Department of English

Dear UConn English students:

You will no doubt have heard by now that all UConn instruction will take place online until the end of the Spring semester. As we adjust to teaching and learning at a distance, it is vital that we all stay connected and support one another. In the English Department, we have shifted to remote offices. Faculty and staff are working from home. But though we may be keeping separate from one another physically, we are remaining in close contact electronically—over email as well as over WebEx, Zoom, and other collaborative platforms.

We know that what many of you value most about the English Department is its personal size, tight community, and welcoming atmosphere. Our aim is to stay connected, even though we are communicating virtually. Instructors, advisors, and staff members have been putting in extra hours to make the transition to our new circumstances as smooth as possible for you.

Thus we invite you to stay in touch. Please reach out to your advisor and/or instructors with any concerns that you may have about your plan of study or your courses. Please also reach out to your peers. There is great strength to be found in social interaction, communication, words of encouragement, and teamwork. When we watch out for one another, we find what it takes to surmount even the most difficult of situations.

That said, your top priority at this time should be to take care of yourself and your family. We cannot emphasize this point enough. There is nothing more important than the health and safety of you and your loved ones. These are challenging times. We will all experience unique pressures at home, at school, and at work. But you have our firm commitment that, as a Department, we will do all we can to support you as you figure out how best to safeguard your well-being.

Clare Costley King’oo, English Department Associate Head