Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹

This is an archived communication.  Access the university's current coronavirus information. 

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Dear Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ University Students, Faculty and Staff,

Here’s how the pandemic continues to unroll: A few cases become a dozen cases. A dozen cases quickly become 50 cases, and things take off from there.

I’m not making this up. It is happening right now at Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹. Two weeks ago, 36 members of our Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ community tested positive for COVID-19. This past week, the number rose to 54, and just three days into this week, we’ve already surpassed that number.

Exponential case growth. This is our nation's reality in the days of the delta variant of COVID-19.

We can turn things around by completing the Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ Two-Step.

• Step one: Get vaccinated. This is the single best thing to do to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and to ensure that our semester runs smoothly.
• Step two: Wear a face covering. Wear a face covering when you are indoors and when you are in large crowds outdoors.

That’s it. That’s how we keep COVID-19 at bay, and that’s the recipe for a successful semester at Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹. It really isn’t difficult. It’s just two steps.

Two steps move us toward increased normalcy during the pandemic. Two steps move us through the semester and ensure that all the great things about living and studying on campus continue. Just two steps.

I am privileged to be the president of Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ in so many ways. One of those ways is to work in an office that overlooks the busiest areas on campus: Risman Plaza and Manchester Field. And let me tell you, this fall I am a happy camper because every day I see a steady stream of our great Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ students making their way to and from class. I see them relaxing on the plaza, and I see them studying there as well. In short, I see them experiencing the magic that is life on a college campus.

Let’s keep that magic going. Let’s all do the Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ Two-Step. Get vaccinated and wear a face covering. It isn’t difficult, but it is crucial for the continuance of a semester that is off to a great start.

As I’ve said before, we’ve got this. Flashes Take Care of Flashes, and Flashes do the two-step together.

Sincerely,

Todd Diacon
President