August 13, 2021
Dear Colleagues,
It was so wonderful to start August with the return of employees to campus! Thanks to all who joined in the celebration of our return with smiling faces. As we have come to expect, pivoting in response to the changing circumstances of the pandemic was required of all of us a few days later, with a return to masking indoors. We will continue to monitor local conditions and adjust our policies accordingly as soon as we are able.
I want to emphasize that the reintroduction of masks indoors is the only thing that has changed at this time. We will come back with all our normal activities and are excited to host an array of events to celebrate the start of the semester, a time we are calling Titans Together: Return of the Titans. I encourage you to check out our Campus Events Calendar to join in the fun. A few highlights of the events happening over the next few weeks include:
- On Monday, August 16, my Fall 2021 Welcome Address will be held for faculty and staff from 10:00am to 11:30am in the Campus Auditorium (Northside Hall). Join colleagues and friends for a coffee hour from 9:00am to 10:00am in the East Lounge of Northside Hall prior to the address. The Welcome Address will include remarks from our governance leaders and a special performance from IU South Bend’s own Tap & Kick Line.
- On Friday, August 20 New Student Convocation will be held from 11:00am to 11:30am in the Campus Auditorium (Northside Hall). All faculty and staff are invited to attend as we welcome our new students to campus with Hoosier Spirit and Titan Pride (no formal regalia required). Faculty and staff are also invited to be part of a cheer tunnel that students will run through as they depart convocation.
- Our traditional All Campus Cookout will be held immediately following convocation from 11:30am to 1:30pm on the Campus Mall. This is a great opportunity to connect with colleagues as well as our new and returning students.
- On Thursday, September 2 we will be hosting IU Night with the South Bend Cubs. Join students, alumni, and fellow faculty and staff for a fun night at the ballpark. Ticket proceeds will support the IU South Bend Alumni Association Scholarship Endowment Fund. You can find more information about this special event here.
I look forward to continuing our celebrations of hope and opportunity for the new academic year next week.