September 1, 2020
Dear Regis community,
It’s hard to believe that just about a year ago we had 750+ students moving in to our residence halls, returning students were welcoming first-year undergraduates to their new home at Regis, and our 250+ student-athletes were prepping for their fall seasons. Graduate students were kicking off the semester on our campuses and online across the country, and we were putting the finishing touches on the new Regis Dental Center in Waltham.
A year later, we are living in a very different reality. While 2020-2021 will certainly be different in myriad ways, I am optimistic because Regis is prepared. And we are dedicated to making this year positive and productive for all of our students.
In early August, I made the difficult but necessary decision to continue virtual classes for most of our students through the fall semester. I truly hoped we would be able to repopulate the campus—and we had a robust plan to do so—but as infection rates in Massachusetts started to rise, I had to listen to the data and make the best decision for our community. I am proud of and grateful to the Regis team that has worked tirelessly on our many plans—and on our contingency plans.
While most students are off campus and engaged in online courses, approximately 70 students in the Young School of Nursing and the School of Health Sciences require in-person classes or clinical to progress in their programs. These students moved in to the residence halls this past weekend, and the limited number of residents means that all have a single-occupancy room. If you are interested in learning more, visit our Return to Regis website to read about our campus protocols, which includes regular testing through Regis Health Services for anyone on campus. We hope and plan to welcome everyone back in January, and will continue to monitor the situation closely to make informed decisions.
The situation isn’t ideal and many students are disappointed to be remote yet again. But in times like these we must find the silver lining. We are fortunate that Regis already had its online graduate programs in place—and the tools to successfully operate the university in a remote capacity. And unlike the spring when we had to pivot plans unexpectedly and immediately, faculty have spent the summer preparing for remote teaching and learning—exploring the resources that we utilize for our online programs and adapting their classrooms and curriculums to a productive and engaging virtual format.
As part of the curriculum, I am pleased that we are offering a new, interdisciplinary course that examines the global impact of COVID-19—examining the pandemic through myriad lenses including virology, social disparities, global response, public health, and art. Faculty from all four schools worked together to develop the course with the Center for Global Connection, the Center for Ministry and Service, and the Center for Inclusive Excellence. We are in the process of making it available to alumni and friends as well, so please stay tuned for more information coming soon. Read more about the course.
Virtual classes will never be able to fully replace that personal connection and hands-on experience that students get in a classroom, but the flexibility we have in a time like this is invaluable. Again, I am grateful to the faculty for their swift work to ensure an enriching educational experience this semester despite the circumstances. Read more about the work of the faculty.
Later this month we will celebrate annual traditions like Mass of the Holy Spirit, Convocation, and Founders’ Day—all virtually. Our founding Sisters of St. Joseph emphasized the importance of community and that remains a key element of who we are as a university. And that’s true for our alumni and friends as well—please know we will continue to offer virtual events so you can stay connected with us and with one another. This year’s Founders’ Day will be devoted to combatting racism and promoting equity and social justice, and as always, you are welcome to join us.
Above all else, this unprecedented situation has revealed the tremendous strength of the Regis community and our ability to band together to prevail during a difficult time. These last six months have been filled with hard decisions and sacrifices, but at the root of these decisions is a commitment to ensuring a bright future for Regis. Our collective strength is a result of the incredible strength we all have within us, and I am continuously grateful to be a member of this community with you.
Regis remains strong because of the incredible support of alumni and friends, which fuels everything we do for our students—especially in a time like this when it’s needed more than ever.
On the other side of this crisis, Regis will be even better and even stronger. Thanks for standing with us, and best wishes to you and yours for the year ahead.
Sincerely,
Antoinette M. Hays, PhD, RN
President
P.S. The annual Let It Shine Gala is one of many initiatives that keeps Regis strong, raising about $1 million each year to provide students with much-needed scholarships. We cannot host an in-person gala this year, but the funding is more important than ever. I hope you’ll save the date to join us virtually on Wednesday, October 28, where we will honor our Regis health care heroes and support our current students. More information coming soon.