved fully online, the logistics of the transition to telework, and the orderly coordination of safely helping students collect their belongings from residence halls. We recognize that a number of our university students may not have a place to go if forced to vacate their lodging, and our university leaders will of course ensure they have necessary accommodations. Finally, our university leaders will communicate with resident students to outline a process and timeline for issuing refunds for room and board payments.
I understand this is a stressful time for all of us, and as I indicated yesterday, self-care remains essential. Social distancing is critically important to the state’s public health efforts to slow the spread of the virus, but it does not mean shutting our lives down – so remember to check in (virtually) on your friends and family, look for online yoga or exercise classes, and take a minute to relax and breathe deeply.
Sincerely,
Mark E. Ojakian
Dear Term 2 & Session 3 Faculty,
As Term 2, Session 3 begins, we want you to know that we are here to assist you and your students in anyway that we can. Since this is unchartered territory for many of us, we wanted to provide you with as much guidance as possible before classes begin. Here are some important things to note for this term:
- If a student informs you that they are sick with the coronavirus, or they have to take care of a family member who has the virus, and they need a few days to make up the work, you can go ahead and grant a couple of days extension. Please provide the student with a specific date in which the work must be completed by. You will also need to let us know by sending an e-mail to academics@charteroak.edu. Academics will then inform the Registrar’s Office so that the student will not be penalized for non-attendance.
- If the student is very ill, or has a family member who is very ill, and they need more than a couple of days to catch up, again send an e-mail to academics@charteroak.edu and we will look into the situation and get back to you with a response. Some of our response will depend on how much work the student has completed to date, whether they are passing, and what week in the term the request occurs. Ideally, we would like to get a note from the doctor, but we know that this may not be possible.
- Incomplete grades at the end of the term will be processed per usual, using the Incomplete Form on ACORN. Documentation of illness (if available) will be needed as well.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
Again, there are many unknowns this term, but we can manage it if we work together.
Shirley M. Adams, Ph.D.
Provost
Dear Term 1 Faculty,
If a student contacts you telling you that they are sick with the coronavirus or they have to take care of a family member who has the virus and needs additional time to complete their work, let us know by sending an e-mail to academics@charteroak.edu that includes the student's request. If the student is passing and has only missed work in week 8, we will grant a two week extension.
Shirley M. Adams, Ph.D.
Provost
Dear Students,
As the media continues to dominate news about the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), I am reaching out to let you know that Charter Oak State College is taking these health concerns seriously and playing our part in mitigating the risks.
Charter Oak State College is fortunate in that it is a fully online institution and does not have to switch to new learning modalities or new ways of providing student support services as other universities and colleges across the nation are having to face.
As a result of our online structure, our courses will remain open and we will continue to provide all online services, such as tutoring, advising, Financial Aid processing, and business office functions.
With that said, please note that we are aware that this is a time of uncertainty for all of us and are mindful of the disruptions for virtually everyone in our community. Visit the coronavirus update page on our website to keep you informed of events related to the college. Stay safe.
Sincerely,
President Klonoski
Dear Faculty,
As the media continues to dominate news about the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), I am reaching out to you to let know that Charter Oak State College is taking these health concerns seriously and playing our part in mitigating the risks.
Charter Oak State College is fortunate in that it is a fully online institution and does not have to switch to new learning modalities or a way of providing student support services as other universities and colleges across the nation are having to face.
As a result of our online structure, our courses will remain open and we will continue to provide all online services, such as tutoring, advising, Financial Aid processing, and business office functions.
We have worked out a couple of processes in case we have to extend course beyond the spring term due to either illness of faculty or students. We ask that you check our website for up to date information coronavirus update.
We also ask that you let us know if you become ill or if you students contact you about being ill. With that said, please note that we are aware that this is a time of uncertainty for all of us and are mindful of the disruptions for virtually everyone in our community.
We have equipped all of our staff to work from home and starting on Monday, March 16th, the campus location will be closed to the public. All staff members will telecommute. As staff will start to telecommute, we will continue to enroll our students into courses, prepare for the new term and answer any questions that you have. So don't hesitate to reach out.
I would suggest that you use e-mails to reach out because staff may be using their cell phones, not their office phones.
Take care and stay well.
Shirley M. Adams, Ph.D.
Provost
As of today, the Governor and the CSCU system office is engaging telecommuting plans for each of its 17 institutions including Charter Oak State College. No later than Monday, March 16, all Charter Oak State College employees who maintain the ability to telecommute, or otherwise do not provide critical services requiring an on-site presence, will begin to work from home.
Our online classes continue as scheduled. All student support services, including enrollment, registration, advising and financial aid services continue without interruption.
We want to remind our students and faculty that we have dedicated phone and email access set up for your use should you have a need for additional support related to the Coronavirus. While we may not be in our administrative offices please know that we are online with you and here to help!
Students:
Pandemic Line: 860-515-3702
Pandemic Email: registrar@charteroak.edu
Faculty:
Pandemic Line: 860-515-3702
Pandemic Email: registrar@charteroak.edu
As of today, the Governor and the CSCU system office is engaging telecommuting plans for each of its 17 institutions including Charter Oak State College. No later than Monday, March 16, all Charter Oak State College employees who maintain the ability to telecommute, or otherwise do not provide critical services requiring an on-site presence, will begin to work from home.
Our online classes continue as scheduled. All student support services, including enrollment, registration, advising and financial aid services continue without interruption.
We want to remind our students and faculty that we have dedicated phone and email access set up for your use should you have a need for additional support related to the Coronavirus. While we may not be in our administrative offices please know that we are online with you and here to help!
Students:
Pandemic Line: 860-515-3702
Pandemic Email: registrar@charteroak.edu
Faculty:
Pandemic Line: 860-515-3702
Pandemic Email: registrar@charteroak.edu
A Message from Connecticut State Colleges & Universities System President Mark E. Ojakian.
Dear CSCU Community,
Over the weekend we saw the first diagnosed cases of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Connecticut. As the disease spreads around the world and in the United States, we have long expected it to land in Connecticut and have taken all necessary steps to mitigate the effects of the disease on our campuses.
Previously, we issued guidance that included a suspension of institutionally-sponsored travel to any Level 2 or 3 country (China, Iran, Italy, South Korea, and Japan), and a requirement that those who have traveled to those countries not return to campus and self-quarantine for 14 days.
Today, in coordination with Governor Lamont's office, we are taking the following additional steps to keep our colleges and universities as safe and healthy as possible.
- An immediate freeze on all institutionally-sponsored travel outside of Connecticut until further notice. Any requested exceptions must be approved by the chief executive of your institution in consultation with CSCU Chief of Staff.
- All students, faculty, and staff are strongly discouraged from personal travel outside of the state of Connecticut, particularly during spring break. If you do decide to travel, you may be required to not return to campus and directed to self-quarantine for 14 days. Your institution has provided, or will soon provide, communications that include a process to self-report your planned travel before spring break starts. For the safety of all on your campus, please follow that process. This does not apply to faculty, staff and students who commute to campus for work or classes.
- Any employees planning in-person meetings with out-of-state individuals should evaluate whether these activities can proceed remotely though teleconference or online collaboration for the time being and, if possible, should take that approach.
- Students, faculty, and staff are directed to postpone, cancel, or adjust all campus events and meetings, other than classes, that are expected to have 100 or more participants through at least April 30. This could include using technology to allow remote participation. Any requested exceptions must be approved by the chief executive of your institution in consultation with CSCU Chief of Staff.
- For events or meetings with people within arm’s length of each other, encourage those who are higher risk due to age (70 or older), cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, heart disease or chronic lung diseases like COPD, as well as those with severely weakened immune systems not to attend or dial in.
- For employees who have CSCU or institutionally-issued laptops, get in the habit of bringing your device home each night to ensure maximum flexibility.
- Property management firms and cleaning contractors have been directed to utilize disinfectants to clean state buildings and to increase the frequency of disinfectant cleaning including common touch points.
We will remain in close contact with state and local officials, and will work with your campus leaders to clarify questions and address requests for exceptions to these procedures as they arise. Working together, the CSCU system office and your campus leader will continue to keep you updated as this situation unfolds.
As a reminder, everyone should continue to follow basic steps to keep themselves and others healthy:
- Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based sanitizer.
- Avoid shaking hands as a greeting.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Thank you for your continued commitment to the health and safety of our campuses, our employees, and our students.
Stay healthy,
Mark E. Ojakian
Update from the Office of the President
On Friday, March 6, 2020, I have officially activated the College’s Pandemic Continuity Plan. This specific action is being taken after careful consideration of both internal and external factors related to the Coronavirus (COVID-19).
What does this mean for students?
First, we understand that priorities may shift during the course of this outbreak. The College will seek to continue all operations including the delivery of courses, instruction, advising, admissions and business office functions. However, should you require further assistance, I encourage you to reread our earlier message dated March 2, 2020, for specific instruction on the ways in which we are prepared to help.
What does this mean for faculty?
The College will continue operations including the instruction of all courses. However, should you or a student require support please reference the communications below dated March 2, 2020 for further information.
What does this mean for staff?
Activating our emergency operations plan allows our Incident Management Team to begin instituting measures to both protect employees and continue operations.
As part of the College’s emergency operations planning surrounding the CORONAVIRUS, Charter Oak State College employees will be deployed to work remotely from their homes on Tuesday, March 10 and Wednesday, March 11, as a test of the College’s remote workforce capabilities.
On Tuesday, March 10 members of the College’s Incident Command Team are asked to report to their offices. All other employees are to telecommute.
The College’s Administrative Offices at 55 Paul Manafort Senior Drive in New Britain, CT and 85 Alumni Rd, Newington, CT will be closed for all other functions.
On Wednesday, March 11, ALL employees, including all members of the Incident Command Team, will work remotely. The Administrative Offices will be closed.
All College operations, including instruction and online courses, advising, admissions and business office/Bursar will continue per normal operating procedures.
Current students can continue to access ACORN the student portal and Blackboard for courses.
Prospective students can inquire and apply online at www.CharterOak.edu.
The safety and wellbeing of our students, staff and faculty is paramount to us. While we take steps to mitigate our exposure, the College is uniquely positioned to continue its operations remotely by fully deploying our administrative staff to begin telecommuting. Please know that we have been and will continue to monitor this situation closely and are fully prepared to institute further action as necessary.
Please check this page for further updates.
Ed Klonoski, President, Charter Oak State College
Students
As the Corona Virus (COVID-19) outbreak continues to grow, Charter Oak State College will do everything in our power to keep our students, faculty, staff, and administrators as safe (and informed) as possible.
We would like to take this opportunity to remind you that Charter Oak has a phone line and email address dedicated directly to those affected by the virus. If you are affected by the virus, please use the information below to leave a voicemail/email to update us on your status.
Pandemic Line: 860-515-3702
Pandemic Email: registrar@charteroak.edu
We understand that your priorities may shift as updates on the virus become available. Please know that our priority will continue to be YOU, and on getting you caught up in your course(s) and back on track to meeting your academic goals. Please do not hesitate to contact us should any issues arise.
Best,
The Registrar’s Office
Faculty
As the Corona Virus (COVID-19) outbreak continues to grow, Charter Oak State College will do everything in our power to keep our students, faculty, staff, and administrators as safe, and informed, as possible.
We would like to take this opportunity to remind you that Charter Oak has a phone line and email address dedicated directly to those affected by the virus. If you are affected by the virus or live in an area that becomes affected by the virus, please use the information below to leave a voicemail/email to update us on your status.
Pandemic Line: 860-515-3702
Pandemic Email: registrar@charteroak.edu
Should the virus affect you directly, or the area in which you live, leaving you unable to meet the deadlines of your course(s), we will extend extra time to you and your students, so that you can all catch up on the work. If you have a student who is impacted by the virus, please email the registrar’s office (registrar@charteroak.edu). We will contact the student and provide them with information they need. We are currently in the process of sending students an email, posting a message in Blackboard, and on our social media pages.
We completely understand that those of you in the affected areas may find that your priorities shift over the next several weeks. We will be here to support you as much as we can. Please contact us should you encounter any issues at all.
Best,
The Registrar’s Office