On Friday, Father John announced the good news that we will resume in-person teaching in our undergraduate program as of Wednesday (September 2). Following the University’s directions, we will be using a phased approach with some classes starting this week and some the following.

I’m proud of our students and the efforts they’ve made in these past weeks so that we can get back to in-person teaching, as the University also improved its systems and procedures. I ask all of you to do what you can to encourage them to continue to follow the University safety guidelines, especially those of you who have a direct relationship with them. The University sends them regular updates, but I’m sure words of concern and personal interest from the faculty and staff carry a lot of weight.

We remain committed to in-person teaching and doing everything we can to keep each other safe so that we can be here together. At all times, we each must examine how we can do better and work toward doing better for each other, as we continue to hold each other accountable as well.

I think that it is always useful to share these public health protocols – essential to our being able to continue in-person instruction – with our students: Wear a mask, practice social distancing, avoid any social events with more than 10 people, avoid any social events where physical distancing or mask-wearing is not practiced, wash hands regularly, complete the daily health check and show up when selected for surveillance testing.

In addition, this has been a stressful time for many. We should encourage students — as well as all of us — to seek support through University resources and advisors. As you have opportunity, ask students what the on-campus experience has been like for them and for any suggestions they have to improve their learning experience. I, along with the associate deans and academic directors, am always interested in hearing from you and our students.

As Father John said, “Together, we are writing one of the great comebacks in Notre Dame history.” That “comeback” certainly could not happen without the incredible efforts of our faculty and staff, for which I’m most thankful.

In Notre Dame,

Martijn