On the "U Rising" podcast, President Ruth V. Watkins engages in insightful conversations with students, staff, faculty, alumni and community stakeholders who are at the center of the state's flagship research university. President Watkins also connects with other leaders to give listeners a fresh take on top issues and innovations in higher education in Utah and across the country. You can subscribe to U Rising via iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher and other podcast streaming services.
A message to students on March 18, 2020.
President Ruth Watkins: So happy first day of fully online instruction. Congratulations to all of you, to all of us who are on this educational journey together. We're learning a lot in so many new ways. Students, I have a special message for you. I know that many of you have moved out of our residence halls. Thank you.
I want to strongly encourage students who have a permanent address off campus to relocate there for the rest of the semester. No doubt this is disruptive and disappointing to you and for that I am really sorry. It aligns with our values of promoting health and ensuring collective well-being. I am deeply grateful for what you're doing. Even as we live, learn, and conduct university business in new ways, I also want to encourage you to stay in touch. The COVID-19 website is updated daily. It's a great source of information. Technology is also helping us to stay connected with our colleagues and our friends in our communities. Thank you for using tech tools to help us limit gatherings.
Our One U approach means that we are strong and resilient as a community. We're also compassionate as a community. Thank you for the care that you are showing to others, particularly those who are most affected in our community and are most concerned about how they can continue to work and to learn in this new environment. Utah has long been known as a place where we treat each other with respect, with kindness, and with empathy, and where we work together to promote the collective good. It's an honor to be part of this community with you. Thank you.