The past few weeks have been one of the most challenging times we have experienced in
the history of the University.
It is hard to imagine, really, the chaos that this pandemic has caused around the world,
in our city and on our campus.
I understand how hard this has been for every member of our community, and the stress and
anxiety that come with having the lives of you and your families completely upended and
dealing with so much uncertainty.
Each of you has had to relinquish, sacrifice something important to you during this time:
Students: We have had to ask many of you to move off campus, and all of you to adjust
to significantly new routines, including the transition to remote learning.
It is not the year you have imagined.
So many traditional experiences have been cancelled or postponed.
Even in the midst of all that, you have shown care and concern for one another and for others
in our community.
Faculty and instructors: You had to move to remote finals at the very last minute
in the winter quarter.
Now, in spring, you have to transition to remote teaching and adjust your course instruction.
But you’ve done it, and will continue doing so, with tremendous flexibility and determination
to do the best you can for your students.
Researchers: I understand how disruptive the measures put in place in response to the pandemic
are for your research.
And I know how hard it is to be asked not to enter your labs.
How challenging it is to no longer have access to the resources on campus needed for your
scholarship because of building closure and the stay at home order.
And to have your planned research trips postponed because of the travel ban.
Our staff: For some of you who have been asked to adapt to work remotely – this is not
our typical way of operating.
And for the others, you have been asked to stay in your jobs during this unprecedented
time – you are performing critical functions to keep the University operating.
All of us are dealing with these disruptions to our normal way of life with great uncertainty
and deep concern for the health and safety of our families, friends and colleagues.
And yet, despite these challenges, today we see the true resiliency
of the University community.
Following the lead of our colleagues at the Law School, who had to start remote teaching
last week to remain compliant with their accreditation, today the entire campus moves our teaching
and learning endeavors to a remote format.
It may not be perfect.
I am sure there will be moments where the technology does not work perfectly, and where
you might be confused or frustrated.
And yet, we persevere.
My hat's off to our instructors and our graduate students with teaching assignments.
Your hard work to prepare your courses to an entirely new format shows that not only
do we have the best current and future scholars, but we also have scholars who put their students
first and rise to any challenge.
And for all our students, I commend your commitment to your education.
These are challenging and stressful times.
It is difficult to put that to the side and continue your pursuit of your degree
in a new format.
There will be challenges ahead and there is still tremendous uncertainty.
But today we show that our community is strong, resilient, and determined.
I am grateful for everything you have done to get to this point,
and I am inspired by your resolve.
Thank you for showing up and engaging in the intellectual enterprise
that makes this University special,
and for your partnership moving forward.
Have a great spring quarter.