Dear Students and Colleagues –

If you are reading this email, know this:

As of Monday, April 5, 2021, all Wisconsin residents above the age of 16 (that’s YOU!) are now eligible to receive the vaccine for COVID-19. Many faculty and staff have already done so, and now students have the opportunity as well. There is great information, which includes instructions for getting on a list to receive your vaccine, at the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. Getting the vaccine before you head into the summer will make travel easier, will benefit your friends and family, and will go a long way toward making this coming fall truly a Return to Better, as we resume in-person classes, and renew the life and energy of our beautiful campus in the heart of Madison. Students – if you have questions about eligibility, or anything else related to getting a vaccine, please reach out to Deanofstudents@edgewood.edu and we will assist.

Days feel brighter (today’s much-needed rain notwithstanding) but the pandemic is not “over.” Even as some restrictions are lifting, our protocols remain in place, and will for the foreseeable future. We won’t let our guard down now, even as the vaccination rate in our community increases. We will get there, and we will do it together – all of us.

We are preparing for a significant day on campus. Commencement is set for Saturday, May 15, 2021. We will have three ceremonies, preceded by Commencement Liturgy. We are segmenting what is routinely a single ceremony to ensure maximum physical distancing, and to put our community in the position of celebrating our graduates – and to enable our graduates to celebrate with the special people in their lives. So many pieces of our shared lives have felt beyond our control. The decision to hold Commencement on campus, and in this format, represents a happy return to at least the feeling of control. Yes, there are and will be protocols in place, and yes, our plan for the day requires approval by our public health authorities, and by our public safety authorities. But it will be in-person, on campus, and it will be a celebration for all – including some May 2020 grads who had to go without a ceremony last year. Faculty and Staff – watch for a brief survey regarding how you can serve on this important day for our graduates and their families.

Four more weeks of classes for the spring semester, then finals week. Wear your mask, keep your circles tight, and get a vaccine when and if you can, and let’s finish the semester strong.

Cor ad cor loquitur.