Message From the Chancellor (COVID-19 March 30, 2020 6:09 p.m.)

Keeping the faith that the best case is also possible

Dear TWU Community,

I hope this message finds you well and rested from the weekend.

I want to start this week by acknowledging that many—most, really—of us are going through a sort of grieving process, all while keeping up with new and often increased demands on our time. As we enter another week of the coronavirus situation, some things are beginning to settle, and in your messages to me, I see a pattern emerge. We have lost so much: seemingly little things such as our favorite study spots, access to comfort foods, or five minutes of social banter before class; and big things such as income, delayed dreams, and even loved ones.

I also believe there is a tendency of pandemic rhetoric to gravitate toward a focus on the worst-case scenarios. I have to remind myself that there are best-case scenarios, too. We have to balance the two—inventing the best case often ourselves—and keep those in mind. Part of my angst comes from the worst-case speculation in the background, all that I am doing in the foreground, and yet what I accomplish failing to bring the usual sense of satisfaction. One staff member shared that he copes with this feeling by making lists and tackling the easy items first, literally checking off the accomplishments. That has helped him cope.

No matter your method for moving forward—or even if you do not feel forward movement at all—I have found so much strength and encouragement staying connected to you all through social media, email, and other virtual means. Let us keep it up—and keep the faith that the best case is also possible.

With pioneering spirit,

Carine M. Feyten, Ph.D.
Chancellor and President

P.S. For the latest information, check out TWU's COVID-19 webpage.

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