Today we begin a time in DePaul's history unlike any other. I'm grateful to each and every one of you for being a part of it. Your role in the DePaul community matters more than ever.
COVID-19 does not discriminate based on race, age, gender or location. People in our own community have fallen ill or have loved ones who are affected. I ask you to join me in praying for an end to this virus and for the health and safety of us all.
Despite the challenges and uncertainty of these times, the commitment you've shown to this university is proof that we—the faculty – tenure, tenure-track and adjunct faculty – staff and students of DePaul—will get through this
together.
DePaul's mission calls us to nurture a welcoming, inclusive community of learners and doers. It commits us to ongoing learning, self-improvement and higher standards. It challenges us to consider the common good in all that we do. None of this will change when classes begin and the flurry of activity that accompanies springtime at DePaul moves off-campus. Our mission will continue to be our guide in all we do.
Students are at the heart of this university, and DePaul is doing everything possible to make sure faculty are equipped to offer them an excellent education. The ways our community comes together may look different, but DePaul will still serve as a home for our students. The faculty and staff at DePaul want nothing more than to see our students thrive—even when we can't see them in person. The best evidence of this is how tirelessly faculty and staff worked to transform DePaul in two weeks' time to remote access. And, not to be overlooked are the alumni and friends who have shown they are willing to help, including by contributing to the Student Emergency Assistance Fund.
Support services are in place to assist
students,
faculty and staff. Please, ask for help when you need it.
All members of our community are valuable and have the university's support.
University leaders are listening to the concerns you've brought to our attention, and we're taking them seriously. Yes, spring will be different. Some of the decisions we've had to make carried a heavy weight of disappointment, especially for our students who will be graduating soon. We were forced into this situation due to extraordinary circumstances. And we are working on ways to make this time special. These times are challenging—and the pervasive threat posed by COVID-19 is serious—but I am convinced the support we give one another will strengthen our bonds. Again, we will get through this together.
As this week begins, I ask you: please be patient with each other. A remote learning environment will be familiar to many of you, but new to others. I encourage everyone to give each other time and flexibility to adjust. Please keep in mind that our connection to DePaul is but one aspect of a person's life, and everyone is facing other challenges in addition to the demands of school or work.
Thank you for your resilience. In the weeks ahead, I encourage you to make an effort to keep our DePaul community strong.