To Our Coral Gables and Marine Campus Faculty and Staff,
The finish-line to another successful in-person semester is coming quickly into view. Our shared commitment to our public-health measures—and to each other—has enabled us to navigate the pandemic while still providing our ’Canes community with an engaging and enriching on-campus experience. We are very grateful to all of you who have contributed so much to making this semester so positive for our students.
The omicron variant, however, serves as a reminder that the pandemic is ongoing. As anticipated, COVID-19 cases are rising in many parts of the country, including here in South Florida, as well as within our University community.
With that in mind, with the holiday season in full swing, and with the wellbeing of our community as our top priority, we are strongly encouraging faculty and staff on the Coral Gables and Marine campuses to do the following:
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Get your booster shot: For those who are vaccinated, it is highly advisable to get a booster shot (six months after your second shot of Moderna or Pfizer, or two months after the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine). And for those who have not yet gotten vaccinated, it’s not too late to do so.
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Mask up: Mask use remains mandatory inside all campus buildings. We ask that every member of our community recommit to this important public-health measure—and to be sure that your mask covers both your nose and mouth.
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Work remotely: We encourage faculty and staff who are able to work remotely to consider doing so through the end of December. To ensure continuity of work, however, you must first talk with your supervisor before making any changes to your current work arrangement. Employees on the Medical Campus should continue to follow existing work modalities and follow guidance issued by Medical Communications.
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Postpone non-essential, in-person gatherings: We strongly encourage postponing any non-essential, in-person gatherings. Or, if a meeting cannot be postponed, to instead hold it virtually, using Zoom or another online platform.
From the outset of this pandemic, safeguarding the health and wellbeing of every member of our ’Canes community has remained our focus. Taking these additional safety measures now not only reduces the risk of transmission within our community, but importantly also better ensures opportunities for each of us to safely gather with family and friends throughout the holidays.
Our thanks to each of you for all you do for the U, and our warmest wishes for a safe, healthy, and happy holiday season.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey L. Duerk, Ph.D.
Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost
Jacqueline A. Travisano, Ed.D.
Executive Vice President for Business and Finance and Chief Operating Officer |
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