Message from the Office for the President: Stay safe as we celebrate spring together

Dear students, faculty, and staff,

It’s hard to believe the end of the spring semester is near. We’ve been through a lot, but thanks to your diligence and enormous effort, the semester has been successful. I am so grateful for all you have done to promote continued learning, wellness, and the protection of our community through high vaccination rates and other steps to keep yourself and those around you healthy. As a result, we are slowly beginning to emerge and turn the corner.

However, while COVID-19 case numbers are currently low, we must not let our guard down completely. Please take a few moments to remind yourself of the basic but important steps that have proven to be effective in minimizing the impacts of COVID-19:

• Stay up to date on vaccines and boosters. It is the best protection you can have.
• Get tested. Appointments are available at Boynton Health. At-home tests are also available for free from the U.S. government and the state.
• Stay home if you are sick.
• Wear masks where they are required, or anywhere else you wish.

As spring events and finals approach, I wish you all a wonderful conclusion to the spring semester and start to the summer. I also want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to our students who are graduating at the end of this semester. You have succeeded under immeasurably challenging circumstances, and I am thrilled to see your hard work come to fruition.

As the late musician and Minnesotan, Prince Rogers Nelson, noted, and who the world lost six years ago today: "What a day when the dawn of the morning comes.” Your experience at the University of Minnesota has prepared you for a new day and to change the world for the better. We look forward to cheering on your every success.

With best regards and warmest wishes,
Joan Gabel