The Presidents’ Charge to the Students of Auburn University and Tuskegee University

Dear Auburn and Tuskegee Students:

We are pleased to have you back on our campuses this fall, but like all college and university presidents, we are deeply concerned about the devastating impact COVID-19 continues to make on our country and world. As we considered how to best deliver our instructional missions in the midst of the pandemic, the safety of our campus communities has remained paramount. We sought guidance from local, state and federal public health officials, we consulted with faculty and staff as to how we could best teach and support you, and when you shared your expectations about your experiences inside and outside the classroom, we listened.

With these considerations in mind—and with plans in place to operate safely—we made the decision to offer you the choice to engage with your professors and peers as you prefer, whether that is on campus, through remote instruction or a combination of both. However, with that choice comes an obligation to embrace new mindsets and adopt new behaviors. We would not have offered in-person instruction if we did not believe you are capable of doing what is necessary to ensure the health and wellbeing of everyone on our campuses and in the cities of Auburn and Tuskegee.

Therefore, we charge you to step up and assume the personal responsibility required of all of us.

• Be responsible for your role in fostering a healthy environment. Our institutions have developed comprehensive COVID-19 policies and procedures, including the requirement to wear a face covering in all public spaces on- and off-campus, to practice physical distancing and to follow good health practices. It is your responsibility to understand and follow all campus health protocols.

• Be respectful of the concerns and needs of others. COVID-19 is a highly infectious disease that affects different people in different ways, depending on a variety of personal, social and economic factors. Even if you are not concerned about getting the virus, you must remember those around you may be at greater risk of becoming sick—or even dying. Respect others by recognizing the impact your actions can have on the health of those around you.

• Be resourceful in creating safer interactions with your peers. Socializing is an important part of the college experience. We understand that you want to hang out with friends, in gatherings both small and large. However, the virus spreads easily among groups. It is simply not safe to gather with others—so don’t. Our students are smart, creative and resourceful, and we challenge you to use your intellect and ingenuity to stay connected in ways that do not violate university policies and compromise campus health.

Auburn University and Tuskegee University have set high standards for you—and we will hold you accountable for meeting them.

Although much has changed over the past several months, our commitment to supporting your personal development and success has remained constant. These are difficult times, but we are confident that together, we will overcome the challenges we face. We are here to support you, and we encourage you to take advantage of the resources we provide and to ask us for help when you need it.

We look forward to a great school year.

Sincerely,

Dr. Jay Gogue
President, Auburn University

Dr. Lily D. McNair
President, Tuskegee University