VentureLab 2020 Cohort
Dear VentureLab 2020 Cohort,
Unfortunately, we are in an unprecedented time that is full of unknowns. One of the consequences of our current situation is that our daily lives at GCC have been disrupted, and we are not able to predict when or if we will be returning to campus this semester. While GCC’s Board and Administration have set April 13th as a target date for return, the situation continues to evolve by the hour, so we must remain flexible as to our plans for the near future.
With this in mind, we have decided to suspend the VentureLab program for this semester. I realize that you have not received the benefit of a full semester’s worth of VentureLab programming. As a result, all teams are being offered a guaranteed place in next year’s VentureLab cohort.
For your reference, I have prepared answers to some questions that you might have:
1. How do we reserve our place in the next cohort?
It’s already done! I will reach out to you during the next application period to see if your team wants to continue. It is not necessary for the entire team to move forward if some of you cannot participate next year, and you will be given a chance to reconfigure your team. For those of you who know right now that you’re joining next year’s cohort, I would suggest that you continue working on your ideas so that you can hit the ground running next year.
2. What if I’m a senior?
I just want to say to our seniors that I am so sorry about this whole situation and the impact that it’s having on your senior year! That having been said, if you want to participate in next year’s cohort, you just need to involve a team member who is a current student who can serve as team leader. We have had alumni participate in past VentureLab teams, so we can figure it all out.
3. What if I’m taking VentureLab for credit this semester?
Your next step depends on how many credits you are earning. I have contacted all students who are signed up for the Independent Study portion of the VentureLab program to assess the remaining academic work that will be required in order to receive credit. If you have not received an email from me, please reach out and let me know.
4. What if I have expense reimbursements in process?
All expense reimbursements that have been submitted up to this point will be processed as per our usual procedures. If you have questions about a specific transaction, please contact Ms. Stillwaggon.
5. What if I have pre-approved expenses that I have not submitted?
Don’t worry! We’ll honor all pre-approved expenses. Simply complete the VentureLab Funding Form per the usual process, submit it in Basecamp, and let me know so that I can sign off so that Ms. Stillwaggon can get the reimbursement processed for you.
6. What do I do with my VentureLab 2020 t-shirt?
Continue to wear it with pride, my friends. You earned it. 😊
7. What if I have additional questions?
I’m here for you! Just reach out.
Hang in there, and let us know if you need anything at all. I’ll be praying for health for you and your loved ones.
Best,
Professor English