Stay Vigilant–Four Weeks Remain

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:

As of today, we have just four weeks remaining on campus before Thanksgiving break. In a normal year, this day would come and go like any other. But as we all know, this year is anything but normal.

To our students: We have asked a lot of you this semester. Almost all of you have risen to the moment. You have worn masks. You have practiced social distancing. You have kept gatherings small. You have adhered to the Stay Safe Pledge. In doing so, you have done the necessary things that have kept COVID-19 from spreading, allowing us to remain on campus. For that, I thank you.

All of that effort was put to the test a few weeks ago. A cluster of COVID-19 cases forced us to pause all activities, and put us at a significant risk of pausing in-person instruction. A small number of off-campus parties allowed the virus to spread. Thanks to the good work of our Public Health Team, we were able to quickly trace, test and isolate the cluster. With Halloween this upcoming weekend, I ask that you continue to put your safety and that of our community first. That means off-campus gatherings should be no larger than five people. And please, don’t host parties. As we’ve seen, the consequences are real and far-reaching. We are one party away from a spike in cases that would force us to pause all residential instruction and activities. We are so close to finishing this semester strong. Please do your part.

To our faculty and staff: This has been a hard semester. It has tested us in ways unlike any before it. It is your hard work and dedication that has paved the way for this to happen. You have created safe environments to teach, learn, conduct research, be creative, live, work and socialize. You have responded with urgency and care when our students have needed you. I remain grateful.

There were many, even in our own community, who didn’t think we would make it this far into the semester. Let’s continue to defy expectations. Let’s show the world how our Orange community takes care of each other. Let’s commit to finishing this semester safely, together and on campus.

Sincerely,

Chancellor Kent Syverud