Dear faculty and staff,
Let me start by sharing my overwhelming gratitude and admiration for everything our faculty and staff have selflessly contributed to navigate the numerous challenges we have weathered while, at the same time, fulfilling our vital mission and upholding our commitment to excellence in how we serve our students. I’m continually struck by the tremendous level of achievement and dedication that permeates our campus culture. In fact, as I visit with audiences near and far, I emphatically boast how I would put the performance, efforts and commitment of our faculty and staff up against any other university in the country — it is clear that our entire campus community fully embraces our integral role to shape aspiring and purposeful learners into creative and critical thinkers who will be the thoughtful, considerate leaders of tomorrow. And, as we continue to live, learn, and work through one of the toughest times in our history, I can’t thank and recognize our faculty and staff enough for the remarkable and incredible efforts we have accomplished and all we continue to do across every corner of our campus.
With the start of a new academic year, I know there is much anticipation that comes with it. This year, we’re thankful for the return of the full vibrancy of our campus, and we’re ready to deliver a great year of life-changing academics, experiences, and opportunities. At the same time, I know there is a range of emotions from excitement to apprehension in the midst of the ongoing pandemic. I want to share where we stand and provide information that will contribute to a successful and productive semester.
While we are in a very different place now with the prolific availability of effective vaccines and proven protocols, we must find ways to continue to co-exist with the virus now more than 18 months into the pandemic. To that end, we’re taking precautions to respond to the situation at hand and mitigate the spread of the virus in order to keep our semester and our students on track. This includes starting the semester with a temporary mask mandate. I strongly encourage you to review our fall Campus Plan and related FAQs.
Vaccination is our most direct path out of this. I strongly urge everyone to get vaccinated. Thank you to all who have already done this for yourself, your loved ones, and your community. The good news is that you can get vaccinated on campus quickly and easily. We’re hosting on-campus vaccine clinics, or you can visit Pharmacy Health Services on a walk-up basis.
I’m excited to see all the ways our students, faculty and staff will succeed this year and contribute to the incredible resiliency and vibrancy of our community. As we press forward together, I want to reiterate my deep appreciation for all your exceptional work to offer the best on-campus living, learning and working environment possible and for doing what it takes to be caring, kind, and compassionate to one another. Together, let’s make this year the most successful and accomplished year yet for our university.
Sincerely,
Glenn F. Boyce
Chancellor
