TO: Campus Community
FR: Dr. Lauren Morimoto, Chair of the Faculty
As we gather to celebrate the start of a new academic year, this year’s Convocation reflects the “now normal.”
The “now normal” promotes inclusion through increased flexibility in how students, staff, and faculty participate in campus life – whether virtually or in-person – so they can feel safe and comfortable. On behalf of the Academic Senate, I invite you to join us for Convocation – either in person at the Green Music Center for a socially distanced gathering or you can view a recording later at your convenience.
As we gradually re-open the university, many of us are excited by the prospect of seeing friends, colleagues, and students in person. Some are optimistic but nervous about adapting to the “now normal” and whatever 2021-2022 brings. Still, others are trying to locate our work pants and proper shoes and calculating how early we need to wake up to get ready for that first class, meeting, or work for the day. Regardless of your state of mind and heart, we worked harder, put in longer hours, and blurred the lines between our home and job lives in 2020-2021. I would promise that my Convocation speech will inspire, affirm, and celebrate, but I cannot. That said, I expect that President Sakaki, Provost Moranski, and others on the program will, so please join us.
Date: Tuesday, August 17, 2021
Time: 9:00-10:30 a.m.
Location: GMC Weill Hall
For the program, latest information about the ceremony, and the recording, please visit http://senate.sonoma.edu/events/convocation
Health & Safety at the Green Music Center
We are happy that an in-person Convocation is possible this year. Protocols are in place that follow current public health standards. When on campus, wearing a face mask is required indoors, regardless of vaccination status.
All in-person attendees must complete a wellness screening before coming to campus. Do not come to campus if you are experiencing any unexplained symptoms.
The air handling systems in the GMC are equipped with MERV-14 filters that exceed CDC standards. Staff are performing enhanced cleaning of all spaces prior to and during events, and handwashing areas and sanitizer are available.