Dear UMD Students, Faculty, and Staff:
COVID-19 continues to require us to move quickly, to modify how we conduct our university business, and to change how we live our lives. I recognize that the decisions and actions we have taken as a result of this coronavirus can cause uncertainty, disappointment, frustration, and anxiety. I am feeling it as well. I am also feeling an overwhelming appreciation for our campus community. Appreciation for the students who are being flexible with what the rest of the semester looks like for them. Appreciation for our faculty and staff who are working tirelessly to transform us quickly into a remote learning and services environment where possible, while also focusing on keeping our campus community safe.
I am encouraged by how the UMD campus community has pulled together, supported each other, and found creative ways to get through this unexpected and unprecedented situation. Thank you very much. While we still don’t have all of the answers as things continue to change rapidly, I promise to do my part to provide the appropriate support structures when possible, and I ask for your continued participation, patience, and flexibility.
While campus is operational, our facilities are secured and all campus services are being delivered remotely with the exception of meals for resident students, Champ’s Cupboard, and the mailroom. We have moved our academic offerings and most of our student support and campus operations to a virtual environment.
We are working across the University of Minnesota System and in close contact with System leadership, as I participate in daily video calls with President Gabel’s Emergency Management Policy Team. President Gabel has committed to regular messages (recent ones include March 17; March 16) to the entire System that serve as a primary source of information for you. Please let me know if you have questions about UMD-specific issues. Additional useful information can be found at:
- UMD COVID-19 website
- Systemwide COVID-19 website
- FAQ: General information for students, faculty and staff
I echo President Gabel’s call for kindness and compassion during this difficult time. This is truly a time for us to model our UMD core values of learning, discovery, engagement (in new ways), inclusiveness, sustainability, innovation, integrity, and excellence.
We will get through this together and we will be stronger in the end. Please take care of yourself and be well.
Sincerely,
Lendley C. Black
Chancellor
