The unprecedented events of the past week have challenged everyone associated with Cork University Business School to think and act differently.
In a relatively short space of time, the University was closed, lectures cancelled and staff asked to work remotely. Despite the disruption, our collective response has been nothing short of inspirational.
While our ways of working may have changed, our core mission remains the same and faculty continue to provide students with an unparalleled educational experience through the provision of stimulating on-line lectures.
Our commitment to maintaining a sense of continuity in this extraordinary period has seen the Business School successfully stage three spring exams this week.
I want to take this opportunity to thank all of our faculty and staff for ensuring that our students continue to receive the class-leading education that they expect and deserve.
I would also like to thank our colleagues who have worked tirelessly to assist students to return to the country from international work placements.
Given the circumstances, this was not a straight forward process, but the gravity of the situation focussed our minds and I’m pleased to say that students have returned to the safety of their homes and families.
A number of our students were due to go on work placement or had just commenced placement when the CoVid crisis struck. Unfortunately, many will now miss out on this workplace experience and I know that this is a huge source of disappointment, and in some cases, financial loss. We are doing everything we can to continue to support these students through this difficult period and I would like to thank them for their understanding and patience.
As events unfold over the coming weeks, we are committed to maintaining open and transparent lines of communication. We will work to keep our students and staff aware of relevant information in an efficient and timely manner.
Finally, I urge every one of you to take care of yourself and your loved ones. The coming weeks will test us all, but I take inspiration from the countless number of CUBS students who are performing extraordinary deeds in their local communities.
To quote an Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, “not all superheroes wear capes”.