Together We Will Remain Healthy at Thomas More (August 7, 2020)

Dear Thomas More Community,

As the COVID-19 pandemic has swept through our communities, country, and world, all aspects of normality have been redefined, and since March, we have been working diligently to shift our attention to how we can rise up to meet the new demands placed on the University and those within our Thomas More community. This summer, we made a promise to our students that we would welcome them back to campus this fall. Countless hours were spent devising a plan for how the University could remain steadfast in this promise while delivering to our students the personalized attention that they deserve. With this guidebook – Healthy at Thomas More – we are confident that our strategy for the upcoming fall semester will protect the health and safety of the entire Thomas More community.

Being a member of the Thomas More community is something to be proud of and one that we all benefit from. As a member of this community, we will ask that you take every precaution to keep yourself safe and be mindful that your actions have an impact upon others in our community.

As we look toward the Fall 2020 semester, our collaborative priorities must remain:

• The health and safety of ourselves, our colleagues, and our community;
• The fulfillment of an excellent Catholic liberal arts education and the Saints Experience; and
• Strengthening the bond and resolve of our community.

Together we will remain Healthy at Thomas More. To do this, we are taking preventative measures, implementing quarantine and isolation out of precaution for others, and we are revamping the academic experience, student life, athletics, residence life, and campus dining. We are committed and prepared to provide an on-campus experience this fall. We have been and will continue monitoring guidelines put in place by the CDC, governor, state and local health officials, and we will continue to keep our community informed as our policies and procedures evolve to address the safety and health of our community in a COVID-19 environment.

As this COVID-19 environment evolves, the University is equipped to promptly take action. A COVID-19 Response Team has been implemented to guarantee thoughtful safety measures are being discussed across all areas of campus to ensure the protection of our students and employees. The COVID-19 Response Team will continue meeting regularly to swiftly and strategically respond to the COVID-19 pandemic throughout this academic year.

We know that this fall semester will look different than in years prior, but I believe we can be Healthy at Thomas More as we respond to this uncertain time. I look forward to welcoming our entering class of 2024 and reconnecting with all our returning students in the upcoming weeks. I am anxiously awaiting the start of the fall semester and seeing you on campus.

Joseph L. Chillo, LP.D.
President, Thomas More University