Faculty and staff:

The message below went out to Valencia undergraduate students today to remind them about important services and resources that are available remotely to help them succeed this semester. A similar message went to Valencia graduate students and Boston students with information relevant to them.

Dear students,

As classes resume, now in a remote format, we want to remind you of the many services and resources you continue to have access to. Staff members in these areas are ready to help you navigate this unprecedented time. We are committed to making sure you get the support you need to focus on your education, creative and artistic development, and overall wellness.

Here are some highlights of the resources available to you.

Academic Support

Library Services and Resources

Contact the library by submitting the Ask Us webform, through the library’s “Ask Us Live” online chat, or by emailing askalibrarian@berklee.edu. The library team aims to respond within 24 hours.

• Web conferencing software assistance: Schedule an appointment with a peer trainer.
• Finding and Accessing Online Library Materials: For assistance with papers, projects, and class assignments, you can schedule an appointment with a librarian through online chat or by emailing askalibrarian@berklee.edu.
• Technology Training: Peer-to-peer and group technology training is available for a variety of production, notation, multimedia, game audio, and web conferencing software.
• Valencia Library: For questions about the Valencia Library, email libraryvalencia@berklee.edu

Academic Advising

• Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor via Google Hangout, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. EDT. Other times can be arranged if needed.
• Attend a virtual drop-in Monday through Friday, with expanded hours.
• Contact the undergraduate program director Enric Alberich at ealberich@berklee.edu

Accessibility Resources for Students

To discuss accommodations for students with disabilities, schedule an appointment, held via Google Hangout Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. EDT. Other times can be arranged if needed.

Core Music Tutoring

Schedule an appointment by contacting jwheatley1@berklee.edu. Sessions will be offered:

• Mondays, 2:00 p.m.–5:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. CET.
• Tuesdays, 2:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m. CET.

Liberal Arts Tutoring

You can schedule an appointment for ESL, math and science, and English writing tutoring, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. EDT.

Technology Support

If you need help installing and using platforms for remote courses (e.g., Zoom, Webex, Google Hangouts), please reach out to Berklee Valencia Academic Technology at atvalencia@berklee.edu. You can also reach them for live support in real time via this Google Hangout meeting during these times:

• Monday through Thursday, 8:45 a.m.–8:45 p.m. CET
• Friday, 8:45 a.m.–6:45 p.m. CET

Spanish Student Visa Updates

As your spring semester is now to be finished remotely, we have been instructed by Spanish official authorities to proceed with the cancellation of your Spanish student visa, for those of you who needed one to study in Spain (non-European citizens). No action will be needed from your end, as Berklee Valencia will take care of completing this process, but know that in the event that you’d like to return to Spain at a later time (not related to your studies), you’ll always have the option to obtain a tourist visa.

Health and Wellness

Medical Care

Students who have returned to the U.S. may access telehealth medical care through Online Connect 24/7 (for students 18 years of age and older). Berklee will continue to cover the access fee for this service. Register for telehealth through the Online Connect account and use this service key: Berklee You may also download the Online Connect app, or go to myonlineconnect.org to get started. Students currently located outside of the U.S. are not able to access this service due to licensing permissions.

MAPFRE health insurance coverage in Spain will no longer be valid after March 31. Your primary health insurance should cover you as you continue your classes remotely and until the end of the semester. Non-U.S. Study Abroad and First Year Abroad students should consult with their primary health insurance providers for more specific information, and students from other schools should check with their home institutions regarding their primary coverage.

You will receive a prorated credit for the MAPFRE health insurance coverage on your student account for the remainder of the spring semester. The credit may be used to offset any outstanding balance on your student account.

Reminder: All Study Abroad and First Year Abroad students (except Non-U.S. First Year Abroad students) coming to Valencia were required to have this primary health insurance by either enrolling in Berklee’s Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) or waiving this plan by demonstrating comparable coverage.

Counseling

If you would like support during this challenging time, you can reach out to Dr. Maria Zarza and her team at +34 609 329 344 or mzarza@berklee.edu for assistance in finding mental health resources in the area where you live.

Free Online Mental Health Platform SilverCloud Now Available

You now have access to SilverCloud, a clinically proven online mental health platform that offers programs to help you build resilience, manage your anxiety or depression, and develop skills to manage stress and sleep issues. The programs use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and positive psychology to guide you as you build self-awareness and self-management skills for your emotional health. To sign up for SilverCloud, select "Berklee" from the School Name dropdown, and use your @berklee.edu email to access the site.

Medical Withdrawal or Leave of Absence

All policies as noted in the Policy Handbook for Students (page 16) still apply.

• U.S. students: If you need to request a medical withdrawal, email Clara Barbera, director for Student Affairs, Diversity and Inclusion, at cbarbera@berklee.edu, and be prepared to submit appropriate medical documentation to substantiate your request.
• Non-U.S. students: If you need to request a medical withdrawal (Berklee College of Music) or a medical leave of absence (Boston Conservatory at Berklee), please schedule an appointment with your assigned international student advisor, and be prepared to provide appropriate medical documentation for your request.

Moving Forward

We will continue to share ongoing updates and additional updates on berklee.edu/covid19 and by email. Over the next few weeks, keep an eye out for more details about how to access other services remotely, upcoming events, and other ways to stay connected as a community.

We wish you success with your courses this week.

Sincerely,

Clara Barberá
Director for Student Affairs, Diversity and Inclusion, Berklee Valencia

Jeanine Cowen
Interim Dean of Academic Affairs, Berklee Valencia