Dear Emeritus Community,
Welcome to fall 2022!
SMC was recently named an Age Friendly University, meaning we are intentionally working to improve the experience of post-traditional students here at SMC, both at Emeritus and throughout the College. There will be more to come on this in the future, but I wanted you to know!
I hope many of you are warming to the idea of taking at least one class in person very soon. Every in-person class at Emeritus will require KN95 or higher masks, and the COVID-19 vaccination and booster, as eligible. The second booster is not yet mandated by the CDC but it is highly recommended for Emeritus students. Over 30 sections are scheduled to be in-person in Fall. Class locations are all subject to change, depending on conditions.
To register for an in-person class, you will need to upload your proof of vaccination. If you have not already done so, I encourage you to do so immediately by visiting smc.edu/emeritus and then clicking on “Submit Proof of Vaccination.”
I know the choice to enroll in an in-person class, or online only, remains a very personal choice. You may be happy to see a class you like being scheduled to meet in person, and you may not. Our program will be increasing our in-person offerings. We will maintain some ability for online participation in some classes in the future. I believe that as the pandemic fades/turns into something more endemic, the vast majority of the Emeritus community will want to return to the in-person and more social environment we were used to. You might have to choose a different section, instructor, or course then you are used to taking if your usual preference is offered in a modality that is not your current preference.
Please know that the Emeritus team, Vivian, Jessica, Ashley, the Emeritus faculty, even our new student workers, and myself are working incredibly hard right now and always. If you get a chance, please let the team know how appreciative you are.
You may also be interested in the free Noncredit “Working With Older Adults” certificate program offered through SMC’s Noncredit Program, one of the other areas I oversee. It’s designed for caregivers, family members, and friends, or someone who intends to go into gerontology or elder care as a field. Some of you may know someone interested, or have help in your household that you think may benefit from this class.
Sincerely,
Dr. Scott C. Silverman
Dean, Noncredit & External Programs