Published: March 27, 2020

To the Thomas College community,

The last week has seen a flurry of activity from our Thomas College faculty and staff as we ready ourselves for our first day of remote class instruction on Monday, March 30, 2020.  As we are all beginning to adapt to new routines and the new normal, we all should be keeping the health and safety of our community top of mind—whether that be with a stretch break at the desk, a breath of fresh air, or keeping ahead of the news and safety updates coming from the Maine CDC and our elected officials.

We are fiercely dedicated to ensuring that all our students are ready for remote learning and the successful completion of their classes.  The College stands ready to work with you, regardless of your circumstances.  If you have not done so already, please do one of the following:

•  If you are ready for your classes, please contact your instructors and let them know
•  If you are experiencing limited or no internet access, please fill out our form: https://bit.ly/3duslJA or text CALL to (207) 509-9751
• If you are having issues with software, such as Outlook or Teams, please contact servicedesk@thomas.edu or 207-859-1204.

Our Student Financial Services team has been working diligently on our Student Bill Adjustment Policy, and with the guidance from the U.S. Department of Education, it has now been finalized.  The policies developed to govern the adjustments to the bills of students are a result of the COVID-19 outbreak and the decision to close and vacate residence halls on March 18, 2020 and to delay graduation.

• The Student Bill Adjustment Policy includes information on bill adjustments for room, board, Board Bucks, Health Fee, Activity Fee, and Graduation Fee.
• The policy also details how to determine whether you qualify for a refund, how to obtain any refund to which you are entitled, and details for students that fall under the Federal Work-Study Program.
•  You will shortly receive an e-mail message from Jeannine Ross, the Senior Director of Student Financial Services, sent with high importance and with the subject line “COVID-19 STUDENT BILL ADJUSTMENT POLICY.”  This email will contain the policy details and information on how to ask and answer any questions you may have.

As we head into our first week of remote instruction, we are working to bring additional aspects of your college experience to you virtually – from peer tutoring to community events, online games, and more–to keep you connected with the College and with each other.  Look for additional announcements coming early next week.

For the most current news and updates, please continue to visit our COVID-19 web page at https://wwwold.thomas.edu/coronavirus.  If you have questions, please email us at  covid19@thomas.edu.

We’ve missed you so much, and we look forward to “seeing” you in class starting Monday!

With deep respect,

Laurie G. Lachance
President