Dear Colleagues:
Before the fall semester began, I wrote to you about the importance of remaining committed to a number of things as we prepared to welcome students back to campus. One was a need to continue the culture of empathy we fostered out of concern for our students’ wellbeing during the virtual period.
Now that we are about halfway through the semester and the shine of being on campus with friends has worn off slightly, students have begun to feel stress and anxiety about their schoolwork, especially as some are experiencing the academic rigors of college for the first time — and they are doing so away from comforts of more familiar environments.
As our students weather these ongoing challenges, we must continue to express empathy and remain flexible and supportive for our students, as well as encourage them to keep tabs on their fellow classmates, who also might be struggling. The CARE Team allows all members of the community to submit a care referral for any student who may need additional support beyond assistance with classwork, so I encourage you all to keep this valuable resource in mind. Also available to speak with our students are counselors with Counseling and Psychological Services.
Of course, I encourage you all to continue to care for yourselves and your colleagues, as this semester has been an adjustment for all of us as well after a long year of working from home. The Human Resources website and Faculty Affairs website have resources that will help you continue to navigate challenges and changes.
I deeply appreciate everything you have done to help GW transition back to an enjoyable and productive in-person experience for all. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me with any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Christopher Alan Bracey
Interim Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs
Professor of Law