April 29, 2020
Dear current L&S undergraduate,
As we approach the end of this semester, and you tackle the challenges of final exams and projects, I want to assure you that the faculty, staff and administrators of the College of Letters & Science support you. You should be very proud of all that you have managed during this disrupted term. Every student has been called on to be flexible and resilient, as you manage new modes for learning along with changed – and oftentimes unpredictable – living, working, financial or family situations. We recognize that it has not been easy, and we are here to help you finish strong and transition into summer and next fall.
In spite of, and perhaps because of, the novel coronavirus pandemic this summer, it is a great time to continue your professional development. Even in this difficult environment, there are hundreds of internships, jobs, and experiential opportunities available on Handshake, and SuccessWorks has wonderful resources to help you continue to find your path, build your skills, gain experience, and articulate your strengths and talents.
As you know, due to the COVID-19 disruption, you may convert any of your spring course grades to the special grading options (SD/UD) between May 9-22, 2020. You can do this in your Student Center after course grades are reported. Courses graded “SD” (Satisfactory-Disruption) will count toward all major and degree requirements and will satisfy future course prerequisites. You will find more information about the SD/UD grades here.
I want to stress two important points about these grading options:
- Wait until all of your grades are posted before converting to SD/UD, so you can see the whole picture when making your decisions.
- Contact your advisor, if you want to discuss the pros and cons of selecting SD/UD grades under your unique circumstances.
Now is a great time to set up a conversation with your advisor. Your advisor is ready to help you:
- Manage any challenges you are facing.
- Make the most of your summer with academic courses or a variety of career development opportunities – career services extend to spring graduates, as well.
- Get set up for success by planning for a great fall semester.
I encourage you to use these advising resources:
- Your assigned advisors’ names are listed on your Academic Navigator. You may schedule a remote appointment using Starfish or the usual way you schedule with your advisor.
- L&S Academic Advising Services for pre-declared L&S students
- Cross-College Advising Service for undergraduates who are exploring majors (and careers) across schools/colleges
- SuccessWorks – personal and professional development for all L&S students and spring graduates
- L&S Academic Deans’ Services for concerns or questions about academic challenges and policies
- Dean of Students for assistance with any non-academic concern
I hope that these last days of the spring semester go well for you. Above all, I want you to know that we are truly in this together. Wherever you are, geographically and in your academic journey, the College of Letters & Science has resources for you; we hope you will reach out to us.
On, Wisconsin!
Eric M. Wilcots
Interim Dean and Mary C. Jacoby Professor of Astronomy
College of Letters & Science, University of Wisconsin-Madison