I would like to share some thoughts with you and yours during this first week of April 2020, a time in history that we will never forget.
Our faculty, students and staff are now in the first week of remote learning for the Spring Quarter. I want to thank our entire community for the resilience, determination and flexibility displayed during these unprecedented times. Daily, I am amazed by the human spirit, generosity and kindness as we come together during very difficult times to create smart and humane solutions. Of course, not all these solutions are perfect – but we can not let perfection be the enemy of rapid problem solving, engagement and solidarity. Every day we are working to improve where we can – and to make this remote learning happen in authentic and meaningful ways.
We have held virtual town halls for our graduate students so they can ask questions and share their challenges. I have personally welcomed our incoming Fall 2020 doctoral students remotely. We have held virtual information sessions for faculty on technology and solutions for their teaching needs. The proxemics required to deal with the COVID-19 will not interrupt our community’s closeness of heart.
This appears to be our unnormal norm for the next few weeks—we all look forward to the end of this crisis and to preparing for brighter days.
The kindness, respect, and compassion our community is demonstrating during this time is a great inspiration to me as I know it is to you and your loved ones. I thank each and every one of you for all you do.
Please take care and keep in touch,
Marcelo M. Suárez-Orozco
UCLA Wasserman Dean & Distinguished Professor of Education
UCLA Graduate School of Education & Information Studies