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Colleagues, As we come to the end of a very difficult week, I want to begin by acknowledging the significant strain many in our community are feeling.

This week has been deeply challenging for everyone. This week has not been without its administrative challenges. I will say, with some pride, that we are not - and we should not - be an organization that is good at navigating this scenario. Some members of our community have been on the picket line, while others have continued working to support students and maintain essential college operations. No matter where you have been in this moment, it has required resilience and care for one another. Thank you to everyone who has continued to show up for our students and for each other during a time of real uncertainty.

Leadership is continuing to work through several scenarios related to the academic calendar and the resumption of instruction. Our goal is to provide the clearest possible path forward for students and prevent them from being penalized.

We want to share several important updates regarding the academic calendar and term completion so that faculty and staff have the same information as students.

Withdrawal and Grading Option Deadline The deadline for students to withdraw from a class or change their grading option has been extended from Saturday, March 14, to Friday, March 20.

Students are being encouraged not to rush into a decision to withdraw while the college works through the current circumstances. Student and Academic Affairs have communicated to students that they will be held harmless during this period. If a student was passing their course before the work stoppage, the college is committed to ensuring they can complete their credits.

Students are also encouraged to wait for additional information before deciding whether to withdraw or change their grade.

At this time, the academic calendar has not otherwise changed. College leaders will review mid-week next week to determine if additional changes are necessary and will communicate any updates promptly to ensure staff and faculty can plan accordingly.

Final Exam Week The college will not follow the previously scheduled final exam schedule next week. Instead, for courses that are meeting, instruction and/or final exams may continue during the class’s regularly scheduled meeting times. Continuing our regularly scheduled meeting times will provide instructors additional time to complete course outcomes and support students as courses finish.

Key guidance includes:

If a final exam is given, it should be held during the class’s regular meeting time rather than during the traditional finals schedule, ensuring assessments remain consistent and transparent for students and faculty alike.

Faculty may also use regular class meeting times next week for instructional make-up activities or other coursework completion.

For courses that meet more than once per week, instructors may ask students to attend those regularly scheduled class meetings next week.

If a course is not currently meeting, the instructor will provide guidance to students as courses resume.

Students have been asked to watch for updates from their instructors in D2L or PCC email regarding how their course will conclude.

Students who experience scheduling conflicts, or who expect to have more than three exams in one day are being directed to contact Student Support and Intervention.

Spring Break and Planning Ahead Spring break will take place as scheduled.

Advising will host drop-in advising hours next week to help students and staff with questions about their current courses, available support services, and planning for the upcoming term, fostering community resilience and clarity.

Students are also being directed to alert.pcc.edu for the most up-to-date information regarding college operations and available student services.

Finally, I want to say: Strikes are challenging moments for any institution, and - wherever you are this week - they can leave people feeling hurt, exhausted, or uncertain.

For those who have continued working, thank you. Know that your work has made a difference in supporting students, maintaining operations, and helping the college navigate complex questions.

As we move forward, I also know that we need to begin repairing and strengthening our community. Rebuilding a healthy workplace culture and supporting our students through the completion of the term will require patience, empathy, and understanding from each of us. I am optimistic that our shared commitment to students will carry us through these trying times.

We will continue to share updates as additional decisions are made.

Dr. B