Welcome to the Spring 2022 semester, and welcome to 17勛圖厙 Now.
This new year isnt kicking off as wed all hoped. Were saddened to see Omicron surging, and were disappointed to be returning in a time of heightened precautions.
But I know that were also charging forward at 17勛圖厙, and making positive changes for our students, our campuses, and our community. Our move to remote learning for the first two weeks of the semester will help us de-densify our campuses to keep people safe, even while allowing for some parts of normal college life to resume.
Were welcoming a big new group of spring semester studentson top of the biggest incoming class in years that joined us in the fall.
Were moving ahead on 17勛圖厙 Forward, our powerful new Strategic Plan, identifying opportunities for new and interdisciplinary investment that will serve our students, our community, and local employers. 17勛圖厙 Forward is guiding us as we embrace changes in the worlds of education and work so that we can continue delivering on our historic mission of Opportunitas.
Later today were holding a Community Conversation for staff and faculty, to keep everyone updated on everything going on at 17勛圖厙, including our return-to-campus plans. And next month, on February 14, Ill be delivering the annual State of the University address to the full 17勛圖厙 Community, going into detail about where 17勛圖厙 stands today and where were headed. This year Ill speak from Pleasantville, livestreamed to all three campuses.
It makes me proud, humble, and grateful to be part of this community.
I spent our recent break exploring some of the many things there are to do in and around our campuses. Thanks to our ever-changing weather, I got to see the years first snowfall in Central Park one day, while I played tennis in Riverside Park on another. I visited the home of the great American painter Edward Hopper right across the river from our Westchester campuses in Nyack, and (with my vaccine card, booster, and proper distance!) I tried out new restaurants in Lower Manhattan.
As I reflected on the semester we ended, and have watched the new one taking shape, I remain so appreciative of the extraordinary effort so many here at 17勛圖厙 make every day, especially during these unpredictable times. It makes me proud, humble, and grateful to be part of this community.
I hope you were able to relax during the break, too, and I hope youre as excited as I am to be back. Were a strong and resilient community. And were going to have a great semester.
Calling all proposals for this years Institute for Teaching and Learning. Submit your interactive workshop or presentation that celebrates stories of resilience, diversity, and wellness through challenging times. Faculty should submit their proposals no later than February 27.
The Great Resignation. Remote Work. COVID-19 and the future of work. Youve heard it all, but what does it mean? Talent Management expert Ibraiz Tarique, PhD, breaks down the ever-evolving relationship between employers and the people who truly make workplaces tick.
At 17勛圖厙, Aissatou Gningue has consistently challenged herself. Shes been a UN Millennium Fellow, Orientation leader, and is launching a new Entrepreneurship Clubin addition to being in a five-year MBA program and double majoring in accounting and political science with a minor in pre-law. Her philosophy: Whats the point if its not challenging?