A Message to Students: Resources and Future Plans

Dear Rangers,

The past three months have been a blur of pandemic response, the transition to online instruction, social unrest, and efforts to plan for the future. Under very trying circumstances, the vast majority of you were successful in completing the Spring term and a significant number are currently engaged in summer coursework. For this, we congratulate you and acknowledge the effort that it has taken on your part to keep moving forward. We also want to acknowledge the work of our many faculty and staff who continue to strive to make your academic experience as meaningful and robust as possible.

We hope that as the weather gets warmer and mobility restrictions are lessened, you are able to enjoy some of your favorite summer activities. We also hope that you continue to abide by social distancing guidelines and take appropriate precautions to keep yourselves and your family and friends safe. For many of you, the recent protests around racial injustice and police brutality have added layers of anxiety, fear, and anger to already high levels of stress and uncertainty brought on by COVID-19. If you are feeling overwhelmed, SilverCloud is a 24/7 online platform that can help you to manage stress, depression, and/or anxiety during these uncertain times. In addition, there are counselors available to help support you at the Student Health & Counseling Center should you wish to make an appointment. As a campus community, we must support one another, listen with open hearts and minds, and work together to uphold our values of diversity and inclusivity.

Currently, several teams of administrators, faculty, staff, and students are working diligently on plans for a return to campus. Our goal is to offer as many face-to-face courses in the Fall as we can safely manage while recognizing that our “new normal” may include limiting the number of individuals in certain spaces, wearing masks, abiding by social distancing guidelines, monitoring symptoms, and enhancing cleaning efforts within our facilities. Up-to-date information and resources are available on our Ranger Restart webpage. 

Finally, as Music Professor James Kinchen recently reminded us, “Some colleges and universities in our nation continued to operate during the civil war, the 1918 influenza crisis, two world wars, economic depression, and other significant challenges, but found ways to continue to educate students and advance knowledge. We are so excited for our community of administrators, faculty, staff, and students to join together to meet the challenges of this moment in history.” 

Stay safe, stay healthy, and Go Rangers!

Sincerely,

Rob Ducoffe
Provost & Vice Chancellor
Academic & Student Affairs

Tammy L McGuckin
Vice Provost
Student Affairs & Enrollment Services