August 9, 2021
Dear Colleagues and Students,
With the start of the fall semester just around the corner, I greatly look forward to seeing all of you on campus. Weeks of Welcome will launch the semester and will include tried and true traditions among students like the ice cream social, one of my favorite events. We will also have special welcome tables across campus where you will see friendly faces and can grab a treat. And best of all, we will be unveiling the Jaguar statue at a pep rally on Wednesday, August 25, as part of IUPUI Spirit Day. I can't wait!
Although we can't decrease the level of infection risk to zero, we can work together to make IUPUI the healthiest place in the city of Indianapolis. It will take a combination of vaccinations, masking indoors, and people staying home when they have symptoms. (Take a look at the IU COVID-19 FAQ on masks for more information.)
Considering the high number of people on campus who are vaccinated as well as our teamwork in slowing the spread of the virus over the past 18 months, we can do this.
As we look towards the coming weeks and months, let's also try to spend as much time as possible outdoors where we don't have to wear masks, can get together with friends, and get back to normal. We've got soccer fields; basketball, volleyball, and (soon!) tennis courts; as well as beautiful and welcoming outdoor gathering spaces like Wood Fountain, Ball Garden, and Magnolia Courtyard. We have dozens of outdoor events planned for students during the first weeks of classes and still more to come throughout the academic year.
This is our time, IUPUI. Let's make this the best year ever as we bring the campus back to life with your energy, creativity, and drive. Together, we can do this.
Sincerely,
Nasser H. Paydar
Chancellor