Fall Assembly 2021 plan

Even more useful, 148 of you left additional comments, which gave me much richer data. Thank you for always going that extra mile to demonstrate why we are the #campuswithaheart.

Due to the logistics (tents, signs, food) of this event, I had to make a decision today. Since you participated in helping me make it, I wanted to share my plan with you.

First, as many of you reiterated in your comments: the evidence for mask-wearing and the COVID-19 vaccination is clear. Last year without a vaccine, mask-wearing helped us to engage in face-to-face teaching and learning without a single documented case of classroom transmission. Today with vaccines readily available, we see a relatively small number of breakthrough cases with hospitalization extremely rare among the fully vaccinated. Vaccines save lives and help keep our economy moving. Wearing a mask indoors further mitigates community spread among those currently unable to be vaccinated. That is the overarching educational message I heard.

Second, I am moving forward with the Fall Assembly 2021 event on Monday, August 16, but I am altering the social breakfast. To minimize food waste, I would kindly request an RSVP for breakfast. While keeping the breakfast outdoors on the Denton campus, we will alter the menu and setup to minimize queuing. We do not have an outdoor option on the Dallas and Houston campuses, so breakfast there will be grab-and-go.

Now that we have a plan, my office will reach out to those who previously indicated they wanted to ride the motorcoach from Houston and verify those preferences. 

As always, we will livestream the event and record it. You will be able to watch from anywhere—or at a later time. There is no expectation for you to attend in person, but you are also welcome to do so. We simply ask for those who do attend in person that you wear a mask for the sake of others around you.

I believe this plan accommodates almost everyone’s preferences. Academic Affairs plans to send further details about the program, livestreaming links, and other events for welcome week early next week. I look forward to welcoming you to the 2021-22 academic year. #boldlygo

With a pioneering spirit,

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