The University of New Mexico apologized Saturday for confusion surrounding two messages regarding the extended break.
“Broadly, the spring break extension that was announced for students did not have explicit provisions for whether academic content would be available after March 23,” a press release said.
On Friday, UNM President Garnett Stokes announced UNM would extend spring break by two weeks, from March 15 to April 5. Stokes’ address didn’t mention coursework or class schedules.
Late Friday night, March 13, UNM students and faculty received a second message, this time from UNM Provost James Holloway. The second message said some classes would continue online-only during the extended break, starting March 23.
Friday’s decisions and Saturday's apology come as UNM, New Mexico and the United States adapt to living with the novel coronavirus.
Shortly before UNM’s announcement, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham announced three more presumptive cases of COVID-19 in New Mexico, bringing the total to 13 known cases.
According to the Governor, most of the cases are in central New Mexico, including six in Bernalillo county.
“When everything happens so quickly like that there will be confusion,” Undergraduate Student Body President Adam Biederwolf told the Daily Lobo before UNM had apologized.
Saturday's apology also clarified some of the expectations of students over the extended break.
The release said students already scheduled for online classes will continue on March 23. The release also said colleges and programs were trying to have some coursework online by March 23 and students should expect to hear from their professors about specific expectations.
The release also said graduate student research, internships and studio project work will start back up March 23.
“With over 10,000 course sections ongoing this term, there are many separate adjustments to instructional modes and one size will not fit all,” the release said.
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Justin Garcia is the Editor in chief of the Daily Lobo he can be contacted at editorinchief@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @Just516garc
You can read the full release below
The University would like to provide clarity to the extended spring break for students. Broadly, the spring break extension that was announced for students did not have explicit provisions for whether academic content would be available after March 23. Academic Affairs – administrators and faculty – has been working diligently to ensure that we provide our students every opportunity to be successful in completing their academic coursework.
As we have stated, this is a fluid situation and we are responding as quickly and decisively as possible. As per the Provost’s messages late yesterday to students and faculty, students already scheduled for online coursework will continue with no delay in content delivery. Additionally, many academic units are striving to have some instruction online by March 23rd; students will receive notice from their faculty if such instruction is being assigned within the period of reduced operations.
Other activities such as graduate student research, internships, and studio project work, will also continue during this time. With over 10,000 course sections ongoing this term, there are many separate adjustments to instructional modes and one size will not fit all.
The University apologizes for any confusion and is actively engaged in ensuring a continuity of operations to the extent that is possible, especially as it pertains to our students’ access to available curriculum assignments and ultimate success in their academic pursuits.
