WEBVTT Kind: captions Language: en 00:00:03.520 --> 00:00:07.260 Hi everyone, Jim Ryan here, and I hope you’re all doing well. 00:00:07.260 --> 00:00:10.830 We have had a very good couple weeks in terms of our covid numbers. 00:00:10.830 --> 00:00:13.949 My thanks to all of you for keeping these numbers low. 00:00:13.949 --> 00:00:20.710 We currently have 77 active cases and only 5% of isolation space and 6% of quarantine 00:00:20.710 --> 00:00:25.200 space are occupied and hospitalizations remain low. 00:00:25.200 --> 00:00:30.570 We are now over halfway through the fall semester, with five weeks left until Thanksgiving. 00:00:30.570 --> 00:00:34.520 Five weeks is a long time, and there is still plenty of work to be done and fun to be had. 00:00:34.520 --> 00:00:38.920 But we’ve also started thinking ahead, and today I’d like to share some of our plans 00:00:38.920 --> 00:00:42.610 around Thanksgiving, J-Term, and the beginning of the spring semester. 00:00:42.610 --> 00:00:47.450 You’ll be hearing more about all of this in the weeks ahead, but here’s a preview. 00:00:47.450 --> 00:00:51.739 First, to prevent the spread of the virus, students who return home for Thanksgiving 00:00:51.739 --> 00:00:56.211 should not return to Charlottesville until the start of the spring semester, whether 00:00:56.211 --> 00:01:01.220 you live on Grounds or Off—unless there are extenuating circumstances or Charlottesville 00:01:01.220 --> 00:01:02.899 is your primary home. 00:01:02.899 --> 00:01:08.090 After Thanksgiving, all remaining classes will be held online, exams will be virtual, 00:01:08.090 --> 00:01:09.690 and dining options will be limited. 00:01:09.690 --> 00:01:14.329 Students and faculty in professional schools, which may follow a different schedule, should 00:01:14.329 --> 00:01:15.979 check with their deans. 00:01:15.979 --> 00:01:21.200 To help ensure a safe return to home communities and prevent further spread of the virus, we 00:01:21.200 --> 00:01:25.719 are planning to offer every student a COVID test before they leave the area. 00:01:25.719 --> 00:01:30.850 Students living on-Grounds will take pre-departure tests through the regular student testing 00:01:30.850 --> 00:01:35.680 program, and we will provide students living off-Grounds with the same “Let’s Get Checked” 00:01:35.680 --> 00:01:39.749 test kits that were used for pre-arrival testing over the summer. 00:01:39.749 --> 00:01:45.210 We also have the capacity to provide tests to any faculty or staff who need them. 00:01:45.210 --> 00:01:50.810 Looking ahead to next year, remember that, in addition to fall and spring classes, undergraduate 00:01:50.810 --> 00:01:56.539 tuition this year also covers one J-Term course and one course in the first summer session 00:01:56.539 --> 00:01:58.420 of 2021. 00:01:58.420 --> 00:02:02.880 Students interested in taking a J-Term course can register starting the week of November 00:02:02.880 --> 00:02:06.090 9th and all classes will take place online. 00:02:06.090 --> 00:02:10.790 We’ve designed a new set of J-Term courses specifically for this academic year, and you’ll 00:02:10.790 --> 00:02:15.390 hear more about them from our provost, Liz Magill, in just a minute. 00:02:15.390 --> 00:02:19.540 After consulting with public health experts, we have made the decision to start the spring 00:02:19.540 --> 00:02:24.390 semester a little later than usual—the first day of classes will be February first instead 00:02:24.390 --> 00:02:27.400 of the original date of January 20th. 00:02:27.400 --> 00:02:31.200 This change will cut down on the time that students are together on Grounds during the 00:02:31.200 --> 00:02:33.370 height of the flu season. 00:02:33.370 --> 00:02:37.480 During the spring semester, students will once again have a choice as to whether to 00:02:37.480 --> 00:02:39.230 be here in person or not. 00:02:39.230 --> 00:02:43.890 We will offer as many classes as possible in-person, and all students who wish to study 00:02:43.890 --> 00:02:47.100 and live on Grounds will be welcome to do so. 00:02:47.100 --> 00:02:51.730 In-person classes will also have an online option for students who either can’t or 00:02:51.730 --> 00:02:57.840 don’t want to be on Grounds—with the exception of a small number of labs and practicums. 00:02:57.840 --> 00:03:03.170 Everyone on Grounds will be required to follow policies around wearing masks, avoiding large 00:03:03.170 --> 00:03:08.140 gatherings, practicing physical distancing, and meeting testing requirements. 00:03:08.140 --> 00:03:12.760 As part of our efforts to limit travel to and from Charlottesville, we will replace 00:03:12.760 --> 00:03:16.790 the traditional week-long spring break with multiple, shorter breaks. 00:03:16.790 --> 00:03:20.780 We’ve heard from students that the lack of a fall break this semester has been difficult, 00:03:20.780 --> 00:03:26.240 and we want to make sure everyone gets a chance to rest and recover this spring. 00:03:26.240 --> 00:03:29.970 Students will be encouraged to stay in the area during these breaks, and we will announce 00:03:29.970 --> 00:03:31.470 specific dates soon. 00:03:31.470 --> 00:03:33.500 I’ll end with two final points. 00:03:33.500 --> 00:03:39.260 The first may be obvious but is worth repeating nonetheless: February is a long way off, and 00:03:39.260 --> 00:03:43.800 as always, we will have to adapt our plans if circumstances change—especially as the 00:03:43.800 --> 00:03:48.700 weather gets colder and we contend with flu season in addition to COVID. 00:03:48.700 --> 00:03:52.450 The second point is that we have learned a great deal over the past several months, as 00:03:52.450 --> 00:03:57.450 a community, about how to live with the virus, which will help us in the weeks and months 00:03:57.450 --> 00:03:58.450 ahead. 00:03:58.450 --> 00:04:02.610 Last spring, we had to scramble to respond to an unfolding crisis—changing the way 00:04:02.610 --> 00:04:05.550 we did just about everything in a matter of days. 00:04:05.550 --> 00:04:10.600 This semester hasn’t been perfect, but thanks to the creativity, flexibility, and resilience 00:04:10.600 --> 00:04:14.550 of our students, faculty, and staff, we have come a long way. 00:04:14.550 --> 00:04:19.209 Online classes have improved, we’ve figured out ways to connect with each other safely, 00:04:19.209 --> 00:04:23.360 and together we’ve kept the virus largely under control within our community. 00:04:23.360 --> 00:04:27.599 The spring semester won’t be easy, and it will require additional sacrifice from all 00:04:27.599 --> 00:04:28.599 of us. 00:04:28.599 --> 00:04:30.139 But we are getting better at this. 00:04:30.139 --> 00:04:31.629 We have learned a great deal. 00:04:31.629 --> 00:04:37.110 And together we will continue to make the UVA experience the very best it can be. 00:04:37.110 --> 00:04:40.990 Thanks for everything you’re doing, and I look forward to finishing out this uniquely 00:04:40.990 --> 00:04:45.979 challenging but ultimately rewarding semester with all of you. 00:04:45.979 --> 00:04:49.629 And now over to you, Zeno. Thanks very much. 00:04:49.629 --> 00:04:51.319 Zeno here and I’m back like I left something. 00:04:51.319 --> 00:04:54.970 Coming to you with the #Youva team to talk all things covid and news on grounds. 00:04:54.970 --> 00:04:58.350 While our infections have been down at the University, we know many students have had 00:04:58.350 --> 00:05:02.220 to find ways to live with the virus, sometimes right in their own apartment. 00:05:02.220 --> 00:05:04.669 What should you do if you are living with someone who has covid?. 00:05:04.669 --> 00:05:08.689 Pick a room in which the person with Covid can stay alone and do not let other people 00:05:08.689 --> 00:05:10.580 or pets into that room. 00:05:10.580 --> 00:05:12.309 Open windows to get some air circulation going. 00:05:12.309 --> 00:05:16.490 If the person is your roommate, think about sleeping on the couch or temporary mattress 00:05:16.490 --> 00:05:19.870 in another space -- it’s not ideal, but neither is Corona. 00:05:19.870 --> 00:05:22.800 If you must sleep in the same room, remain 6 feet from them, sleep head to toe, or consider 00:05:22.800 --> 00:05:25.680 putting up a tarp or cardboard for separation. 00:05:25.680 --> 00:05:29.439 We are tapping into kindergarten art class with this, but we must do it to protect 00:05:29.439 --> 00:05:30.439 one another. 00:05:30.439 --> 00:05:34.680 You have to clean often: Disinfect doorknobs and other surfaces and the person with Covid 00:05:34.680 --> 00:05:38.139 in the house should wear a face covering when around others. 00:05:38.139 --> 00:05:41.160 Remember that the person with Corona is going through a lot so try to connect and support 00:05:41.160 --> 00:05:45.280 virtually or leave some snacks or a care package at their door. 00:05:45.280 --> 00:05:49.129 As always, be mindful of your health and contact student health about getting a test. 00:05:49.129 --> 00:05:52.809 And if you’ve had COVID, please continue to be careful for your sake and for others. 00:05:52.809 --> 00:05:56.969 It’s not just University policy, there is still a lot we do not know about this virus. 00:05:56.969 --> 00:05:59.979 And Dr. Costi Sefri is going to tell us more. 00:05:59.979 --> 00:06:04.240 The thing I’d like to talk to you today about today is some questions on what to expect 00:06:04.240 --> 00:06:05.240 this winter. 00:06:05.240 --> 00:06:10.120 There’s a lot of concern, I think appropriately so, of the potential of a winter surge of 00:06:10.120 --> 00:06:11.120 Covid infection. 00:06:11.120 --> 00:06:14.440 This year we’re already starting to see some hints of that in Europe and parts of 00:06:14.440 --> 00:06:18.280 the United States where it’s starting to get colder, and it does raise the specter 00:06:18.280 --> 00:06:23.610 that we may be seeing or may see a winter surge of Covid-19 here locally. 00:06:23.610 --> 00:06:28.740 As we head into the cold and flu and now, Covid season, it’s also important to, this 00:06:28.740 --> 00:06:32.120 year more than any other, to get a flu vaccine. 00:06:32.120 --> 00:06:38.059 The flu vaccines are effective, they reduce rates of infection by 50% or more, those people 00:06:38.059 --> 00:06:43.300 who get the flu after getting the vaccine have milder symptoms and for shorter periods 00:06:43.300 --> 00:06:44.300 of time. 00:06:44.300 --> 00:06:48.259 We know that people are going to get the flu this year, but if we can prevent people getting 00:06:48.259 --> 00:06:53.210 the flu and going to the doctor’s offices that’ll really help us out. 00:06:53.210 --> 00:06:58.499 A question that’s come up recently is, “What happens after you get Covid, can you get Covid 00:06:58.499 --> 00:06:59.499 infection again?” 00:06:59.499 --> 00:07:04.199 We don’t think Covid infection after an initial episode of Covid is particularly common, 00:07:04.199 --> 00:07:07.050 we also can’t say that it’s impossible. 00:07:07.050 --> 00:07:12.169 So, because of that, as we enter the cold and flu season, even if you’ve had an episode 00:07:12.169 --> 00:07:19.199 of Covid in the past, it remains important to continue to practice mask-wearing, social-distancing, 00:07:19.199 --> 00:07:23.650 handwashing , and again, doing the practices that we know that keep ourselves and our friends, 00:07:23.650 --> 00:07:24.650 safe. 00:07:24.650 --> 00:07:28.120 Fortunately, over the last two weeks or so, we’ve seen a reduction in the number of 00:07:28.120 --> 00:07:35.539 Covid cases here in Charlottesville and specifically here at UVA, so I think that’s a testament 00:07:35.539 --> 00:07:39.590 that we’re doing the right things to do to control the virus. 00:07:39.590 --> 00:07:45.349 However, just a word of warning, we really have to be on guard against complacency. 00:07:45.349 --> 00:07:50.399 The virus, unfortunately, is tenacious, it finds opportunities. 00:07:50.399 --> 00:07:56.050 So, thank you for your strong and dedicated efforts, keep it up. 00:07:56.050 --> 00:07:58.911 If you’re looking for a fun and safe way to get some exercise or looking for a way 00:07:58.911 --> 00:08:00.899 to give back to the Charlottesville community. 00:08:00.899 --> 00:08:03.919 There is an event where you can put both of them together. 00:08:03.919 --> 00:08:09.029 Make sure to check out the 29th annual 4th Year 5k, hosted by the Peer Health Educators. 00:08:09.029 --> 00:08:13.479 This race is virtual this year and is happening between Oct. 25th and Nov. 1. 00:08:13.479 --> 00:08:14.479 And no. 00:08:14.479 --> 00:08:18.169 You don’t have to be a 4th year to enter, and the registration fee is $10. 00:08:18.169 --> 00:08:22.539 All proceeds from the race go to the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation’s Community Emergency 00:08:22.539 --> 00:08:23.620 Response Fund. 00:08:23.620 --> 00:08:27.629 Follow the PHEs on Instagram for more info leading up to the race! 00:08:27.629 --> 00:08:31.400 There are also plenty of other ways to get out and explore, we’ve got a few ideas for 00:08:31.400 --> 00:08:32.740 you. 00:08:32.740 --> 00:08:36.880 Go for a hike on one of the trails behind Gooch and Dillard dorms. 00:08:36.880 --> 00:08:41.000 It’s an easy way to get into nature, and it’s beautiful at this time of the year. 00:08:41.000 --> 00:08:44.010 You can even see the observatory that O-Hill is named after. 00:08:44.010 --> 00:08:48.470 If you’re feeling the Halloween spirit, take a trip to Barracks and pick up some pumpkins 00:08:48.470 --> 00:08:50.150 to carve with your friends. 00:08:50.150 --> 00:08:54.620 Hitch a ride with Charlottesville city buses, it's free for UVA students. 00:08:54.620 --> 00:08:58.940 McIntire park is within walking distance for many students and is a great opportunity for 00:08:58.940 --> 00:09:03.940 some socially distanced outdoor fun, it’s beautiful and there’s a skate park! 00:09:03.940 --> 00:09:07.690 Hop on the free trolley to the IX Art Park, where you can check out some local art and 00:09:07.690 --> 00:09:09.450 interactive exhibits. 00:09:09.450 --> 00:09:14.910 And less than 15 minutes from Grounds is Riverview Park, where you can walk the Rivanna trail 00:09:14.910 --> 00:09:22.050 and see some beautiful views of the river. 00:09:22.050 --> 00:09:25.930 Those are some great ideas and there are so many ways to get outside. 00:09:25.930 --> 00:09:28.210 One sculpture class has even moved their studio outside. 00:09:28.210 --> 00:09:29.940 Let’s take a look. 00:09:29.940 --> 00:09:35.850 We’re standing in the Ruffin courtyard; we are in this big outdoor sculpture studio 00:09:35.850 --> 00:09:41.400 space and during the time of the virus this is our main classroom. 00:09:41.400 --> 00:09:46.410 When the word went out whether you wanted to teach online or in person, I answered right 00:09:46.410 --> 00:09:48.770 away that I wanted to teach in person. 00:09:48.770 --> 00:09:55.520 So, we are in person, but we have made modifications. 00:09:55.520 --> 00:10:01.500 Our mid-term exam is coming up, which will be an exhibition that will be in Ruffin Hall. 00:10:01.500 --> 00:10:07.060 My advanced class have harvested Tree of Heaven, which is an invasive species, it carves beautifully, 00:10:07.060 --> 00:10:12.040 it sands beautifully, and we’re turning them into sculptures. 00:10:12.040 --> 00:10:16.720 We also have pieces from Isabella Whitfield who’s a fifth-year student and Margaret 00:10:16.720 --> 00:10:21.820 Kim who’s a fourth-year double major in studio art and biology. 00:10:21.820 --> 00:10:28.680 I’m actually very interested in the ancient art makers; they were outside all the time. 00:10:28.680 --> 00:10:35.130 I find it to be exhilarating to be outside, the light is good, the air is good. 00:10:35.130 --> 00:10:43.010 I’m essentially an optimistic person so I look at restrictions as being opportunities. 00:10:43.010 --> 00:10:49.460 That’s awesome and some of you are way more artistic than I’ll ever be. 00:10:49.460 --> 00:10:53.550 Now last week we heard from Chief Operating Officer, J.J. Davis, this week I’ll leave 00:10:53.550 --> 00:10:55.620 you with a message from Provost, Liz Magil. 00:10:55.620 --> 00:11:01.850 Hit the @YOUva team on Instagram or email us at youva@virginia.edu with questions, concerns, 00:11:01.850 --> 00:11:02.890 and good news. 00:11:02.890 --> 00:11:05.440 This has been Zeno and I’m out like a light. 00:11:05.440 --> 00:11:06.440 Hi. 00:11:06.440 --> 00:11:11.200 I’m Liz Magill, the provost and chief academic officer here at UVA. 00:11:11.200 --> 00:11:15.840 The pandemic has had an enormous impact on almost every aspect of the work we do in the 00:11:15.840 --> 00:11:16.840 provost’s office. 00:11:16.840 --> 00:11:22.350 We have had to re-imagine how we deliver content in the classroom, how we recruit new faculty, 00:11:22.350 --> 00:11:24.740 and how we can carry out our research safely. 00:11:24.740 --> 00:11:31.500 I have been continually impressed and humbled by the creativity and innovation of our faculty 00:11:31.500 --> 00:11:35.080 and staff as they have met and addressed these challenges. 00:11:35.080 --> 00:11:39.410 No one wishes to find themselves in the midst of a crisis, but I am proud to say our faculty, 00:11:39.410 --> 00:11:43.990 and our staff have continued to create innovative solutions to the complexities 00:11:43.990 --> 00:11:45.470 generated by the pandemic. 00:11:45.470 --> 00:11:50.970 I believe many of these innovations will remain in place at UVA long after this period in 00:11:50.970 --> 00:11:52.660 our lives is over. 00:11:52.660 --> 00:11:58.400 One great example of crisis breeding creativity is our new Signature J-Term courses. 00:11:58.400 --> 00:12:04.110 This year regular tuition includes one J-term course and one course in Summer Session I. 00:12:04.110 --> 00:12:09.070 As we explained in a, long, message to the community in June, in addition 00:12:09.070 --> 00:12:13.810 to our regular classes offered at those times, we are designing new, “Signature” interdisciplinary 00:12:13.810 --> 00:12:17.300 courses for the January and summer terms. 00:12:17.300 --> 00:12:21.240 These courses will be taught by professors from across the University and will explore 00:12:21.240 --> 00:12:27.480 some of today’s most relevant and pressing topics—from the science of pandemics, to racial justice, 00:12:27.480 --> 00:12:33.200 to the importance of democracy, to an examination of sustainable cities of the future. 00:12:33.200 --> 00:12:37.880 J-Term enrollment opens during the week of November 9 and full details about J-Term can 00:12:37.880 --> 00:12:41.140 be found at January term dot Virginia dot Edu. 00:12:41.140 --> 00:12:46.170 I know students will be excited to take these challenging and relevant classes 00:12:46.170 --> 00:12:48.980 and I know faculty are excited to offer them. 00:12:48.980 --> 00:12:53.220 Another example is the new UVA Edge program, a collaboration between the College of Arts 00:12:53.220 --> 00:12:56.550 & Sciences and the School for Continuing and Professional Studies. 00:12:56.550 --> 00:13:02.950 UVA Edge is a one-year, undergraduate experience for working adults with little or no college 00:13:02.950 --> 00:13:04.310 credit. 00:13:04.310 --> 00:13:08.850 Students will learn in-demand, professional skills and earn 20 credits from UVA. 00:13:08.850 --> 00:13:14.750 We are piloting the program with a small group in 2021, with the plan to grow the program 00:13:14.750 --> 00:13:16.200 in future years. 00:13:16.200 --> 00:13:21.670 UVA Edge serves as a meaningful and compelling way to broaden access to the University and 00:13:21.670 --> 00:13:27.010 to earn college credit, and I am really proud of the team responsible for its launch. 00:13:27.010 --> 00:13:31.680 Let me also highlight the hardworking and creative team in global affairs, including the international 00:13:31.680 --> 00:13:33.110 studies office. 00:13:33.110 --> 00:13:36.730 So many students were disappointed by the unexpected termination of their study abroad 00:13:36.730 --> 00:13:40.020 this spring, and the cancellation of this year’s programs. 00:13:40.020 --> 00:13:44.920 But our staff quickly discovered there was a thirst for remote international work. 00:13:44.920 --> 00:13:49.070 They developed a course called “Interning Abroad in Virtual Conditions” and partnered 00:13:49.070 --> 00:13:52.650 with several international non-profits to place our students. 00:13:52.650 --> 00:13:57.890 This past summer, UVA students took part in global virtual internships in India, Morocco, 00:13:57.890 --> 00:13:59.850 Thailand, and Peru. 00:13:59.850 --> 00:14:03.740 Several students elected to continue their internships into the fall, because they were 00:14:03.740 --> 00:14:08.360 learning so much and had established such strong relationships with their international 00:14:08.360 --> 00:14:09.360 colleagues. 00:14:09.360 --> 00:14:13.320 This program was even more successful than we had imagined, so much so that UVA plans 00:14:13.320 --> 00:14:14.750 to offer it again this spring. 00:14:14.750 --> 00:14:20.940 I know that these are incredibly hard times for all of us, our faculty, our staff, and particularly our students. 00:14:20.940 --> 00:14:23.760 Nothing is as our students imagined it would be. 00:14:23.760 --> 00:14:27.910 I hope that all of us can take heart from stories like these. 00:14:27.910 --> 00:14:33.240 Character and grit is best revealed not in the easy times, but in the hard times. 00:14:33.240 --> 00:14:38.610 I that that despite our the current hard times, we can use this opportunity to demonstrate 00:14:38.610 --> 00:14:40.050 our very best. 00:14:40.050 --> 00:14:46.280 These few examples, for me, highlight the creativity and the resilience of the very 00:14:46.280 --> 00:14:48.762 the very best of UVA.