Messages From Leadership

Our work to support diversity, equity and inclusion is especially important now, as crises typically put a disproportionate amount of pressure on marginalized populations.

Welcome to spring quarter and the rest of spring semester. There is no doubt that the journey ahead will be one that none of us will forget. As I look ahead with optimism and confidence, my first priority is to express my profound thanks to every member of the DU community.

This afternoon, Denver Mayor Michael Hancock announced a new “Stay at Home” order issued by the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment. The order stipulates that beginning tomorrow at 5 p.m., all individuals living and working anywhere in the City and County of Denver are ordered to stay home, except as needed to perform certain “essential activities” or work at jobs that have specific exceptions in the order.

I know that in addition to the health and well-being of your friends and family, and your upcoming coursework, financial concerns are on your minds. As we continue to wrestle with the many ways COVID-19 is affecting our lives, I want to share with you some decisions we’ve made at DU about spring quarter costs.

Though there are still members of our community working on campus, today marks the end of the first week when many have begun working remotely. It also marks the end of our winter quarter. Well done, DU!

We know that the past few weeks have generated an unprecedented amount of uncertainty and stress for each of you. As you wrap up the winter term, many of you are completing online exams, making adjustments to your research or creative projects, and navigating disruptions in internships and field placements. I have no doubt that the consequences of these disruptions weigh heavily on your mind, and that you also are deeply concerned about the well-being of friends and family.

We know that the past few weeks have generated an unprecedented amount of uncertainty and stress for each of you as you complete the winter quarter. Whether adjusting a research project, taking final exams, returning home unexpectedly from study abroad, or looking ahead to learning online during spring quarter, no doubt you have many questions.  We also know you are deeply concerned about the well-being of your friends, family and loved ones.