Aug. 7, 2020
Dear Colleagues,
The chancellor, myself, the provost and other leaders have sent a number of messages recently with extensive information about our return to campus this fall.
Today, I wanted to take a step back and thank you for all you’ve done and all that you’ll accomplish in the weeks to come. I’m grateful for your hard work and flexibility confronting a variety of issues new and old. Each day, I’m amazed by your ability to solve problems and meet the challenges ahead.Â
As we welcome students back to campus in the coming days, we will be navigating uncharted waters. Although we’ve been planning tirelessly for months, the COVID-19 pandemic will present us with challenges we haven’t anticipated and circumstances we haven’t experienced. If history is a guide, your flexibility and patience will enable the university to meet its educational and teaching missions. We will rise to the occasion.Â
To fulfill our mission we must address issues of race, equity, culture and opportunity. We must create a welcoming, inclusive and accessible environment. I recently met with staff of color to hear their experience and gain their insight about how we can make Strategic Resources and Support more just and equitable. I’m encouraged that we’re developing an evolving blueprint to guide us, and I can’t thank the staff members who shared their stories and experiences enough for their commitment to a better, more inclusive campus. I hope all of you will join us on the journey toward meaningful change.
As the backbone of our university–essential to the broader community–you are critical to its success. I especially want to thank Staff Council for its leadership and advocacy for our staff. Please stay engaged with your own Staff Council representative; and let us know where we’re succeeding and where we can improve. We must, and will, move forward together.Â
Finally, I recognize that everyone is facing stress and anxiety across our personal and professional lives. COVID-19 has changed the ways we live and work and has disrupted any sense of normalcy. In these times, it’s more important than ever that you take care of yourselves and your families. Find time to rest and recharge, and treat each other with kindness and empathy.Â
We are Buffs together,
Patrick O’Rourke
Interim Executive Vice Chancellor and Chief Operating Office