President Wendy Wintersteen sent a March 12 letter to the Iowa State Community:
I’m pleased to announce that we are looking forward to a “new normal” for the upcoming academic year. We are planning to return in-person classes, labs, studios, residence, dining, student activities, and campus events to pre-pandemic levels. As we move forward, the foundation of our “new normal” will be based on appropriate health practices, an assumption that vaccinations will be widely available, and our deep commitment to academic quality and supporting an excellent student experience.
This plan is part of a progression of steps to return to the vibrant experience on the Iowa State campus, including last week’s announcement of in-person commencement activities in May, and the recent decision by the Board of Regents to rescind the international travel ban, which will offer the opportunity for faculty, staff and students to resume many international activities.
The Moving Forward Coordinating Committee has been established to help coordinate plans for the upcoming year. The committee will work closely with all of the existing working groups, including Academic Continuity, Workforce Protection, Research Continuity, Housing and Dining, Public Health, and others that will be doing the critical and in-depth planning. Together, these groups will create the framework for the upcoming year that will guide units and departments in making decisions locally. The committee will bring high level issues to senior leaders as needed.
My sincere thanks to committee chair, Vice President John Lawrence, and all the committee members, in addition to the emergency operations team and all of the working groups, for their commitment to serve and support our ISU community.
We will keep campus informed of plans for the upcoming year through email communications, Inside Iowa State, and the COVID-19 Response website. Please continue to take care of yourself and access our available resources for student health and wellness and faculty and staff WorkLife and WellBeing.
Wendy Wintersteen, President