The Dean's Letter

December 14, 2021

End of Term Pivot, a message from Dean Meejin Yoon and AAP Department Chairs

Dear AAP Community—

As we near the end of the fall 2021 semester, I would like to first thank all of our faculty, staff, and students for rallying an astounding amount of optimism, energy, and adaptability over the last few months. Despite an array of disruptions and daunting challenges, the quality of your ideas, interactions, and engagement has reflected a collective intelligence and humanity unique to our community. Thank you for the integrity in your work and in your studies, for staying the course, and for your continued commitment to building our community on a foundation of care for one another.

Earlier today, we received a detailed message from President Pollack moving Cornell to alert level red, signaling another change in course due to new safety measures for preventing the spread of COVID-19 on campus. We ask that you please read this message carefully and follow university protocols and guidelines.

You may have specific questions about what these changes mean for you. Please contact Director of Student Services Jenn Michael (jlm497@cornell.edu) regarding grading policies, accommodation, or general student support. Please reach out to Assistant Dean for Administration Tom Cole (tec2@cornell.edu) for information around staff-related procedures. Your department chairs or program directors will communicate information about changes to end-of-semester department activities.

While we have become well-practiced in our 'pivots,' we all know each and every pivot takes its toll. Our entire community has gone above and beyond to get us to the close of this semester. As we head into what we hope to be a restful holiday season, we also hope you find a moment to acknowledge all you have collectively accomplished to now, and together look toward the new year ahead.

Sincerely,

Jeffrey Chusid
Chair, Department of City and Regional Planning
jmc286@cornell.edu

Caroline O'Donnell
Chair, Department of Architecture
cao53@cornell.edu

Paul Ramírez Jonas
Chair, Department of Art
par237@cornell.edu