Dear College of Business Students:
Welcome back from Spring break. We are all looking at a world very different from what we expected when the break started. I hope your first days of classes online went well. Give yourself and your faculty a little grace as we all settle into online delivery of a wide array of academic topics.
Of course, our number one goal is the health and wellness of our students, staff and faculty, and all decisions start with that goal as most important. Our second goal is to call upon our academic continuity plan to ensure we finish the semester so all students who put in the effort can continue to make progress toward their degrees.
Just like in business, each of us will face unexpected events as individuals in our lives. I recognize you all have disappointments over cancellation or postponement of events, trips, competitions, ceremonies and large celebrations you had planned for this semester. You miss gathering with your friends and playing on the sports fields, hanging out at meals and even studying together. I, too, am adjusting to a new way of being at the College of Business. I’m missing speaking with your students’ groups, Dinners with the Dean, giving many of you hugs when we meet or high fiving over your latest accomplishments. These days challenge us and test our resiliency to look adversity in the eye and move forward. I ask you to be fully committed to putting forth the effort it will take to finish the semester strong.
The Clemson Family has had a reputation for taking care of its own for more than 100 years. No matter where you find yourself, local or elsewhere, we will find solutions to ensure the continuation and successful completion of your course work this semester.
Thank you for your flexibility as we work through extraordinary circumstances. I urge you to continue checking for COVID-19 updates and adhere to the recommendations and directives on the University’s comprehensive COVID-19 web site.
On a personal note, some of you know I have a set of triplets in their sophomore years of college. I’m experiencing the COVID-19 health crisis as both a dean and a mom. It’s a worrisome time for us parents. Stay in touch with your family and ensure they are on the distribution lists for official Clemson parent communications. Remember you each individually have a role to play in limiting the spread of this virus by observing social distancing and remaining in your home as much as possible, even as you feel healthy and well. This disruption won’t last forever, and we can contribute to how quickly the situation is brought under control.
I hope each of you and your families are safe and well. It is heart-warming to see the way the Clemson Family is pulling together to weather this storm. As I frequently say, “Together, we will go far.” Now is the time to augment that by saying, “Together, we will get through this.”
Sincerely,
Dean Wendy York
