Dear Monarch,

I am excited to welcome you to spring 2022. It is always a great time to be a Monarch.

As the semester begins, I wanted to update you on a few changes to assist our community with navigating the semester successfully. As the nation experiences a surge in COVID-19 cases, it is inevitable some positive cases will be diagnosed in our campus community throughout the semester. As I have talked with students, faculty, staff, and families, it has become clear that everyone knows someone or has personally been impacted by COVID-19.

Based on updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the lessons we have learned from managing COVID-19, and requests from students and their families, we have adjusted our quarantine and isolation protocols.

We are asking you to discuss a quarantine and isolation plan with your family members, roommates, and housemates in the event of a positive COVID test. This guide can assist you in planning. Your plan may include returning home or quarantining and isolating in place.

I know COVID-19 has impacted all of us in different ways. While I know we're all ready to return to normalcy, we also know health experts predict COVID-19 will become endemic throughout the foreseeable future. We must continue to Reign Responsibly to help Monarch Nation stay healthy. Please continue to practice good hand hygiene, wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth fully, and get your booster shot by Feb. 10!

I am so proud of you and every member of the Monarch community for the care and diligence you have shown during this time. And, I know that with your continued vigilance and commitment to Reign Responsibly, this semester is going to be a success.

I wish each of you a great Spring semester.

Don Stansberry, Ph.D.
Vice President
Student Engagement & Enrollment Services