Dear Faculty and Academic Affairs Staff,

As this fall semester draws to a close and we start thinking about the holiday break, it is fitting that we reflect on the past semester and on the challenges that we faced and met. It has been a difficult semester for many of us.  The change in our normal modes of teaching, the extra stress of trying to engage students who are disappointed that they cannot have their regular college classroom experience and normal activities, and the changes we have had to make in our lives to protect and keep healthy our families, ourselves, and each other have added stress to our lives. Collectively, we have met the challenges before us and have persevered.  President Dawson and I thank you for your diligence in your teaching, research, and serving our students and our academic community. 

As a reminder, the University will re-open for business on Monday, January 4, 2021; classes for Spring semester are delayed by a week and will begin on January 13, 2021.  Many of our students have already registered to continue their studies next semester, but many have not.  As you wrap up this semester, please let students know that we look forward to seeing them and helping them reach their academic goals next semester.  For those students who have not registered, please encourage them to register for classes.  It would be helpful to remind them that their academic advisors stand ready to answer their questions and assist them with scheduling their courses.

UAH will hold a virtual Commencement on Monday, December 14, at 2:00 p.m.  This virtual ceremony will include students who have completed degree requirements in the Spring 2020, Summer 2020, and Fall 2020 semesters. Doctoral, Master’s, and Bachelor’s degrees will be presented.  We hope to be able to celebrate these students’ significant accomplishments at an in-person Commencement when large events can again safely be hosted

Best wishes for a successful end to fall semester

Sincerely,
Christine W. Curtis
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs