Friday Focus: An opportunity to create a new normal
March 27, 2020
— by Dan White, chancellor
In thinking about this month’s leadership column I thought to myself, there is no way that I am talking about the coronavirus. Every day our news is inundated with it and you hear from the governor, local mayors, the UA President or me about new restrictions or ways of doing business seemingly daily. We need a conversation that is not about a virus. That said, it may be because of, or in spite of the predicament we find ourselves in that there is new opportunity ahead. Opportunity is something I love to talk about!
As people are working from home more and more, I hear the question “How can I get engaged, included?” For starters, think ahead 6 months. This change in workflow, however long it lasts, is transforming us. It already has to a great extent. We are putting classes on line, coming up with new pedagogy for delivering classes and labs remotely, figuring out new ways to get research done. We are innovators.
There was a piece I heard on the radio yesterday morning that talked about when we might get “back to normal”. I want us to see this as an opportunity to create a new normal. We will be in a new place in 3 months, 6 months and 9 months. I think the question for everyone to think about is what are we doing now that will make us better when the pandemic subsides. We want to be innovating now with an eye to the future. Our actions today will have different results if we are looking forward than they will if our goal is to get us back to where we were.
I have been thinking that as modes of program delivery change, workloads change, service needs transform, what opportunities are afforded to us. How do we shift to a more efficient delivery of services model? All Universities in the country are going through the same challenge. Let’s be the ones that use this as a bridge to our future.
So how can you help? Think about enrollment as you think about this current shift in course delivery methods. Will the students we attract to in 6 months be the same as the ones who are enrolled today? How can today’s innovations drive tomorrow’s enrollment? Enrollment is everyone’s business and you can help.
I am encouraged as I think about our new normal. Now more than ever, please make our new normal one that embraces a culture of inclusion and caring. A culture that does not stereotype or stigmatize specific nationalities, ethnicities, or health status. People who are ill need compassion, understanding.
Earlier this week I asked Margo Griffith, ’s Director of the Department of Equity and Compliance, for some ideas on how to shift the focus from uncertainty and fear to care and compassion. What Margo sent me was compiled by the Diversity and Inclusion Council. Rather than paraphrase, I thought I would include their fine work verbatim. Please take this opportunity to reach out to someone who is feeling isolated, uncertain, or under the weather. Offer a shoulder to lean on. Take care of yourself.
Thank you for choosing . Be well.
inclusion, caring and compassion during COVID-19
Growing and embracing a culture of respect, diversity, inclusion and caring are foundational values for , and every member of the community is encouraged to exemplify that value. We’re all in this together and will continue to be here to support a safe learning and working environment while navigating the COVID-19 crisis.
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