Dear Vols,

As you all know, this week we made another difficult decision—to extend online-only instruction through the summer.

For many of you who plan to either enroll in or teach summer courses, this may feel like a setback. It isn’t the decision we had hoped to make. But we must remember what is most important right now: protecting our community, our health care workers, our neighbors, and our loved ones.

If things seem hard right now, that’s because they are. The weight of this experience can take up a lot of mental and emotional space. Many of you are dealing with additional pressures and responsibilities in the wake of the changes we have seen in our world.

If you need help, please let us know. We have people across campus who are here for you, whether you need help with your classes, with your emotional and mental health, or with technology. If you know someone who may be struggling, please reach out to them.

Keep pushing forward. I am inspired by all your work and perseverance. You make me proud to be a Volunteer.

Donde Plowman
Chancellor