Dear Coral Gables and Marine Campus (non-UHealth) Colleagues:

Two weeks ago, we welcomed students back to classes virtually, as our academic health system ramped up for a surge in demand due to COVID-19. Since then, we have adapted to a new reality. The days are long and the statistics sobering, yet our commitment to the University of Miami and UHealth—and to each other—has never been more apparent.

Last week, I was delighted to hear directly from so many in the community as we addressed some of the challenges ahead during our first virtual town hall meetings. The pandemic with which the world is grappling has serious short- and long-term implications, and it is vital to keep our lines of communication open.

Our first order of business has been to face, head on, the implications of the health crisis. Our priority remains your health and safety, as UHealth engages in saving lives with every resource at our disposal.

We do not yet know exactly what the long-term implications of this pandemic will look like, but we do know that the disruption wrought by COVID-19 is having a dramatic impact on the economy. If we are to fulfill our sacred mission in today’s highly uncertain economic environment, we must acknowledge that the implications of the pandemic will also be financial.

The Finance Committee of the Board of Trustees met on Friday. We are looking at all possible scenarios and taking steps to mitigate the financial impact of COVID-19. There are steps that we must take now, and there may be additional steps in the future. You will receive more detailed communications from Provost Jeffrey Duerk and COO Jackie Travisano this week outlining the specific expense reduction measures we will be taking.

We remain committed to our mission of education, research, innovation, and service—and the most important element in carrying out that mission is our people. Thank you for all the ways you are living our values in these unprecedented times.

Continue to stay safe, care for your loved ones, and focus on our shared mission. Our resilience will carry us through anything that lies ahead.

In ’Cane Spirit,