91³Ô¹ÏÍø

Dear Students, Staff and Faculty:

As we come to the end of our first week of full academic and campus operations, I first want to take a moment to express my gratitude to every member of this University community – for the part each of you has played in bringing us to this moment. Thank you to all of our new students for choosing 91³Ô¹ÏÍø; thank you to all of our returning students for coming back. Special thanks to those staff, faculty and students who did such a wonderful job with many opening events and new student orientation, as well as the launch of the new academic year.

The COVID-19 vaccines, I am convinced, are a game-changer for our campus and society at large. But the reality is that the pandemic is far from “over.” The war on COVID-19 continues.

Many people in the broader community either cannot yet receive the vaccines, or have chosen not to. We also understand that the vaccines are not perfect; breakthrough infections do occur, the vaccines have real limitations, and there is more we will continue to learn about their efficacy over time. But the impact vaccines are already having is remarkable and will allow us a greater degree of confidence in our ability to function over the coming weeks and months.

Request for Assistance: Health & Well-being

The local hospitals and healthcare providers are currently at capacity treating people infected with COVID-19. This week, we have seen direct evidence that these systems are becoming overwhelmed. For this reason, I ask each one of us remain committed to doing our part to (a) avoid putting additional stress on the healthcare system and (b) limit the opportunity for viral transmission.

• Continue to wear properly-fitted masks, covering both nose and mouth, when indoors unless actively engaged in eating or drinking. Masks must be worn on campus in buildings, offices, classrooms, labs, hallways, fitness facilities, and other public areas outside of one’s residence. Masks, when consistently worn, are incredibly effective at limiting the spread of COVID-19. Everyone should feel empowered to wear masks in any situation, if they so choose.
• Please engage appropriately and responsibly in social and recreational activities, whether on-campus or off-campus. Accidents or incidents that result in the need for medical attention will meet a healthcare system already overwhelmed. We ask that you do your part to keep an eye on one another and take care of each other: Zags Help Zags.

91³Ô¹ÏÍø is known for its powerful sense of community – a community of people that care for and about one another. The successes we have collectively are only possible because we are so committed to one another’s individual health, welfare and success. By working together, we will have an amazing year. Thank you, and have a wonderful Labor Day Weekend. 

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