Message from the Chancellor (COVID 19 March 23, 2020 9:44 p.m.)
What We're Made Of (March 23, 2020 at 9:44 p.m.)
Dear 探花楼 Community,
I hope this message finds you well as we near the end of our first day 鈥渂ack鈥濃�攕ome of you sheltering in place鈥攆rom a long spring break. Dr. Nila Ricks, chair of social work, and I were emailing today, and we mused about a saying that social workers know only too well: 鈥淚t鈥檚 at times like these that you really see what people are made of!鈥�
I am heartened by what I see 鈥�our community is made of.鈥� Dr. Tina Fletcher in Occupational Therapy 鈥� Dallas shared a story with me about her youngest daughter, who is home from the Air Force Academy because of the COVID-19 upheaval. Her daughter is required to attend synchronous online classes in 鈥渁ir[wo]man鈥檚 battle uniform.鈥� So, when Tina peeked in at her 鈥渋n class,鈥� she saw her daughter in a camo uniform top and pink pajama bottoms. Meanwhile, Tina is out of fun fabrics, inspired by memories of the days when nurses she worked with used to draw smiley faces on them. At times like these, Tina says, 鈥渢he sound of that sewing machine humming along is so comforting.鈥�
Amidst the many challenges and questions each day, I am inspired hearing about the joy you all find in spite of everything we are facing.
As we move to a 鈥渟tay in place鈥� order for Dallas county tonight and limited access in Denton tomorrow, I am temporarily suspending the creation of new positions, new hires, promotions, and reclassifications for staff. In most cases, it makes no sense to bring new people on board right now. We will also hit 鈥減ause鈥� on faculty searches as we cannot bring candidates to campus. The deans and provost will offer further guidance on searches in progress.
Some worried that the internet might have a meltdown today with all of the traffic. It seems it is made of more than we thought, too鈥攌nock on wood! Whether up or down, these days call for patience and persistence鈥攁nd empathy. While many of us are doing our best to move forward, our #campuswithaheart goes out to those who are struggling with health in general and this virus in particular. I send my warmest wishes for strength and healing to all.
With a pioneering spirit,
Carine M. Feyten, Ph.D.
Chancellor and President
Page last updated 2:59 PM, March 24, 2020