Dear DePauw staff, faculty, students, future students, and families,
I am happy to officially confirm our plans to return to a fully residential living, learning and working environment for Fall Term 2021.
Although we can’t know with certainty what guidelines and practices the Centers for Disease Control and local, state, and national agencies will require this fall, we are optimistic about a return to a fully residential campus due to our low incidence of COVID-19 this term, our community’s adherence to health and safety guidelines, the increasing types and availability of COVID-19 vaccines, and our plans to distribute vaccines when they become available. We know that some students, based on health limitations, may be unable to live on campus part of the time; for those rare exceptions, we will consider requests for accommodations.
Be assured that we will continue to monitor vaccine progress and pandemic impact closely throughout Spring Term and the summer months, and make adjustments as needed. As always, decisions will be made with the safety of our students, staff and faculty top of mind, and we will continue to work with local and state health officials to ensure adherence to health and safety requirements.
Planning for Fall 2021 is ongoing and more detailed information about class registration, residence halls, work policies, vaccinations, and more will be shared by Academic Affairs and Student Academic Life in the coming days and weeks via email and our COVID-19 website. Vice President for Academic Affairs Dave Berque will be working with faculty governance on academic matters related to in-person classes for 2021.
On a more personal note, I am tremendously excited about welcoming continuing students -- and new students in the Class of 2025 -- this fall, and am grateful to our COVID-19 mitigation committee members for their tireless efforts in protecting and planning for our community, and all of you who have taken TigersTakeCare to heart. Your exemplary efforts have contributed to the success we have had so far.
As we anticipate the coming of spring and warmer weather, please continue that care, following masking and distancing protocols as you safely enjoy the broad range of social spaces, events and activities planned.
Sincerely,
Lori S. White, Ph.D.