Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,
Welcome to the first full week of this spring semester.
We are just short of a year since our lives changed, with many classes converted to a remote format, and we have lost much of that face-to-face contact that we had taken for granted. Considering all we have been through; I am excited and grateful to welcome you back to classes in one form or another. Whether you are finishing your last semester or beginning your first on our Trumbull Campus, you are part of a family. Over the last year, we have strengthened our ability to connect with you virtually. We have reinforced our safety net to ensure you can take advantage of free tutoring, free mental health counseling, library guidance, technical support, and many of the other needs you might have experienced along the way.
I want you to take full advantage of everything we have to offer. In return, I hope you can lend a hand or an ear to other students who may be struggling. I am reminded of a quote by Foo Fighters frontman and Warren native Dave Grohl, who once said, “Always have the highest bar for yourself. Wake up every day and … want to change something for the better. Do something that makes someone happy. Create something that inspires someone. Be someone's light when they are hopeless.” Let’s all make the most of this spring semester and together we can be that light for each other.
And as we move forward and we see the light at the end of the tunnel, I encourage everyone to continue practicing Flashes Safe Seven. As President Diacon said, “Keep your guard up and continue to behave in ways that will limit the spread of the virus. Always wear a face covering. Avoid gatherings. Don’t be that last person to contract COVID-19 before vaccinations arrive. Don’t behave as though we are in the clear – we are far from it. Please continue to take care of one another and continue to practice patience and empathy as we confront this virus together.”
I want to make sure we all get through these next few months healthy and safe. I also want you to look back and reflect on your success and resilience. Please don’t hesitate to reach out and let us help. I wish you much success.
Stay safe and as always, go Flashes!
Daniel E. Palmer, Ph.D.
Interim Dean and Chief Administrative Officer
ɫҹ University at Trumbull