Dear Students and Colleagues – 

The trees here on campus are well into their fall foliage, and the view from my office is spectacular. The vibrant reds and oranges remind me that, while not always as predictable as the changing leaves, change is inevitable. This year, COVID-19 has required us to make significant changes to the way we operate. We’ve seen the virus wage a deadly war throughout our state and county, and even make its way through the highest levels of our national government. We pray that everyone infected makes a full recovery, and we are reminded that we must remain vigilant. I'm happy to report that our own numbers, as indicated on our COVID-19 web page, continue to remain manageable, and I have all of you to thank for that. More importantly, none of the COVID-19 cases among our students has required hospitalization, and we should all be grateful for that. Members of the cabinet and I are working with the faculty and staff on developing the calendar for the spring semester. While reports of progress on the development of vaccines and treatments for COVID-19 are encouraging, it is very unlikely that we will be back to “normal” operations by spring semester. We will report on our plans within the next couple of weeks.

The COVID-19 pandemic and other local and national events remind us that leadership matters. We are less than a month from November 3rd, which is Election Day. I am very proud that, for the past two years, Washington Monthly has named Edgewood College to its “Best for Student Voting List,” a ranking based on voter registration and voting rates among students, participation in the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge, and other measures. We were one of only 80 institutions (out of more than 1400 U.S. four-year colleges and universities) to make that list. This year, I challenge you to keep the success going and cast your ballot, either via absentee or in-person. Due to restrictions placed on Edgewood College by our status as a not-for-profit organization, we are not permitted to endorse any party or particular candidate in local, state, or national elections. However, we can (and DO) encourage participation in the election. Don’t sit on the sideline; participate in our democracy. Make a plan, cast your vote.

I am happy to report that Edgewood College has been approached by the Madison City Clerk's Office to serve as an in-person voting location this year. We are now finalizing arrangements to serve as a polling place for our local precinct, utilizing the necessary COVID-19 safety precautions. Stay tuned for further details as Election Day approaches.

Finally, I want you to know that I see how hard you are working every day, and I greatly appreciate those efforts. I know, without any breaks, this semester is a long one and taxing on students, faculty, and staff. I would like to remind you that the last day for in-class meetings will be November 24, the Tuesday of Thanksgiving week...and point out that we are more than half way to that date. After that, classes and exams will be conducted remotely and will be completed by Friday, December 11. Residence Halls and Dining Services will remain open for anyone who wants to complete the rest of the semester on campus. I applaud your perseverance in getting the work done, and your dedication to maintaining proper social distancing protocols and wearing your mask when in the presence of others. We’ve done so well in curbing the spread of this relentless disease because we’ve done it as a community. We’ve looked out for one another and put the wellbeing of each other above all else. For that, I am grateful.