Dear Colleagues:

While a number of our colleagues have been working on campus throughout the pandemic, Monday marks the return of all employees to working on campus. For many, this is the first time they have been back to the campus in months. Some people have expressed trepidation about returning, so I thought I would share information that may help with the transition.

COVID-19 Vaccination Progress

With regard to health and safety efforts on campus, we have very positive momentum from employees on our COVID-19 vaccination rates. As you know, earlier this year, we announced that vaccinations would be required for employees and students with exemptions available for medical or religious purposes. I am happy to report that 93 percent of our full-time employees have been vaccinated to date. This is an incredibly high vaccination rate, and demonstrates a strong commitment to the culture of care we promote at USD. I applaud each of you for doing your part to create a safer and healthier campus environment. With several weeks to go before we start classes, we are also making good progress with regard to student vaccination rates. More information on our campus vaccination rates will be forthcoming in the weeks ahead.

Update: Face Coverings Indoors

Many of us have been following developments related to the COVID-19 Delta variant, where rates of infection are increasing, particularly among unvaccinated individuals. For this reason, the CDC and San Diego County recently updated their guidance, recommending that everyone should wear face coverings indoors, regardless of vaccination status. While this is not required in our County at this point, the university will return to requiring face coverings indoors for everyone beginning Monday, August 2, until further notice. This approach will help to mitigate the risk of spread on our campus. Next week, the COVID-19 Action Team will be sharing additional updates to our campus health and safety measures.

It is clear that our resilient Torero community will need to continue its efforts to follow evolving health and safety measures and remain flexible as it has over the past 18 months. I am confident that together, we will create a welcoming and rewarding experience for our deserving students.

Mental Health and Safety

We recognize that a transition back to campus will not be easy and may cause anxiety for some people. Please remember that in addition to support through your healthcare provider, the university has an Employee Assistance Program that offers services to employees and their families at no cost.  Information about these services and how to connect with a provider can be found here.

Ice Cream Social

As a reminder, we will be celebrating our employee reunion with our annual ice cream social, which will take place on Thursday, August 5, at 1:30 p.m. in Colachis Plaza. All faculty, staff and administrators are invited to enjoy time with colleagues while being served prepackaged ice cream treats from your leadership team.

Returning to work on campus represents a major milestone in our fight against COVID-19 and a big step toward a return to normalcy. The past 18 months have been extraordinarily difficult, and many have suffered. I am humbled to be part of a Torero family that has made deep sacrifices for others during these unprecedented times. While obstacles remain, I am convinced that if we work together and extend grace and compassion to our colleagues and students, we will emerge as a stronger community upholding our commitment to confront the most urgent challenges facing humanity.

Thank you for all that you do for USD!

Peace,

James T. Harris III, D.Ed.
President