Giving Thanks

Dear JMU Family,

As we prepare to enter the season of giving thanks, I want to convey my gratitude to the James Madison University community for coming together and truly expressing its care for our collective well-being. It’s obvious that you followed public health guidance after resuming our mix of in-person, hybrid and online classes in early October because JMU has had one of the lowest number of active COVID-19 cases among the big public universities for the last six weeks. We even made it through the Halloween weekend without an outbreak! Your continuing vigilance is much appreciated. Everyone needs to do their part to keep our community safe.

Of course, as the weather gets colder and cases surge across the nation and the world, we must remain cautious and continue to follow the good habits we have adopted. Please check this message from Dr. Tim Miller, vice president for student affairs, for further public health guidance. While travel during such a crisis can increase risks, we know that many of you will need to travel for the holidays. The university is working to provide students with as much flexibility as possible by keeping campus open during Thanksgiving and through the conclusion of the semester on Dec. 19. And as planned, to protect our community, the majority of classes will move to online delivery on Nov. 30. Click here for details on classes and exams.

While we are all experiencing a very unusual and challenging time, I sincerely believe it is more important now than ever to give thanks during this holiday season. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to upend our lives, the uncertainty we feel can refocus our attention on what really matters, such as our health and the health of our loved ones, colleagues and neighbors. In this way, the pandemic is a reminder of the elements in life that are most important, those that can give us real strength and restore a sense of security. These most essential elements include family, friends and the shared humanity among all people.

Please stay safe. May the coming holidays fill your hearts with joy, restore your resilience, and give you hope.

With gratitude and warm regards,

Jonathan R. Alger