November 12, 2020
Dear Mandel School Faculty and Staff,
We recently received an email from the Interim President and Provost informing us that the university’s positivity rate for COVID-19 has doubled. While it was indicated this was due to student activity, this serves as a good reminder that we should all continue to embrace the Community Commitment. This means we must continue to social distance, wear a face mask on campus (outside and inside, unless alone in a space), and wash our hands and work surfaces frequently.
Related to this, you may have heard that due to high positivity rates in the county, the university has asked departments to reduce capacity on campus by about 10%. The Mandel School is already running at a lower density so we do not need to reduce our density further.
University Closings and Holiday Reminders
- Thanksgiving: university offices are closed on Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2020 in addition to the traditional Thursday/Friday holiday (Nov. 26–27)
- Note: Mandel School classes are still in session on Wednesday, Nov. 25
- Winter Recess: our last working day before the winter recess is Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2020. Our first day back in the new year is Monday, Jan. 4, 2021
We hope that everyone enjoys these longer breaks which will serve two important purposes—first, allowing us to relax and recharge, and second, helping us to lower the potential for COVID-19 to spread on campus. Please remember that part of our Community Commitment is to refrain from non-essential travel. If you must travel, please review this website for information about how to do so safely.
Upon our return in January, we fully expect to be working remotely as we are today. While this is enjoyable for many, we recognize it can be difficult for some. View the resources available to staff.
Please let us know if there are any questions or concerns. We all play an essential role in protecting each other, our campus and our city. You have been impressive in your ability to adapt to an ever-changing situation and in your support of each other.
Thank you,
Craig M. Zullig, MBA, CRA
Associate Dean for Finance and Administration
Grover C. Gilmore, PhD
Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel
Dean in Applied Social Sciences