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Dear graduate students:

I wanted to reach out during this difficult time to thank you for your continued hard work and contributions, and to let you know that we’re here to help in any way we can. I know that we’ve all been dealing with upheaval in our lives from a number of different angles for many months. It’s caused significant stress and stretched us all too thin. 

All of our students have had to adjust to an educational experience much different than what you expected: courses conducted in unique and frequently changing modalities, research carried out in ways we never expected, and now a severely disrupted and more difficult job market.

Graduate students on research and teaching appointments have had to fulfill their duties in ways that are not only new and unfamiliar but that often necessitate new skills and additional time commitments. On top of this, our international students and those from underrepresented groups have faced additional strain in recent months as political and social turbulence have laid bare the need for greater support to their communities.

I want you to know that we’re paying attention to and working to address the issues and challenges facing you throughout this time. The Graduate School is here for you, and we continue to advocate for you in many ways – with the university leadership and beyond campus. I encourage you to stay in close communication with your advisor and your department; they are your first line of aid to help you stay on track with your academics.

As well, don’t hesitate to reach out to us in the for additional support and resources. Together, we are working to help you throughout these challenging times. As our COVID-19 response is constantly changing, and we make adjustments based on that information, you can get the latest information each week by joining . The updates will be each Tuesday from noon to 1 p.m.

Please continue to take care of yourself and stay healthy and safe.

Sincerely,

E. Scott Adler
Dean of the Graduate School and Vice Provost for Graduate Affairs
Professor of Political Science