Gratitude and Appreciation; Have a Great Semester Break

 

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff, Congratulations on completing such a challenging and unique fall semester. Finals are done, campus is quiet, and my heart is filled with gratitude. Thank you - I simply cannot say it enough. I appreciate each of you and your efforts to keep our campus community safe and moving forward. Please take a minute to watch and listen to this winter break video message, which perfectly and poetically describes this last year.

I’d like to give a special thanks to members of the UMD figure skating club for helping with this video, Lisa Johnson from KUMD for the voiceover, and David Cowardin for the poem and video production.  As well, I’d like to thank our faculty and staff who donated 302 pounds of food for Champ's Cupboard and $409 for the Union Gospel Mission during our end of the semester boxed-lunch event on December 8.  Spring Semester Updates Spring semester will start as planned on January 13. More information for those new and returning students living on campus will be shared in early January. In the meantime, we expect that the spring semester will be very similar to fall. Seats in classrooms will continue to be 6 feet apart, and masks will continue to be required indoors and required outdoors whenever physical distancing cannot be maintained. Our faculty have determined how their classes will be offered: remotely, online, in-person, or blended. Instruction and learning continues and we are leaning in to the best methods and tools available. COVID-19 Update We had positive cases of COVID on campus in 2020. But, through the dedication and collegiality of each of you, we had no major outbreaks and were able to complete our semester as planned. COVID-19 testing remains an important part of our health safety plan, and there are many options available to you during the break. We encourage anyone who feels they need a test to get one, in addition to continuing to practice physical distancing and wearing a face covering. There are more than 250 community test sites across the state.  Last Tuesday, the first approved COVID-19 vaccine was administered in Minnesota. A University team of public health, medical, and other experts is hard at work collaborating with the Minnesota Department of Health to prepare for vaccine access for members of our campus community. Dr. David Worley, Director of UMD Health Services, is leading efforts locally. This process will rely on a phased approach based on risk factors that will take some months to implement. We will share more information when it’s available, likely during the first quarter of 2021. As we look forward to the vaccine being widely available and feel hopeful anticipation, we also know that many are still very much affected by the pandemic. We extend our support and our gratitude to all who work on the frontlines, including our employees who keep our buildings, grounds, and other services running.  Please, take some time to relax and unwind over the break. This has been an unpredictable and stressful year. There were times when we were all pushed to our limits, yet in true UMD fashion, we persevered. We have many accomplishments to be proud of. I am thankful for each of you and I am looking forward to a new year. See you in 2021! Sincerely, Lendley C. Black Chancellor

Update on Operations During Adverse Winter Weather

 Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,

Although the seasonal weather has been mild and hopefully enjoyable thus far, this is a quick note about how we intend to operate during any adverse winter weather events between now and the start of the semester.

If we have inclement weather between now and the start of the spring semester on January 13, we will continue to conduct our operations remotely given almost all of our work and classes are already doing so. As normal, any adjustments to this will be communicated through SAFE-U notifications as needed.

There are individuals on this campus (deemed “essential workers” from a campus continuity standpoint) who support our base infrastructure and must report to campus for work, even on days when everything else is closed. To these individuals, thank you. I am very grateful for your commitment and for the work you do.

Students - Your faculty member will be in contact with you directly if there is a change to one of your classes or finals during this period.

Faculty and Staff - Your supervisor will be in contact with you if there are any specific instructions for you and your work. Those who are working remotely may need to take time to accommodate caregiving roles and supervisors are asked to be flexible when possible. Your HR departmental liaison can address questions you may have with time and absence management and compensation related questions.

Our approach to this matter may change when the spring semester starts as there is more activity on campus.

Sincerely,


Lendley C. Black
Chancellor

UMD's Annual Community Giving Campaign

 Dear Colleagues and Friends,

I am writing to ask you to consider making a gift as part of UMD's Annual Community Giving Campaign to help meet important needs in our communities.

Each year the Duluth community unites to help our neighbors needing assistance. In addition, we support environmental and arts organizations, as well as many other non-profit organizations that have a significant impact on our quality of life in the Twin Ports area.

This year, the opportunity for you to make a significant difference is especially great. Hunger, homelessness, and poverty rates are soaring. The pandemic is exacerbating inequities. Our healthcare systems are stressed, and many arts organizations have been unable to operate for months.

No matter which causes call to you the most, they all would greatly benefit from our help to get through these challenging times. I am asking you to join me in making a gift through this year's giving campaign to help others in our community.

Learn more about the participating charities by accessing the UMD Community Campaign materials and make a pledge to support the causes you care about at https://www.ipledgeonline.org/_uofmduluth

If you have any questions about the UMD Community Giving Campaign, please contact Wendy Larrivy at (218) 726-7507 or wlarrivy@d.umn.edu.

Your gift/pledge in any size will make a significant difference. You can help by Continuing Our Tradition of Giving.

Sincerely,

Lendley Black
Chancellor

COVID Updates and Native American Heritage Month

 Dear students, faculty, and staff,

As we near Thanksgiving break, we reach another turning point in the semester. In addition, positive cases of COVID-19 continue to rise and put unprecedented demands on our healthcare systems. I urge each of you to continue to take measures to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

COVID-Related Updates

As noted in today’s email from University of Minnesota System President Joan Gabel, learning and research will continue under Governor Walz’s updated COVID restrictions. As planned, our fall semester in-person instruction will conclude on Wednesday, November 25. Classes that were in-person or blended will resume via remote learning on November 30 (unless otherwise approved). Please contact your instructor if you have specific questions about your course. 

With the current COVID precautions, we will implement some further adjustments to our campus operations. 

• We ask all of you to stay at home as much as possible and limit your movement and interactions with others. 
• The library will close and change to mail delivery or pick-up service of materials through the Darland mailroom starting this Saturday. Watch the library website for more information. 
• Housing exterior doors will remain locked 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, starting on November 26 and extending through the remainder of the fall semester and winter break. Housing and Residence Life will move back to step one of the Sunrise plan effective Sunday, November 29, with one exception. During the duration of the current pause under the Governor’s executive order, step one will not include indoor recreational facilities.
• RSOP programming and facilities (including the fitness center, gym, and pool) will be closed for use at the end of Friday, tentatively reopening January 4. The Rental Center (for outdoor recreational equipment) will remain open for curbside pickup. We encourage you to stay active and healthy on your own, to include taking advantage of RSOP’s virtual offerings.
• Children's Place on campus remains open and is compliant with the Governor’s current orders. Preschool in the Park (Chester) remains closed (and has been since early fall).
• Tweed Museum of Art is closed and Glensheen Mansion will close starting Saturday.

Also, just a brief reminder that COVID testing is available through your healthcare provider, community testing sites, UMD Health Services (for UMD students, by appointment), and through our mail-in saliva testing program. The mail-in saliva tests must be requested by December 17. 

Honoring Native American Heritage Month

November is Native American Heritage Month, and we acknowledge that the University of Minnesota Duluth is built on the traditional, ancestral, and contemporary lands of Indigenous peoples. It is important to acknowledge the peoples on whose land we live, learn, and work as we seek to improve and strengthen relations with the tribal nations of Minnesota. Through a collaborative effort and with endorsement by the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council, we are pleased to share our land acknowledgment. 

I also want to recognize and thank our Native American students, faculty, staff, and community members for their many contributions to the University. We will continue to meet, collaborate, and consult to ensure that we are increasing access to all aspects of higher education for our Native American students, staff, faculty, and community members and fulfilling our mission to serve all people of Minnesota.

Thank you for your continued support of UMD and to all members of our campus community. 

Sincerely,

Lendley C. Black
Chancellor

Invitation to Participate in Post-Election Forum

 

Offices of the EVCAA & VC Student Life

Dear Students, Staff and Faculty: To help us reach across political differences, engage in meaningful dialogue, and move forward collectively, the University of Minnesota Twin Cities is hosting forums for all five system campuses. The forums are open to our students, staff and faculty. These With Malice Toward None gatherings are developed by the nonprofit and nonpartisan Braver Angels organization. There will be two stages and opportunities for engagement. In the first stage, groups of people who feel similarly about the presidential election will discuss how they want to engage with those who feel differently. In the second stage, groups of people who hold differing political views about the presidential election will come together to better understand each other, find common ground, and in the words of Braver Angels, “build the capacity of we-the-people to depolarize our politics and forge a new citizenship.”  Please note that these forums are not meant to obscure strong political differences or encourage people to support a particular candidate or party. Instead, they aim to advance dialogue, encourage respect for others, and build connections for civic work across differences. We invite you to register for the initial gathering with people who feel similarly about the presidential election. You can select to join either a large University-hosted gathering or conduct a small self-hosted gathering. Bill Doherty, a professor in the College of Education and Human Development on the Twin Cities campus, will facilitate the gatherings and is a co-founder of Braver Angels. If you are uncertain how they feel about the election, please participate in the group with which you most align.  After participating in the first forum, you can decide whether to sign up for a second gathering with those who feel differently about the election. The initial sessions will be held at the following times: Generally Pleased November 16, 7-8:30 p.m. November 19, 2-3:30 p.m.   Generally Displeased November 17, 3:30-5 p.m. November 19, 7-8:30 p.m. If you are unable to make these forums, but would like to participate in future Braver Angels interactions, please review the Braver Angels Minnesota website. If you have further questions, please contact the Twin Cities Office for Student Affairs at osaum@umn.edu. Sincerely,   Fernado Delgado, Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Lisa Erwin, Vice Chancellor for Student Life and Dean of Students

Upcoming Thanksgiving and Semester Break

 Dear Campus Community,  

Two weeks from today is the final day on campus this semester for many of our students, because after Thanksgiving we will conduct most of the remaining fall semester through online and remote learning. 

Over the Thanksgiving break, please remember that community spread is most likely to happen where people gather in groups—both large and small. Protect yourself and others by wearing a mask and staying six feet apart. The Minnesota Department of Health also suggests that two weeks before a gathering, individuals scale back their activities in an effort to help reduce exposure to and spread of COVID-19. 

Positive cases of COVID-19 continue to rise across Minnesota and stress our healthcare system. Governor Walz announced new restrictions yesterday. These restrictions are a reminder of how serious the pandemic is and what each of us can do to stay safe and slow the spread of COVID-19. 

Work from Home
Consistent with many other large employers and the State of Minnesota, we are now asking staff and faculty who can work from home to continue to do so through at least June 30, 2021. We want to empower you all to make plans that support your families while maintaining a smaller number of people on campus. We will continue the individual office sunrise plans established this summer and fall, and will make adjustments if circumstances change. Please talk to your supervisor if you have questions. The Office of Human Resources also has support resources listed on its Working Remotely webpage. 

Upcoming Semester Break
As we continue working under our sunrise plans and COVID-19 restrictions, it is important to have vacation plans for the holidays. This year, the period from Wednesday, December 23, 2020 until Monday, January 4, 2021, includes 5 campus holidays, 4 weekend days and 3 regular work days. Wherever possible, departments are encouraged to allow staff to have the 12 consecutive days off, by utilizing 3 days of vacation, regardless of whether staff are working from campus or remotely. As in past years, this decision is entirely voluntary for both employees and departments, but strongly encouraged for sustainability reasons. We recognize and are grateful for dedicated employees that do not have this option. 
    
As in recent years, this break provides an opportunity for the campus to reduce energy costs and prove its commitment to sustainability. To reduce energy consumption and our campus carbon footprint, UMD will operate campus buildings at temperatures lower than usual (62 degrees F) with limited ventilation during this Dec 23 - Jan 3 timeframe. If you have an adjustable thermostat in your office, you are asked to turn down the temperature to 62 degrees, but no lower than 60 degrees.
    
Facilities Management intends to provide minimal staffing, dependent on campus needs. Please contact Facilities Management at facmgt@d.umn.edu if you have events planned that will require our custodial (staff and/or door opening) services during this period. In order to meet your needs, please contact them as soon as possible. 
    
Thank you for your continued support of UMD. 
    
Sincerely,

Lendley C. Black
Chancellor 

Sieur du Lhut Creativity Conference - November 18, 2020

 

Please join us for the 2020 Sieur du Lhut Creativity Conference. Dr. Jayshree Seth is a Corporate Scientist at 3M and holds 70 patents. She was appointed 3M’s first ever Chief Science Advocate in 2018 and is using her scientific knowledge, technical expertise and professional experience to advocate for science. She has a PhD in Chemical Engineering from Clarkson University, NY and was recently awarded Society of Women Engineers (SWE) highest Achievement Award for “visionary, sustainability-focused contributions to adhesives, release and fastener technologies; for creating, championing, and teaching new methodologies for product and technology development; and for deeply influential STEM advocacy.” She is also the author of The Heart of Science – Engineering Footprints, Fingerprints, & Imprints, the proceeds of which go to a SWE Scholarship for Women of Color in STEM. Dr. Robert Livingston is a social psychologist and one of the nation’s leading experts on the science underlying bias and racism. For two decades, he has served as a diversity consultant to scores of Fortune 500 companies, public-sector agencies, and non-profit organizations. Prior to joining the Harvard Kennedy School in 2015, he held professorships at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, and  the University of Sussex, where he was the founder and faculty director of Centre for Leadership, Ethics, and Diversity (LEAD). He is the author of the forthcoming book The Conversation: How Seeking and Speaking the Truth about Racism Can Radically Transform Individuals and Organizations, which will be published by Penguin Random House in February 2021.   Register Here Generous support for this conference provided by the Richard Paul Teske Sieur du Lhut Conference fund with coordination from the Research, Scholarship & Creative Activities subcommittee and my office. We hope that you can join us. Sincerely, Lendley C. Black Chancellor

Election Day Tomorrow

 Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,

Tomorrow is Election Day, although it may be more appropriate to say that tomorrow marks the end of the voting season. Here in Minnesota, we have a proud tradition of voting, which Governor Walz, Governor Dayton, Governor Pawlenty, and Governor Ventura recently together affirmed. They stressed that the 2020 election is critically important and I know we all agree.

Over the past few years, the number of U of M students, faculty, and staff who vote by mail or go to an early voting location has more than doubled. Since the time for mailing ballots has passed, you should drop off your ballot at Duluth City Hall. Ballots must be received by 3:00 p.m. on Election Day. You may also drop off a ballot for up to three others at these locations. Please review the requirements carefully if you choose this option.

Minnesota also provides same-day voting registration for those not registered already. In 2016, nearly 12 percent of Minnesota voters registered to vote on Election Day, and over recent preceding presidential cycles (2000, 2004, 2008, 2012), it neared and exceeded 20 percent. Same-day voting registration applies to students with US citizenship as well: UMD students living in Minnesota meet the residency requirements necessary to register and vote.

If you need to register tomorrow, remember to bring a Minnesota ID to your polling location that shows the correct address for the precinct where you are voting. You can also bring an outdated driver’s license or your Ucard along with a utility bill, lease, or banking statement showing your current address to prove residency. If you have already registered, you do not need to bring anything with you to vote.

No matter what you believe or who you support, it’s important for your voice to be heard and to make your vote count. If you have not yet cast your ballot, I urge you to do so tomorrow.

On this eve of our national election and as we transition from fall to winter, I want to thank you for your outstanding work to keep UMD strong. Amidst the many challenges of the past seven and a half months, I appreciate the incredibly hard work you have done to maintain a safe and effective learning environment at UMD with continued focus on excellence in teaching, research, creativity, and public engagement. Our authentic connections throughout UMD in academics, student life, finance, and operations remain a hallmark of a UMD education. As we continue to work together, we are well positioned to surmount the challenges we face and to move UMD forward to new heights.

Be healthy, safe, well – and vote!

Sincerely,


Lendley C. Black
Chancellor

Reminder to Apply for the Sexual Misconduct Hearing Committee

 Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,

About 10 days ago, the University community was sent an email asking interested individuals to consider service on the Sexual Misconduct Hearing Committee (SMHC). The SMHC is the University’s systemwide hearing body to consider complaints of sexual misconduct involving students, staff, and faculty in accordance with the University’s Administrative Policy on Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault, Stalking, and Relationship Violence. The SMHC performs a critical function at the University, and we seek thoughtful, deliberative community members to hear these important matters.  

As this committee is systemwide, I am asking for UMD students, staff, and faculty to please consider applying so the SMHC will have adequate representation from our campus.

Please review the SMHC Selection Process and Criteria for more information and apply by Sunday, November 1, 2020, using the SMHC Application. Questions can be directed to smhc@umn.edu.

Thank you.


Lendley C. Black
Chancellor

End of Semester Buffet

 Dear Faculty and Staff,

Since we can't meet in person for our annual faculty and staff end of semester buffet, please enjoy a boxed lunch instead! Pick up will be on campus on Tuesday, December 8 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm in the bus hub. Please fill out this form no later than noon on Tuesday, December 1 to ensure we have your order.

If you would like to donate a non-perishable food item to Champ's Cupboard or Chum, or a cash donation to the Union Gospel Mission, we will collect those at the same time.

If you have questions, contact Carlee Williams at cwillia1@d.umn.edu or 218-726-7005.

Thank you and be well,

Lendley C. Black
Chancellor 

UMD's 125th Celebration

 

Good morning UMD friends and alumni,   On April 2, 2020, the University of Minnesota Duluth officially turned 125 years old. Our plans to celebrate UMD's 125th anniversary have changed due to the current circumstances surrounding COVID-19. Our homecoming activities have also gone virtual.     We have so much to celebrate! Please take a few minutes to watch this video message from me, as well as this one from a few of our fantastic alumni throughout the years.   We hope that we will be able to resume in-person events very soon. In the meantime, take care and Go Bulldogs! Sincerely, Lendley C. Black Chancellor

Update on UMD Budget

 Dear Colleagues,

I am writing today to keep you informed about budget discussions that are occurring. Over the past few days, the Vice Chancellors and I have had conversations with President Joan Gabel, Senior Vice President for Finance and Operations Myron Frans, and Budget Director Julie Tonneson regarding UMD’s budget. We are thankful for the continued support and collaboration with system leadership. COVID-relief funding has helped fill some budget gaps caused by the pandemic. As well, President Gabel allocated $2.5 million in additional recurring funding this fiscal year to help offset the decrease in tuition and other revenues we experienced last year. However, COVID-19 and enrollment declines this fall have once again created significant budgetary constraints for UMD, especially in the operations and maintenance (O&M) portion of our budget.  

The major source of O&M revenues is student tuition. Prior to COVID-19, we were tracking fall 2020 tuition revenues to provide a virtually balanced budget for this fiscal year. The hard work we did last year to reduce our O&M expenses by about $5.1 million, combined with a projected strong fall 2020 enrollment, would have put us in the best financial position we have been in for many years. However, because of COVID-19 and the associated enrollment decline in first-year and returning students, our tuition revenues are approximately $4.8 million below the budgeted tuition revenue for this fiscal year. In important ways, this gap will carry over into next year as we endeavor to meet student enrollment targets for the 2021-2022 academic year.

Over the next few weeks, we will be developing plans to address budget shortfalls in all areas by examining the positions of people taking the Retirement Incentive Option and currently vacant positions. We will also be developing additional strategies that might include eliminating or reducing additional positions and cuts to operating budgets. 

I know that budget reductions are difficult, especially given the work that was previously done to balance our budget and this unexpected COVID impact. While we have difficult decisions ahead, our work is important, our mission is critical, and I am regularly impressed with how our campus community demonstrates an ongoing dedication to ensuring student success.

On a related note, you received an email today from President Gabel announcing that pending Governor Walz’ approval, the Minnesota Legislature passed a bonding bill in a special session this week. I am extremely grateful to our strong local legislative delegation for their support and leadership. We have spent several years advocating for these projects at the Capitol and it is wonderful to see that come to fruition. This capital investment from the state will provide UMD with much needed one-time funding to make upgrades to AB Anderson Hall and other campus facilities. 

Thank you. I will keep you updated as more information becomes available.

Sincerely,

Lendley C. Black
Chancellor

Diversity, Inclusion, and Managing Bias Training

 Dear Faculty and Staff,

UMD has partnered with EVERFI to provide critical education and training to our faculty and staff members. As part of our comprehensive training program, you will be invited to complete two training modules:

• Diversity: Inclusion in the Modern Workplace
• Managing Bias

These modules are a baseline training as part of our educational training plan. 

I am committed to taking impactful and measurable actions to provide a safe and welcoming campus for all. Earlier this summer I introduced seven diversity and inclusion action steps to serve as priorities for campus this academic year. This training relates to action item 2. 

You will receive an email invitation and information about the modules by October 14. We ask that you complete the training by December 31, 2020.

Thank you for your commitment to Goal 2 of the UMD Strategic Plan to “advance equity, diversity, inclusiveness, and social justice within the campus community.” 

Sincerely,


Lendley C. Black
Chancellor 

COVID and Academic Schedule Updates

 Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,

I hope your semester is going well and you’ve had a chance to enjoy the beautiful fall colors. I have a few updates to share with you. 

Academic Schedule
It always seems like each semester goes by so quickly. As a reminder, starting with Thanksgiving on November 26, with limited approved exceptions, all instruction through the end of the fall semester will move to online and remote formats. Please contact your instructor if you have specific questions about your class. 

We continue to prepare and plan for the upcoming spring semester, which will start as scheduled on January 13, 2021. However, we will alter the spring break schedule. Spring break was previously scheduled for March 8-12. As you know, the pandemic has changed how we interact with others and we must take extra precautions such as limiting our exposure and travel. We will maintain the same number of days off throughout the semester, allowing critical breaks to help students navigate a demanding academic schedule, but change how those days are allocated. We will maintain the first two days of spring break as scheduled and not have classes on Monday, March 8 or Tuesday, March 9. Then, instruction will resume on Wednesday, March 10. Classes will end three days earlier, on April 27, and we will add three “study days” without classes April 28-30 prior to final exam week beginning May 3. 

COVID-19 
Regarding COVID-19, dealing with the challenges of this pandemic continues to be stressful and filled with uncertainty and anxiety. On top of that, the polarizing political environment mixed with the anguish and rage spotlighting racism across the country are enough to overwhelm anyone. I want to say that if you are feeling the physical, mental, and spiritual exhaustion of this time, I am there with you. I understand and I urge you to look for self-care opportunities and allow yourself space to step back to help ease the burdens. I am continuously inspired by our courageous and dedicated campus community. Thank you. We will get through this together. 

While we are here to support each other and get through this pandemic, we have to be mindful of how our actions impact each other. I urge you to recommit to our shared responsibility to stop the spread of COVID-19. Monitor your health closely, practice physical distancing at all times, wash your hands, and properly wear your face covering. The positive COVID cases in our region continue to climb. Our COVID dashboard has been updated to reflect Minnesota Department of Health data for all (self-reported) cases associated with UMD. 

When we all work together and comply with the health and safety regulations, both on and off campus, we are able to help slow and stop the spread of this virus. Over the last week, I’ve received reports that compliance with the face covering requirement on campus has deteriorated. We have heard very strongly from students that being back on campus and having access to campus services is important - if we are not able to prevent the spread of the virus through wearing face coverings while indoors and keeping physically distant, the necessity of moving all instruction and most campus services online becomes real.

On Monday, University of Minnesota System President Joan Gabel announced a new COVID-19 testing resource, in partnership with the State of Minnesota. The student component of this program will go to the Board of Regents for approval this week. Further information about how the program works and how to access your mail-in saliva test will follow. 

As always, you can find more information about COVID-19 on our safe campus website. 

2020 Vote
Do you have your vote plan ready for the election this year? The University of Minnesota Duluth has historically been one of the nation’s top universities in voter turnout. With the election just weeks away, every individual should have a vote plan in place to make sure that your voice is heard. Click here for voting resources. 

Thanks for your continued commitment to UMD. 

Sincerely,

Lendley C. Black
Chancellor

UMD's 125th Celebration

 Good morning Bulldogs,

Our plan to celebrate UMD's 125th birthday with you on April 2 was derailed by the pandemic. We then pivoted and planned to celebrate with you today, on UMD's 125 1/2 birthday. However, given the continued pandemic and limitations to large in-person gatherings, we won't be getting together today either. Instead, I'd like to share with you this short video and this great collection of stories to commemorate UMD's 125 successful years.

We have so much to be thankful for since our humble beginnings in 1895. I'm proud of all that we have accomplished and all that is yet to come.

Have a restful weekend and be well.

Lendley "Lynn" Black
Chancellor

Updates from Chancellor Black

 Dear Faculty and Staff,

As we progress through the third week of the semester, I appreciate the new ways in which you are working and connecting. I am grateful for your continued commitment to safety and quality as we work through the Maroon and Gold Sunrise plan.

Last week and throughout the weekend residential students moved into the residence halls. Take a few minutes to watch this move-in video to see and hear from our new students.

On Tuesday, we held our annual Faculty & Staff Welcome event in a new virtual format. If you were not able to attend, you can view a recording of the event online. Along with addressing the questions submitted by members of the campus community, my remarks include gratitude for all of the hard work you have all put in to get us to this point, an overview of COVID-19 health and safety measures, a continued emphasis and commitment to Goal 2 and our diversity and inclusion action items, a budget and enrollment update, and sharing just a sampling of accomplishments from the last year. We have so much to be proud of.

While we are still at the start of the Fall semester, I will note that we have continued conversations and preparations for Spring semester. At this point, we are planning to begin instruction as currently scheduled on January 13 and faculty are working on their instructional modality plans. We are planning to use the same four instructional modality options in use this semester. There are systemwide discussions about whether or not to have a spring break next semester. We anticipate that each campus will make its own decision, and I will keep you informed if there is any change in our spring break schedule.

As always, please continue to watch the Safe Campus COVID website for updates and information. The faculty and staff page has tools and resources to help you navigate questions about face coverings, testing, and other pandemic related matters.

Thank you and stay well.

Sincerely,

Lendley C. Black
Chancellor

Reminder: Chancellor's Welcome for All Staff and Faculty, Tuesday, September 15, 2020

 Dear Faculty and Staff,

This is a reminder to please join me virtually tomorrow for our annual faculty and staff welcome.

Tuesday, September 15
3:00 - 4:00 p.m.

The Zoom link can be found here. We will also post the recording on the website afterwards.

 
Thank you,

Lendley C. Black
Chancellor 

NOTE: if you would like to view the ASL Interpreters, there is a dedicated site at z.umn.edu/interpreterview. It will require a second device.

New Date: Chancellor's Welcome for All Staff and Faculty, Tuesday, September 15, 2020

 Dear Faculty and Staff,

Please save the new date to join me virtually on Tuesday, September 15 from 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. for our annual faculty and staff welcome. The timing will conflict with some classes, but please tune in when you can. We'll also post the recording here afterwards.

If you have any new or unanswered questions, please submit those on this Google form by noon on Friday, September 11.
 
Thank you and stay well.

Lendley C. Black
Chancellor 

News from UMD and this month’s Bulldog Update

 Dear Bulldog parents and family members -

As you may already have heard, Chancellor Black announced UMD’s Maroon and Gold Sunrise plan today. This plan adds to existing Fall 2020 plans and specifically addresses how we will welcome undergraduate students back to our residence halls. It also includes a September 14 return to face-to-face and blended instruction, in addition to the online and remote teaching currently in place.

• Chancellor Black’s email to all students, faculty, and staff
• UMD Maroon and Gold Sunrise plan

UMD Housing and Residence Life will be following up very soon with students who live on campus, providing information about move-in and other logistics. Our UMD Safe Campus website will continue to be updated, so please be sure to bookmark this site and check it if you have questions.

Here are your updates with regard to the Bulldog Update: Parent and Family Edition.

• The September edition is available at this link!
• As a reminder, archived newsletters and parent communications are available to you in a public Google folder.

If you have an idea for a future article for the newsletter, please submit it to vcsl@d.umn.edu. We received one idea for an article that we’re lining up for our October edition!

Wishing you and your family good health and success for your Bulldog this fall!

Sincerely

Lisa Ann Erwin, PhD
Vice Chancellor for Student Life
  and Dean of Students
University of Minnesota Duluth
(218) 726-8501