Dear School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences students, alumni, faculty, staff and friends,
Our mission in EPPS is to prepare current and future leaders to tackle the challenges facing our society and economy. The unprecedented changes that have occurred around the world and in our communities over the last few months have made abundantly clear the great urgency to continue in this mission.
With a goal of slowing the spread of the novel coronavirus, many of you know that UT Dallas leadership announced that classes would be moved entirely online for the rest of the semester, following an extended week of spring break. In addition, all University events have been canceled, postponed or virtualized. We take these actions in solidarity with universities, schools, businesses and other organizations across the country and throughout the world, out of concern for public health.
As Dean, I want to acknowledge how hard these changes have been. University life is defined by collective experiences, shared breakthroughs, and relationships with peers, mentors and colleagues. We find ourselves challenged now to carry out these experiences, discoveries and relationships geographically dispersed from one another. I know that we will meet that challenge with creativity and focus, and that we will come through this time with expanded tools, knowledge, and connections as a result.
For our students, we miss you. If you need anything, please reach out to me or to any EPPS faculty or staff. We look forward to connecting with you soon as classes resume online, and to seeing you back on campus just as soon as possible. The associate deans and I will be scheduling some virtual town hall meetings the first week of April. Please watch your email in the next week for more details.
For our alumni and friends, many of our graduating students would benefit greatly from your advice and connections during this time, as they prepare to begin their careers. If you would be willing to talk with a graduating student, to provide one-time advice or ongoing mentorship, please contact Erin Dougherty, director of development and alumni relations for EPPS, at: erin.dougherty@utdallas.edu.
I am grateful to each of you for playing a role in helping to slow the spread of the virus, and especially to our students and their families, who have been so gracious in managing these changes. I am also thankful for our faculty and staff who have worked to bring classes and student services online so that our educational mission will continue. Thank you for your support as we all find ways to move forward during this challenging time.
Sincerely,
Jennifer S. Holmes
Dean, School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences