December 30, 2020
I hope that the Christmas break has afforded you an opportunity to spend some time relaxing and recuperating after the intensity of fall semester, and hopefully a chance to spend time with friends and loved ones as well.
I am very impressed by the many ways everyone worked to keep themselves, and each other, healthy and supporting our efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19 this past fall. Everyone worked hard at consistently wearing masks, adapting to new physical distancing requirements, participating in our COVID-19 testing, and keeping gatherings small. This enabled us to keep going despite the challenges and, ultimately, successfully complete the fall semester.
Unfortunately, the viral contagion that is this pandemic continues to rage across our country and around the world. Many of you have family members or friends who have been affected by COVID-19; some of you currently work as healthcare providers, or have family members who do. To all of you who have been directly impacted by this virus, or have lost a loved one or a patient to COVID-19, my heart and prayers go out to you, and my support for you also.
With the recent emergency approval of vaccines, there is hope on the horizon. We at GU are working with the local and state health authorities to determine when the vaccine might become available for our community, but it is clear that our health care workers, first responders, and the most vulnerable must be protected first. It will be some time before the vaccine is more widely distributed. In the meantime, we’ve got to continue doing everything we can to limit the spread of COVID-19 at GU and limit the chance of an outbreak.
Before you know it, the Spring semester will be upon us. In anticipation of resuming instructional and on-campus activities, we have updated the Arrival and Return to Campus Guide for Graduate Students, which is attached for your reference.
I also encourage you to check out our ZagOn 2021 website, which has been updated for Spring with revised information and resources we hope will be helpful to you.
In the meantime, continue to enjoy what remains of the holiday break, and know that I wish you the very best for a New Year 2021 filled with many blessings. Keep Calm, and Zag On!
Thayne M. McCulloh, D.Phil.
President