Welcome to Fall 2021 (August 30, 2021)

Dear Colleagues,

It is with great enthusiasm that I welcome you back for the Fall 2021 semester. The past 18 months have often been stressful and demanding but also rewarding. We have continued to serve our students by maintaining our commitment to excellence in teaching while promoting the advancement of knowledge as we transitioned to mostly remote learning environments. Our faculty and staff have worked hard to maintain the university's mission to provide high-quality education. Thank you for everything you have done to help our university as we continue to take on the spread of COVID-19.    

We learned a lot during the pandemic – like how to operate at a high level from our homes. For some of you, this model will continue. Others may split time between campus and home or come back to their offices full-time. While we hope to head back to classrooms on campus as we move towards returning to normal, some virtual classrooms proved to work well for certain classes and we will keep those formats. Either way, I am confident that our students will be receiving an excellent higher education this Fall. They always do.  

As we begin to hold classes on campus, I want you to know that your health and safety are still at the forefront of my mind. University leaders will continue to monitor data trends and follow the advice of healthcare professionals working to contain the spread of COVID-19. I am enthusiastic about this semester and I am confident in the protocols we have in place to create the best and safest campus environment possible. 

As with any topic on your mind, I encourage you to pass along your thoughts, suggestions and questions to my attention at any time. 

I hope you enjoy this brief video and feel as enthusiastic about the upcoming semester as I do. I look forward to seeing you this Fall. It is going to be a great semester!

Go Blue - Go Dearborn! 
Domenico Grasso
Chancellor