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Dear AU Community,

Today is a special day. This is the opening chapter of an academic year that will feature impactful research by our faculty, engaging events and thought-provoking speakers, and the hands-on learning that makes the AU education unique. It represents how scholarship, learning, and community are at the heart of our mission and everything we do. As our undergraduate and graduate classes begin and WCL enters its second week, I want to wish our students, staff, and faculty a successful and fulfilling semester.

I felt the excitement for this semester building as I met students from Denver to Zimbabwe. I spoke with new faculty members teaching important topics ranging from music to East Asian studies. I heard from our Facilities and Maintenance team as they were making sure our buildings and residence halls were ready and caught up with our Housing and Residential Life team and orientation leaders who put so much into welcoming our students. Each conversation brought our mission to life in powerful and inspiring ways.

I could not write this note without acknowledging the difficulty of last week, the feelings experienced across the community, and the work ahead of us. Our focus on scholarship, learning, and community is an important part of the dialogue and understanding that will help us move forward. There will be much to say and do in the coming days and weeks, including further information about the contract agreements once ratification is complete, ongoing implementation of our strategy and our budget, and opportunities to come together.

I am looking forward to the remarkable impact AU students, faculty, and staff make as they pursue their purpose in the classroom and the community. Thank you for your commitment to our mission and our AU community. Good luck in class today and all semester.

Sincerely,
Sylvia