These are truly unprecedented and challenging times. Our lives and communities have been dramatically changed in just a few short weeks. We know you and your institutions are doing everything you can to adapt to new challenges, while putting the needs of our students first.
My CUMU colleagues and I know firsthand how tough this is—these past two weeks have tested each one of us in ways we didn’t know possible. But here we are—together with you—facing the unknown while fulfilling the place-based mission in new and unexpected ways.
Related post: Reaffirming the importance of anchor institutions: CUMU members respond to COVID-19
We recognize you are also facing information and resource-sharing fatigue. And, we don’t want to contribute to that. While we are absolutely brainstorming new resources and ways to support you, our CUMU members, we also think there’s the need for everyone to have time to breathe and settle into our new reality. As the situation is fluid, we want to make clear that we are here for you and will support you in addressing this pandemic on your campus and in your communities.
Important updates
- We are extending the call for proposals for our annual conference to May 26, 2020 and have added a theme specifically connected to resilience and programming connected to the pandemic.
- We have opened up a new slack channel for CUMU members to chat with one another and share resources and ideas. View instructions on using slack (PDF). Join the CUMU slack channel.
- In the next few weeks, we will be circling back with new initiatives and ways to connect, digest best practices, share what’s working and what’s not, and to support one another.
In the meantime, however, don’t hesitate to email us if you have ideas, places where you need support, or resources you want to share with us and across the CUMU membership.
Take care of yourselves and one another and stay safe. We’re all in this together.
Best regards,
Bobbie Laur
Executive Director
Coalition of Urban and Metropolitan Universities