For many of us, this has been our first week of alternative working arrangements, as the pandemic seems more challenging, uncertain, and disruptive every day. There’s still a lot of activity going on, and I’m grateful to all of you for the many ways you have risen above to meet the current challenges.

Three special kudos go to our IT group for helping faculty switch to online teaching, to our Faculty Support group for scanning thousands of pages of course materials for students, and to our Communications group for the many messages conveying the latest news.

Since we are working remotely, it is easy to feel disconnected from your colleagues and the College in general. This is our new normal for the time being, unfortunately. I encourage you to continue to reach out and check on each other, by email, Google hangouts, text or Zoom session — or a phone call — also to just say hello.

We will continue to share information as fully and expediently as possible. The University distributes announcements and updates on coronavirus.nd.edu as decisions are made. I will update you via email if there is information specific to Mendoza that you should know. We also will highlight important news in Mendoza Exchange. And hopefully you received our new College newsletter, Morning Brew, that sends out some lighter side Mendoza “news” on Wednesdays and Fridays.

I want to emphasize that as needs arise, there is help available. Please contact me, Kara Palmer or your direct supervisor to let us know about any concerns or needs.

In Notre Dame,

Martijn