[MUSIC PLAYING]
BOB ZIMMER: Hello, I'm Bob Zimmer, president
of the University of Chicago.
This first week of the autumn quarter
has provided a promising start as we embark
on an unusual academic year.
We want to thank everyone for your work so far
and for your commitment as we continue
to build upon the purpose and meaning of this university.
In so many ways, this is a unique time at the university
and in our society as public health concerns
have inevitably been a focus of our preparations
for the autumn quarter.
But in this time, as in all times,
we must also bear in mind the overriding mission
of the university and the enduring values
that undergird our particular approach
to fulfilling this mission.
Our mission is research and education and the impact
that they have.
And since its inception, the University of Chicago
culture of rigorous analysis and questioning, open discourse,
free expression, and engagement with multiple perspectives
have defined enduring values for how we can best
fulfill our mission.
These values have also deeply informed our approach
to this quarter.
Because our culture of rigorous investigation and education
is built on engagement, it was important to provide
opportunities for in-person interaction
this quarter while following all appropriate public health
guidelines, including social distancing requirements.
We are grateful for all the extensive preparation
and planning that has made it possible
for us to embark upon this academic year,
including thoughtful guidance from faculty members,
intensive coordination and planning by staff members,
and input from undergraduate and graduate students.
Throughout this process, we have relied
on the deep medical expertise of the University of Chicago
Medicine in guiding our decisions
and helping to shape campus plans.
I've often spoken about the need to resist complacency
when it comes to realizing the highest academic ambitions
of the university, pursuing field-defining research,
providing a transformative education,
and enhancing the impact of the university on academic fields
and the world in general.
The same ambition and high standards
must continue to shape our approach to the pandemic.
I am confident that by working together
with the full engagement of the university community,
we will meet these challenges.
Thank you for your commitment to this work
and to the University of Chicago.
KA YEE LEE: Hello, I'm Ka Yee Lee, provost
of the University of Chicago.
Whether you're here with us on campus or engaging remotely,
I want you to know how important you are to this community.
Thank you for your diligence, your perseverance,
and your commitment to our shared mission
of academic and research excellence.
Supporting the safety, health, and well-being
of members of our university and the broader community
remains paramount.
We have developed a thorough approach
under the guidance of the University of Chicago Medicine
epidemiologists and in accordance
with local, state, and federal guidelines.
The most important part of this plan is you.
It is up to each one of us to follow the UChicago Health Pact
because we are all in this together.
Wear your face covering.
Practice social distancing, and avoid
gathering in large groups.
I realize this may be inconvenient.
But it is a small price to pay for the opportunity
to engage in the intellectual and social life
of our university in person.
The pandemic continues to evolve.
And as we closely monitor the situation,
we are committed to providing you
with regular updates on testing results
and other important information through the new COVID-19
dashboard and weekly emails.
The university in coordination with the University
of Chicago Madison is prepared for additional positive cases.
Our contact tracing, isolation, and treatment plans
use the best available science and data
to reduce risk and promote the health and safety of our campus
and the surrounding community.
We have seen a lower number of cases thus far.
But to keep the numbers low, we must remain vigilant,
especially as we enter our first full week of in-person classes
next week.
Please remember that testing negative for the virus one time
does not ensure protection.
We all must continue following the UChicago Health Pact.
This is a defining moment in the history
of our university, a time for us to come together, support
one another, and continue our vigorous pursuit of knowledge
and ideas that can change the world.
Thank you for your continued dedication.