Dear Mason Korea Community,
I write to let you know that we have decided to continue teaching online until the end of the semester rather than to resume face-to-face classes on April 6.
This decision was not made lightly. It was based on the Korean Ministry of Education’s new recommendations for K-12 schools and what has clearly become the continuing need to socially distance in order to protect our communities. As always, the health and safety of those communities, on campus and off, are of primary importance to us.
Students who are living on campus and wish to remain on campus may do so. Students who wish to check out of on-campus housing can contact IGC housing directly, and notify their RA. We urge everyone to continue to practice social distancing and effective disease transmission control by washing their hands frequently and for at least 20 seconds, using hand sanitizer, always coughing or sneezing into the elbow, considering wearing a face mask, and getting plenty of rest. If you have any flu-like symptoms, please self-isolate and follow these instructions. If you are a student living on campus and have these symptoms, please also notify Student Affairs at mksa@gmu.edu.
I am gratified by the extent to which students and faculty alike have adjusted to learning online. And I am impressed by the hard work students and faculty alike have put into making this adjustment. We continue to ask students who run into obstacles with online courses to discuss them with their instructors. They may also contact Academic Affairs at mkaa@gmu.edu. If the problem is technical, students can get support from Mason’s ITS Support via email or live chat. For additional help, Prof. Kent Zimmerman (dzimmer2@gmu.edu) has agreed to assist with especially difficult problems.
I also want to thank Students Affairs for organizing a set of “socially distanced” events for us to enjoy, and to recognize all the students, faculty and staff who have participated in them. If you have not yet done so, please check out our events calendar. If you have an idea for such an event, let the Office of Student Affairs know at mksa@gmu.edu.
I know that our current situation can be stressful. Students who wish to can, as always, reach out to staff in the Office of Student Affairs or to Mason Korea’s wellness counselor.
Addressing the covid-19 situation has required from all of us patience, flexibility, hard work, and the ability to handle uncertainty. I have appreciated the way members of our community have demonstrated those virtues and supported one another during this time. I look forward to the day when we can begin to interact regularly in the physical as well as in virtual world—and that day will come! In the meantime, though, we can take pleasure in what we have achieved as a community during this challenging time.
Yours in Patriot Pride,
Robert Matz
Campus Dean
Mason Korea
Office of Executive Administration
George Mason University Korea
Phone: +82-32-626-5001
Email: gmukorea@gmu.edu