I hope you had a healthy and joyous holiday season. Here at the University of Idaho, we are again gearing up for a semester of productive, in-person classes. Students are returning in advance of classes next Wednesday and, therefore, free COVID-19 testing began this week to ensure a safe return to live instruction. Our innovative and proactive approach in Fall 2020 allowed the Moscow campus to remain open with a COVID-19 positivity rate well below the local, state and regional averages. As we look to replicate that goal this spring, we know it will take all of us working together to ensure the health and safety of the Vandal Family. With the help of everyone living the Healthy Vandal Pledge, weâre confident we can manage the pandemic while providing access to the in-person learning experience our students want and expect. Our efforts proved successful in Fall 2020 as no coronavirus cases were traced back to classrooms. Just like last semester, students must clear COVID-19 protocols before being allowed to attend classes in person. Face coverings and social distancing will remain part of our daily life for some time. Still, COVID-19 will challenge us again this spring until a vaccine is more widely available. As I communicated earlier this week to our students, staff and faculty, we must stay mindful and not let COVID-19 beat us. We have many opportunities to thrive this spring if we stay vigilant and committed to each other. Vandals make great things happen when we set our minds to it. We will tackle the obstacles presented and embrace the opportunities in front of us to succeed as only Vandals can. |