As I conclude my first month as president of Fontbonne University, I grow more eager and excited to welcome you back to campus for the start of the fall semester. In preparation, it is important to share our return to campus guide, Griffin Return, which is an executive summary of the precautionary measures that Fontbonne is taking as the campus begins to reopen. Griffin Return also provides many linked resources which will guide us as we gear up for classes, work and campus activities and events. These resources will be updated regularly as plans are implemented and as conditions and government guidance change.

As the overview states, “Fontbonne University is committed to providing a full and rich educational experience while protecting the health and well-being of our students, employees and the community.” Our Griffin Return guide and the numerous links to additional information provide a strategy that allows for a return to campus, employing safeguards that protect our community members. Please carefully read this document which provides specific information on how students, faculty and staff can collaborate to create a healthy and safe campus environment but one that is different than in the past. However, by working together, we can protect the vulnerable and advance the common good in our region. I want to personally thank the students, faculty, staff and administration who served on the Planning and Coordination Team (PACT), which has worked countless hours during the past several weeks to put these safety measures in place and to prepare the document and the resources being sent to you today.

Offices on the campus will reopen on site on Monday, August 3. More information will follow in separate communications from supervisors on office schedules and staffing. We look forward to welcoming back student leaders in mid-August in preparation for new student orientation beginning on August 20. Classes for the fall semester will begin on August 24.  A majority of courses are face to face, but to accommodate social distancing and instructor needs, some changes to the method of delivery have occurred.  Students should check GriffinNet and their university email account for up-to-date course information.

Guidelines have changed over time, and we may need to make additional changes in the coming days and weeks, depending upon the spread of the virus and as county, state and federal guidance is issued. The administration will communicate these updates as they are received and how they may impact campus operations. If you have questions about Griffin Return, please send them to Dr. Libby Rayhel, the coordinator of PACT, by email at coronavirus@fontbonne.edu.

As we continue to work through the challenges posed by COVID-19, I am asking each member of our community to be patient and to be flexible. Please continue to practice social distancing, good hygiene and wear a mask when out in public. I am looking forward to the start of the fall semester and hope you each enjoy the remaining days of summer.

Blessings to you,

Nancy H. Blattner, Ph.D., CSJA

President