Dear Methodist University Community,
While we are all eager for the 2021 Spring Semester to begin, you saw in my messages last week that Methodist University is being abundantly cautious and flexible. We are doing everything possible to both move forward with a semester that includes the in-person learning our students and faculty cherish, but also stay focused on our top priority of precaution for all.
Those efforts are challenging because of the hurdles COVID continues to present, so there is certainly a level of fatigue that comes along with them. We may experience the joys of living and learning together at MU, and simultaneously encounter frustration or anxiety that can come when routine is altered.
With that in mind, our community continues to come up with ways for students to step back, catch their breath, and reboot. Talented teams in Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, and Student Government are particularly creative in coming up with opportunities for fun and recovery.
Such is the case with something new that we are incorporating into the undergraduate spring semester called “Rest Days.” On these Rest Days – Feb. 9, March 10, and April 1 – there are to be no classes, exams, quizzes, or assignments due. Our MU staff and faculty will still be working, making sure offices are open if students need anything, but we see these as opportunities for students to unwind, take a little break, and enjoy some downtime.
In addition, MU announced yesterday via email that students are moving from GroupWise to Microsoft 365 – a more contemporary system for communicating and collaborating – on January 25. Be sure to follow the instructions that were sent to make sure you don’t risk being unable to access your email. There are helpful resources available via the myMU portal. Simply log in at myMU.methodist.edu and look for the Office 365 link at the top of the screen.
As we prepare for all residential students to be back on campus and in-person classes to begin Feb. 1, it’s going to be important that we all keep a watchful eye on our email for updates. We also can utilize the Forward Together web site (which is full of detail on phased entry, testing, check-in, and numerous other guidelines and contacts). If you can’t find an answer there, you can reach out to [email protected] or, if it’s a question about a particular class, it’s best to reach out to your instructor.
In conclusion, I want to remind the community that most of MU’s offices will be closed on Monday as we take time to honor and celebrate the life, passion, and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. However, because classes start on Tuesday, the Financial Aid, Student Accounts, and Admissions Offices will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday.
I truly look forward to seeing you all soon as we move through this semester together.
Sincerely,
Stanley T. Wearden, Ph.D.
President