To the University of Alberta community:
As the province, city and country continue to escalate efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19, the University of Alberta is responding as quickly as possible to protect the health and well-being of faculty, staff, students, and visitors. In addition we, as a community, are working hard to address unprecedented financial challenges. We are in uncharted territory and all of this is a true test of our community’s flexibility, ingenuity and resourcefulness.
Over the weekend, I have received many messages commending your work and the university community’s quick response to the COVID-19 crisis. I know many people have been working long hours, and taking on challenges well beyond the scope of their normal work. Your extraordinary efforts are much appreciated.
As we continue the transition to remote instruction, move to working remotely, deal with the impacts of K-12 school closures, and respond to new public health directives introduced daily, I want to thank everyone for their efforts. Moving all in-person instruction to remote delivery is no small request. Thank you for acting quickly, finding solutions, supporting and helping each other, and exercising patience and compassion.
I also want to thank all faculty and staff, instructors, chairs, unit heads, directors, deans and others who are making challenging decisions with limited information, and against a backdrop of constant flux. Changes of this magnitude, and at this pace, invariably come with gaps and oversights. We are learning as we go and I ask you to provide support to your students, colleagues, and friends when you can. In times like these, patience, understanding, and mutual support for those around us are essential.
I know that there are still many outstanding questions about how these changes and transitions will work. We will continue to keep you informed and apprised of the situation through the U of A COVID-19 website, and with additional emails as needed. Please also watch for specific details from your deans, directors, and other senior leaders.
Thank you,
David H. Turpin
President and Vice-Chancellor