My message today is in follow up to the provost’s “Return to Campus” letter to discuss our transition back to work at Mendoza. As the provost mentioned, the expectation is that we will be able to offer a student experience that is closer to “normal” this fall. In alignment with the University's expectations and due to the University requirement that all students, faculty and staff be vaccinated, we are asking those who have been working from home to begin transitioning back to working on campus with a goal of a full return no later than Monday, Aug. 2.

This is exciting news, as an integral part of the Notre Dame community is to be together in-person. In-person collaboration also is a critical element in our matrix organization for our graduate business programs. 

Another positive step is that those who are fully vaccinated by one of the three vaccines approved in the United States (Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, Johnson & Johnson) do not need to wear their masks indoors, including in the classroom, effective June 3. (We will continue to follow physical distancing guidelines in the classroom until the University changes those guidelines.)

I recognize that resuming our normal office routines is going to be a readjustment. During this transition, it’s important that Mendoza is consistent with the University’s guidelines and those of the other colleges. (See “Return to Campus FAQs.”) In the coming weeks, I encourage our staff members to meet with your directors to create a transition plan, whether that includes working in the office two or three days a week until Aug. 2, attending certain meetings in person, or other arrangements that will allow you to gradually get back to working full time in the office.

Finally, our experience with remote work during the past year has brought this issue to the forefront. As you may know, the University has established a committee to consider the future of remote work for staff for the period after the transition back to the office. Informed by our positive experience of remote work during this past year and consistent with the anticipated recommendations of that committee, all of the deans have decided on a joint, one-year pilot to allow more remote work than in the past. In particular, this provisional policy will allow staff in the colleges and schools to work remotely for up to two days per month. Directors should make these arrangements with staff members on a case-by-case basis. We will revisit this policy in a year.

We want to make the transition back to campus as smooth and rewarding as possible, so please discuss your questions and concerns with your supervisors, Kara or me. Your efforts and spirit of service during this past year have been extraordinary. I continue to be very grateful for all that you do and look forward to a wonderful new academic year together.

In Notre Dame,

Martijn