ArtCenter Suspends Classes

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, ArtCenter College of Design President Lorne Buchman announced shortly after 5 p.m. on Wednesday that the college will suspend classes beginning tomorrow.

“We are suspending all classes as of tomorrow, Thursday, March 12, until end of day Sunday, March 22. This period of suspension will give the College time to prepare alternate models for remote teaching and distance learning.”

According to Buchman, during this suspension period, both campuses will be closed to students. However, students can access either campus to obtain materials and belongings through 5 p.m. on Friday, March 13.

Labs and shops will halt normal operations during this suspension period to prepare for future scenarios. One-to-one activities, such as student advising, will take place remotely as determined by individual offices and staff members.

“Any student work that was scheduled to take place on campus and that has already been approved with a completed Project Authorization Form is also suspended and must be rescheduled when the College fully reopens, subject to additional review of the request,” according to Buchman.

To compensate for this period of suspension, the school will extend the current term for a week through May 1. The Summer and Fall term schedules remain unchanged, beginning May 16 and September 12 respectively.

“We will provide a series of detailed communications to you during the suspension period,” Buchman said. “We expect to resume Spring classes (in person or remotely depending on circumstances) as well as access to campus resources on Monday, March 23.”

The college also canceled the school’s spring grad show and the graduation ceremony.

Students will receive their degrees, certificates and honors upon completing their requirements and will have the option to participate in Summer or Fall Graduation activities. There will be no Graduation activities for Spring 2020.

All employees are expected to work during the suspension period at their regular location. Please coordinate any necessary modifications to your work schedule (or location) with your supervisor. Employees will receive a follow-up email from Human Resources with more information about modified work schedules, pay plans, and use of leave programs during this suspension period.