IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT RE CHICAGO GATEWAY COURSE EXPERIENCE CONFERENCE

The Gateway Course Experience Conference is Going Virtual!

In light of the growing threat posed by COVID-19, and out of deep concern for the safety and well-being of our partners in equitable undergraduate education redesign, and the related uncertainty and stress we are all experiencing, we are converting the 2020 Gateway Course Experience Conference and related meetings to a virtual, interactive, learning experience via online / digital formats. This action allows us all to still benefit from the deep learning and communities of practice associated with these gatherings in a manner that does not risk the spread of illness.

The conference and pre-conference events will still take place at the same dates and times as previously stated. As originally planned, all pre-conference activities will still take place March 20 & 21st with full conference events occurring March 22nd to 24th.

As further context for our decision, today, the State of Illinois has issued a disaster proclamation, the Illinois version of a state of emergency. We have also heard from many of our conference registrants that their respective states have issued travel bans for state employees. The disaster proclamation, combined with the growing number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Chicago area and the country, and the request by many conference registrants that we offer our event virtually, has led us to this decision.

Every year, we look forward to engaging with our colleagues and community at the Gateway Course Experience Conference. This year’s event, marking our 20th anniversary, was particularly special to us. Seeing all of you in person is one of the highlights of our year.

We are disappointed to have to come to this decision. However, continuing with an in-person conference did not seem practical or prudent given the growing concerns around COVID-19, including strong warnings in respect to travel and large meetings. We pledge to do our utmost to make the digital version of this event a success.

In this we are by no means alone: a number of major higher education events, including SXSW.EDU, the American Educational Research Association annual meeting, the annual meeting of the American Council on Education (ACE), and the annual meeting of the American Association of Community Colleges have all been cancelled, recast as virtual meetings, or deferred. An increasing number of institutions also have cancelled classes or transitioned to on-line instruction.  This is an unprecedented health emergency which is simply beyond our control. We feel we must all take this very seriously and act to protect the health of our community.

If you are registered for the full conference you do not need to do anything. Your registration will be rolled over to the virtual conference and you will begin receiving emails from us on Thursday March 12th with details. We will continue to provide necessary updates and truly appreciate your understanding and support.

With a paramount focus on your well-being and the work we share on behalf of our students,

John                                 Drew                                Angie

John N. Gardner               Andrew K. Koch                Angela Whiteside

Chair and CEO                 President and COO           Vice President Finance, Administration, & Events