Dear Students at the FLA,
I wish to express my sincere condolences to those who lost friends or relatives, or have suffered themselves from the devastating conditions caused by the Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami. I hope you are safe and holding up well.
I very much share your concern with regard to the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant situation. As you can read in Sophia Homepage (
http://www.sophia.ac.jp/eng/info/news/2010/3/globalnews_217/news_110328?kind=0
),we are 250 km away from the plant. Tokyo is almost back to normal. The level of radioactivity is carefully monitored all over Japan and, as of April 1, 2011, has beenconsidered no threat to our health in Tokyo. Given these conditions, the University decided to start classes on April 14 (Thursday) as originally scheduled.
Some of you may feel uncomfortable with this situation and scheduling. We understand this, but in order for you to maintain your good academic standing in the FLA, you need to be sure to follow the University rules. Please keep the following in mind:
In order to enroll in classes this term, you must register for classes online on Loyola between April 15th and April 20th.
Although we do not recommend it, it is possible for those who do not want to return at all this semester to take a "leave of absence." The deadline for this is May 31st (Tuesday). We need to stress that this option is NOT available to all students but depends upon your own current academic status and situation. If you are considering this option, you need to consult individually with the Academic Office of Records substantially BEFORE you make any decision.
Office of Academic Records:
academic_records@cl.sophia.ac.jp
,
+81-3-3238-3519
This is a difficult situation for everyone, but I rely upon your good judgment, calm action and support.
The FLA Office will help you if you have any question other than the above issues.
Sincerely yours,
Yoshitaka Okada
Dean, the FLA
