Message From the Chancellor (COVID-19 May 22, 2020 2:28 p.m.)

Friday and Fluidity

Dear Texas Woman’s Community,

I hope this message finds you well as the workweeks draw to a close for many of us. For Muslims in our community, this weekend marks the end of Ramadan with celebration of the Eid-el-Fitr. Happy Eid! This is also the weekend we honor those who have given their lives in service and sacrifice defending the ideals of democracy. I hope you will join me now in taking a moment of silence to remember these American heroes… Thank you!

During recent emergency management meetings, I have heard reports that some staff and faculty are confused about how one is able to return to campus while others continue to telecommute. This is the nature of our phased reopening. As you may recall, we only plan to have about a quarter of the workforce back in their offices by June 1, and during June, we will increase these numbers incrementally. We are prioritizing employees who provide the most essential student services while also weighing custodial support and personnel density. The vice presidents are working with each other and with supervisors to make decisions about who returns and when.

As the coronavirus pandemic grinds on, I have gravitated towards the idea of fluidity. I think of our movement forward as a river that is unstoppable and that flows over and around impediments. Somehow having that metaphor in mind gives me courage to better process the ever-changing landscape and our movement forward.

Right now, we are fighting a different threat to our way of life with different heroes serving on the front lines. This weekend, though, I hope we can each find a moment to reflect on history. I wish you a Memorial Day weekend full of remembrance and peace.

With a pioneering spirit,

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

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

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