Welcome Back!

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.

For many of you, today marks the first time you’ve been back on campus since March, when COVID-19 forced us to implement virtual course delivery.

In the months since, we have looked forward to welcoming you back, but doing so in a way that would keep you and every member of the University family safe and healthy.

We’ve worked hard to make that happen, and you’ve probably already noticed a number of changes around campus we’ve made to help ensure your wellbeing.

But to be effective, these physical changes require your cooperation. Please remember to:

• Wear a mask or face covering in all public areas on campus, including classrooms.
• Wash your hands often and use hand sanitizing stations located throughout campus.
• Avoid congregating and keep at least 6 feet between yourselves and others at all times.
• Stay home if you are sick and seek medical attention if symptoms persist.

If you test positive for COVID-19, please remember to fill out this form. Doing so will trigger a number of steps the University will then take to make sure you are cared for and that you don’t fall behind in your coursework.

Finally, I would like to call your attention to changes the University has implemented to the Student Code of Conduct that outline the responsibilities every student has to help keep our campus community safe. Read the code. It’s meant to protect you and all of us.

Since March, I have been very proud of how our students, faculty and staff have confronted the challenges and changes this pandemic has brought. It has not been easy, but it’s the spirit of community and determination that has enabled us to reach the day when we could welcome some of you back.

I look forward to the day when everyone can return. Together, we can make that happen.

Here’s to a safe and successful fall semester.

Welcome back, Ragin’ Cajuns!

Sincerely,
Dr. Joseph Savoie
President