Dear students, faculty and staff members,

In recent days, we have seen an uptick in the number of students reporting positive COVID-19 test results. This unfortunate trend mirrors the rising number of cases in Acadiana, across Louisiana and throughout the nation.

Some of these cases at the University are in the School of Music and Performing Arts and include members of the marching band and a number of ensembles. Out of an abundance of caution, and to limit the virus’ potential spread, the school has suspended all on-campus music-making activities for 14 days.

Dear students, faculty and staff members,

Election Day is this Tuesday, Nov. 3. Every four years, American voters hold in their hands the most sacred and precious responsibility a democracy affords – a ballot.

If you took advantage of early voting opportunities, thank you. If your plan is to vote in person on Tuesday, please do so. The University will announce soon what it’s doing to ensure you have time to make your voice heard and your vote count.

Dear students,

I hope your fall semester is off to a great start!

Mine is. I spent this morning among my favorite people as I helped greet you and other returning students, faculty and staff members along Rex Street and St. Mary Boulevard.

This welcome back event is something we do at the start of every academic year, and it’s always filled with excitement, energy and a sense of anticipation about all the incredible opportunities a new semester holds. This morning was no exception.

Dear faculty, students, staff members, alumni and friends,

Our University has a long and deliberate history of diversity and inclusion.

But we have, as a nation and as an institution, reached a moment in which simply pointing to the past without pledging ourselves to improving the future is insufficient. This history would be hollow if we failed to reaffirm our commitment to racial equity and social justice through meaningful action.

On Friday, the University graduated the largest and most diverse class in our 122-year history, capping an unprecedented semester in momentous fashion.

We conferred 1,905 degrees, an all-time high for a single semester. Women received 1,173 of those diplomas; that’s nearly 62 percent of the total graduating class and yet another record. Eighty-eight degrees were awarded to Hispanic graduates, the most ever.