August 21, 2020
Dear Students:
On Monday, we will resume our planned on-campus instruction and activities, which many students told us they want. Whether we continue to provide education in that modality depends on our students acting responsibly. We have invested a lot of time and money to make our campus safe for living and learning. Reckless behavior on campus and off campus could ruin that investment for everyone.
We are encouraging compliance with our safety protocols. If encouragement is not enough, we are prepared to enforce it. The Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities prohibits conduct that causes or threatens harm to the health or safety of another person, both on and off campus. Being on campus during this time is a privilege. We have established health and safety policies and clear guidelines. We will not tolerate irresponsible behavior to erode that and will act swiftly to address it. Students who refuse to comply with University protocols will be subject to disciplinary action, including suspension and expulsion.
Through the Cardinals Care Pledge, we have encouraged everyone to care for themselves, their fellow Cardinals, and their campus and community. We expect everyone, including our students, to practice physical distancing, wear masks, and wash their hands. We also expect them to refrain from gathering in large groups, including on- and off-campus parties. For complete safety protocols, consult the Return to Campus Plan for Students.
We thank the students who are doing their part and following these precautionary measures. Their diligence is essential to our University’s ability to offer the on-campus college experience. Unfortunately, we have received reports of students ignoring our safety protocols. When even a few students behave irresponsibly, everyone pays. Universities are forced to transition to remote learning, as you may have seen in the news media just this week about the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Notre Dame, and Michigan State.
Even during a pandemic, we can be safe. But we must do this together. We have done all we can. Now it is time for our students to do their part.