Recent Emails from Stern's Ph.D. Program
Important Ph.D. Program Updates - NYU Returns, May 4, 2021
Important Ph.D. Program Updates - Spring 2021, October 19, 2020
[Responded Requested] Ph.D. Program Updates for Fall 2020, July 22, 2020
FWD: UPDATE: July 6 DHS and ICE Rules Rescinded, July 14, 2020
Immigration Guidance for International Students, June 30, 2020
[ACTION REQUIRED] Important Fall 2020 Semester Updates, June 21, 2020
NYU Libraries Services for Doctoral Students, May 8, 2020
Relaxation of Incomplete Grade Policy, May 6, 2020
Resources for Students with Children, May 6, 2020
Ph.D. Program Updates: Funding and Timeline Extensions, April 30, 2020
Zoom Link: Virtual Town Hall | April 29, April 27, 2020
Virtual Town Hall | April 29, April 23, 2020
Help for Virtual Defenses, April 7, 2020
Commencement Ceremonies, March 25, 2020
Supplies + Wellness Check-In, March 25, 2020
Option to Take Spring 2020 Stern Courses as Pass/Fail + Form Link, March 25, 2020
COVID-19 Communications, March 23, 2020
TIME SENSITIVE: Possible Storage Solution, March 20, 2020
Ph.D. Program Updates, March 19, 2020
Emergency Housing Available at Washington Square Village + Other Updates, March 18, 2020
Postponing Dissertation Defenses/Proposals and Comprehensive Examinations, March 16, 2020
Location Check In for Ph.D. Students, March 15, 2020
Travel Reimbursements, March 13, 2020
Update Regarding Building Access + Wellness Check-In, March 13, 2020
Important Updates to Ph.D. Program Operations, March 11, 2020
Important Updates to Class Operations, March 10, 2020
Important Ph.D. Program Updates - NYU Returns, May 4, 2021
Dear Students,
We hope that everyone is well. We are writing to share important updates regarding the Fall 2021 semester. Please read this email closely.
Ph.D. Building Operations, Residency Requirement, and Courses
With Warm Wishes,
Anya
Important Ph.D. Program Updates - Spring 2021, October 19, 2020
Dear Students,
We hope that everyone is well. We are writing to share important updates regarding the remainder of the Fall 2020 semester and the upcoming Spring 2021 semester. Please read this email closely and be sure to respond to the deliverables section at the end.
Spring Semester Ph.D. Building Operations, Residency Requirement, and Courses
Ph.D. Student Deliverables – All Students Please Review and Respond as Noted
Stay well, and don't hesitate to reach out if you need anything.
With Warm Wishes,
Anya
[Responded Requested] Ph.D. Program Updates for Fall 2020, July 22, 2020
Dear Students,
As the Fall 2020 semester approaches, we wanted to provide you with a bit of additional guidance to help you plan the next few weeks ahead. Please be sure to take the linked survey at the end of this email.
Fall 2020 Presence on Campus
As a reminder, our in-residence requirement for the Fall 2020 semester is suspended for all Ph.D. students, incoming and current. This means that you do not need to be on-campus nor do your need to be located in the United States. While the University plans to reconvene for Fall on a limited basis, we understand there are several issues at play that may make returning difficult for Ph.D. students, including but not limited to: delays in the issuance or renewal of visas for international students, individual student health concerns or preferences precluding a safe return to campus, and childcare needs.
Access to Ph.D. Student Offices
A phased reopening of Stern's buildings will begin sometime in August. The Ph.D. Program and Stern's Administrative Services team are working together to develop plans for Ph.D. student access. The current strategy is to stagger occupancy in all student offices so that no space is overpopulated at any given time. Students who can work remotely are advised to do so. Face masks will be required when seated at your desks, and everyone will be responsible for keeping their own work surfaces clean.
Housing for 1st and 2nd Year Students
We are working with the University to secure housing for the upcoming academic year. While we can confirm that units will be provided for those who have applied and have not canceled their reservation, it is unclear if these reservations will be available at our usual residence hall, NYU Palladium. At this time, we are looking into alternative housing options at NYU Alumni Hall and other buildings close to campus. All reservations, once issued, will be single-occupancy (i.e., one student per unit). We will also be confirming move-in dates so you can arrange your travel plans accordingly.
Ph.D. Coursework
All Stern Ph.D. courses will offer an online/remote component for those students who are unable to be on-campus due to travel restrictions, personal hardship, or other circumstances related to COVID-19. We have not yet confirmed which Stern Ph.D. courses will also offer an in-person option (or which courses will be synchronous or asynchronous), however, we will share that information with you as soon as it becomes available. Please note if you are taking a course outside of Stern, it is your responsibility to check with the department/school to determine how the course(s) will be delivered.
Coursework Options at NYU Shanghai
For those of you who are citizens of China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, or Macau, and are currently physically located in China, we are securing access for you to enroll in any of the following Master's level, in-person classes at the NYU Shanghai campus:
Updated Guidance for International Students
As it stands, the July 6 DHS and ICE rules have been rescinded for current students. Please note students do not need an active SEVIS record in order to be enrolled or take courses at NYU, meaning you may opt to stay abroad and can engage in remote coursework. However, new students who want their SEVIS student record (F-1 I-20) to be activated must be present in the United States. Please see the attached email from the Office of Global Services for further guidance. We also advise new students to consider registering for one of the upcoming student sessions hosted by OGS on "COVID-19 and Visa/Immigration Status Implications." All times listed are in US Eastern Time, and you may follow the link to register:
Generally, all new students are provided with a desktop unit in their office. Unfortunately, because Stern's IT Office has primarily been operating remotely, desktop units will not be set up in time for the start of the Fall 2020 semester. As an alternative, the Ph.D. Program will work with you to alternatively coordinate the purchase of a new laptop. Please reach out to Marissa Hernandez at msh555@stern.nyu.edu for more details.
Updated Survey: Final Decision on Fall 2020
Given the above provided guidance, we are kindly requesting that you please take this last, short survey by August 1, 2020 to confirm your final plans for Fall 2020.
For additional campus information, please visit NYU's COVID-19 website.
Once again, we would like to take a moment to thank you for your patience and adaptability regarding the current situation. Please reach out if you have any questions.
With Warm Wishes,
Anya
FWD: UPDATE: July 6 DHS and ICE Rules Rescinded, July 14, 2020
14 July 2020
We’re writing to share what many of you may have already heard: the good news that the Trump administration agreed to rescind the July 6 guidance that would have required international students to register for at least one in-person course in order to maintain their F-1 student status.
The government took this step to resolve the lawsuit brought against it by Harvard and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology challenging the new regulations. NYU filed an amicus brief in that case, and had also worked with the New York State Attorney General’s Office on a similar case.
The agreement restores guidance from this past March, which means:
Sincerely,
Sherif Barsoum
Associate Vice President of Global Services
Immigration Guidance for International Students, June 30, 2020
Dear Students,
We hope everyone is doing well. Several international students have reached out with questions regarding the current immigration situation, and we've decided to share answers to those questions with the entire cohort + some helpful links (at the bottom of this email). This information was obtained in conversation with NYU's Office of Global Services (OGS). Please note this information is subject to change, as the US government may modify its existing policies. As a reminder, the Ph.D. Program has suspended its in-residence policy for Fall 2020, meaning you are not required to be on campus.
PhD International Student FAQ on Immigration/Travel
Anya
[ACTION REQUIRED] Important Fall 2020 Semester Updates, June 21, 2020
Dear Students,
We hope that everyone is well. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 situation, our commitment has been the prioritization of your health and safety. With that in mind, we are writing to share important updates regarding the Fall 2020 semester. Please read this email closely and be sure to respond to the deliverables section at the end.
Fall Semester Ph.D. Program Operations, Residency Requirement, and Courses
We kindly ask that all students review the following points, to help us better prepare for the Fall:
With Warm Wishes,
Anya
NYU Libraries Services for Doctoral Students, May 8, 2020
Dear Students,
Please see the below message from NYU Libraries regarding their services moving forward.
Warmly,
Anya
___________________________________________________
Dear Doctoral Students,
These are truly unprecedented times. For us here in the NYU Libraries, we've had to rethink many of our basic assumptions about what it means to do our work. We wanted to take a moment here at the end of the semester to pass along some information about the ways in which the NYU libraries is working to support your needs as researchers going forward.
We continue to build collections and services that support that research across the disciplines. Though access to physical materials is currently difficult, we are working to create alternate ways of getting you the materials you depend on. We now have over 2.2 million online-accessible electronic books available in our catalog, millions of articles, vast collections of streaming video, digitally accessible archival collections, and more. We recently implemented the HathiTrust Temporary Emergency Access program, which allows access to digitized versions of well over a million of the library’s copyright print materials. Even in cases like the NYU Special Collections where physical access is not ideal, we’re working hard to find alternatives and new modes of using these collections.
We also continue to support your research by connecting you to help and expertise in various domains. Whatever your discipline, the Libraries can help connect you to resources, technologies, and expertise that will help you take your work further. Our Liaison Librarians can help you find new tools and content to supercharge your research, while our Digital Scholarship Services team can help you understand your author rights and the open publishing options available to you as a scholar. Working hand-in-hand with NYU Research Technology, we can help you access the technical and computational tools that will foster your new discoveries, increase your efficiency, and keep your materials safe. Over the last few years, we’ve greatly increased our capacity to help you learn new analysis tools and software, manage your research data, and learn key foundational skills in research computing, all of which can help you reach maximum impact in the work that you do.
Over the summer, we'll be working to plan for greater access to our buildings and collections, within accepted guidelines for the safety of our communities. But whatever the circumstances, we are very much open and here to help you. I urge you to sign up for our library mailing list, LibLink, to receive timely communications from us about our status and planning. And if you have questions, please don't hesitate to Ask a Librarian, or talk to your Liaison Librarian.
All our best,
NYU Libraries Graduate Student Services
Relaxation of Incomplete Grade Policy, May 6, 2020
Dear Students,
We are writing to inform you that NYU Stern's Doctoral Program will be relaxing its incomplete grade policy in the wake of COVID-19 and its implications.
Incomplete grades assigned in Fall 2018 and afterward will now have an extension of one additional year to be resolved (for a total of two years to resolve incomplete grades). This policy will remain in place until further notice is provided.
We hope this will relieve some of the pressure you may currently be facing.
Please feel free to contact us with any questions you have regarding this updated policy.
With warm wishes,
Anya
Resources for Students with Children, May 6, 2020
Dear Students,
We're writing to let you know of a few resources available through the University, if you have children.
Childcare Subsidy
The University provides a modest subsidy ($200 per semester) for students with children under 6 years of age. You can read more about this benefit and how to apply by visiting: https://www.nyu.edu/students/communities-and-groups/students-with-child….
Carebridge Childcare Planning
Carebridge is a consulting group that offers help to students with children by providing information on childcare planning (including information on understanding early education, and locating vacancies in the NYC-metropolitan area for regular and part-time childcare). Find out more information by visiting: https://www.nyu.edu/students/communities-and-groups/students-with-child….
We're also on the hunt for more resources.
Warmly,
Anya
Ph.D. Program Updates: Funding and Timeline Extensions, April 30, 2020
Dear Students,
It was great to hear from so many of you at yesterday Town Hall. We would like to thank you for your patience and resilience as we navigate these unusual times. We know there is concern and anxiety surrounding the current pandemic in our community and beyond, and the program continues to prioritize the health and well-being of our students.
Every day, we learn of new challenges faced by our doctoral students. We are tapping into all available resources toward providing relief directly to each of you. To this end, the following initiatives will be implemented over the next several months:
We know this is a markedly different academic experience than any of us had anticipated -- we have the utmost gratitude for all you are doing and for your understanding as we get through this situation together. Please know you can reach out to us with any questions or concerns you may have.
With Warm Regards,
The NYU Stern Doctoral Program
Zoom Link: Virtual Town Hall | April 29, April 27, 2020
Dear Students,
As promised, the Zoom link to join Wednesday's Town Hall can be found below. Please note the Town Hall will be recorded and will be available upon request by sending me an email.
When: Apr 29, 2020 08:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Topic: Ph.D. Program Town Hall
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
xxxxxxx
Warmly,
Anya
Virtual Town Hall | April 29, April 23, 2020
Dear Students,
We are pleased to invite you to a virtual Town Hall Meeting next Wednesday, April 29, from 8:00-9:00 p.m. EDT. We are choosing this late hour to accommodate the many time zones across which we are all currently spread.
Vice Dean Joel Steckel and I look forward to joining together as we update you on Ph.D. Program plans in the wake of COVID-19. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions.
We will send an invitation to join the Town Hall via Zoom early next week. In the meantime, you are invited to submit questions in advance, by Monday, April 27.
With warm regards,
Anya
Help for Virtual Defenses, April 7, 2020
Sent to 5th and 6th Year Students Only
Hi Students,
I hope you're all doing well. Our colleagues at Booth, University of Chicago, shared some tips for conducting a dissertation defense via Zoom. I know this is coming late for some of you (you've already defended!), but hopefully it can be helpful for the rest. And if you haven't yet defended, don't forget to review our instructions for defending and submitting your dissertation: A friendly reminder: wet signatures are not required on defense forms given the current situation; electronic ones are acceptable.
Warmly,
Anya
Commencement Ceremonies, March 25, 2020
Sent to 5th and 6th Year Students Only
Dear Students,
As many of you have probably seen, commencement ceremonies (both University-wide and School-level) have been canceled. I know this is very disappointing to many of you. As noted in Dean Sundaram's email, the school is working on a way to celebrate virtually.
Following guidance from administration, we will also be converting this year's Toast the Graduates into a virtual celebration. More information will be shared on that soon.
I know some of you have already inquired regarding refunds for academic attire - as soon as I have more information, I'll be sure to let you know.
With warm wishes,
Anya
[forwarded message from Dean Sundaram: Update on 2020 Commencement]
Supplies + Wellness Check-In, March 25, 2020
Dear Students,
I hope everyone is doing as well as can be. I am writing to say hi and to see how you all are doing.
We're thinking of you all,
Anya
Option to Take Spring 2020 Stern Courses as Pass/Fail + Form Link, March 25, 2020
Dear Students,
NYU Stern has made the decision to suspend a few specific pass/fail policies for the Spring 2020 semester (for Stern courses). We hope this will help create equity and alleviate some of the concerns you might have as we shift to remote learning.
For Spring 2020, Stern Pass/Fail (P/F) policy will be as follows (for Stern courses):
Two things to note about faculty and pass/fail:
With warm wishes,
Anya
COVID-19 Communications, March 23, 2020
Hello all,
Normally I might be welcoming you all back from spring break, but instead I need to ask, "What Spring Break?" This past week has been a time of great stress and some strenuous activity for all of us.
Many of you have dispersed to several parts of the globe: Europe, China, South America. Others have remained here in NY. Some of you were forced to move into Washington Sq. Village because of the University's edicts.
Please be aware that your classes will meet through Zoom as scheduled EDT. For those of you in other parts of the world, this may make for some odd hours.
Also be aware that Anya, Donna, Marissa, and myself stand at the ready to help you in anyway we can. We will schedule a Zoom town hall in the coming days for you to ask any questions you may have.
Most important of all, STAY SAFE.
Best,
Joel
TIME SENSITIVE: Possible Storage Solution, March 20, 2020
Sent to 1st and 2nd Years Only
Hi PhDs,
I'm writing with some (possibly) good news for those of you who left your belongings *packed up in boxes* in Palladium. We have secured some space in faculty housing to store your belongings. We are trying to work with Palladium to see if we can gain access to your rooms, and hire movers.
As you know, there is a lot of demand for moving services right now, and we're operating within a very short time frame (the move must happen tomorrow) to successfully get items moved.
We cannot commit to moving items that haven't been packed. Since there are probably only ~13 of you who left items, we think it will be much simpler for you to identify and reclaim your items in faculty housing than it will be among the belongings of thousands of NYU students.
What I need from you is an extremely quick response to this survey:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfPxMyKiDnX7HCPDRuos0iZxGb7LGK…
Thanks so much,
Anya
Follow Up Email Sent on March 21, 2020
Hi All,
For those of you who filled out the form indicating agreement to have your items moved, we have success! We have movers scheduled for today at 12 pm.
Warmly,
Anya
Ph.D. Program Updates, March 19, 2020
Dear Students,
I hope you are all well and safe. The last several weeks have been a time of incredible change, and we are grateful for your flexibility and understanding as we navigate the spread of COVID-19. I know many of you are feeling anxious and unsure regarding what's next, but I'm hopeful that I can address some of your concerns in the next several paragraphs.
Meetings via Zoom
The Doctoral Office staff will be available for one-on-one 15-minute meetings with students every week. Much in the same way you stop by our offices to ask questions, you will now be able to connect with us virtually.
To schedule a meeting, please visit our appointment calendar.
Residency
At this time, you are not required to maintain residency as described in the Ph.D. Handbook. This requirement will remain suspended until further notice.
Presence on Campus
We strongly urge students to remain home - all research right now points to aggressive social distancing as the best way to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Dissertation Proposals and Defenses
Students may opt to postpone proposals and defenses until late summer. This will have no impact on graduation or meeting the requirements for "Satisfactory Academic Progress" as described in the Ph.D. Handbook.
As previously mentioned, students should email me directly if they wish to postpone.
Should you choose to move forward with your proposal or defense, it must be conducted remotely. Committees should be flexible in the technology to be used (e.g. Skype, Zoom, etc.). If you need help using any remote services, we urge you to contact the Stern Helpdesk which is maintaining operations (helpdesk@stern.nyu.edu).
All required forms should be submitted to the Ph.D. Office via e-mail (to anya.francioli@stern.nyu.edu and msh555@stern.nyu.edu).
Comprehensive Examinations
All comprehensive examinations that are to be administered this Spring 2020 (including minor, major, and all other written and oral examinations) are postponed until further notice. First year Economics and Finance student qualifying examinations have been canceled by GSAS. All Ph.D. Faculty Coordinators have been informed.
Academic Progress
With the exception of dissertation proposals, defenses, and comprehensive examinations, all work should continue as normal, albeit remotely. You are still expected to progress in research and participate in classes to the extent that it is possible.
Town Hall Meeting
We will be scheduling a virtual town hall meeting for Ph.D. students in the near future. More information will be shared regarding a date and time.
Financial Support
If you are currently receiving a stipend, you will continue to receive this. Funding provided through TA positions will still be honored.
At this time, we are still offering the Ph.D. Student Emergency Loan (which allows students to borrow up to $5K per year). The requirement for passing the comprehensive examination has been waived. Because the current environment is placing a financial strain on our budget, we are asking you to please only ask for the loan if you absolutely need it. Much of our discretionary funding is being directed to first and second students who were asked to move out of Palladium.
Other Resources
You can find other resources available through the University by visiting their COVID-19 website. If you're feeling sick, please follow the instructions provided by the University.
We're thinking of you during this difficult time and look forward to the moment that we can all reconnect on campus.
Please do not hesitate to reach out with questions.
With warm wishes,
Anya
Emergency Housing Available at Washington Square Village + Other Updates, March 18, 2020
Dear Students,
A Few Updates:
Emergency Housing at WSV
We were finally able to secure emergency housing at Washington Square Village (right outside of Stern).
These units would be shared between students (if necessary). We have approximately 18 sleeping spaces (a combination of 1, 2, and 3 bedroom apartments). With the exception of one, these units are unfurnished.
We can reimburse you for an air mattress, or I can help order one for you, although given the slow shipping speeds in NYC these days, it's probably more prudent for you to buy one yourself.
If you want to temporarily move into one of these units, please email me ASAP and no later than 4 PM ET today (March 18).
I'm waiting for clarification on how long you'll be able to stay in these units, but my assumption is through the end of this emergency situation. I will let you know ASAP.
Refunds on Campus Housing
You will be refunded for the percent of time you did not get to use Palladium.
Message on NYU Survey
A few of you may have noticed a message after completing NYU's survey regarding packing/shipping your belongings that indicated you did not need to complete the survey, and do not need to vacate Palladium. This messaging was unfortunately inaccurate and has since been removed.
What Should I Do?
To clarify, here are the final options you have:
Your Move Out Options Are:
Your Residency Options Are:
Anya
Postponing Dissertation Defenses/Proposals and Comprehensive Examinations, March 16, 2020
Dear Students,
Please note we have decided to postpone any required dissertation proposals and defenses until (we hope) late summer. The same goes for any scheduled comprehensive examinations.
Regarding dissertations, we will work on the honor system so you can still graduate on time - you will need to communicate to us that you are prepared to defend and your committee chair(s) will need communicate to us that they expect you to pass.
Of course, if you and your committee prefer to move forward with a remote proposal or dissertation, we will not stop this.
Thanks for your attention,
Anya
Update on Residence Halls, March 16, 2020
Dear Students,
Please note this email applies to students in years 1 and 2 however, I am sending it to everyone to be as transparent as possible and to make sure the entire cohort is aware of the current situation.
I know many of you are worried about the next steps you should take following the recent news that NYU's residence halls are closing.
What Steps Should I Take?
Right now, please refer to the email from Conor Grennan (pasted below for your reference). At this time. we are urging you to return home, if possible. There will be no impact on your academic record, as we are temporarily suspending the requirement that all students be "in-residence." If returning home isn't possible, please send an email to both Conor (cgrennan@stern.nyu.edu) and to me briefly explaining your circumstances. We will try to have a temporary extension granted for you to stay in Palladium.
Can I Leave My Belongings In Palladium?
Right now the answer is unfortunately no - we are appealing to administration to see if there is any chance to change this, but please operate on the assumption that it is not possible.
For Non-US Citizens - What Do I Do If My Travel Signature Expired?
The Office of Global Services has made it possible for you to obtain a travel signature remotely. As per OGS:
If you are traveling and need a travel signature on your I-20 or DS-2019, you can request a travel signature remotely by completing the OGS document release form.
Can I Be Reimbursed for Last Minute Moving Costs?
Yes - since this out of your control, you can apply for an emergency student loan through the PhD Office that will be completely forgiven (you will not need to pay it back). You will just need to provide us with receipts for your costs.
I know this is a difficult situation and that you will still have many questions. I will do my best to answer them. I am currently in the car with my son and husband driving to my parent's house in Florida, so my messaging may be slightly delayed (or subject to typos!). We were set to fly home to my husband's parents in France, but alas, this changed quickly today :) This is all to say - I know it may be difficult to make last minute arrangements. So, keep me in the loop and we will do our best to help you.
I'm thinking of everyone.
Warmly,
Anya
Email from Conor Grennan, Dean of Students:
Dear all,
If you are receiving this, you are a resident of Palladium Housing and a member of the NYU Stern graduate community. You may have already seen the email from President Hamilton that details the closing of the residence halls no later than Sunday, March 22nd and the decision to move classes to 100% remote for the duration of the semester.
First: You do not need to fill out the survey question in President Hamilton's email. As graduate students, you are in a separate category.
However, that does not change the critical nature of our current circumstances. As President Hamilton stated: You must make every effort to find alternative accommodations outside of NYU Housing. This strong guidance is coming from state and city officials. Ideally, your alternative accommodations will be your place of permanent residence, or at least outside of New York City, but we understand that may not be an option for everyone.
Second: If you absolutely have no alternative accommodations, please let us know. We understand that the Stern graduate population is disproportionately international, which makes moving a greater challenge. We also know that traveling home in this time may not be a realistic option for you. Please contact me or the administrator with whom you work most closely to let us know your situation ASAP.
Third: Staying in the Palladium may not be an option even for those in need. We are doing our best to accommodate graduate students, but there is a good chance that even if you have no other place to go, we will still need to move you out of the Palladium and into some kind of alternative NYU Housing.
Lastly: We are particularly attuned to the special circumstances of our Chinese graduate students. We are very well aware that you may have felt under attack and that returning home is not an option right now.
Thank you for bearing with us in this difficult time. We will get through this together.
Sincerely,
Conor Grennan
Dean of Students
Location Check In for Ph.D. Students, March 15, 2020
Dear Students,
We hope all of you are doing well in the midst of the current COVID-19 environment.
To best assist you logistically during the weeks to come, please complete the below form (<1min) as soon as possible. This form will help us track where you are currently located.
http://nyustern.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_09yVWix0Zyy8gQJ
If your travel plans change in the future, please complete this form again.
With warm wishes,
Anya
Travel Reimbursements, March 13, 2020
Dear Students,
Please note the travel reimbursement policy that is currently in effect:
Can I travel for university purposes, either internationally or domestically?
In most cases, no. On March 3, 2020, NYU announced a prohibition of all upcoming University-related non-essential international travel and on Monday, March 9, it extended this prohibition to travel to and from California and the state of Washington. Such travel will not be reimbursed, and any existing plans should be canceled. All other domestic travel is being strongly discouraged.
This applies to conferences, etc. We don't know yet when the prohibition will be lifted, but will update you as we learn more information.
With warm wishes,
Anya
Update Regarding Building Access + Wellness Check-In, March 13, 2020
Dear Students,
We are writing with two updates:
Anya
Important Updates to Ph.D. Program Operations, March 11, 2020
Dear Students,
Over the last few days, the University has announced several new measures to keep our community safe and healthy as we contribute to checking the spread of COVID-19.
We understand many of you probably have questions about how this will impact your day-to-day life on campus. Below are some changes that you should know about:
Please feel free to reach out with questions.
With best wishes,
Anya
Important Updates to Class Operations, March 10, 2020
Dear Students,
We are writing to make you aware of two developments regarding your course of study:
With best wishes,
Anya
[forwarded message from Dean Sundaram: Important Update: Shifting In-person Classes to Remote Classes]
Important Ph.D. Program Updates - Spring 2021, October 19, 2020
[Responded Requested] Ph.D. Program Updates for Fall 2020, July 22, 2020
FWD: UPDATE: July 6 DHS and ICE Rules Rescinded, July 14, 2020
Immigration Guidance for International Students, June 30, 2020
[ACTION REQUIRED] Important Fall 2020 Semester Updates, June 21, 2020
NYU Libraries Services for Doctoral Students, May 8, 2020
Relaxation of Incomplete Grade Policy, May 6, 2020
Resources for Students with Children, May 6, 2020
Ph.D. Program Updates: Funding and Timeline Extensions, April 30, 2020
Zoom Link: Virtual Town Hall | April 29, April 27, 2020
Virtual Town Hall | April 29, April 23, 2020
Help for Virtual Defenses, April 7, 2020
Commencement Ceremonies, March 25, 2020
Supplies + Wellness Check-In, March 25, 2020
Option to Take Spring 2020 Stern Courses as Pass/Fail + Form Link, March 25, 2020
COVID-19 Communications, March 23, 2020
TIME SENSITIVE: Possible Storage Solution, March 20, 2020
Ph.D. Program Updates, March 19, 2020
Emergency Housing Available at Washington Square Village + Other Updates, March 18, 2020
Postponing Dissertation Defenses/Proposals and Comprehensive Examinations, March 16, 2020
Location Check In for Ph.D. Students, March 15, 2020
Travel Reimbursements, March 13, 2020
Update Regarding Building Access + Wellness Check-In, March 13, 2020
Important Updates to Ph.D. Program Operations, March 11, 2020
Important Updates to Class Operations, March 10, 2020
Important Ph.D. Program Updates - NYU Returns, May 4, 2021
Dear Students,
We hope that everyone is well. We are writing to share important updates regarding the Fall 2021 semester. Please read this email closely.
Ph.D. Building Operations, Residency Requirement, and Courses
- While building access is still limited for many populations, access has expanded for students. Following the University's instructions, you should be able to access your on-campus office. Please visit NYU's Building Access site for more information.
- We expect our in-residence requirement to be reinstated for Fall 2021. Exemptions to this requirement will be decided on a case-by-case basis (e.g. a student will be granted an exemption if they are unable to obtain a student visa).
- Our planning for Fall assumes all classes will meet in-person.
- With the exception of new student orientation, the Ph.D. Program does not plan to host any events on-campus this Fall.
- The University recently announced that a COVID-19 vaccination will be required for all NYU students returning to campus in New York City.
- We strongly advise you to read through NYU's FAQ on the vaccine requirement for more information.
- At this time, we expect normal normal funding policies to resume. While additional guidance is forthcoming that will confirm the below, we expect:
- Students to be able to resume normal, reimbursable experiments with human subjects, with normal spending caps as determined within your department and/or with your advisor.
- Students will have access to $500 in funding from the PhD office to attend in-person conferences (or virtual conferences), and $1000 in your job market year. We do not expect a cap on the number of conferences that can be attended.
- Normal reimbursements for software and other occasional expenses to resume.
- This is a friendly reminder that the Doctoral Office staff is available for one-on-one 15-minute meetings with students every week. Much in the same way you stop by our offices to ask questions, you can connect with us virtually. To schedule a meeting, please visit our appointment calendar.
- In addition, we expect a phased return of PhD staff to campus. At least one of us will be in the office during normal working hours beginning this Fall.
With Warm Wishes,
Anya
Important Ph.D. Program Updates - Spring 2021, October 19, 2020
Dear Students,
We hope that everyone is well. We are writing to share important updates regarding the remainder of the Fall 2020 semester and the upcoming Spring 2021 semester. Please read this email closely and be sure to respond to the deliverables section at the end.
Spring Semester Ph.D. Building Operations, Residency Requirement, and Courses
- We expect access to the Stern buildings to remain limited through the Spring 2021 semester. If we learn of any changes, we will communicate this with you as soon as possible. For those who plan to be on-campus, please continue to follow the University's COVID guidelines, including the submission of COVID-19 tests and use of the daily screener app.
- We expect our in-residence requirement to remain suspended through the end of the 2020-2021 academic year.
- Our course planning for Spring heavily relies on scenarios for exclusively remote classes, although we are also looking at the possibility of some blended classes. We will do our best to find dates and times that work across multiple time zones. Additionally, the Ph.D. Program does not plan to host any events on-campus this Spring; all program-level events will be held virtually.
- Ph.D. Program and faculty research (STARS) funds may be used to continue critical research.
- All PhD students may attend up to 2 online conferences during the 2020/2021 academic year, with reimbursement capped at $750.
- Through your department and if funding was previously allotted by your advisor(s) and/or Area Coordinator, Ph.D. students are eligible to be reimbursed for up to $4000 per study in human subjects spending through January 2021. These funds cannot be pooled or split across different faculties or other Ph.D. students.
- Ph.D. students may also be reimbursed for subscriptions and datasets, professional memberships, and journal submission fees, if funding is available through your department. The Ph.D. Office will also try to provide additional reimbursement support on a case-by-case basis. Please contact Marissa or myself for additional details.
- All reimbursement requests must be submitted within 60 days of the charge date.
- This is a friendly reminder that the Doctoral Office staff is available for one-on-one 15-minute meetings with students every week. Much in the same way you stop by our offices to ask questions, you can connect with us virtually. To schedule a meeting, please visit our appointment calendar.
Ph.D. Student Deliverables – All Students Please Review and Respond as Noted
- We kindly ask that all students review the following points, to help us better prepare for the Spring:
- We know you've done this before, but please re-take our location survey via Qualtrics by November 1, 2020.
- If you are a first or or second year student *not* currently residing in NYU Housing and would like to utilize NYU Housing this Spring 2021, please let Marissa Hernandez (msh555@stern.nyu.edu) know by November 15, 2020.
- If you are an international student and have any questions on visas or visa processing, please contact the Office of Global Services for their assistance.
Stay well, and don't hesitate to reach out if you need anything.
With Warm Wishes,
Anya
[Responded Requested] Ph.D. Program Updates for Fall 2020, July 22, 2020
Dear Students,
As the Fall 2020 semester approaches, we wanted to provide you with a bit of additional guidance to help you plan the next few weeks ahead. Please be sure to take the linked survey at the end of this email.
Fall 2020 Presence on Campus
As a reminder, our in-residence requirement for the Fall 2020 semester is suspended for all Ph.D. students, incoming and current. This means that you do not need to be on-campus nor do your need to be located in the United States. While the University plans to reconvene for Fall on a limited basis, we understand there are several issues at play that may make returning difficult for Ph.D. students, including but not limited to: delays in the issuance or renewal of visas for international students, individual student health concerns or preferences precluding a safe return to campus, and childcare needs.
Access to Ph.D. Student Offices
A phased reopening of Stern's buildings will begin sometime in August. The Ph.D. Program and Stern's Administrative Services team are working together to develop plans for Ph.D. student access. The current strategy is to stagger occupancy in all student offices so that no space is overpopulated at any given time. Students who can work remotely are advised to do so. Face masks will be required when seated at your desks, and everyone will be responsible for keeping their own work surfaces clean.
Housing for 1st and 2nd Year Students
We are working with the University to secure housing for the upcoming academic year. While we can confirm that units will be provided for those who have applied and have not canceled their reservation, it is unclear if these reservations will be available at our usual residence hall, NYU Palladium. At this time, we are looking into alternative housing options at NYU Alumni Hall and other buildings close to campus. All reservations, once issued, will be single-occupancy (i.e., one student per unit). We will also be confirming move-in dates so you can arrange your travel plans accordingly.
Ph.D. Coursework
All Stern Ph.D. courses will offer an online/remote component for those students who are unable to be on-campus due to travel restrictions, personal hardship, or other circumstances related to COVID-19. We have not yet confirmed which Stern Ph.D. courses will also offer an in-person option (or which courses will be synchronous or asynchronous), however, we will share that information with you as soon as it becomes available. Please note if you are taking a course outside of Stern, it is your responsibility to check with the department/school to determine how the course(s) will be delivered.
Coursework Options at NYU Shanghai
For those of you who are citizens of China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, or Macau, and are currently physically located in China, we are securing access for you to enroll in any of the following Master's level, in-person classes at the NYU Shanghai campus:
- Machine Learning for Business
- Advanced Machine Learning
- Network Analytics
Updated Guidance for International Students
As it stands, the July 6 DHS and ICE rules have been rescinded for current students. Please note students do not need an active SEVIS record in order to be enrolled or take courses at NYU, meaning you may opt to stay abroad and can engage in remote coursework. However, new students who want their SEVIS student record (F-1 I-20) to be activated must be present in the United States. Please see the attached email from the Office of Global Services for further guidance. We also advise new students to consider registering for one of the upcoming student sessions hosted by OGS on "COVID-19 and Visa/Immigration Status Implications." All times listed are in US Eastern Time, and you may follow the link to register:
- 11:00 am, Thursday, July 23
- 9:00 am, Monday, July 27
- 9:00 am, Friday, July 31
Generally, all new students are provided with a desktop unit in their office. Unfortunately, because Stern's IT Office has primarily been operating remotely, desktop units will not be set up in time for the start of the Fall 2020 semester. As an alternative, the Ph.D. Program will work with you to alternatively coordinate the purchase of a new laptop. Please reach out to Marissa Hernandez at msh555@stern.nyu.edu for more details.
Updated Survey: Final Decision on Fall 2020
Given the above provided guidance, we are kindly requesting that you please take this last, short survey by August 1, 2020 to confirm your final plans for Fall 2020.
For additional campus information, please visit NYU's COVID-19 website.
Once again, we would like to take a moment to thank you for your patience and adaptability regarding the current situation. Please reach out if you have any questions.
With Warm Wishes,
Anya
FWD: UPDATE: July 6 DHS and ICE Rules Rescinded, July 14, 2020
14 July 2020
We’re writing to share what many of you may have already heard: the good news that the Trump administration agreed to rescind the July 6 guidance that would have required international students to register for at least one in-person course in order to maintain their F-1 student status.
The government took this step to resolve the lawsuit brought against it by Harvard and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology challenging the new regulations. NYU filed an amicus brief in that case, and had also worked with the New York State Attorney General’s Office on a similar case.
The agreement restores guidance from this past March, which means:
- Students can continue to count online classes towards a full course of study. This temporary provision is in effect for the “duration of the emergency.”
- Regardless of whether you are currently inside or outside of the United States, as long as you are a full-time enrolled student, NYU will continue to maintain your student status. This means that if you have an active SEVIS record (F-1 I-20), you will continue to have a valid I-20 for as long as you are enrolled full-time at NYU and the expiration date on your I-20 has not yet passed.
- Newly admitted students or continuing students intending to return from a leave of absence must still be physically present in the United States in order for your SEVIS student record (F-1 I-20) to be activated. This means that newly admitted students and/or continuing students returning from a leave of absence must resume coursework in the United States for two semesters in order to be eligible to apply for any off-campus employment authorization (CPT or OPT), with possible exceptions being made for internships that are required by your academic department before you have completed two semesters in the United States.
- Students no longer need an updated I-20 from NYU. (The now-rescinded guidelines had required that schools issue new I-20s, with a noting that a student had in-person course requirements)
- We know that the past eight days have likely been incredibly stressful for all of you, and we are so sorry that you’ve had to endure all of the uncertainty that arose as a result of the government’s now defunct actions. We want to remind you that the Wellness Exchange is available to support you regardless of where you are.
Sincerely,
Sherif Barsoum
Associate Vice President of Global Services
Immigration Guidance for International Students, June 30, 2020
Dear Students,
We hope everyone is doing well. Several international students have reached out with questions regarding the current immigration situation, and we've decided to share answers to those questions with the entire cohort + some helpful links (at the bottom of this email). This information was obtained in conversation with NYU's Office of Global Services (OGS). Please note this information is subject to change, as the US government may modify its existing policies. As a reminder, the Ph.D. Program has suspended its in-residence policy for Fall 2020, meaning you are not required to be on campus.
PhD International Student FAQ on Immigration/Travel
- What are the main limiting factors in obtaining a new student visa or renewing my current visa? Although NYU is able to issue I-20s and DS2019 documents, US consulates throughout the world are operating on a limited basis, and may not be offering visa appointments, or may be offering visa appointments well after your program start date. For example, in China and India, it seems visa appointments are not available until November or later (in best case scenarios). In Europe, while consulates are starting to slowly reopen, most seem to only be scheduling "emergency appointments," which are offered just 60 days from the start date of your program. OGS has not yet seen if these "emergency appointments" will result in visas. Our expectation is that most international students without an active immigration status and who are not currently in the US, will likely not be able to arrive on campus by Fall. In this scenario, please note that arrangements for remote study are actively being planned.
- My visa has expired. Can I safely stay in the US? Yes - as long as your I-20 or DS2019 are active at NYU, you can stay in the US. If you leave the country, however, you will not be allowed to reenter without a new visa.
- If I am a new student currently residing in the US, can my immigration status be transferred to NYU? Yes - even if your visa has expired, NYU can issue you a new I-20 or DS2019 and transfer your record to our institution.
- What are the current in-bound (to the US) travel restrictions I should be aware of? At this time, students attempting to enter the US from the Schengen Zone, China, the UK, Brazil (among others, see here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/from-other-countrie…) will need to spend 14 days outside of the US and outside of their country of citizenship. This may be complicated to follow as other countries have their own visa requirements, and their own current travel restrictions. You may find this link helpful: https://www.fragomen.com/about/news/immigration-update-coronavirus. You will find a link to download a PDF that details all of the current travel restrictions around the world due to COVID-19.
- If I am currently in the US, can I travel outside of the US? While you can travel, this is not currently advised by the University. It is especially not advised if your visa has expired or is set to expire soon, as you will face long wait times in obtaining a new visa. You may also be at risk for re-entry given the ever-changing travel restrictions placed on international students by the US government.
- If I take courses remotely from outside of the US, will my status as a full-time student be in jeopardy? The Ph.D. Program at Stern will continue to post full-time status for all students in its program. The main concern is whether you would be enrolled in exclusively remote courses, as student visas have restrictions on the ability to take exclusively remote courses. At this time, there is some leniency from the US government in taking remote courses. Even so, the Stern PhD program's Fall courses are planned to be blended - meaning a combination of in-person and remote, and will likely not be "exclusively remote." Even new students who do not have an active immigration status (e.g. no visa, but have an I-20 or DS2019) can take our blended courses, and will have status as a full-time student. That said, there is no clear guidance from the US government regarding remote study for the fall semester, and the assumptions we are operating under may change. Students will be notified as soon as we have additional news.
- We advise continuing students to review the following page: COVID-19 Info for continuing international students
- We advise new students to review the following page: COVID-19 Info for newly admitted international students
- Anyone on a J visa, or attempting to obtain a J visa, should review the following page: https://j1visa.state.gov/covid-19.
- If you still have questions following your review of the above and the provided links, please schedule an online appointment with an OGS counselor.
Anya
[ACTION REQUIRED] Important Fall 2020 Semester Updates, June 21, 2020
Dear Students,
We hope that everyone is well. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 situation, our commitment has been the prioritization of your health and safety. With that in mind, we are writing to share important updates regarding the Fall 2020 semester. Please read this email closely and be sure to respond to the deliverables section at the end.
Fall Semester Ph.D. Program Operations, Residency Requirement, and Courses
- We expect the Fall semester to begin on time, as per the University academic calendar.
- While Stern and the rest of the University are working toward the goal of having students on-campus for the Fall semester, the school has not reached a final decision on whether the semester will proceed on campus or remotely. The decision largely depends on New York State’s decision regarding University operations.
- Even if it is possible to regain limited building access, we understand there are several issues at play that may make returning difficult for Ph.D. students, including but not limited to: delays in the issuance or renewal of visas for international students, individual student health concerns or preferences precluding a safe return to campus, and childcare needs. To this end, our in-residence requirement for the Fall 2020 semester will be suspended for all Ph.D. students, incoming and current. Our course planning includes scenarios for in-person, remote, and blended classrooms. Additionally, the Ph.D. Program does not plan to host any events on-campus this Fall; all program-level events will be held virtually.
- Since it is likely that we will be arranging course times for students across multiple time zones, Fall class schedules (dates and times) may change during the upcoming weeks as we continue to prepare for in-person and online options. We will do our best to prevent any new scheduling conflicts from emerging during this process, but any changes and potential conflicts will be communicated as soon as possible.
- The campus is still closed. In the coming days, our Dean will share additional details on how the school is preparing for the Fall, including early guidance on building access, safety protocols, and other logistical details concerning the potential reopening of the school.
- Ph.D. students may be reimbursed for one virtual conference through the end of the academic year (August 31), capped at $500. Payment for any additional conferences must be paid out-of-pocket.
- Through your department and if previously allotted by your advisor(s) and/or Area Coordinator, Ph.D. students are eligible to be reimbursed for up to $1500 in human subjects spending through the end of the academic year (August 31). These funds cannot be pooled or split across different faculties or other Ph.D. students.
- These rules have been set by the University and Stern Budget Office. The Ph.D. Program acknowledges that they are constraining, and we are actively participating in drafting new guidance for the upcoming academic year.
- International Student Information for Stipend Payments and Tuition Remission
- Questions were raised on whether there would be any issue with providing scholarships or tuition remission if international students remained abroad – we have confirmed with NYU’s Office of Global Compensation that this will pose no issue.
- International students who will not be coming or returning to the US and will take classes remotely can complete the attached form to avoid US taxation (please note home country taxation will be your individual responsibility). The completed form should be sent to nyu.glacier@nyu.edu.
- ATTENTION NEW FIRST-YEAR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS CURRENTLY RESIDING OUTSIDE OF THE US: Direct deposit of stipend payments can only be made to a US bank account. If you do not currently have a US bank account and are unable to open one, the preferred method to get payment to students is through a manual check via UPS delivery. That said, you may face difficulty depositing a foreign check. Additionally, there is generally a cost associated with depositing a foreign check. If you do not have a US bank account and if at all possible, we advise you to wait until you are in the US before accepting your stipend payments. Of course, we understand that this may not be financially possible, and far from ideal in general. We sincerely apologize for this inconvenience, the result of US regulations that are out of our control. Please see our deliverables list below to determine next steps.
We kindly ask that all students review the following points, to help us better prepare for the Fall:
- Please take our location survey via Qualtrics by July 1, 2020.
- If you are an incoming first-year student or rising second-year student and you previously applied for NYU Housing, but are unable or intend not to return to campus, please email Marissa Hernandez (msh555@stern.nyu.edu) and I (anya.francioli@stern.nyu.edu) by July 15, 2020.
- INCOMING FIRST-YEAR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS CURRENTLY RESIDING OUTSIDE THE US: please write back to this email by July 24, 2020 to confirm whether or not you have a US bank account. If you do not have a US bank account, please let us know if you prefer that we send your stipend checks via UPS, or if you prefer to wait until you arrive on-campus to collect your payments.
- If you are an international student and have any questions on visas or visa processing, please contact the Office of Global Services for their assistance.
- We would like to take a moment to thank you for your patience and adaptability regarding the current situation. We know this has not been easy, and we all hope to resume normal operations as soon as possible.
With Warm Wishes,
Anya
NYU Libraries Services for Doctoral Students, May 8, 2020
Dear Students,
Please see the below message from NYU Libraries regarding their services moving forward.
Warmly,
Anya
___________________________________________________
Dear Doctoral Students,
These are truly unprecedented times. For us here in the NYU Libraries, we've had to rethink many of our basic assumptions about what it means to do our work. We wanted to take a moment here at the end of the semester to pass along some information about the ways in which the NYU libraries is working to support your needs as researchers going forward.
We continue to build collections and services that support that research across the disciplines. Though access to physical materials is currently difficult, we are working to create alternate ways of getting you the materials you depend on. We now have over 2.2 million online-accessible electronic books available in our catalog, millions of articles, vast collections of streaming video, digitally accessible archival collections, and more. We recently implemented the HathiTrust Temporary Emergency Access program, which allows access to digitized versions of well over a million of the library’s copyright print materials. Even in cases like the NYU Special Collections where physical access is not ideal, we’re working hard to find alternatives and new modes of using these collections.
We also continue to support your research by connecting you to help and expertise in various domains. Whatever your discipline, the Libraries can help connect you to resources, technologies, and expertise that will help you take your work further. Our Liaison Librarians can help you find new tools and content to supercharge your research, while our Digital Scholarship Services team can help you understand your author rights and the open publishing options available to you as a scholar. Working hand-in-hand with NYU Research Technology, we can help you access the technical and computational tools that will foster your new discoveries, increase your efficiency, and keep your materials safe. Over the last few years, we’ve greatly increased our capacity to help you learn new analysis tools and software, manage your research data, and learn key foundational skills in research computing, all of which can help you reach maximum impact in the work that you do.
Over the summer, we'll be working to plan for greater access to our buildings and collections, within accepted guidelines for the safety of our communities. But whatever the circumstances, we are very much open and here to help you. I urge you to sign up for our library mailing list, LibLink, to receive timely communications from us about our status and planning. And if you have questions, please don't hesitate to Ask a Librarian, or talk to your Liaison Librarian.
All our best,
NYU Libraries Graduate Student Services
Relaxation of Incomplete Grade Policy, May 6, 2020
Dear Students,
We are writing to inform you that NYU Stern's Doctoral Program will be relaxing its incomplete grade policy in the wake of COVID-19 and its implications.
Incomplete grades assigned in Fall 2018 and afterward will now have an extension of one additional year to be resolved (for a total of two years to resolve incomplete grades). This policy will remain in place until further notice is provided.
We hope this will relieve some of the pressure you may currently be facing.
Please feel free to contact us with any questions you have regarding this updated policy.
With warm wishes,
Anya
Resources for Students with Children, May 6, 2020
Dear Students,
We're writing to let you know of a few resources available through the University, if you have children.
Childcare Subsidy
The University provides a modest subsidy ($200 per semester) for students with children under 6 years of age. You can read more about this benefit and how to apply by visiting: https://www.nyu.edu/students/communities-and-groups/students-with-child….
Carebridge Childcare Planning
Carebridge is a consulting group that offers help to students with children by providing information on childcare planning (including information on understanding early education, and locating vacancies in the NYC-metropolitan area for regular and part-time childcare). Find out more information by visiting: https://www.nyu.edu/students/communities-and-groups/students-with-child….
We're also on the hunt for more resources.
Warmly,
Anya
Ph.D. Program Updates: Funding and Timeline Extensions, April 30, 2020
Dear Students,
It was great to hear from so many of you at yesterday Town Hall. We would like to thank you for your patience and resilience as we navigate these unusual times. We know there is concern and anxiety surrounding the current pandemic in our community and beyond, and the program continues to prioritize the health and well-being of our students.
Every day, we learn of new challenges faced by our doctoral students. We are tapping into all available resources toward providing relief directly to each of you. To this end, the following initiatives will be implemented over the next several months:
- Extended Funding for Rising 5th and 6th Year Students: All rising 5th and 6th year students will receive one additional year of financial support totaling $36,500 to compensate for time lost to the current pandemic. The term of financial support will be spread across a 9-month period in a student's 6th year.
- Extended Time to Completion for All Current Students: All current students will have the option to extend their time-to-completion by one year, if needed. Students should do so in consultation with their department coordinator.
- Health Insurance and Maintenance of Matriculation Fee Waivers for Rising 5th and 6th Year Students: All rising 5th and 6th year students will receive health insurance and maintenance of matriculation fee waivers during the 6th year of study.
We know this is a markedly different academic experience than any of us had anticipated -- we have the utmost gratitude for all you are doing and for your understanding as we get through this situation together. Please know you can reach out to us with any questions or concerns you may have.
With Warm Regards,
The NYU Stern Doctoral Program
Zoom Link: Virtual Town Hall | April 29, April 27, 2020
Dear Students,
As promised, the Zoom link to join Wednesday's Town Hall can be found below. Please note the Town Hall will be recorded and will be available upon request by sending me an email.
When: Apr 29, 2020 08:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Topic: Ph.D. Program Town Hall
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
xxxxxxx
Warmly,
Anya
Virtual Town Hall | April 29, April 23, 2020
Dear Students,
We are pleased to invite you to a virtual Town Hall Meeting next Wednesday, April 29, from 8:00-9:00 p.m. EDT. We are choosing this late hour to accommodate the many time zones across which we are all currently spread.
Vice Dean Joel Steckel and I look forward to joining together as we update you on Ph.D. Program plans in the wake of COVID-19. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions.
We will send an invitation to join the Town Hall via Zoom early next week. In the meantime, you are invited to submit questions in advance, by Monday, April 27.
With warm regards,
Anya
Help for Virtual Defenses, April 7, 2020
Sent to 5th and 6th Year Students Only
Hi Students,
I hope you're all doing well. Our colleagues at Booth, University of Chicago, shared some tips for conducting a dissertation defense via Zoom. I know this is coming late for some of you (you've already defended!), but hopefully it can be helpful for the rest. And if you haven't yet defended, don't forget to review our instructions for defending and submitting your dissertation: A friendly reminder: wet signatures are not required on defense forms given the current situation; electronic ones are acceptable.
Warmly,
Anya
Commencement Ceremonies, March 25, 2020
Sent to 5th and 6th Year Students Only
Dear Students,
As many of you have probably seen, commencement ceremonies (both University-wide and School-level) have been canceled. I know this is very disappointing to many of you. As noted in Dean Sundaram's email, the school is working on a way to celebrate virtually.
Following guidance from administration, we will also be converting this year's Toast the Graduates into a virtual celebration. More information will be shared on that soon.
I know some of you have already inquired regarding refunds for academic attire - as soon as I have more information, I'll be sure to let you know.
With warm wishes,
Anya
[forwarded message from Dean Sundaram: Update on 2020 Commencement]
Supplies + Wellness Check-In, March 25, 2020
Dear Students,
I hope everyone is doing as well as can be. I am writing to say hi and to see how you all are doing.
- For those of you who remained local (in or around NYC), please let me know if you feel like you don't have enough supplies (e.g. low on food), or are facing any financial pressure because of the current situation.
- If anyone has tested positive for COVID-19 (even if you've left NYC), please let me know as soon as possible.
We're thinking of you all,
Anya
Option to Take Spring 2020 Stern Courses as Pass/Fail + Form Link, March 25, 2020
Dear Students,
NYU Stern has made the decision to suspend a few specific pass/fail policies for the Spring 2020 semester (for Stern courses). We hope this will help create equity and alleviate some of the concerns you might have as we shift to remote learning.
For Spring 2020, Stern Pass/Fail (P/F) policy will be as follows (for Stern courses):
- Students may take any course P/F.
- Courses taken P/F will not affect your GPA (positively or negatively).
- There is no limit on the number of classes that may be taken P/F.
- The deadline to contact the PhD Office to request P/F is May 12th.
Two things to note about faculty and pass/fail:
- Faculty will not know which students have elected to pass/fail their course, unless the students decide to inform them.
- Faculty will assign letter grades to all students in their course. The registration system will automatically convert these letter grades to P/F for those students who have elected to pass/fail the course.
With warm wishes,
Anya
COVID-19 Communications, March 23, 2020
Hello all,
Normally I might be welcoming you all back from spring break, but instead I need to ask, "What Spring Break?" This past week has been a time of great stress and some strenuous activity for all of us.
Many of you have dispersed to several parts of the globe: Europe, China, South America. Others have remained here in NY. Some of you were forced to move into Washington Sq. Village because of the University's edicts.
Please be aware that your classes will meet through Zoom as scheduled EDT. For those of you in other parts of the world, this may make for some odd hours.
Also be aware that Anya, Donna, Marissa, and myself stand at the ready to help you in anyway we can. We will schedule a Zoom town hall in the coming days for you to ask any questions you may have.
Most important of all, STAY SAFE.
Best,
Joel
TIME SENSITIVE: Possible Storage Solution, March 20, 2020
Sent to 1st and 2nd Years Only
Hi PhDs,
I'm writing with some (possibly) good news for those of you who left your belongings *packed up in boxes* in Palladium. We have secured some space in faculty housing to store your belongings. We are trying to work with Palladium to see if we can gain access to your rooms, and hire movers.
As you know, there is a lot of demand for moving services right now, and we're operating within a very short time frame (the move must happen tomorrow) to successfully get items moved.
We cannot commit to moving items that haven't been packed. Since there are probably only ~13 of you who left items, we think it will be much simpler for you to identify and reclaim your items in faculty housing than it will be among the belongings of thousands of NYU students.
What I need from you is an extremely quick response to this survey:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfPxMyKiDnX7HCPDRuos0iZxGb7LGK…
Thanks so much,
Anya
Follow Up Email Sent on March 21, 2020
Hi All,
For those of you who filled out the form indicating agreement to have your items moved, we have success! We have movers scheduled for today at 12 pm.
Warmly,
Anya
Ph.D. Program Updates, March 19, 2020
Dear Students,
I hope you are all well and safe. The last several weeks have been a time of incredible change, and we are grateful for your flexibility and understanding as we navigate the spread of COVID-19. I know many of you are feeling anxious and unsure regarding what's next, but I'm hopeful that I can address some of your concerns in the next several paragraphs.
Meetings via Zoom
The Doctoral Office staff will be available for one-on-one 15-minute meetings with students every week. Much in the same way you stop by our offices to ask questions, you will now be able to connect with us virtually.
To schedule a meeting, please visit our appointment calendar.
Residency
At this time, you are not required to maintain residency as described in the Ph.D. Handbook. This requirement will remain suspended until further notice.
Presence on Campus
We strongly urge students to remain home - all research right now points to aggressive social distancing as the best way to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Dissertation Proposals and Defenses
Students may opt to postpone proposals and defenses until late summer. This will have no impact on graduation or meeting the requirements for "Satisfactory Academic Progress" as described in the Ph.D. Handbook.
As previously mentioned, students should email me directly if they wish to postpone.
Should you choose to move forward with your proposal or defense, it must be conducted remotely. Committees should be flexible in the technology to be used (e.g. Skype, Zoom, etc.). If you need help using any remote services, we urge you to contact the Stern Helpdesk which is maintaining operations (helpdesk@stern.nyu.edu).
All required forms should be submitted to the Ph.D. Office via e-mail (to anya.francioli@stern.nyu.edu and msh555@stern.nyu.edu).
Comprehensive Examinations
All comprehensive examinations that are to be administered this Spring 2020 (including minor, major, and all other written and oral examinations) are postponed until further notice. First year Economics and Finance student qualifying examinations have been canceled by GSAS. All Ph.D. Faculty Coordinators have been informed.
Academic Progress
With the exception of dissertation proposals, defenses, and comprehensive examinations, all work should continue as normal, albeit remotely. You are still expected to progress in research and participate in classes to the extent that it is possible.
Town Hall Meeting
We will be scheduling a virtual town hall meeting for Ph.D. students in the near future. More information will be shared regarding a date and time.
Financial Support
If you are currently receiving a stipend, you will continue to receive this. Funding provided through TA positions will still be honored.
At this time, we are still offering the Ph.D. Student Emergency Loan (which allows students to borrow up to $5K per year). The requirement for passing the comprehensive examination has been waived. Because the current environment is placing a financial strain on our budget, we are asking you to please only ask for the loan if you absolutely need it. Much of our discretionary funding is being directed to first and second students who were asked to move out of Palladium.
Other Resources
You can find other resources available through the University by visiting their COVID-19 website. If you're feeling sick, please follow the instructions provided by the University.
We're thinking of you during this difficult time and look forward to the moment that we can all reconnect on campus.
Please do not hesitate to reach out with questions.
With warm wishes,
Anya
Emergency Housing Available at Washington Square Village + Other Updates, March 18, 2020
Dear Students,
A Few Updates:
Emergency Housing at WSV
We were finally able to secure emergency housing at Washington Square Village (right outside of Stern).
These units would be shared between students (if necessary). We have approximately 18 sleeping spaces (a combination of 1, 2, and 3 bedroom apartments). With the exception of one, these units are unfurnished.
We can reimburse you for an air mattress, or I can help order one for you, although given the slow shipping speeds in NYC these days, it's probably more prudent for you to buy one yourself.
If you want to temporarily move into one of these units, please email me ASAP and no later than 4 PM ET today (March 18).
I'm waiting for clarification on how long you'll be able to stay in these units, but my assumption is through the end of this emergency situation. I will let you know ASAP.
Refunds on Campus Housing
You will be refunded for the percent of time you did not get to use Palladium.
Message on NYU Survey
A few of you may have noticed a message after completing NYU's survey regarding packing/shipping your belongings that indicated you did not need to complete the survey, and do not need to vacate Palladium. This messaging was unfortunately inaccurate and has since been removed.
What Should I Do?
To clarify, here are the final options you have:
Your Move Out Options Are:
- Pack your belongings and move out of Palladium.
- Pack your belongings and have your items shipped to you by NYU.
- Have your belongings packed for you and shipped to you by NYU.
- If you want your items shipped, please make sure you email me your shipping address (if you haven't already).
Your Residency Options Are:
- Move into Washington Square Village.
- Return home.
- Contact me if you want to stay with someone from NYU - we have a few people who have volunteered their apartment.
- Find alternative housing on your own.
- Everyone, I'm so sorry this has been so incredibly difficult. We're going to all get through this, and we'll get back to having cookie days and boat cruises :)
Anya
Postponing Dissertation Defenses/Proposals and Comprehensive Examinations, March 16, 2020
Dear Students,
Please note we have decided to postpone any required dissertation proposals and defenses until (we hope) late summer. The same goes for any scheduled comprehensive examinations.
Regarding dissertations, we will work on the honor system so you can still graduate on time - you will need to communicate to us that you are prepared to defend and your committee chair(s) will need communicate to us that they expect you to pass.
Of course, if you and your committee prefer to move forward with a remote proposal or dissertation, we will not stop this.
Thanks for your attention,
Anya
Update on Residence Halls, March 16, 2020
Dear Students,
Please note this email applies to students in years 1 and 2 however, I am sending it to everyone to be as transparent as possible and to make sure the entire cohort is aware of the current situation.
I know many of you are worried about the next steps you should take following the recent news that NYU's residence halls are closing.
What Steps Should I Take?
Right now, please refer to the email from Conor Grennan (pasted below for your reference). At this time. we are urging you to return home, if possible. There will be no impact on your academic record, as we are temporarily suspending the requirement that all students be "in-residence." If returning home isn't possible, please send an email to both Conor (cgrennan@stern.nyu.edu) and to me briefly explaining your circumstances. We will try to have a temporary extension granted for you to stay in Palladium.
Can I Leave My Belongings In Palladium?
Right now the answer is unfortunately no - we are appealing to administration to see if there is any chance to change this, but please operate on the assumption that it is not possible.
For Non-US Citizens - What Do I Do If My Travel Signature Expired?
The Office of Global Services has made it possible for you to obtain a travel signature remotely. As per OGS:
If you are traveling and need a travel signature on your I-20 or DS-2019, you can request a travel signature remotely by completing the OGS document release form.
Can I Be Reimbursed for Last Minute Moving Costs?
Yes - since this out of your control, you can apply for an emergency student loan through the PhD Office that will be completely forgiven (you will not need to pay it back). You will just need to provide us with receipts for your costs.
I know this is a difficult situation and that you will still have many questions. I will do my best to answer them. I am currently in the car with my son and husband driving to my parent's house in Florida, so my messaging may be slightly delayed (or subject to typos!). We were set to fly home to my husband's parents in France, but alas, this changed quickly today :) This is all to say - I know it may be difficult to make last minute arrangements. So, keep me in the loop and we will do our best to help you.
I'm thinking of everyone.
Warmly,
Anya
Email from Conor Grennan, Dean of Students:
Dear all,
If you are receiving this, you are a resident of Palladium Housing and a member of the NYU Stern graduate community. You may have already seen the email from President Hamilton that details the closing of the residence halls no later than Sunday, March 22nd and the decision to move classes to 100% remote for the duration of the semester.
First: You do not need to fill out the survey question in President Hamilton's email. As graduate students, you are in a separate category.
However, that does not change the critical nature of our current circumstances. As President Hamilton stated: You must make every effort to find alternative accommodations outside of NYU Housing. This strong guidance is coming from state and city officials. Ideally, your alternative accommodations will be your place of permanent residence, or at least outside of New York City, but we understand that may not be an option for everyone.
Second: If you absolutely have no alternative accommodations, please let us know. We understand that the Stern graduate population is disproportionately international, which makes moving a greater challenge. We also know that traveling home in this time may not be a realistic option for you. Please contact me or the administrator with whom you work most closely to let us know your situation ASAP.
Third: Staying in the Palladium may not be an option even for those in need. We are doing our best to accommodate graduate students, but there is a good chance that even if you have no other place to go, we will still need to move you out of the Palladium and into some kind of alternative NYU Housing.
Lastly: We are particularly attuned to the special circumstances of our Chinese graduate students. We are very well aware that you may have felt under attack and that returning home is not an option right now.
Thank you for bearing with us in this difficult time. We will get through this together.
Sincerely,
Conor Grennan
Dean of Students
Location Check In for Ph.D. Students, March 15, 2020
Dear Students,
We hope all of you are doing well in the midst of the current COVID-19 environment.
To best assist you logistically during the weeks to come, please complete the below form (<1min) as soon as possible. This form will help us track where you are currently located.
http://nyustern.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_09yVWix0Zyy8gQJ
If your travel plans change in the future, please complete this form again.
With warm wishes,
Anya
Travel Reimbursements, March 13, 2020
Dear Students,
Please note the travel reimbursement policy that is currently in effect:
Can I travel for university purposes, either internationally or domestically?
In most cases, no. On March 3, 2020, NYU announced a prohibition of all upcoming University-related non-essential international travel and on Monday, March 9, it extended this prohibition to travel to and from California and the state of Washington. Such travel will not be reimbursed, and any existing plans should be canceled. All other domestic travel is being strongly discouraged.
This applies to conferences, etc. We don't know yet when the prohibition will be lifted, but will update you as we learn more information.
With warm wishes,
Anya
Update Regarding Building Access + Wellness Check-In, March 13, 2020
Dear Students,
We are writing with two updates:
- First, the doors within Tisch Hall and Kaufman Management Center will be placed on "holiday mode." This means that doors will remain locked during the day and can only be opened using ID card access, as they would overnight or on weekends. Both Tisch Hall and Kaufman Management Center will otherwise remain open/accessible.
- Second, we want to check in to see if you are all doing well and feel physically and mentally well, in addition to making sure you feel like you have appropriate access to food and housing, given the current COVID-19 situation. If anyone is experiencing any problems, please write to me directly to let me know.
Anya
Important Updates to Ph.D. Program Operations, March 11, 2020
Dear Students,
Over the last few days, the University has announced several new measures to keep our community safe and healthy as we contribute to checking the spread of COVID-19.
We understand many of you probably have questions about how this will impact your day-to-day life on campus. Below are some changes that you should know about:
- The Ph.D. Office will operate remotely starting tomorrow, Thursday, March 12th.
- In-person meetings with Ph.D. staff have been suspended; meetings will now take place via email or scheduled Zoom/phone calls.
- Please take the time to review the latest guidance from the University regarding class operations and restrictions on gatherings and non-essential activities.
- KMC and Tisch Hall will remain open at this point in time. You may continue to be on campus for research-related activities if necessary, however, please be mindful - if you feel sick, please do not come to campus, even if your symptoms are mild.
- If you are an international student, please make sure to review the attached emails sent to you by the Office of Global Services.
- You can keep up-to-date with the latest information on COVID-19 and New York University by visiting NYU's Coronavirus information website.
Please feel free to reach out with questions.
With best wishes,
Anya
Important Updates to Class Operations, March 10, 2020
Dear Students,
We are writing to make you aware of two developments regarding your course of study:
- As you've now seen from the University and the Vice Deans of Stern, all classes (including PhD courses) will be held remotely beginning tomorrow, Wednesday, March 11th. Please see below for additional details.
- If you will be proposing or defending your dissertation, you now may do so virtually. This will be a blanket exception through March 27th, at which point we will re-evaluate and make further announcements regarding this temporary policy change. In lieu of wet signatures, your committee may email photos/scanned copies of signed ballots.
With best wishes,
Anya
[forwarded message from Dean Sundaram: Important Update: Shifting In-person Classes to Remote Classes]