October 1, 2020
 

Dear Students,

As President Frenk shared in his video message yesterday, we are extremely proud of all of you for cooperating with our guidelines and working together to keep our campus community healthy and safe as we approach the midpoint of the semester.

We are especially grateful to our Public Health Ambassadors, Student Government, and all of our student leaders who have continued to serve as role models on our campus and in the community. I also extend a special thank you to the countless student employees who have worked side-by-side with professional staff to maintain our campus operations throughout these challenging times.

It is because of our collective commitment to our own well-being and the well-being of others that we have been able to limit the spread of the coronavirus among our campus community so far. With just seven weeks remaining in our on-campus portion of the semester, we cannot let our guard down now.

It is important to keep in mind that even as state and local agencies change directives for re-opening businesses and schools, we will maintain our guidelines and policies that have proven to be successful thus far. Therefore, the use of face coverings, physical distancing, the daily symptom checker, mandatory testing for all students, the 11 p.m. campus curfew, and the required flu vaccination will remain in place.

As you look ahead to the second half of the semester, I encourage you to continue taking advantage of the many outdoor events and virtual programming opportunities hosted by various student organizations and campus departments. Additionally, I hope places like the Herbert Wellness Center, Richter Library, and other areas of campus continue to provide you with the spaces you need to be successful. Late-night dining in the dining halls also been a welcomed addition for our resident students.

To our students attending classes remotely, I hope that you have been able to excel in your studies while remaining connected to your campus involvements and other extracurricular pursuits. We know you are looking forward to returning to campus soon, and we are excited to welcome you back once you are comfortable doing so.

Again, thank you to everyone for showing that when ’Canes Care for ’Canes, we can rise to meet any challenge before us. I wish you good luck on your midterms and know that we are here to support your continued success as a Miami Hurricane.

Be well,


Dr. Patricia A. Whitely
Vice President for Student Affairs