Dear Colleagues,
We are deeply appreciative for all that you have done these challenging past months in support of students, each other, and the University of Puget Sound. We now eagerly look forward to the start of the spring semester and arrival of about 900 students to our residence halls, as well as the hundreds of students who will live off campus.
Many staff members whose positions require it have continued to work on campus since last March, as have faculty and instructional and Athletics’ personnel who have worked with students in curricular and co-curricular pursuits. Beginning this month, more of our staff members and many of our faculty members will be returning to campus as well. As of now, those who can work remotely while meeting student and university needs are advised to continue to do so (especially those at higher risk of contracting the virus). Managing the density of people on campus continues to be an important component in mitigating the spread of the virus.
Returning to work on campus
While there is no specific date by which we all will return to campus, we do want to be thoughtful about making sure we are doing the best we can to support student success within public health guidelines. To that end, over the course of the spring semester we will make plans for our campus community to more fully return to campus following public health guidelines.
This return to campus will begin with the university’s student-facing offices. Before students resume activities in person on January 25 (the first week of classes will be conducted remotely and students will quarantine), it is important that students know how to access the services that are critical to their success.
Cabinet members will be reaching out to the department heads of student-facing areas to learn more about each area’s plans for serving our students during the semester. We will compile this information and make it available to campus community members. Please consider the following:
Please look for more information from your area vice president or respective department heads as we work together to ensure a successful spring semester.
Be well,
Laura and Sherry
Laura L. Behling, Ph.D. | Provost
Sherry B. Mondou | Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer