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Dear �պ����� community,

It’s been the coldest, snowiest winter in recent memory here in Vermont. We’ve bundled up and braced ourselves against the elements as we’ve headed across campus each day to our classrooms, offices, and residence halls. No gusting wind or snow squall has turned us back in our daily pursuit of learning and teaching, of research and discovery, and of connecting with and supporting one another.

Likewise, we have had to adjust to an unprecedented amount of uncertainty and concern over executive orders originating from our nation’s capital, often with more questions than answers. I know this time has not been easy and that members of our campus community who identify as transgender/nonbinary, people of color, people with disabilities, vulnerable faith communities, or those who have family members who are undocumented or on temporary protected status may feel especially vulnerable. As we are all Catamounts, every member of our community deserves to be valued and respected.

We must remain strong in the face of the current sociopolitical climate. This is a time to lean on each other, to draw strength and support from one another, and to fully understand and appreciate that what we face, we face together. The phrase “campus community” takes on greater importance in times of such uncertainty and challenge.

Our leadership remains deeply committed to supporting all of our students, faculty, and staff. Though we may not have all the answers as we navigate these ever-changing circumstances, there are three things we must do:

Create and hold space in which people feel seen, recognized, understood, and cared for. Many of the individuals and groups in focus within today’s governmental narratives have already traveled long and difficult roads and are deserving of all the encouragement and support we can provide. If you recognize concern or fear in someone you know, please reach out to them. And if you are feeling any of those things yourself, reach out for help. There are support resources available across campus.

Listen to each other’s concerns and help answer each other’s questions. In the past week, we held a vibrant to hear from subject matter experts on the executive orders, personnel actions, and announcements from Washington D.C. We learned helpful information on the historical context of what we are experiencing and listened to each other’s questions and concerns. More such discussions are being planned. It remains crucial for us to use these educational opportunities as launch points for dialog with our peers and colleagues to help us stay informed.

Continue our commitment to free expression. The rights of academic freedom, free speech, and free expression on this campus have not changed and will not change. Academic freedom is fundamental to our mission of preparing students to be accountable leaders. �պ����� stands firmly against censorship and silencing. The values of Our Common Ground are literally etched in stone on this campus, and we live them out together every day.

Let’s do our best to support one another, talk to each other, learn from one another and move forward together. I have come to appreciate our beautiful Vermont winter as I continue to appreciate each of you. We are resilient and we will get through this together.

�²���������,


Patricia Prelock

Interim President