Return to Campus Update

Dear colleagues,
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We write to provide additional information and context for the return of additional employees to campus as we prepare to offer a full complement of in-person classes and services this fall.

The introduction of effective vaccines has made it possible to plan for in-person instruction and learning as well as the resumption of on-campus operations to serve students and our colleagues.

Starting July 19, DePaul will return more of its operations back to campus. Unit leaders will consider which work mode, onsite/offsite/combination, is best for their unit.

As we transition back to campus this fall, the following shared values will unite and anchor employees across the university in support of DePaul's mission:  

• Serving our students: Prioritizing the holistic needs of our students in classes, co-curricular and extra-curricular activities, advising, support and auxiliary services. 
• Serving university guests: Ensuring that the needs of our guests (including prospective students and their families, alumni, performance audiences, clients, library patrons, attendees at sports events) are met efficiently, comprehensively, and in a welcoming manner. 
• Serving each other: Ensuring that colleagues have the support they need to effectively carry out their work and grow in their roles. Within our community all have opportunities to support each other, either formally in our job responsibilities or informally through mentoring, sharing of information, or simple acts of kindness. 
• Preserving the DePaul community: Keeping our community close and strong by enabling community members to support each other, participate actively in shared governance, and serve the mission collectively. Preserving this community requires effective communication, engagement, and outreach in our Chicago community consistent with our mission. 

The university has developed processes and guidelines managers can use to develop work plans for their teams. For guidelines regarding off-site work, employees and managers should consult the university's Hybrid Work Guide for Managers and Employees.

In coming weeks, and no later than June 18, employees will learn more about the work plan for their individual unit.

Also, we are pleased to announce the addition of two stress relief days—paid time off this summer to de-stress and refresh for the new academic year. These two days will be in addition to the summer hours program and may be used between June 20 and September 22. Newsline will provide information on when they will be available for scheduling.

Maintaining the health and safety of our community has been—and will continue to be—at the forefront as we return to campus. DePaul will continue many of the safety measures initiated to combat COVID-19. Moreover, we will promptly communicate any changes to ongoing safety measures. 

We thank you for all that you do for our students and look forward to this fall and working together to write the next chapter of the DePaul story.

Sincerely,
A. Gabriel Esteban, Ph.D.
President​​

Provost

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Sherri Sidler
Executive Vice President

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