Center for Public Service Director Jeff Rioux sent this message to Immersion Project participants advising of the cancellation of Spring Immersion Projects.
In keeping with the new CDC guidance issued on March 1, the college has decided to cancel the CPS spring break immersion projects scheduled for the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and Costa Rica. We do so out of an abundance of caution and because the CDC has specifically urged colleges to consider “postponing or canceling all student foreign exchange programs anywhere in the world, including any college sponsored travel with students.” We know that this is a disappointment to those who were scheduled to go and we will work with those students to provide alternatives for housing and meals if you should decide to remain on campus.
The college will reimburse all participants for what they paid for the Immersion Project.
Some of you may need or want to remain on campus for break. Please know that you will not be the only ones here, as a number of students have decided to remain on campus. In response, Dining Services is expanding their hours over break to accommodate the increased need for meals (hours are attached). Your meal plan will remain active. If you have a limited meal plan and are concerned about your ability to eat over break, please contact me and we will work with you. You are able to stay in your room and you only need to submit a Break Housing Form through CNAV/MyHousing if you are planning to stay for any portion of break. If you have any questions related to housing, please contact Residential and First-Year Programs.
Some of you will choose to go home for break. If you are going home, you may need to take a shuttle to a train station or airport. Because of this late change of plans, Transportation is asking that you contact them directly to request a shuttle (ext. 6923).
We hope you have a safe and healthy break, and very much regret the loss of this opportunity for you all. We hope this will not deter you from taking part in CPS Immersion Projects in the future. While this is disappointing, we thank you for understanding that your wellbeing is the highest priority of the college, and the reason for this decision.
Jeff Rioux
He/Him/His
Director, Center for Public Service