Dean's Message: Find rest at semester break

Well (barring serious miscalculations about the Nereus 4660 asteroid that’s projected to enter Earth’s orbit sometime this weekend), I think we can say that we’ve all made it to the end of the semester safely. This is an accomplishment that deserves to be reflected on and savored. It began with a great deal of uncertainty in August, but through adaptation and persistence, we’ve finished off with as “normal” (relative to the last year, at least) a semester as we could have hoped for. While the attention of the Dean’s office is often selectively sequestered to address less positive developments in the everyday operation of the College, over the past two years our team has been oriented to recognize and acknowledge the extraordinary energy and dedication that our chairs, faculty, and staff have devoted to making the College run. We are aware of the effort expended, the extra time and grace given to students who are struggling to attain an education in the midst of a two-year global pandemic. Thank you. We are proud of what you all have accomplished, we are privileged to work alongside you and are grateful to be a part of this group of scholars and professionals.

Once again, as your classes conclude, as final grades are logged, and as campus life slows, I strongly encourage you to use the winter break for some serious self-care. We’ll all be back at it again soon enough.

Rest.

Spend time recharging with family, friends, or just on your own. Even in a “normal” year, we pour ourselves into our students, into our research and scholarship, and into service to our institution and disciplines. Maintaining a brave face and positive outlook in the context of the pandemic, budget challenges, and the general frenetic pace of our society takes its toll. I hope you are able to leave your work at your desk, shut down the laptop, use Zoom only to connect with loved ones, turn off your notifications, and enjoy your time away. We will see you again in the new year.

John Colombo
Interim Dean & Professor of Psychology