Commitment to Mission First, People Always (September 2, 2020)
Dear Colleagues,
As we begin our fall semester under the most unusual and challenging of times, we write to share with you a reminder about our guiding principle and campus culture - Mission First, People Always.
The pressures and stresses wrought by the pandemic have been many, varied and most certainly, felt by all. We recognize that some members of our community have been ill with COVID, have had to care for a loved one who contracted the virus or have dealt with the death of loved ones due to the disease. To be sure, the virus has also brought on other stress points such as social isolation and financial instability for some.
Other painful social and racial events across our country have also added to our anxiety and may easily lead to possible emotional exhaustion. We also acknowledge that some among us bear disproportionately heavy burdens. The balance of work life and home life is never easy or straightforward. We are proud that our campus community is collectively rising to these challenges with grace, resolve and determination.
The entire senior leadership team is supportive, empathetic and dedicated to the success and well-being of our campus community. We are committed to realizing our mission of providing a first-rate Michigan education for our students while supporting faculty and staff needs, ameliorating pressures, fostering a healthy work environment and helping to find ways to aid in mental health and physical well-being.
Should you have any personal concerns, please reach out to and work closely with your supervisor, chair, or as circumstances require, human resources. They are here to help and can direct you to the appropriate on-campus services.
Finally, we are very happy to announce the creation of a Care and Equity Task Force, which will take the lead on campus-wide efforts in this vital domain of practice. More information regarding the Task Force will be forthcoming in the very near future.
Thank you for all that you do to put our students’ education at the top of our priority list.
Go Safe - Go Blue - Go Dearborn!
Domenico Grasso
Chancellor
Sue Alcock
Provost