A Message from President Greg Woodward
President Greg Woodward sent the following message to the University of Hartford community on Nov. 25.
Dear University of Hartford Community,
We did it! I am immensely proud of our community.
When I announced the University would hold in-person classes and bring residential students to campus this fall, I knew it wouldn’t be easy. We all had to adjust to new ways of learning, teaching, and socializing, while coping with additional personal and professional stressors caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the past few months, we watched as schools in Connecticut and across the country pivoted to a fully remote model due to rising cases. We were prepared and we were committed. We never gave up, and here we are, on Nov. 25, celebrating the incredible accomplishment of finishing our in-person classes exactly as scheduled. We worked together to make this possible and we can all feel tremendous pride in this result.
The success of the past few months gives me a sense of great optimism for the upcoming spring semester. As communicated, and dependent on current guidance, we will again offer a residential experience with a mix of in-person, remote, online, and hybrid classes. Instruction begins on Feb. 1, with move-in taking place over the 10 days before classes start. Between now and February, the University will closely review our processes and policies to build upon what worked well and to adjust any areas that may need improvement. Please continue to share your ideas for teaching, learning, and safe events and experiences with the Office of the Provost and the Office of Student Engagement and Inclusion to add to what is being planned for the spring semester. Additional information will continue to be shared via email over the break.
To the faculty and staff, thank you for persevering through a semester unlike any other. You adapted to changing course models and dealt with challenging logistics, all while supporting and teaching our students and helping to keep them safe. And to the students, thank you for your dedication and commitment to your education, your resilience, and your unselfish commitment to do everything in your power to help keep us safe and on campus this fall. You have been true partners—and I am impressed and moved by your efforts.
UHart truly outshone most of the schools in this country in our response to the pandemic, and this success is a testament to the efforts, courage, and sacrifices of our entire University community. Together, we have made this semester a success.
Best wishes for the last week of classes and finals. As a reminder, campus is now closed to students and only people with prior approval will have access to buildings and grounds. Please enjoy a happy, healthy, and restful holiday season and winter break with your families. I look forward to welcoming you back in 2021.
Sincerely,
Greg Woodward