A Message Of Support
March 27, 2020
Dear Campus Community,
We never dreamed we would be in this position when we started this semester a few months ago. Since then the world has been roiled by fear and unwelcome changes. And you have been tasked with accomplishing the impossible over the past two weeks. However, this past week of experimenting with a paradigm shift in the ways we learn, teach, research and work have made one thing abundantly clear: we will continue to thrive as a campus community.
I know that you are dealing with significant frustrations: frustrations with technology, frustrations with constantly changing information, and frustrations from social isolation. I also mourn alongside each of you whose hard-work and well-laid plans have been derailed by this unparalleled situation. It is critical – now more than ever – that we remember to care of ourselves and one another. That means that we give one another a little extra grace and consideration, the ability to make mistakes, the opportunity to learn, and the freedom to experiment in this new environment. It also means that we never give up on extending our Core Values in our interactions with one another.
I am seeing you all adapt and rise to each challenge with amazing speed and creativity. You are using technology in unexpected ways and aiding in the development of best practices nationally. And while I expect bumps as we continue to navigate this new virtual environment, you have each shown incredible resilience in your preparations.
I have great confidence in our leadership team, who has been working quickly and diligently with university, state and federal officials to respond to this rapidly changing environment and provide answers to the many questions these changes have brought. I know many questions remain and we will communicate those to you with transparency and efficiency. The ongoing impacts to our campus will continue to be communicated to you through our Galveston Campus COVID-19 website, university email and social media.
I can’t thank you enough for everything you have done as you’ve conquered the impossible and moved boldly forward into this new environment.
Gig ‘em!
Michael E. Fossum