April 22, 2020 | 8:30 AM

To: LGS Students

Cc: Directors of Graduate Studies, Program Directors, Program Administrators

Dear LGS Students,

I know you have received many messages over the past few weeks related to the COVID-19 pandemic. I appreciate your patience as we adjust to the new reality and continue to comply with public health guidance.

We recognize that the changes have been disruptive, and we understand there are concerns about how this crisis will impact your plans. We are working closely with your program faculty to address immediate needs and emerging challenges. Together, we are committed to providing flexibilities and resources to best support you during this time. Please be assured that we are working on ways to move forward as we navigate these uncertain times with you.

Town Halls & Virtual Forums

In addition to the ongoing LGS virtual sessions, many programs have organized virtual forums to learn more about your questions and concerns. The feedback you have provided has been instrumental during this transition. In addition to the upcoming university-wide town hall, LGS will host virtual conversations with students after the spring term ends.

Academic Progress

We have asked programs to be as flexible as possible regarding degree requirements, such as qualifying exams and defenses. LGS will also offer flexibilities for policies and deadlines related to leave of absences, candidacy, and degree completion.

We understand that restricted access to laboratories, libraries, museums, fieldwork sites, and other research resources will delay progress for many students. We also recognize that these issues are complex and that it may take time both to assess obstacles and to adapt plans. We are working with Directors of Graduate Studies and Program Directors to address these needs.

Financial Support

We know that you are concerned about funding support. We remain steadfast in fulfilling our commitments in the form of stipends, admissions fellowships, tuition scholarships, health insurance subsidies, back-up care, PDS funds, awards, and advanced fellowships. If you have immediate needs related to your individual funding situation, please let your advisor and Director of Graduate Studies/Program Director know as soon as possible.

For the summer 2020 term, LGS students will not be responsible for paying student fees (Enrollment, Computing, Mental Health, Athletics, and Activity Fees). Please note that you will continue to have access to these services remotely.

As a reminder, if you are facing financial hardship related to COVID-19, please apply for assistance through the EmoryTogether Fund.

Health, Well-being, Community

We care deeply about your health and well-being, and want to remind you of the ongoing opportunities to connect virtually:

LGS offers weekly Fireside Chats and Virtual Office Hours with Amanda Marie James and Rob Pearson. Please reach out to the LGS leadership team anytime if you have questions or need assistance. We are here to support you.
Campus Life offers ongoing workshops, seminars, and small group discussions about belonging and community.
Student Health Services (SHS) offers telehealth visits and assessments for COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 concerns. SHS also provides enhanced EUSHIP benefits, including waiving out-of-pocket expenses related to COVID-19.
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) offers clinical services via telehealth and Let’s Talk drop-in consultations by phone (404-727-7450) on Wednesdays from 2:30-4pm and Fridays from 12-1:30pm.

In the coming days, I will share self-care tips on Twitter, and I encourage you to share yours as well. Please tag me @LisaATedesco and use #SelfCareLGS.

We will continue updating you as more information becomes available. Please monitor the Emory and LGS COVID-19 websites for ongoing updates.

Stay safe, stay well.

With you,

Lisa A. Tedesco, Ph.D. 

Vice Provost for Academic Affairs – Graduate Studies 

Dean, James T. Laney School of Graduate Studies

Professor, Rollins School of Public Health 

Emory University 